Vasorin at the Crossroads: Charting New Paths in Preeclampsia Research

Saravanakumar Murugesan^1*Lakshmi Saravanakumar¹Jose-Carlos Fernandez-Morales,²Tamas Jilling²Dan E. Berkowitz^2*

• ¹University of Alabama at Birmingham Epilepsy Center (UABEC), Birmingham, United States
• ²The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, United States

Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the precise molecular mechanisms driving its pathology are not fully understood. Recent research has established extracellular vesicles (EVs) as critical mediators in the development of PE-related vascular dysfunction. These nanosized, lipid-bound particles are secreted by cells and serve as a sophisticated system of intercellular communication, carrying functionally active cargo—including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids—that can modulate physiological and pathological processes via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling. While the role of EVs-mediated communication in PE has been extensively studied, the specific functions of individual protein components within this cargo remain largely unexplored. Vasorin (VASN), a known regulator of the TGF-β signaling pathway, is a promising candidate for investigation in pregnancy disorder. This review synthesizes existing evidence on VASN's role in PE and discusses its potential contributions to disease pathogenesis. We will highlight the critical need for future research to elucidate VASN's function and evaluate its activity as a promising new therapeutic strategy for a spectrum of pregnancy-related disorders.