Development of endometrial/myometrial organoids to study disorders of pregnancy and parturition

Why did we fund this project?

This award aims to build further complexity into a 3D in vitro model to enable the model to replace some in vivo studies of early pregnancy and associated diseases and disorders.

There are currently no effective treatments available for miscarriage, thought to affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, or preterm births, the highest cause for neonatal morbidity and mortality. Animal models, typically mice, rats and guinea pigs, are often used to study pregnancy disorders. However, there are significant differences between their reproductive systems and humans. Dr Andrew Blanks and colleagues have developed a 3D in vitro model using endometrial cells that can be cultured with human research embryos and be genetically manipulated to replicate various human pregnancy disorders. Andrew will now add myometrial cells to replicate the inner layer of the myometrium, the main muscle of the uterus. This layer plays an important role in implantation and the uterine response to pregnancy. To further promote uptake, Andrew will also establish an annual virtual conference for research groups working in reproductive science to encourage the use of organoids.