The MCW Maternal Research, Placenta & Cord Blood Bank is an extension of the MCW Tissue Bank and serves to support physicians and medical researchers across campus in the investigation of various conditions and potential treatments.
Overview
Cord blood is an essential source of stem cells and is increasing being used on an experimental basis to treat diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and many more. Research supported by this program may also involve the discovery of new medications or the advancement of current treatment methods. Therefore, Banking cord blood and making it available to researchers is essential to future research that could potentially extend many lives. Consent to this program involves a one-time donation of blood and tissue samples discarded from a single pregnancy.
Participation Information
Tissue Banking at MCW involves storing health information and blood or tissue samples in the MCW Tissue Bank for the purpose of medical research. Consent to this program only applies to a single pregnancy and any future pregnancies would require separate consent. Participants who choose to participate in MCW Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank consent to the following:
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A one-time blood collection at your next routine clinical blood draw. Since the blood is collected during a routine clinical draw, no extra needle sticks are necessary, and the amount of blood taken (less than one tablespoon) does not pose any increased risk.
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Permission to bank any remnants of blood or tissue that would otherwise be discarded following a single consented pregnancy. This may include cord blood, blood, and birth related tissues such as placenta or umbilical cord.
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Permission to securely access and use some of your electronic health information to provide research teams linked to your samples.
Prospective Studies
Tissue Banking at MCW involves storing health information and blood or tissue samples in the MCW Tissue Bank for the purpose of medical research. Consent to this program only applies to a single pregnancy and any future pregnancies would require separate consent. Participants who choose to participate in MCW Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank consent to the following:
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PTTS– The Preconception To Toddler Study is a prospective cohort that enrolls women and their partner attempting to conceive a pregnancy in order to track health outcomes of pregnant people beginning in the pre-pregnancy period, and continuing through gestation and beyond. This study will generate a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary toolbox that will provide longitudinal data, specimens, and community engagement to advance women and children’s health from before pregnancy to 2 years post-delivery.
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Novel Role for Placental Endothelial Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Preeclampsia– This study utilizes placental, plasma and cord blood samples from women enrolled in the MCW Maternal Research Placenta and Cord Blood Bank (make this a hyperlink) in order to investigate changes in the blood vessels in the placenta. This work will hopefully provide a mechanism for drugs that could work to prevent or treat patients who get preeclampsia. To participate in this study, enroll in the MCW Maternal Research Placenta and Cord Blood Bank and your placenta may be used to help find a cure for preeclampsia.
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Impact of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on placental drug transporters– This study assess the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame-K , Sacharin…) during pregnancy and their impact on the expression of placental transporters for drugs and fetal waste.
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Placental Protein glycosylation in gestational diabetes– We are studying the relationship between the O-GlcNAcylation of protein and the production of placental hormones to understand better what triggers gestational diabetes and other gestational complications.
Relevant Publications
Enroll in the MCW Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank to contribute to this study and support future discoveries.
Contact us:
Please talk with your physician about how to donate. Or call our research program at (414) 805-6605. Visit the MCW Tissue Bank for further details.
Placental Research and Training Core
The MCW Department of OBGYN also offers a Placental Research Core, providing guidance and training for researchers working with placental tissue. This core focuses on expertise in isolating and utilizing primary cells and explants derived from placental tissues.
The Placental Research Core supports researchers by offering specialized instruction on working with placental tissue for primary cell culture, explant studies, and advanced research methodologies including tissue preparation for sequencing, spatial transcriptomics or JESS Automated Western Blot, or vascular function studies. Additionally, the team can help guide creating research protocols, assist in preparing for IRB approval, and aid in disease phenotyping, patient recruitment, or clinical information related to obstetric diagnoses. The department's goal is to facilitate collaboration and innovation in placental research by offering technical guidance and shared expertise.
For questions and requests, contact:
Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen, PhD
Jennifer McIntosh, DO, MS
Their combined experience ensures that researchers have access to specialized knowledge and technical expertise needed to advance discoveries in placental science.