Miss Natasha Cavell

Throughout my undergraduate studies and MPhil degree, I have developed a keen interest in developmental biology and fetal and placental physiology with a particular focus on the translation of basic science to clinically relevant applications for the treatment of human disease.

My PhD project lies at the intersection between physiology and epigenetics, allowing me to explore fundamental questions in the field of reproductive biology from a genetics perspective. A large body of evidence shows that imprinting genes regulate prenatal resource acquisition to the growing fetus by modulating placenta growth, development and function. However, more recent evidence suggests that imprinted genes also play an important role in regulating postnatal growth and development. Igf2, for example has been shown to regulate alveologenesis in mouse mammary gland epithelial cells. In this project, a mammary-gland tissue-specific Igf2 knockout mouse model is used to address the knowledge gaps linking maternal obesogenic diet, placental signalling, lactation performance and imprinted genes. The results of this project will provide critical interdisciplinary scientific insights with the potential to shape policy on diet for pregnant and breastfeeding women to mitigate the impact of obesity on maternal and child health worldwide.