LSST Elephant & Castle Researcher Identifies Crucial Early Warning Window for Pregnancy Complication

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In a landmark contribution to maternal health and genomic science, a new study led by Dr Suhirthakumar Puvanendran, Lecturer in Health & Social Science at LSST Elephant & Castle, has identified gestational week 13 as a potential molecular window for studying the early biological signs of pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy related condition that usually develops after 20 weeks and involves the new onset high blood pressure).

Published in the journal Placenta (via ScienceDirect), the study titled “Gestational Week 13 – a Critical Window for Pre-Eclampsia Pathogenesis: A Cell-Free RNA Gene Expression Study” offers critical insights into how the condition develops long before clinical symptoms appear.

Looking Beyond Clinical Diagnosis

Pre-eclampsia affects millions of pregnancies worldwide. Traditionally, it is diagnosed only after the 20th week of pregnancy, when clinical signs such as high blood pressure become apparent. However, the biological processes contributing to pre-eclampsia begin much earlier.

By analysing cell-free RNA (small fragments of genetic material circulating freely in the mother’s blood), Dr Puvanendran discovered that the strongest disruption in gene expression associated with pre-eclampsia occurs around gestational week 13.

“Pre-eclampsia is generally diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation, when clinical signs such as high blood pressure and other associated abnormalities become apparent,” says Dr Suhirthakumar Puvanendran. “However, the biological processes contributing to pre-eclampsia may begin much earlier. Our research suggests that gestational week 13 may represent an important molecular window for identifying early biological changes associated with pre-eclampsia. By studying cell-free RNA, small fragments of RNA circulating in the mother’s blood, we found that the strongest disruption in gene expression associated with pre-eclampsia occurred around this stage. The finding shifts attention towards a period before pre-eclampsia is normally diagnosed clinically and suggests that week 13 could be an informative point for investigating molecular signals associated with future disease risk.”

Because cell-free RNA can be studied from a simple blood sample, this approach raises the possibility of developing future non-invasive methods (simple tests that do not harm the baby or require surgery) for earlier risk assessment. However, Dr Puvanendran emphasises that more research is essential before this can be used in clinics:

“Importantly, our study does not mean that pre-eclampsia can currently be diagnosed at week 13 using cell-free RNA. Further research and validation in larger, prospective clinical studies are needed to determine whether these molecular changes can reliably predict subsequent pre-eclampsia. In the longer term, identifying molecular changes around week 13 could potentially provide healthcare professionals with an earlier opportunity to assess risk, tailor monitoring and consider appropriate interventions where evidence supports them.”

Bridging Research

The study highlights LSST’s expanding research capacity, demonstrating how computational biology (using computers and data to solve complex biological problems) can address pressing health challenges while enriching the learning environment for students.“What drives me is the opportunity to use computational biology, genomics and data science to address important challenges in human health,” adds Dr Puvanendran. “My research aims to understand the early molecular changes associated with pre-eclampsia and explore how these insights could contribute to earlier detection and more personalised healthcare. My role at LSST has provided a supportive academic environment that allows me to develop my research alongside teaching, while working with colleagues and students across health and social science has strengthened my ability to communicate complex scientific ideas and connect research with real-world healthcare challenges.”

Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, CEO of LSST, said: “This outstanding publication in ScienceDirect reflects the exceptional research calibre cultivated at LSST. Dr Puvanendran’s work addresses a global health priority and demonstrates our commitment to life-changing academic inquiry.”

Syed Rizvi, Dean of Learning and Teaching and Academic Dean of LSST Elephant & Castle and LSST Stratford, said: “Dr Puvanendran’s study exemplifies academic excellence. Integrating world-class data science into our higher education teaching inspires our students to lead innovation in healthcare in real-time.”

Mrs Eniana Gobuzi, Associate Dean at LSST Elephant & Castle, added: “We are proud to celebrate our ongoing published achievements at Elephant & Castle. Dr Puvanendran’s research reinforces our dedication to impactful and research-informed teaching that directly benefits public health and student learner journeys.”

The full article, “Gestational Week 13 – a Critical Window for Pre-Eclampsia Pathogenesis: A Cell-Free RNA Gene Expression Study”, is accessible online via ScienceDirect here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014340042600682X?via%3Dihub

Reference:

Puvanendran, S. and Brew, O. (2026) ‘Gestational week 13 – a critical window for pre-eclampsia pathogenesis: A cell-free RNA gene expression study’, Placenta, 183, pp. 166–176. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2026.09.008 .