Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Valproic acid (VPA) is a medication used to treat epilepsy and mood disorders, but when taken during pregnancy, it can cause birth defects and developmental problems in the fetus, particularly affecting brain development. While much of the existing research has focused on how VPA directly impacts the developing fetus, less attention has been given to the placenta, a vital organ that provides the baby with nutrients during pregnancy. Changes in the placenta can directly affect fetal growth and development, yet the effect of VPA on the placenta is not well understood. My research aims to explore how VPA affects the placenta by focusing on its structure and indicators of its function. Using a mouse model, I will examine how VPA exposure during pregnancy impacts the placenta, specifically in three main areas. First, I will investigate how VPA alters gene activity in the placenta, affecting how it develops. Second, I will analyze how VPA affects the development of blood vessels in the placenta, which are critical for transporting nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Lastly, I will assess how VPA impacts key nutrient transporters in the placenta, particularly those responsible for moving folate, an essential nutrient for brain development. This work goes beyond understanding one medication. It highlights the essential role of the placenta in shaping pregnancy outcomes and influencing lifelong health. These insights will provide a foundation for future research into placental biomarkers and the links between placental physiology and health across the life span.