### Placental-Fetal Physiology Research

- [ Research Projects](#research-projects)
 
  ![placental biology scientific image](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Placenta%20Villous%20Taglauer-new.jpg)Our multidisciplinary program examines several aspects of placental biology that can influence fetal physiology.

This program includes the following key studies:

- Evaluation of the effects of prenatal exposure to opioids on the placenta including DNA methylation and gene expression
- Examination of COVID-19 biology during pregnancy
- Analysis of how placental disorders impact development to increase the risk of neonatal lung and gut disorders

[Explore All Pediatric Research Programs](/node/178218 "Department of Pediatrics: Pediatric Specialty Care: Pediatric Research | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

## Our Team

### Contact

**Principal Investigator**  
Elizabeth Taglauer  
<Elizabeth.Taglauer@bmc.org>

### Investigators

- [Elizabeth Taglauer, MD, PhD](https://profiles.bu.edu/Elizabeth.Taglauer)
- [Elisha M. Wachman, MD](https://profiles.bu.edu/Elisha.Wachman)
- [Vishakha Sabharwal, MD](https://profiles.bu.edu/Vishakha.Sabharwal)
- [Elizabeth D. Barnett, MD](https://profiles.bu.edu/Elizabeth.Barnett)



 ## Research Projects

- Effects of Prenatal Opioid Exposure on Placental DNA Methylation and Gene Expression, March of Dimes Research Grant
- “MASC” Study: Mothers and Infants Affected by Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, BU CTSI
- “AliGN” Study: Antenatal determinants of Lung and Gut disease in Neonates
- “PRIME” Study: Placental Repository to Improve Infant Outcomes
- POD (Placental Markers of Opioid Use Disorder on Development) Study (R01HD113143)