Our research is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning development and function of the placenta. The placenta is the extra-embryonic organ that is critical to supply the growing fetus with nutrients and oxygen during gestation. It forms the interface where physiological and environmental influences can be transmitted from mother to baby including to its germ cells. As such, defects of the placenta are often at the root of common pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth.