Progress For Preeclampsia

InnovationHealthcareProgress For PreeclampsiaByWilliam A. Haseltine,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., covers genomics and regenerative medicineFollow AuthorApr 22, 2026, 09:54am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A transcription “switchboard” protein called VGLL3 appears to sit upstream of multiple defects seen in preeclampsia, and early experiments show that dialing it down can ease disease signals in placentas and mouse models, hinting at future treatments that go beyond early delivery.Image by freepikA key trigger may lie at the heart of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication. Preeclampsia affects roughly 1 in 10 pregnancies. It causes dangerously high blood pressure, damages organs and restricts the baby’s growth. It remains one of the leading causes of maternal and infant death worldwide. The only definitive treatment is delivery, sometimes weeks before the baby is ready. Despite decades of research, why certain women develop preeclampsia has remained unclear. The new discovery marks a crucial step toward understanding why preeclampsia develops and how it might be more effectively treated.What The Protein Does in the PlacentaA new study has found that a protein called Vestigial Like Family Member 3 may be at the heart of preeclampsia. It acts as a switch, controlling which genes are turned on or off in cells. Too much of this switchboard protein upsets the balance between the placenta and the mother’s immune system. It prevents specialized placental cells called trophoblasts from growing and performing their job properly. This disrupts the normal widening of maternal blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure and reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the baby.The study demonstrated that women with preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of this protein in their placentas co...