Summary
Research Interests
Over 10% of pregnancies in the US end in premature birth, and about half of these are attributed to the early onset of uterine contractions (spontaneous preterm labor). Despite decades of research, complications associated with preterm delivery remain the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Research in our laboratory is focused on understanding the complex mechanisms underlying normal uterine contraction and spontaneous preterm labor.
Key Discoveries
Approximately 10% of preterm births are attributed to abnormal uterine strain, with half of twin pregnancies ending in early delivery. Our laboratory used proteomics technology to characterize global mechanical strain-activated signaling pathways in pregnant human uterine smooth muscle cells to understand how strain promotes the transition to labor.
Infection is a major cause of preterm birth, accounting for about 40% of pontaneous preterm deliveries before 32 weeks of gestation. Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 is an enzyme that is produced in response to infection that is elevated in women experiencing preterm birth. We showed that this enzyme promotes contraction in uterine tissues, while its inhibition decreases contractile responses and delays delivery.
We developed the first bioengineered tissue model of pregnant human uterine smooth muscle and we are working tor refine this model for use in mechanistic studies and preclinical testing of potential new therapeutics.
Teaching Experience
- Director, MED 633 Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems I (2024-present)
- Director, MED 640 Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems II (2015-2018)
- Director, PHAR 770 Reproductive Pharmacology (2013-present)
- Instructor, MED 633 Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems I (2020 present)
- Instructor, MED 640 Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems II (2013-present)
- Instructor, PAS 620 Basic Science in Clinical Medicine (2024-present)
- Instructor, CMPP 794 Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Journal Club (2012-present)
- Instructor, PHAR 725 Ethics in Scientific Research (2013-2023)
- Instructor, PHAR 710 Molecular Pharmacology (2011-present)
- Instructor, PCB 711 Systems Physiology (2025-present)
- Facilitator, PHAR 692 Problems in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Facilitator, Clinical Problem Solving (MED 631, 632, 633, 634, and 635)
Leadership
- Director, UNR Med Pharmacology Curriculum Content (2023-2026)
- Leadership Team, Group on Women in Medicine and Science (2023-present)
Education
- B.A., Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Ph.D., Animal Sciences (Reproductive Biology), University of Illinois, Urbana