Research

Transposable elements as regulatory sequences

Ancient transposon sequences have the potential to regulate gene expression. This process is prominent in the placenta. Our research programme seeks to explore the regulation and function of transposons in the human placenta, and their potential role in pregnancy complications.

Our approach

We will use samples of placenta from complicated pregnancies to assess genetic and epigenetic changes at transposons, and conduct functional analysis of candidate regions using human trophoblast stem cells and human trophoblast organoid models.

Diagram of transposable elements acting as regulatory sequences — Transposable elements provide regulatory sequences for nearby genes.

Models we use

Placenta samples from complicated pregnancies
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs)
Human trophoblast organoids

Extravillous trophoblast culture — Extravillous trophoblast differentiated from human trophoblast stem cells, in culture.

Why it matters

Pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, spontaneous preterm birth and pre-eclampsia affect up to 20% of human pregnancies. Their underlying molecular causes remain unclear, but they are likely to share insufficient placental uterine invasion as a common factor. Understanding how transposon-derived regulatory regions shape placental gene expression may open new avenues for prediction and treatment.