Trophoblast biology and placental vascular disorders
Our team studies the molecular mechanisms regulating the angiogenic function of the human trophoblast and explores the role of cyclic AMP signaling in normal and pathological differentiation of the human trophoblast. We collaborate on the development of extracorporeal purification columns specific for the sVEGFR1 (sFLT-1) protein as part of the development of innovative therapies for preeclampsia.
To meet these objectives, we use models of primary cell cultures, trophoblastic stem cells and placental organoids combined with genome editing approaches as well as single cell or single nucleus RNA sequencing techniques. We are developing different models (genetic, environmental) of pathological trophoblast differentiation in order to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of placental vascular pathologies, to identify new early predictive biomarkers and to consider new therapeutic approaches.
The biological collections of blood and placental samples from the Intercommunal Hospital of Créteil and the Port Royal Maternity allow us to apply a translational approach to our research. To this end, we have also developed immuno-detection tools for angiogenic factors (PlGF, VEGF) and circulating hormonal factors as well as mass spectrometry techniques to evaluate the production of the main placental steroid hormones.