Babraham European studentship: Function and regulation of ELF5 in trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and differentiation

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Stem cells are of high interest for biomedical research and regenerative medicine. We are particularly interested in stem cells that are present in the early embryo and contribute exclusively to tissues of the placenta (so-called trophoblast stem cells). A key question is how the expansion and then differentiation (specialisation) of these stem cells is regulated, in particular since residual trophoblast stem cells would pose a major risk of aggressive tumour formation in the uterus. We have identified that this mechanism may be controlled by a self-regulatory system established by a specific transcription factor (a DNA-binding protein that controls the transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA) called ELF5. This project investigates the molecular basis of how ELF5 promotes both trophoblast stem cell proliferation as well as differentiation into specific placental cell types. It also investigates how the activity state of the Elf5 gene is regulated by environmental factors that these cells are exposed to, that may help to trigger the switch between proliferation and differentiation. Insights into this molecular mechanism are instrumental to ensure (a) that babies are born healthily and (b) that the mother remains healthy after pregnancy.

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