Research Summary

We study how early communication between a mother and her embryo works - both in healthy pregnancies and when things go wrong. By using a combination of animal models (like large animals and genetically modified rodents) and laboratory-grown tissues (from both humans and animals), we aim to improve agricultural productivity, human pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health.

Current Projects

Understanding bovine conceptus elongation

An early stage of pregnancy in cattle is marked by a process called conceptus (the embryo and extra-embryonic membranes) elongation. During this time, the conceptus grows rapidly and changes shape. Conceptus elongation also coincides with a period of high pregnancy losses. Despite this, our understanding of this phenomenon, on a cellular and molecular level, remains incomplete. Our research is focused on determining what drives conceptus elongation in the lab, so we can better understand why it often fails in cattle. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to reducing embryo mortality, which will improve cattle reproductive efficiency and, therefore, farm profitability.

Modeling human uterine gland formation and behavior

Spontaneous early pregnancy loss is a very common issue among women of reproductive age. Problems with uterine glands (evolved to support the embryo) are thought to be a major cause of these losses. However, studying how these glands develop and work in women is difficult due to ethical and technical constraints. We take two main approaches to overcome this: (a) genetically modified mouse models, to explore the gene networks regulating uterine gland development, and (b) 3D models of the human uterine endometrium called organoids. Endometrial organoids contain glandular cells, among other cell types, and produce a fluid similar to that in the human uterus. Using this model, we investigate how uterine fluid composition and behavior is compromised under systemic subfertility-associated mimicked conditions. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to improve pregnancy outcomes and resulting offspring wellbeing.