The expression and function of stress proteins in uterine smooth muscle during pregnancy

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The uterus is a female organ that houses the developing fetus during pregnancy. This organ contains a smooth muscle component named the myometrium and during pregnancy it goes through a program of differentiation and adaptation at the molecular and cellular level. In parallel with this myometrial programming, the myometrium and other tissues also undergo transformation of immune system components. The consequence of both of these processes is the production of uterine tissue that can generate coordinated and powerful contractions (labour) to ensure the timely delivery of a term fetus whose organs are sufficiently mature for survival outside the uterus. Unfortunately, we still do not clearly understand what controls myometrial programming and immune transformation as well as their coordination during pregnancy. Small stress or heat shock B family (HSPB) proteins have important housekeeping roles in cells, but can regulate smooth muscle relaxation and contraction. Importantly, HSPB family members are also defenders of immunological balance or homeostasis. This program will determine for the first time whether or not HSPB proteins can modulate immunological activation within the myometrium. Furthermore, we will also investigate the expression and regulation of HSPA1A or HSP70, a partner for HSPB signaling, in the myometrium. Lastly, we will determine for the first time whether or not these stress proteins are released from myometrium, for communication purposes, within small packages called exosomes. The research will utilize molecular and cell biological tools and procedures, as well as rat experimental models to achieve the research objectives. Trainees will acquire key competencies such as independent research, collaboration, project management, communication, and critical thinking skills that are highly valuable for successful career paths in academia, biotechnology, industrial or interdisciplinary research-related activities. Overall, this research program will create a greater fundamental understanding of how stress proteins contribute to uterine smooth muscle function during pregnancy.