PhD O.J.M. (Olivier) Schäffers

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Life begins as a single cell, which grows and transforms into a fully formed baby. Yet much of what happens during these earliest stages—before birth—remains a mystery. This crucial period shapes lifelong health, but because it unfolds deep within the womb, it is difficult to study. This research aims to illuminate this ‘black box’ by developing models that help us understand how the embryo and placenta form, function, and interact at the earliest stages of life.
The first part of this work focuses on creating embryo models using mouse embryonic stem cells. These models allow us to study key stages of early development, revealing how cells organize, specialize into different tissues, and communicate with each other to shape the early embryo. Understanding these processes is essential for uncovering the causes of developmental disorders and pregnancy complications.
The second part of this research explores the placenta, a vital yet often overlooked organ that nourishes and protects the developing baby. By culturing small placenta-like structures from leftover medical samples, we study how the placenta develops and functions in both healthy and complicated pregnancies. We also investigate how specific placental cells change over time and address the ethical considerations of working with human placental tissue.
By developing these innovative embryo and placenta models, this research provides new insights into the earliest moments of life. In the future, these models could help prevent or treat pregnancy-related complications, improve fertility treatments, and contribute to ensuring that every baby gets the healthiest possible start.