Hahka Vermeulen, Taija

My research focuses on understanding how inflammation-resolving lipid mediators regulate placental health during hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), a group of conditions that affect approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide and are a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications. HDP, including preeclampsia, is associated with impaired placental blood flow, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, yet current treatments primarily address maternal symptoms and do not correct underlying placental pathology.

A central theme of my research is the role of nitric oxide (NO) and mitochondrial antioxidant signaling in maintaining placental function. NO is a critical regulator of vascular tone and blood flow, and reduced NO bioavailability contributes to placental vascular dysfunction in HDP. My work investigates how omega-3-derived pro-resolving lipid mediators, particularly Resolvin D2 (RvD2), restore NO signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis in placental cells.

Using human placental tissue (explants), trophoblast, endothelial, and immune cell models, my laboratory examines how RvD2 activates antioxidant pathways through NRF2 signaling and its receptor GPR18 to reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and enhance endothelial integrity. Preliminary findings indicate that RvD2 increases NO bioavailability and improves mitochondrial antioxidant defenses in HDP-affected placental tissue, identifying a novel mechanism that may be leveraged for future therapeutic development.

In addition to mechanistic studies, my research incorporates transcriptomic and bioinformatic approaches to define cell-specific responses to inflammatory resolution signals within the placenta. These data-driven methods allow us to identify molecular pathways and cell populations that contribute to placental dysfunction and recovery, providing insight into potential diagnostic markers and targeted interventions.

A core component of my research is undergraduate training and student career development. Undergraduate students are actively engaged in all phases of the research process, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students also receive structured training in molecular biology and transcriptomic analysis through an independent study course (invited or formal course) that integrates project-generated datasets and open resources data with online bioinformatics platforms. This immersive, mentored research experience prepares students for graduate study, professional programs, and careers in biomedical research.

Through the integration of mechanistic biology, data-driven analysis, and undergraduate mentorship, my research aims to advance understanding of placental dysfunction in co-morbidities and complications to improve maternal-fetal health.