Work

Reproductive Benefits Conferred by Genetically Foreign Cells that Persist in Mothers and Offspring

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Our genetic makeup is equally inherited from our mother and father through classical Mendelian genetics.However, each individual is constitutively chimeric, containing genetically foreign cells vertically transferred from their mothers during in utero development.These rare maternal microchimeric maternal cells have been identified to persist many years after birth and across a wide range of tissues demonstrating remarkable immune tolerance to our mothers persists in us long after we are born.Reciprocally during pregnancy, mothers also receive a transfer of fetal cells that persist after parturition.We have shown that transfer of these genetically foreign cells during gestation is not accidental, but instead these cells are intentionally retained to promote reproductive fitness in subsequent pregnancies.Herein, we will explore the teleological and immunological implications of the long-term retention these genetically foreign cells.iii I could not have made it this far without great mentorship.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Sing Sing Way.Your critical feedback, patience and scientific drive have shaped who I am as a scientist and as an individual.Over the last few years, I have also gained valuable insight observing how you balance a successful scientific career while also maintaining a fulfilling family life.Without your support and guidance, I would not have been able to achieve what I have done so far and what I will do in the future.Before I started my PhD career, Dr. Heather Bruns was another mentor that helped me develop critical scientific skills during my undergraduate and master's training.There are many intangible skills I have learned from you that I will carry with me throughout my career.These include continuous scientific innovation and organization while maintaining a strong commitment to your family life.Over the last 7 years I have valued not only your scientific mentorship but also your friendship.

Source: OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network)

Author: Jeremy M. Kinder

Institution: University of Cincinnati

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Awards: The Immune Pathogenesis of Prenatal Listeria monocytogenes Infection, Regulatory T cells dictate immunity during persistent Salmonella infection