LICAMM 3D in vitro modelling of the uterus for fertility, food, and health

Summary

The pre- and per-implantation period of pregnancy is critical not only for pregnancy success but changes to the maternal environment during this period have impacts on the life-course health of individuals. This has consequences not only for human health and disease but also for sustainable food production. Modelling this critical time period in vitro has been difficult however, with recent advances in novel 3D models we are beginning to develop new technologies to test endometrial function n in. vitro. This project will involve building on the microfluidics, 3D scaffold and organoid/gastraloid approaches already in use in our groups to develop better in vitro systems of the endometrium. This will allow us to determine function and mechanism of action of key regulatory molecules that support early pregnancy success.

References

1. Endometrium On-a-Chip Reveals Insulin- and Glucose-induced Alterations in the Transcriptome and Proteomic Secretome. De Bem THC, Tinning H, Vasconcelos EJR, Wang D, Forde N. Endocrinology. 2021 Jun 1;162(6):bqab054. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqab054.
2. The role of CAPG in molecular communication between the embryo and the uterine endometrium: Is its function conserved in species with different implantation strategies? Tinning H, Taylor A, Wang D, Constantinides B, Sutton R, Oikonomou G, Velazquez MA, Thompson P, Treumann A, O'Connell MJ, Forde N. FASEB J. 2020 Aug;34(8):11015-11029. doi: 10.1096/fj.202000882RR. Epub 2020 Jul 3.
3. Insulin exposed endometrial epithelial cells cultured in a microfluidic device alters transcripts involved in translation that may contribute to reduced implantation capacity of the endometrium. Soo Young Baik, Haidee Tinning, Dapeng Wang, Niamh Forde. bioRxiv 2021.12.15.472777; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.15.472777

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject area is desirable but not essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum requirements for this programme in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: • British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 • TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.