Research  :  Basic and Translational Research

In the Perinatal Biology Laboratory, we focus on reproductive development and function. We study the mechanisms that determine placental differentiation during human pregnancy. This process proceeds from mononucleated cytotrophoblast to a terminally differentiated syncytiotrophoblast, and may be disrupted by diverse insults such as hypoxia and malnutrition, which lead to fetal growth restriction. We have developed a novel method that incorporates gene-specific variability to improve expression analysis in DNA microarrays. Using our software we integrate DNA microarrays and real-time expression analysis to correlate phenotypic changes with alterations in gene expression. We utilize siRNA to alter gene expression and assess the activity of proteins that play a central role in trophoblast injury and repair, such as the PPAR family of proteins. Our studies also focus on placental fat uptake and trafficking. Discrete lipids are transfer redto the fetus and also serve as a source of energy to trophoblasts. We recently developed an interest in the expression and function of discrete microRNAs species in the human and mouse placenta. The role of these microRNAs in trophoblast function and their regulation by microRNA biogenesis proteins (Ago2, Dicer, DP103) is pursued.