Maternal gamete recognition

The majority of adult chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cognitive impairment have been shown in numerous epidemiological studies from diverse world populations to have in utero origins, and associated with poor maternal nutrition and physiology (‘Foetal Origins’ hypothesis).

Using different animal models, the initiation of altered developmental potential associated with postnatal disease can be traced back to the periconceptional period and the cross-talk between the maternal reproductive tract and the preimplantation embryo. Thus, several studies have shown that cleavage stage embryos are sensitive to environmental conditions which can permanently alter the developmental programme leading to abnormal postnatal growth, metabolism, physiology and behaviour. Identifying the environmental factors that can influence embryonic developmental potential through to adulthood would have major public health implications, and provide a basis for the prevention of common diseases.

Reproductive fitness and offspring health are major players in determining the economic profitability of the livestock industry. Both parameters are highly complex and are deeply influenced by a wide array of physiological and environmental variables. However, maternal communication with gametes and embryos stands at the base of early embryonic development, implantation and maintenance of a pregnancy. This interaction not only underpins pregnancy but also influences the future health of the offspring. Therefore understanding the functions and mechanisms in the communication between the maternal tract and gametes and embryos on molecular level is of major scientific, economic and health importance. This is important for both human health and livestock production.

The mechanisms by which these early life exposures may mediate such profound long-lasting consequences are poorly understood. At this stage, we are certain that presence of gametes and embryo in the female reproductive tract influence the reproductive tract environment and consequently alters the micro-environment of gametes and embryos. But how changes in maternal diet can lead to changes in gametes and embryos micro-environment is not known yet.

The other important benefits of understanding the communication between gametes and embryo with the female reproductive tract are to improve fertility in humans, and increase reproductive efficiency in livestock.

The maternal communication with gametes and embryos is a complex issue of integrated physiological dimensions which is currently under investigation in my laboratory. My research in this area has been funded by grants from the European Union (EU), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and several multinational private companies (IMV Technologies, Genus, Sygen International). These research grants have supported several postdoctoral research scientists, students and technicians. This research is in close collaboration with the Institute of Zoology in University of Cambridge, the Royal Veterinary College, University of Murcia in Spain and the University of Sydney in Australia.