Characterisation of air pollution induced cellular dysfunction using organoid models of trophoblast stem cells

Air pollution is a recognised risk factor for adverse birth outcomes and may have longer-term detrimental effects on children's health but there are significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved and the extent to which different airborne exposures contribute to the toxicological impact of air pollution. Previously we have shown that treatment of placental explants with diesel engine particulate and house dust altered hCG secretion, suggesting that such exposures might contribute to placental dysfunction that underlies adverse pregnancy outcomes. The overall aim of this project is to better characterise how such exposures contribute to this dysfunction and the specific aims are to
- investigate the direct and indirect effects of airborne materials on the placenta
- determine the mechanism of cellular and molecular effects of air pollution on trophoblast endocrine function. Doctoral candidates will use organoid models of trophoblast stem cells to examine cellular effects and cell signalling changes that occur with different pollutants (especially particulate matter)
- replicate the pattern of modern household exposure by using pollution monitors in the home to better understand and characterise particulate matter within homes of pregnant women.

This project will take advantage of an existing multisite project that aims initially to identify harmful air pollution exposures in the pre- and peri-natal period so as to ultimately mitigate negative health effects on children. The successful candidate will be embedded within the study team, that includes pollution scientists, quantitative biologists, data scientists and clinical academic, so as to obtain interdisciplinary training in quantitative biology and the physical sciences.