Experimental research

In the experimental lab, we use advanced technology such as 3D cell and organoid cultures and RNA-sequencing to understand the regulation of mRNA, miRNA and sRNA and the pathways involved using different bioinformatic platforms.

Examples of ongoing studies:

Studies on human embryo implantation in managing infertility and fertility

Studies on endometrial receptivity – two sides of a coin: management of infertility and new strategies for fertility control. Understanding endometrial receptivity is vital in managing infertility and regulating fertility. We study the cellular and molecular aspects of endometrial function, particularly, endometrial mesenchymal cells and its niche factors on endometrial regeneration. Knowledge on the above is important in finding solution for infertility due to thin endometrium. We also have ongoing studies on embryo quality and development, with the intention to develop non-invasive methods for embryo quality assessment in assisted reproduction. We are studying different types of RNAs expressed in human embryos aa well as in the embryo spent media of healthy and compromised quality of embryos.

Understanding the aetiology of endometriosis and the link to ovarian cancer development

Endometriosis is a gynaecologic disorder with poorly understood aetiology, affecting 10-15% of women causing pelvic inflammation, chronic pain and infertility. The most widely accepted theory on the aetiology of endometriosis is Sampson’s retrograde menstruation. Endometrium consists of a variety of cells expressing markers relevant to attachment, adhesion, migration and stemness. Inappropriately shed endometrial cells during menstruation reach the peritoneal cavity, where they are able to adhere and establish endometriotic implants/lesions. We study the role of different endometrial cell types in the aetiology of endometriosis and its relation to ovarian cancer.

Bromocriptine on uterine adenomyosis

Clinical trial conducted by our group on the effect of bromocriptine on adenomyosis showed a significant reduction with the symptoms. Now, we are studying the possible molecules and the related pathways involved in improving the symptoms at endometrial level.

Our research wet lab is located at BioClinicum.