Understanding Human Placental Biology

NICHD’s Human Placenta Project (HPP) supports research to better understand placental biology because the structure and function of the placenta can affect pregnancy and future health outcomes. Learn about research groups using ultrasound technology, cell-free DNA/RNA screening, placentomics technology, and more to better understand the basic biology of the placenta.

3D illustration of a fetus in utero with the placenta illuminated.

Using Ultrasound to Predict Placental Dysfunction

Principal Investigators: Alfred Abuhamad, M.D., and George Saade, M.D.
Organizations: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, and University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Research Focus: Using ultrasound to evaluate human placenta

Learn more about using ultrasound to predict placental dysfunction later in pregnancy.

A pregnant woman speaking to a health care provider in a medical office.

Laying the Foundations of Placentomics

Principal Investigators: Wendy Robinson, Ph.D.
Organizations: University of British Columbia; University of Alberta; University of Lethbridge; McGill University; Institut national del la recherche scientifique
Research Focus: Placentomics

Learn about foundational placentomics research.

Preparing for RNA-based Placental Diagnostics

Principal Investigators: Margareta Pisarska, M.D.
Organizations: Cedars-Sinai
Research Focus: Determining the microRNA transcriptome throughout gestation and across sexes

Learn about RNA-based placental diagnostics.

Using Placentomics to Understand Term and Unexplained Preterm Birth

Principal Investigators: Helen Jones, Ph.D., and Priyanka Baloni, M.D.
Organizations: University of Florida and Institute for Systems Biology
Research Focus: Using omics to reveal molecular mechanisms involved in term and unexplained preterm births

Learn about the role of placentomics in understanding term and preterm birth.

A health care provider checks a pregnant patient’s blood pressure.

Predicting Pregnancy Outcomes Through DNA Screening

Principal Investigators: Sherin U. Devaskar, M.D., Carla Janzen, M.D., Ph.D., Kyung Hyun Sung, Ph.D., and Fang Wei, Ph.D.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Research Focus: Findings from UCLA researchers on using cell-free DNA/RNA screening and other innovative diagnostic techniques to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes

Learn about prenatal cell-free DNA/RNA screening.

Modeling Preeclampsia Using Stem Cells

Principal Investigators: Mana Parast, M.D., Ph.D., and Mariko Horii, M.D.
Organizations: University of California, San Diego
Research Focus: Using stem cells to understand maternal-placental cell interactions and pregnancy complications from preeclampsia

Learn more about research using stem cells to model preeclampsia.

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