Rebecca McPherson

(she/her)

BSc (hons), MSc (Res)

Research

Thesis

Defining epigenetic mechanisms controlling human placental endocrine lineage development

Defining epigenetic mechanisms controlling human placental endocrine lineage development

The placenta is most well known for mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and functioning as a physical barrier to infectious materials. However, it is also a super endocrine organ flooding the maternal and fetal circulation with hormones that drive adaptations. In the maternal body, there are changes in metabolism, immune system and behaviour. In the fetus, placental hormones act on the brain to instruct neurodevelopmental processes.Consequently, placental endocrine dysfunction can cause disorders in both pregnancy and neurodevelopment in children. Understanding how placental endocrine lineages develop and identifying factors that impede function is therefore vitally important for human health. This project uses gene editing (CRISPR, EPI-CRISPR) to capitalise on recent developments in stem cell (TSCs, iPSCs) and organoid (3D placental and embryo) technologies, with the aim of determining how epigenetic mechanisms influence the development and production of placental hormones.

Funding sources

Stem Cell Scholarship