CXCL12 regulation of placental development and fetal health

Project Summary

Abnormalities in placental development result in placental insufficiency, which adversely impacts offspring health and development in both livestock and humans. Placental dysfunction is at the root of numerous pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, yet the underlying cause(s) of impaired placental function are not well characterized. To dually improve animal and human health as well as farm animal production, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms causing impaired placental development. The overall objective of our project is to advance understanding of chemokine-induced actions on placental development and identify potential biomarkers for placental insufficiency.