معرفی
Jen Southcombe is a Researcher in Reproductive Science and Principal Investigator at the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford. She joined the department in 2007 to work on Immunology in Pre-eclampsia with Professors Ian Sargent and Chris Redman.
Her educational background includes:
- Undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds
- DPhil at the University of Oxford (Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine) working with Professors Xiaoning Xu and Gavin Screaton
Jen Southcombe's research focuses on immunity in the female reproductive tract, with specific emphasis on understanding immunological events that lead to the establishment of pregnancy. The endometrium is a highly dynamic mucosal tissue where immune cells not only provide host responses against pathogens but are essential for embryo implantation, placentation and pregnancy success. Her work also extends to endometriosis and adenomyosis, seeking to understand the mechanisms behind infertility and pain in these patients. Key research areas include:
- Immune cell responses in women with endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Endometrial immune cells and their role in recurrent pregnancy loss
- The PIP Study (Pre-IVF Immune Profiling Study)
- Extracellular Vesicles in reproductive health
Analysis of her recent publications shows a strong trend toward understanding the immunological basis of reproductive disorders, particularly focusing on endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and the role of extracellular vesicles in reproductive health. Her work combines advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry to investigate transcriptomic and phenotypic changes in immune cells.
Scientific contributions include:
- Research on the genetic architecture of miscarriage
- Studies on endometrial CD8 tissue resident memory T cells in recurrent miscarriage
- Investigations into how seminal fluid extracellular vesicles enhance endometrial stromal cell decidualization
- Analysis of placental debris and its role in pre-eclampsia
Jen Southcombe actively mentors students and researchers, currently supervising several DPhil and MRes students. Her research group includes Abigail Blatchford (2nd Year DPhil Student), Luba Maslej (1st Year MRes Student), Maeve Janecka (1st Year DPhil Student), and Iona Glidden (1st Year DPhil Student). Former group members include Dr Helena Rodriguez-Caro, Dr Mengni Shen, Dr Ana Kisovar, Dr Zhixing Jin, Dr Yifan Wang, and Gia Han Le.
Her laboratory focuses on understanding the immune cellular landscape of the peri-implantation endometrium in conditions such as Recurrent Implantation Failure, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, and subfertility. The group is particularly interested in T, B, NK, and NKT cellular proportions and their functional roles in reproductive success.
