Pamela Moalli

Dr. Pamela A. Moalli is a physician-scientist who directs the Translational Research Laboratories in Urogynecology.   

Her research focuses on advancing the science of pelvic floor disorders that affect millions of women across the lifespan. Her work integrates molecular biology, tissue engineering, and clinical research to improve treatments for conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and childbirth-related injuries. 

As a national leader in women’s health research, Dr. Moalli has developed novel models to study how pelvic tissues respond to mechanical stress, hormonal changes, and surgical intervention. Her team was among the first to demonstrate how childbirth and aging compromise the structure and function of vaginal connective tissue and smooth muscle, paving the way for innovative regenerative therapies. 

A core aspect of her research examines the use of biomaterials in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Her studies have provided critical insights into how synthetic meshes interact with vaginal tissue, including immune responses and complications such as fibrosis and tissue degeneration. These findings have directly informed the development of safer, next-generation implants. 

More recently, Dr. Moalli has led efforts to translate regenerative medicine into women’s health, including the development of VagiVIVE—a first-in-class, non-hormonal biologic hydrogel derived from vaginal extracellular matrix. This therapy aims to restore vaginal health in women suffering from genitourinary syndrome of menopause. 

Dr. Moalli’s research is supported by the National Institutes of Health and spans collaborations in bioengineering, immunology, and translational science. As Scientific Director of the Magee-Womens Research Institute, she is committed to developing biologically informed, patient-centered solutions that enhance the quality of life for women. 

Through this work, Dr. Moalli is transforming the understanding and treatment of pelvic floor disorders, bringing scientific innovation directly to the bedside for the benefit of women at every stage of life. 

TRLU laboratory members: 

Faculty: 

Pamela A. Moalli, MD, PhD 

Amanda Artsen, MD, MSc 

Katrina Knight, PhD 

Steve Abramowitch, PhD 

Bryan Brown, PhD 

Trainees: 

Sandhya Varghese, PhD 

Marrisa Therriault, PhD 

Sophya Breedlove 

Temitope Obisesan 

Temara Stransky, MS 

Gabriella King, MS 

Malini Harinath 

Recent Publications: 

1. Bowen ST, Moalli PA, Rogers RG, Corton MM, Andy UU, Rardin CR, Hahn ME, Weidner AC, Ellington DR, Mazloomdoost D, Sridhar A, Gantz MG; NICHD Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Postoperative Sexual Function After Vaginal Surgery and Clitoral Size, Position, and Shape. JAMA Surg. 2025 Apr 1;160(4):396-406. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2024.6922. PMID: 39937459; PMCID: PMC11822609. EDITOR’S CHOICE and cover feature of journal  

2. Therriault MA, Kottapalli S, Artsen A, Knight K, King G, Meyn L, Brown BN, Moalli PA. Profiling of the macrophage response to polypropylene mesh burden in vivo. Biomaterials. 2025 Jul;318:123177. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123177. Epub 2025 Feb 11. PMID: 39961254. 

3. Knight K, Breedlove S, Obisesan T, Egnot M, Daneshdoost N, King G, Meyn L, Gall K, Moalli P. Vaginal host response to polycarbonate urethane, an alternative material for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Acta Biomater. 2024 Nov;189:298-310. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.09.040. Epub 2024 Oct 1. PMID: 39362452. 

4. Liang R, Shaker ER, Zhao M, King G, Moalli PA. Dysregulated inflammatory response to urogynecologic meshes in women with diabetes and its implications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Feb 24:S0002-9378(24)00362-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.282. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38408622. PMCID: PMC11194151 

5. Artsen AM, Liang R, Meyn L, Bradley MS, Moalli PA. Dysregulated wound healing in the pathogenesis of urogynecologic mesh complications. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 5;13(1):21437. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48388-8. PMID: 38052928; PMCID: PMC10698181.