Research Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Genetics

Research

Research

Song lab (Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Genetics) has been focusing on understanding uterine environments for successful embryo implantation, called uterine receptivity, using various knockout mouse models, and various patho-physiologic conditions of obstetrics & gynecology, such as Asherman’s syndrome and preterm labor.

2. Therapeutic modulation of macrophage polarization to ameliorate pathologic conditions in various uterine disorders such as Asherman’s syndrome and preterm labor

Our lab has been interested in elucidating underlying mechanism of various uterine disorders and providing therapeutic options for these diseases. We established experimentally-induced mouse models of human menstruation, Asherman’s syndrome, and preterm labor in the lab. We demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells, especially perivascular stem cells (PVSCs), and melatonin could polarize pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages toward anti-inflammatory M2 to mitigate pathologic conditions in these models. We are currently investigating underlying mechanisms by which PVSCs and melatonin direct macrophage polarization in mice with these disorders. In addition, we are interested in developing various delivery systems specifically targeting macrophages to modulate their polarity in vitro and in vivo.

Perivascular stem cell-derived cyclophilin A improves uterine environment with Asherman’s syndrome via HIF1α-dependent angiogenesis. Molecular Therapy (2020) 5,28(8) : 1818-183
Intrauterine infusion of human platelet-rich plasma improves endometrial regeneration and pregnancy outcomes in a murine model of Asherman syndrome. Frontiers in Physiology (2020) 11:105
Single cell-derived clonally expanded mesenchymal progenitor cells from somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived pluripotent stem cells ameliorate the endometrial function in the uterus of a murine model with Asherman’s syndrome. Cell proliferation (2019) 52(3):e12597
Administration of melatonin for prevention of preterm birth and fetal brain injury associated with premature birth in a mouse model. Am J Reprod Immunol (2019) 82(3):e13151