S4.20 Baby boom: The surprising science of the placenta
Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re exploring the science behind one of the most remarkable but often overlooked organs in the mammalian body: the placenta.
Grown from scratch and then disposed of in a matter of months, the placenta is an essential part of growing a baby, forming the interface between mother and fetus for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients inside the womb. But beyond this functional role, we still know little about what else the placenta might be up to. And, as we’ll see, when we do actually start taking a closer look, there are plenty of genetic surprises in store.
Ros John: Why the placenta is the battleground between mum and dad
To find out more about the wonders of the placenta, I caught up with an old colleague, Professor Ros John. Ros’s research focuses on understanding maternal mental health, imprinted genes and the role of the placenta during pregnancy and even beyond. Click here to learn more about what the placenta is and what it does.
Sam Behjati: The placenta is a genetic dumpster fire
The pattern of genetic alterations in the placenta is different to any other human organ and resembles that of a tumour, harbouring many of the same genetic mutations found in childhood cancers. And as Sam Behjati, a group leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, recently discovered with his collaborators Professors Steve Charnock-Jones and Gordon Smith, it’s a an absolute genetic dumpster fire in there. Click here to hear from Sam about how this was a finding that he actually never set out to make.
That’s all for now. Thanks to my guests, Ros John and Sam Behjati. And if you’re interested in learning more about mutations and cancer, the extent of mutations in normal, healthy bodies, and the risks of cancer in different animal species then check out my recent book, Rebel Cell: Cancer, evolution and the science of life, available in paperback, ebook and audiobook from all good - and all evil - bookshops
We’ll be back next time taking a look at some of the wildest and weirdest news stories from the world of genetics to come out this year.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
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