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The Conversation

Claire Roberts

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Professor and Matthew Flinders Fellow, Flinders University

A number of pathologies of pregnancy, including up to 50% of miscarriages, preeclampsia (hypertension and proteinuria in pregnancy), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labour, unexplained stillbirth and placental abruption are characterised by impaired placental differentiation and function. Together these conditions affect more than one quarter of pregnant women in developed societies. Our laboratory takes a "bench to bedside" approach to discovery and solving clinical problems in pregnancy that have their origins in placental development and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. We undertake basic cellular and molecular experiments to elucidate mechanisms that govern normal and abnormal placental development. We also have a strong focus on identifying genetic, nutritional, lifestyle and clinical factors that associate with pregnancy outcome in the SCOPE, PAPO and STOP pregnancy cohorts. Current projects include prediction of pregnancy complications, the role of micronutrients in placental development and pregnancy success, ZIKA virus infection in pregnancy, fetal sex differences in the human placental transcriptome, miRnome and methylome, that is, genome wide control of gene expression, and long term health in women and their children after pregnancy complications.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Professor and Matthew Flinders Fellow, Flinders University
  • 2020–present
    Adjunct Professor, University of Adelaide

Education

  • 1995 
    University of Adelaide, PhD
  • 1990 
    University of Adelaide, BSc (Hons)
  • 1985 
    Flinders University, BA

Grants and Contracts

  • 2023
    Using complex models of human trophoblast to study placental biology and disease NHMRC Fiona Stanley Synergy Grant
    Role:
    CIB
    Funding Source:
    National Health and Medical Research Council
  • 2020
    The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) in Hypertensive Patients with COVID-19
    Role:
    CIA
    Funding Source:
    FHMRI
  • 2020
    Limiting the impact of underlying respiratory conditions to reduce COVID-19 death rates
    Role:
    CIB
    Funding Source:
    Flinders University
  • 2019
    Pregnancy Health and Beyond
    Role:
    Leadership Fellow
    Funding Source:
    National Health and Medical Research Council
  • 2019
    Targeting micronutrients to tackle pregnancy disorders: an integrated approach
    Role:
    CIA
    Funding Source:
    National Health and Medical Research Council
  • 2019
    Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia
    Role:
    CIB
    Funding Source:
    The Hospital Research Foundation