Grant: Project Grant

In the course of human development, a single fertilized egg has to give rise to an entire person. In order for this to happen correctly, some cells have to become the placenta that nourishes the embryo and some have to become the tissues that form the future baby. Correct formation of the placenta is critical for the health of the mother and baby. Certain proteins called "transcription factors" determine which other proteins are produced in each cell type, and by extension, the identity of the cell. Our goal is to figure out which transcription factors are critical for making the different types of cells that form the placenta and how they act in development. This will help us understand why sometimes there are abnormalities of placenta function that lead to miscarriage and pregnancy complications and provide new opportunities to address diseases of the placenta.