Breaking Open the Black Box of Pregnancy Loss

Approximately 60% of pregnancies are lost before 6 weeks of pregnancy. Our group investigates the role of the placenta in why some pregnancies fail to properly communicate with the uterus, preventing embryo implantation and invasion and causing miscarriage. Beyond miscarriages, improper placental invasion can compromise placental development and function, putting both mother and baby at risk of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.

The West Lab for Placental Biology uses cutting-edge technologies and an interdisciplinary approach to identify the mechanisms that drive improper placental signaling and prevent embryo implantation and invasion.