Our current research focuses on developing and validating cutting-edge organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies, including human fallopian tube and placenta chips. As highlighted in our recent publications, these platforms allow us to study basic human reproductive biology otherwise inaccessible to direct observation, and disease progression in real time. Through these bioinspired models, we are actively investigating the mechanisms behind pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and effects of nutrition and infections on pregnancy. We are also developing new approaches to combat reproductive aging.
How can we design human reproductive models to improve outcomes?
Humans have highly distinct reproduction from other species. For example, commonly used laboratory species don't menstruate. We're developing HUMAN specific advanced in vitro models to both advance understanding of basic biology and enable translation.
How does nutrition affect pregnancy?
Maternal undernutrition and overnutrition have life-long consequences for newborns. We are developing advanced models of the human foetal-maternal interface to elucidate otherwise inaccessible links between maternal nutrition and foetal outcomes.
What governs reproductive tract microbiome composition across women's lifecourse?
We're elucidating how and why host-microbiome interactions within the female reproductive tract shift across the woman's lifetime. We will use these insights to enable optimal microbiome composition.