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Implantation & Placental Development
About this Laboratory
The uterus provides a "fertile soil" for the embryo to grow. We are using a number of strategies to understand what makes the uterus receptive for embryo implantation and how the uterus regulates the development of a functional placenta. A particular emphasis is in translating these research outcomes into clinically useful discoveries.
Related to Research Themes
Cancer , Cardiovascular Disease , Genes & Healthy Development , Men's Health , Women's Health
Current Research
Role of PC6 in regulating embryo implantation and fertility - We are determining the molecular mechanisms of PC6 action in the uterus for embryo implantation. We are also investigating the clinical implications of uterine PC6 expression in evaluating uterine receptivity, uterine fertility and infertility.
PC6: A target for preventing pregnancy and HIV infection - Our studies suggest that PC6 is a novel target for the development of new female contraception which could also protect women from HIV infection. Our current research is developing various ways of inhibiting PC6 to prevent embryo implantation in animals and in cell models relevant to human implantation.
HtrA3 in placental development and pregnancy disorders - We have discovered and cloned a new gene, HtrA3, in the mouse and human, and identified that it is a previously unrecognised factor important for placental development and function. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms of HtrA3 action during placentation, and the contribution of HtrA3 dysregulation in pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth restrictions.
HtrA3 in cancer and ageing - We have discovered and cloned a new gene, HtrA3, in the mouse and human, and identified that it is a previously unrecognized factor important for placental development and function. We have also established that HtrA3 is a potential tumor suppressor. We are characterising the biochemical properties of HtrA3 and investigating its role in cancer progression.