Children's Health Research Institute

Genetics & Development Dr. Peeyusk K Lala

Affiliations

Associate Scientist, Division of Genetics & Development, Children’s Health Research Institute
Professor, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

How my research helps children

My research dealing with the human placenta is crucial to the health of unborn and new born children and their health during post-natal life. The human placenta is a highly invasive “tumor-like” structure that must invade the pregnant uterus and its arteries to tap on the maternal blood supply and nourish the fetus. Unlike tumors, this invasion is exquisitely controlled by certain locally-derived molecules, so that the mother remains unharmed. Poor placental invasion results in reduced flow of maternal blood to the placenta. This, in turn, can result in spontaneous abortion or fetal growth restriction and a serious pregnancy-associated maternal disease called preeclampsia. Growth–restricted newborns have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease in later life. Conversely, excessive and unrestricted placental invasion is a sign of placental tumors.

Our research has uncovered and identified key molecules made locally by the placenta and the pregnant uterus that coordinate placental invasion in a balanced and healthy manner so that fetal or maternal health remains uncompromised. However, this can go wrong in a significant proportion of pregnancies. Can we catch them before it is too late? We are exploring whether the production and activity of the invasion–controlling molecules can be monitored in the pregnant mother as a predictor of healthy or poor placental invasion, so that we can prevent poor fetal growth or development of preeclampsia in the mother.

Our research on the placenta has also advanced cancer research. We have discovered that placental tumor cells resist the action of the invasion-controlling molecules that apply to normal placental cells. We have identified certain molecular and genetic changes that are responsible for this defiance and the conversion of normal placental cell populations into precancerous and then cancerous cells. This information applies to many other cancers.