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Development of a Label-Free Optical Probe for In Situ Quantification of Cervical Remodeling in Pregnancy

Award Number: R01EB039067
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/02/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2030

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Development of a Label-Free Optical Probe for In Situ Quantification of Cervical Remodeling in Pregnancy - Project Summary Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant global health concern. The incidence of PTB in both developed and developing countries ranges from 11% to 15%. Despite ongoing research into its causes and treatments, the incidence of PTB has not shown any substantial decline in the past decade. One of the challenges in treating PTB is the lack of accurate and quantifiable methods to predict the onset of labor. It is known that the uterine cervix of a pregnant woman undergoes physiological changes throughout pregnancy that precede delivery. Recent studies in humans and animals suggest that inappropriate alterations in the extracellular matrix of the cervix, along with changes in its molecular content, occur prior to PTB. However, there is currently no method to visualize and assess these changes during pregnancy. In this proposal, we aim to develop a non-invasive, polarization-sensitive optical imaging probe to specifically evaluate cervical collagen changes during pregnancy, alongside shifts in molecular content, both of which are characteristics associated with PTB. We will achieve this objective by addressing three specific aims. In Aim 1, we will develop a miniaturized optical probe capable of delivering images of polarization-sensitive second harmonic generation and two-photon fluorescence microscopy of the uterine cervix in vivo at unmatched resolution. In Aim 2, we will conduct a longitudinal study using an animal model to quantify the changes resulting from the remodeling of the cervix from day 0 of pregnancy to day 19, as well as postpartum for 4 days. Finally, in Aim 3, we will utilize two models of preterm birth: the infection-mediated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the progesterone receptor antagonist, mifepristone (RU486), to characterize cervical remodeling associated with preterm labor. This proposal will provide, for the first time, a complete understanding of the remodeling of the uterine cervix in the murine model, paving the way for the development of new methodologies for assessing preterm birth risk.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $327,769 )
2026	2026	FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY	11200 SW 8TH ST	MIAMI	FL	33199	MIAMI-DADE	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	6/3/2026	NEW	$327,769
														Subtotal = $327,769

Grand Total All Awards = $327,769

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Development of a Label-Free Optical Probe for In Situ Quantification of Cervical Remodeling in Pregnancy

Award Number: R01EB039067

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/02/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2030

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