Dr Freddy Wong

Implantation of the early developing embryo onto the receptive endometrial surface initiates the formation of the maternal-fetal interface (MFI). This MFI plays a crucial role in the development of the embryo at later stages by supplementation of vital nutrients and oxygen. During every menstrual cycle, the endometrial functionalis layer of the uterus undergoes successive menses, proliferative and secretory phases. After menstruation, residual cells in the basal layer undergo proliferation and organisation to regenerate the endometrium. The progenitors harbouring the regenerative capacity of the endometrium is unclear. This is further complicated by the lack of an in vitro model that faithfully recapitulates the endometrial structure. My research project aims to investigate the progenitors and its regenerative capacity that drive endometrial regeneration. In so doing I will be developing novel in vitro models that better recapitulate the tissue architecture of the endometrium. By combining genetic manipulations with single-cell / spatial transcriptomic read-out, the findings will further our understanding of the self-organising properties of the endometrium. Furthermore, this project may provide potential insights into the cellular origin of diseases such as endometriosis.