Studying novel proteins in preeclampsia

Summary This project will involve laboratory studies of novel placental proteins that we have identified may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Project Details

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy. It is characterised by maternal hypertension culminating from significant blood vessel damage. The placental pathogenesis of preeclampsia is still poorly understood and there are currently no efficacious treatments to halt disease progression. For survivors, preeclampsia imparts life-long health decrements including increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

As part of our diagnostics screening, we have identified a panel of novel placental proteins deranged in the maternal blood stream preceding preeclampsia diagnosis. We believe that at least some of these proteins may play a role in the pathogenesis of this serious disorder.

This project will involve laboratory studies to begin to tease apart the role and contribution of these novel proteins to disease pathogenesis using a pipeline of experimental studies specifically designed to study preeclampsia.