Project 9B focuses on the identification and function of candidate transporters in pregnancy, and their dysregulation in pregnancy disorders, such as idiopathic IUGR. Using in silico analysis, target transporters that may be implicated in pregnancy disorders are being identified (collaboration with Pascale Anderle).

We have established several in vitro models that will allow function/expression analysis of candidate transporters. Isolation of primary cytotrophoblast cells and further cultivation with formation of a syncytium layer has been set up by our group and will be used together with other cell models (e.g. placental explants, membrane vesicles, collaboration with project 9A.

In addition, the placental perfusion model is currently being established in our lab. This ex vivo system allows studying human placental transfer of substances in organized placental tissue, and will be used to further investigate the function of candidate transporters in control versus pathological pregnancies and also under (oxidative) stress conditions.

In synergistic collaboration with project 9A, these studies will give new insight into perspective drug targets for therapeutic intervention in IUGR and possibly other placental disorders such as preeclampsia which cause clinical morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and prenatal infants. Furthermore, the placental perfusion model provides the basis to investigate placental drug transfer, and to assess drug therapy risks and benefits in pregnancy.