Kalisch-Smith Group

The placental vasculature is essential for development of the embryo and foetus, permitting pregnancy success. At term, (foeto-)placental vascular defects have been associated with foetal growth restriction, congenital heart defects and stillbirth. Our group investigates how the placental vasculature forms from its earliest precursor cells. The foeto-placental vasculature is required to deliver nutrients from the mother to the growing embryo and foetus. The foeto-placental vessels are located on the 'foetal' side of the circulation and are connected to the umbilical cord. We seek to understand how the inner lining of these vessels, called endothelial cells, are formed, through the genes that govern their formation and how their development is impacted by both maternal and foetal complications in pregnancy. We are particularly interested what genetic and environmental factors influence their formation. We are currently investigating genetic knockouts in the mouse placenta and profiling placental defects in human samples with maternal nutritional deficiencies, diseases (e.g. diabetes) other factors like age, ethnicity, miscarriage stage, and foetal cardiovascular factors (e.g. congenital heart defects, foetal growth restriction) from early pregnancy. 

By understanding how these placental vessels are formed, we hope to offer new insights into potential treatments for pregnancy complications including miscarriage, congenital heart disease, foetal growth restriction and stillbirth.