Role of extracellular vesicles in maternal- fetal communication and the preparation for birth

Extracellular vesicles contain mRNA and protein which can be transferred as signals between cells. During pregnancy, extracellular vesicles may be an important form of communication between the mother and fetus. They may contribute to the control of normal fetal growth and development, the response to intrauterine stress, and the preparation for, and timing of, delivery. Parturition is activated by the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol is important for promoting maturation of the fetus and survival of the neonate at birth.

The role of extracellular vesicles in these processes is, however, unclear. This project will characterise the profiles of extracellular vesicles from maternal and fetal circulations in an animal model. It will examine the effect of gestational age, rising cortisol concentrations and suboptimal intrauterine conditions on the genomic and proteomic content of extracellular vesicles in the mother and fetus.

Director of Studies: Dr Alison Forhead

Other Supervisors: Dr Priya Samuel, Dr Laura Gathercole

Key techniques used will include extraction and quantification of extracellular vesicles in plasma samples, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, mRNA and protein extraction, and bioinformatic analysis of genomic and proteomic data. Gene and protein pathways relevant to the development of key tissues such as the fetal lungs, the parturition cascade, and stress responses will be examined in particular. The findings will further our understanding of the role of extracellular vesicles in the mechanisms underlying fetal maturation and parturition, and the effects of intrauterine stress.

Contact: Dr Alison Forhead, aforhead@brookes.ac.uk

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.