The Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory aims to improve women’s health through research in reproductive biology with a focus on embryo implantation, placental development and gynaecological conditions
Embryo implantation is a key step in establishing pregnancy. We investigate the fundamental cell biology of uterine preparation for embryo implantation, we also study how uterine cells interact with the embryo to achieve successful implantation. We have established unique tools and in vitro models to study early stages of human embryo implantation. We use tissues and cells as well as organoids in our studies, and we closely collaborate with clinical experts to address medically relevant questions. This work is particularly important for fertility treatment by IVF where implantation failure poses as a bottleneck.
Another major focus of our group’s research is on placental development and function. Following implantation, the embryo must tap into the maternal blood supply for further growth and development, and this is mediated by the development of a functional placenta. The placenta holds the key to pregnancy outcomes, and any abnormalities in placental development or function will affect both the fetus and the mother. We study placental development, placental cell differentiation and function using trophoblast cells, trophoblast stem cells and placental explants. We also study how abnormal placental development is associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, and one of our goals is to develop early detection and treatment of preeclampsia.
Our group is also interested in gynaecological disorders such as endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is a painful condition, characterised by growth of uterine-like cells outside the uterus, affecting 1 in 10 reproductive age women. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynaecologic cancers. We aspire to harness the knowledge we have gained in the female reproductive tract to understand the fundamental biology of these gynaecological disorders.
Lab manager
Research nurse
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
