Launch of Texas Collaborative Prematurity Research Center by March of Dimes to Tackle Preterm Birth

March of Dimes Launches Texas Collaborative Prematurity Research Center

In a significant step for maternal and infant health research, March of Dimes has unveiled the Texas Collaborative Prematurity Research Center (PRC). This center aims to unite renowned scientists from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The collaboration seeks to combat the alarming rate of preterm births in the state, which stands at a troubling 11.1%, higher than the national average of 10.4%.

Addressing the Preterm Birth Crisis

Preterm birth, defined as any delivery that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, poses critical health risks. March of Dimes is committed to pioneering research that not only explores the mechanisms behind this phenomenon but also implements real-world solutions. The Texas PRC will delve into innovative scientific methodologies such as 'pregnancy-on-a-chip' technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which will help in drug repurposing targeted at improving pregnancy outcomes.

Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, highlighted the importance of this initiative: "Adding Texas to our Prematurity Research Center network is a critical milestone in accelerating our mission. By harnessing the expertise from Texas' top medical institutions, we can expedite the transition of scientific discoveries from the lab to clinical practice."

Innovative Approaches to Research

The PRC will leverage its members' unique strengths, including advanced technology and extensive clinical experience. At UTMB, scientists are focused on utilizing the 'pregnancy-on-a-chip' technology. This innovative system mirrors human pregnancy and serves as a testing ground for potential medications that could prevent preterm birth. This model provides critical insights into the biological factors that contribute to preterm deliveries.

Meanwhile, UT Southwestern's large obstetrics practice, which delivers over 13,000 babies annually, offers exposure to a range of pregnancy-related complications and challenges. Here, researchers led by Catherine Spong, MD, will be collecting vital data on a diverse patient population to understand how nutrition, socioeconomic factors, and maternal health issues influence pregnancy outcomes.

Collaboration for Success

Dr. Emre Seli, Chief Scientific Advisor for March of Dimes, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative work being established within the Texas PRC. The center combines high-tech research with a broad clinical base, poised to unravel complex pregnancy challenges and foster innovation. He stated, "This center stands as a beacon of hope in our quest against preterm birth. From utilizing human pregnancy models to discerning the invaluable insights gleaned from our large cohort, we are on the pathway to groundbreaking advancements."

The organizations involved aim to not only study individual factors but also to explore how these factors interact synergistically in the context of preterm labor. They will analyze a multitude of variables from genetic predispositions to environmental triggers.

Impact on Future Research

The establishment of the Texas Collaborative Prematurity Research Center enhances an international network of centers working towards the same goal. With existing PRCs at Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, and others, combined efforts can drive forward research on inflammatory processes, hormonal fluctuations, and other potential contributors to preterm birth.

The PRCs collectively endeavor to establish novel biomarkers and improve therapeutic strategies that can effectively address the complexities surrounding preterm births. Their current projects include a blood test that could predict preeclampsia risk and a device capable of identifying inflammatory profiles indicative of preterm birth.

Join the Mission

March of Dimes has a long history of advocating for maternal and infant health since its inception in 1938. Their commitment to advancing research, education, and advocacy remains steadfast. By expanding their research capabilities with the launch of the Texas PRC, they are even better equipped to support families in achieving the healthiest possible pregnancies and childbirth experiences.

For further updates on this initiative and other related projects, visit March of Dimes' official website at marchofdimes.org.

The new research center embodies a promising future for maternal health, representing hope and renewed efforts to reduce preterm birth rates across Texas and beyond.