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Endometrial Remodelling
About this Laboratory
The lining of the uterus, the endometrium, undergoes continual remodelling throughout a woman's reproductive years. It is shed and restored during each menstrual cycle in preparation for implantation of the embryo should the cycle be one in which conception occurs. Disturbances to this remodelling can result in abnormal uterine bleeding, in infertility, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. We seek to understand the underlying causes for these disorders with a long term view on translation of our findings to the clinic in terms of diagnosis and treatments.
Related to Research Themes
Cancer , Genes & Healthy Development , Women's Health
Current Research
Proteomic analysis of uterine washings - Using state of the art proteomics techniques and multiplex analyses we are identifying the proteins in the uterine cavity throughout the menstrual cycle and in women with infertility and other endometrial disorders. Validation is by Western blot and immunohistochemistry establishes the cellular sources. Extension of the work will determine functions for uterine fluid proteins on embryo development and uterine receptivity for implantation.
Endometrial repair after menstruation - Using laser capture, microarray analyses, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry on tissues from both our mouse model of menstruation and repair and human endometrial tissues, we are determining the molecular mechanisms of repair of the endometrium immediately after menstruation: we hypothesise that disturbances of repair result in abnormal uterine bleeding.
Defining uterine receptivity - The endometrium allows implantation of an embryo for only a few days in each menstrual cycle: if this ‘receptivity' is not established the woman will be infertile. It is also a major reason for failure of IVF. Our proteomics approach is defining the receptive endometrium and identifying discriminative markers for infertility.