Paul Laboratory

Research

Background

Successful human reproduction depends on development of a transient organ, the placenta, which assures anchorage of the embryo to the mother, establishes a vascular connection to transport nutrients and gases and expresses hormones that are required for the progression of pregnancy. Defective placentation either causes pregnancy failure or leads to the "Great Obstetrical Syndromes," including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and fetal demise. About 15% of all human conceptions are lost due to pregnancy failure and 15% of all pregnancies are associated with perinatal problems, putting the mother and the fetus at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, we have a poor understanding of molecular mechanisms that are associated with early stages of human placentation. Therefore, in order to understand key scientific issues during pregnancy, the personnel in the Paul Lab utilize stem cells and mouse models, and implement state-of-the-art approaches to define molecular mechanisms that lead to defective placentation.

trophoblast model from Paul Lab — We use gene knockout mouse models to study trophoblast development and placentation.

Our Research Focus

In our lab, we study trophoblast cells. This cell lineage is only present during pregnancy and is responsible for embryo implantation and is the main building block of the placenta. During the course of mammalian development, tissue-specific gene expression arises due to the activity of specific transcription factors, changes in chromatin organization, and also by RNA interferences. In our laboratory, we use multidisciplinary approaches to understand the involvement of these mechanisms during trophoblast cell lineage commitment and how alteration of tissue-specific gene expression mechanisms leads to pathological conditions. Over the past two decades, the Paul Laboratory has identified evolutionary conserved mechanisms that regulate the development of trophoblast cell lineage to ensure placentation and progression of in-utero mammalian development.

microscopic images of trophoblast cells — We use human TSCs, derived from normal and adverse pregnancies, as our experimental models.

Our Experimental Approach

colorful scatter graph representing advanced genomics research — We use advanced genomics to identify molecular
mechanisms associated with adverse pregnancy.

We use laboratory animal models and human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs), derived from normal and adverse pregnancies as our experimental models. We use cutting-edge technologies, including advanced gene editing and advanced genomic technologies such as single-cell sequencing to identify molecular mechanisms.

Our Funding

The Paul Lab is continuously funded by the National Institute of Health.

Ongoing Research Support

R01HD062546 (2010-2023)
R01HD101319 (2020-2025)
R01HD103161 (2021-2026)