É«ÇéÖ±²¥app

Lead RVC Supervisor: Dr. António Galvão  

Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences   

Background, aims and objectives:

This exciting research program investigates how maternal obesity disrupts critical processes in placental development, with particular focus on trophoblast cell lineages. Maternal obesity has been linked to compromised placental function, posing significant risks to both mother and fetus. The placenta, serving as the vital interface between mother and fetus, facilitates nutrient exchange, hormone production, and vascular remodelling—key functions the development of the conceptus and a successful pregnancy.  

Recent studies suggest that obesity adversely impacts the labyrinth zone (LZ) of the placenta, where the exchange of nutrients occurs, potentially through compromised differentiation of specialised trophoblast cells. This project aims to unravel the effects of diet induced obesity on the composition of LZ from mouse placentas collected at embryonic day (E) 18.5. We will profile the abundance of syncytiotrophoblast cells (SynT-I and SynT-II) in the LZ, shedding light into the mechanisms disrupting placental function in obese mothers. 

Using immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) and real-time qPCR, we will quantify the abundance of SynT-I and SynT-II cells and confirm associated gene expression changes, providing a comprehensive profile of these trophoblast populations. As a student on this project, you’ll receive exceptional training at the É«ÇéÖ±²¥app (RVC), including essential knowledge on placental morphology and function, reproductive pathology linked to obesity, and the role of trophoblasts in maternal-fetal interactions. Hands-on experience with advanced techniques, including IF staining, real-time qPCR, and statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism, will ensure you develop a robust technical skill set. You’ll also benefit from close supervision by Dr. Antonio Galvao and daily mentorship from experienced PhD student Tjasa Sentjurc. 

This research offers a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to a growing body of knowledge. With results that may lead to peer-reviewed publications (e.g., Walewska et al., 2025), your work could help shape future understanding of the maternal-fetal interface and the impact of obesity on developmental programming. Join us in uncovering how maternal health shapes the next generation, one molecule at a time. 

References

1. Walewska E, Hamada Z, Perez-Garcia V, Galvão A, Altered Uterine Leptin Signalling Underpins the Pathogenesis of Impaired Decidualisation in Obese Mothers, 2025; Reproduction 169, e240319 
2. Walewska E, K Makowczenko, Witek K, Molcan T, Laniecka E, Alvarez-Sanchez A, Kelsey G, Perez-Garcia V, Galvão A, Fetal growth restriction and placental defects in obese mice are associated with impaired decidualisation: the role of increased leptin signalling modulators SOCS3 and PTPN2, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 81, 329  

Requirements

Essential:

• Must meet our standard MRes entry requirements. 
• Not limited to veterinary background, BSc qualification also accepted.  

Desirable:

• A strong passion for and curiosity about fundamental scientific research.

Fees and Funding

This can be taken full-time (12months FTE) project commencing ¾±²Ô October 2025, based at RVC's Camden campus. 

Partially funded: e.g. the lab will be covering the project costs, with the MRes student expected to meet the course fees and their living expenses. 

International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "É«ÇéÖ±²¥app" and "Overseas" tuition fees. 

Please note that EU/EEA and Swiss national students may no longer be eligible for the “É«ÇéÖ±²¥app” rate of tuition fees, dependent on personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK) and UK government rules which are currently being developed. For up-to-date information on fees for EU/EEA and Swiss national students following Brexit please see our fees and funding p²¹²µ±ð.&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

How to Apply

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply. 

Deadline: 04/04/2025

Interviews will take place remotely (Teams, Zoom etc) within 4 weeks of the closing date. 

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to agalvao@rvc.ac.uk