RESEARCH
Unlocking the Mysteries of Pregnancy
The focus of our laboratory is to understand the mechanisms responsible for the onset of labour. We are investigating whether the change in the myometrium from a dormant state to the contractile state that occurs during labour is caused by the activation of genes. The lab has shown that both mechanical signals (due to stretching of the myometrium) and endocrine signals are required to activate a cassette of genes called "contractile-associated proteins" (e.g. C×43 and oxytocin receptor) and initiate labour.
UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISMS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ONSET OF LABOUR
To understand the mechanisms responsible for the onset of labour. We are investigating whether the change in the myometrium from a dormant state to the contractile state that occurs during labour is caused by the activation of genes. The lab has shown that both mechanical signals (due to stretching of the myometrium) and endocrine signals are required to activate a cassette of genes called "contractile-associated proteins" (e.g. Cx43 and oxytocin receptor) and initiate labour.
DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE (DOHAD)
The overall objective of our research program is to define gene-environment interactions that underlie the DOHaD with the expectation that such data would ultimately inform the development of intervention strategies to positively impact on the health and well-being of children and adults. Our program integrates both population and murine developmental genetic approaches in our understanding of DOHaD.
DIAGNOSIS OF TRUE PRETERM BIRTH
We are utilizing a genome-wide analysis to predict the onset of human preterm birth, with the eventual aim of developing a diagnostic test for true preterm birth. A major advantage of this development is its improved sensitivity, which allows it to detect subtle dynamic property changes in response to our experimentation.
At a Glance
Dr. Stephen Lye uncovers the unknown elements of pre-term birth
Dr. Lye is a recognized leader in the field of women's and infants' health and holds the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary Chair in Women's and Infants' Health Research, as well as the Canada Research Chair in Improvement in Health and Function
He created a blood test to differentiate women who will deliver babies prematurely from those who won't
He is currently co-leading the Ontario Birth Study, that examines the impact of genetics and a baby's environment inside the womb to understand how these factors lead to major diseases later in life
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