Dissecting the human placenta-endometrium niche in vitro

Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 1pm to 2pm

Abstract:
The placenta is essential for nutrient and gas exchange between mother and foetus, and its proper development is critical for pregnancy success. To overcome the lack of physiologically relevant models, we established a tissue-engineered system that recapitulates the receptive endometrium and supports early postimplantation development of human embryos and stem cell–derived blastoids. This platform enables advanced trophoblast differentiation, including trophoblast plate and villus formation, providing a powerful tool to study the molecular mechanisms regulating the placenta–endometrium niche.
Short bio:
Dr Irene Zorzan completed her undergraduate and master’s degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Padova. Her fascination with developmental biology has underpinned her academic career choices from the beginning. To fulfil this interest, she carried out her PhD studies in Prof. Graziano Martello’s lab at the University of Padova. Her research examined the molecular control of human embryonic development using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Towards the end of her PhD studies, she became captivated by the development of the placenta. She therefore developed a method to convert hPSCs to trophoblast stem cells in an efficient and rapid manner. To pursue her interests in human development and gene regulation, she joined Peter Rugg-Gunn’s team at the Babraham Institute in 2021. Here, she has developed new approaches to study human postimplantation development. Supported by a Leverhulme Early Career

Department: Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health (Department)

Organiser: Michael Suttie