News

Loke CTR awarded Bronze LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) Accreditation

11 February 2025

Loke CTR is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Bronze LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) Accreditation, recognising our commitment to improving sustainability and efficiency in lab operations. LEAF, developed by University College London (UCL), provides a structured framework to help...

Ectopic expression of DNMT3L in human trophoblast stem cells restores features of the placental methylome

New paper highlights stem cell and developmental biology findings

28 January 2025

Congratulations to Loke CTR members, who published a new paper recently in Cell Stem Cell, highlighting various findings that are significant for both stem cell and developmental biology. The paper, ‘ Ectopic expression of DNMT3L in human trophoblast stem cells restores features of the placental methylome ’, demonstrates...

Launch of new eBook ‘Reproduction in a Changing World’

17 January 2025

A brand new e-book has launched this week ‘Reproduction in a Changing World’. A collaboration between Loke CTR PI Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri, with the Society for Reproduction and Fertility, along with other leading researchers and clinical doctors, this e-book creatively illustrates the latest scientific evidence in the field...

Image provided by Dr. Aleksandra Tsolova & Dr. Myriam Hemberger

Study led by Professor Steve Charnock-Jones and Loke CTR Collaborators Uncovers Key Regulators of Placental Development

9 January 2025

Professor Steve Charnock-Jones and Loke CTR collaborators have published their new work: " Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils CXADR as a critical regulator of the placental exchange surface " this week in Nature Communications. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse trophoblast stem cells they identify Nicol1 as a...

Ashley Moffett awarded CMG: Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 2025 New Year Honours

7 January 2025

The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research is thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Loke CTR PI Professor Ashley Moffett for her award in the New Year Honours 2025 list for services to Women’s Reproductive Health and to Clinical Research and Practice in Africa. As part of the Overseas and International List...

Anna Cochrane selected for the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar

29 October 2024

Congratulations to Anna Cochrane, a Loke CTR affiliate member and PhD student in the lab of Professor Dino Giussani , who has been selected to represent the University of Cambridge at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar this year. Anna's selection is based on the quality of her ongoing PhD work, academic...

Marmoset trophoblast stem cells model shallow embryo implantation

25 September 2024

Loke CTR scientists have developed a pioneering method to culture marmoset placental cells in the lab, offering new insights into embryo implantation, in research published online this week in Cell Stem Cell . Unlike human embryos, which implant deeply into the uterus, marmoset embryos undergo a much shallower implantation...

Centre for Trophoblast Research named in honour of Professor Charlie Y.W. Loke

6 September 2024

Centre for Trophoblast Research named in honour of Professor Charlie Y.W. Loke family_visit_2.jpg Amanda Louise Kwai-Lin Loke and Charlie Yung Wai Loke (King’s, 1953) The Loke Family are longstanding supporters of placental research at the University of Cambridge. In recognition of the invaluable support from the Loke...

Mother’s gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby’s brain development

21 August 2024

A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother’s gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus. R esearchers have compared the development of the fetal brain in mice whose mothers had no bacteria in their gut, to those whose mothers were given Bifidobacterium breve...

In Memoriam: Professor Chris Redman

15 August 2024

chris_redman.jpg It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Chris Redman, a pioneering figure in the study of pre-eclampsia and an honorary member of the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research . Professor Redman was a leading clinician-scientist whose groundbreaking work significantly advanced our...