Dr. Wendy Kuohung, an assistant professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has received a two-year Discovery Research Grant from March of Dimes. This $200,000 grant will support her research aimed at finding treatments for preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. Although the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to stem from issues between the placenta and the mother’s blood vessels. Sadly, treatment options for this condition haven’t changed in over a century.
Dr. Kuohung’s research will focus on women with specific genetic mutations, known as APOL1 gene variants, which increase their risk for preeclampsia. These mutations are particularly prevalent among Black women, who face a much higher likelihood of developing this condition compared to their white counterparts. To find potential treatments, she will create an assay that tests hundreds of drug compounds on placental cells with these mutations. Any compounds that reduce stress in these cells may be promising candidates for new therapies.
In her own words, Dr. Kuohung believes that her work could improve women’s health and help address the health crisis affecting Black mothers in the U.S. She hopes that identifying effective compounds will also unveil the underlying mechanisms of this puzzling disorder.
Dr. Kuohung specializes in various reproductive health issues, including infertility, in vitro fertilization, and menstrual disorders. Her research aims to tackle disparities in reproductive care and explore placental development.
She boasts an impressive background, having earned her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completing her residency at Boston Medical Center. She furthered her training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
March of Dimes is a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal health and preventing premature births and infant deaths. Their Discovery Research Grants are awarded to experienced scientists who have a strong track record in maternal-fetal health research.
You can read more about Dr. Kuohung’s research at Boston University School of Medicine.
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Assay, Blood, Blood Pressure, Cell, Compound, Drug Discovery, Drugs, Edema, Endocrinology, Gene, Genetic, Gynecology, High Blood Pressure, Infertility, Maternal Health, Medicine, Obstetrics, Pregnancy, Research
