معرفی
Dr. Karen Forbes serves as Associate Professor of Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds. Her research investigates maternal environmental factors—particularly diet, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles—in pregnancies complicated by diabetes, aiming to elucidate mechanisms of placental/fetal dysfunction and develop novel therapeutics.
Education:
- PhD in Molecular Biochemistry, University of Strathclyde (2005)
- BSc (Hons) in Immunology & Pharmacology, University of Strathclyde (2001)
Research Focus: Her work centers on reproductive biology and endocrinology, with emphasis on placental biology, fetal growth, and developmental origins of health and disease. Key projects explore maternal diabetes impacts on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, placental vasculature, and miRNA-mediated pathways, often in collaboration with Cambridge, Imperial, and international institutions.
Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) demonstrate intensive focus on extracellular vesicles, miRNA biomarkers, and placental transcriptomics in diabetic pregnancies. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms (e.g., galectin profiles, glucose fluctuations) with clinical outcomes, revealing therapeutic targets for fetal overgrowth and placental dysfunction.
Advising & Funding:
- Students: Mentored 29 PhD/MSc students including current researchers Georgia Fakonti, Amanda Leow, Maximilian Lester, and Harriet Todd
- Grants: Supported by MRC, BHF, Wellbeing of Women, JDRF, Bioscientifica Trust, and Tommy's
Research Environment: Leads the Leeds Pregnancy Research Group within the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine. Her team actively engages public audiences through Pint of Science, SoapboxScience, and Letters to a Pre-Scientist initiatives.
