Timothy Regnault
Assistant Professor
 |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Primary Appointment) |
Early environmental (during pregnancy) regulation of gene expression and organ development in the developing fetus: How does early experience exert a sustained influence on postnatal metabolic function ? Placental insufficiency and altered fetal nutrient supply is associated with reduced overall fetal development and growth, leading to Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR,) which represents approximately 5-7% of newborns. This altered growth comes about through a reprogramming of fetal physiology to maximize survivability in a sub-optimal in utero environment. There are now reports that these fetal alterations increase the likely hood for the development of insulin resistance and obesity in later life, as well as other associated diseases which are grouped together in the term Metabolic Syndrome. Significance of our work: Our areas of study will advance understanding of how fetuses adapt to placental insufficiency, through in vivo and in vitro model system studies. This work will enable us to better understand the ontology of fetal reprogramming, with the long term goal of formulating novel and effective strategies that will ameliorate aspects of the Metabolic Syndrome.
Regnault T.R.H., de Vrijer, B., Galan, H.L., Battaglia, F.C., Wilkening, R.B. and Meschia G. (2006) Development and mechanisms of fetal hypoxia in severe fetal growth restriction. Placenta. 2006 Sept 6 Regnault T.R.H. and Hay W.W. Jr.. (2006) In vivo techniques for studying fetoplacental nutrient uptake, metabolism, and transport. Chapter 12. In: Placenta and Trophoblast: Methods and Protocols, Vol II, Methods in Molecular Medicine series; 122:207-24 Eds M.J. Soares and J.S. Hunt. Humana Press. Regnault T.R.H., de Vrijer B., Galan H.L., Davidsen M.L., Trembler K.A., Battaglia F.C., Wilkening R.B. and Anthony R.V. (2003) The relationship between transplacental O2 diffusion and expression of PlGF, VEGF and their receptors in a placental insufficiency model of fetal growth restriction. Journal of Physiology. 550(2): 641-656. Battaglia F.C. and Regnault, T.R.H. (2001) Placental transport and metabolism of amino acids. Placenta, 22: 145-161.
