Embryo-Maternal crosstalk pathways in implantation (Dr Jen Southcombe)
PROJECT TITLE
Embryo-Maternal crosstalk pathways in implantation
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The very early events around implantation may determine the outcome of a pregnancy. Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth and pre-eclampsia are all associated with abnormal maternal immune responses to the conceptus.
This project would focus on endometrial-immune cell populations defining the important pathways for maternal-embryo crosstalk in normal implantation, failed implantation and miscarriage. Ethics are in place to recruit patients who have recurrent miscarriage and recurrent failed implantation, as well as healthy controls. In addition, we have samples of embryo supernatants from successful pregnancies to identify embryo-endometrial pathways required for successful pregnancies.
Our research group is passionate about endometrial-immune interactions. We work towards translational research to improve pregnancy outcomes for women. Our strength is in clinical and laboratory collaborations and expertise.
We will be particularly excited to receive applications from candidates with a background or particular interest in immunology, but other projects will also be considered.
Training opportunities
There are opportunities for training in tissue culture, western blotting, IHC with fluorescence and confocal microscopy, PCR and RT-PCR, sequencing transcriptome analysis. We perform flow cytometry (3-laser 14 parameter) routinely to analysis peripheral blood and tissue samples.
There will be opportunities to present work within the department, and at national & international conferences. Students are encouraged to prepare and submit manuscripts.
As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to a wide-range of seminars and training opportunities within the University of Oxford network.
Funding
Successful candidates will be supported with their applications for independent funding for course fees, etc. Lab consumables are provided.