Maternal obesity is a growing problem and is associated with various obstetric complications, including reduced myometrial contractility. The reasons behind this functional impairment are poorly understood.
It is proposed that there are structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the myometrium of obese mothers, which could negatively affect cell function. Mechano-transduction and the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been implicated as an important signalling factor in the normal functioning of the human uterus.
Confocal Raman spectroscopy provides a tool to characterize the ECM. Raman spectroscopy is a label-free vibrational technique that offers unique insights into the structure and composition of tissues and cells at the molecular level.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) determines 3D tissue architecture and provides structural support and chemical and mechanical cues to the cells. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has unique capabilities to measure ECM mechanics at the scale at which cells probe the mechanical features of their microenvironment.
We plan to apply these advanced imaging modalities to quantitatively examine structural features of the ECM of the myometrium in obese and normal mothers.
We will also develop Educational material on the Anatomy of the Gravid Uterus for inclusion in the MD210 module on Human Reproduction
