Newcastle University

Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group

Research Achievements

• Unique human tissue resource (consisting of targeted uterine samples [upper segment, cervix, placental bed] from normal and abnormal pregnancies
• High quality 'in-situ' cellular technologies [immunohistochemistry, TISH and laser capture microscopy/PCR] with large scale gene expression profiling [subtraction hybridisation, SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression)].
• Novel in vivo approaches to trophoblast/myometrium/leukocyte interactions (incorporating trophoblast invasion assays and co-culture techniques)
• International recognition in terms of quality of publications, invited lectures, and international collaborations (Krainer [Cold Spring Harbor, USA], Myatt [Cincinatti, USA], Lye [Toronto, Canada]).

Research Strategy

• Continued integration of myometrial and trophoblast components of group in terms of maximising clinical material and laboratory technologies
• Continued development of gene expression technologies with wider application in (a) different clinical problems and (b) different cell types (rather than 'whole' tissues)
• Establishment of national networks for myometrial research as forerunner to submitting applications for MRC Group Status
• Attract a high quality scientist with expertise in trophoblast signalling

Further information about this area of research can be found at the Institute of Cellular Medicine

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