Heather Burkin Lab

Mission

To reduce preterm birth rates by better understanding the complex mechanisms underlying normal uterine contraction and spontaneous preterm labor.

Key areas of focus

  • Focus on the molecular mechanisms that promote uterine contraction and the onset of labor.
  • Investigating the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the regulation of uterine contraction and birth timing.
  • Developing uterine tissue models to facilitate these studies and to test potential new therapeutics.

Lab team

Heather Burkin, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has extensive expertise in the mechanisms that cause preterm labor. With over 10% of pregnancies in the US ending in premature birth, the Burkin Lab is dedicated to understanding spontaneous preterm labor and developing potential new therapies. Identification of new tocolytic drugs would reduce preterm birth rates, reduce perinatal health disparities and improve pregnancy outcomes.

  • Heather Burkin, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
  • Craig Ulrich, Ph.D.: Research Assistant Professor

Notable research findings

  • Discovered that Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2/9) enzymes are elevated in uterine smooth muscle and increase the contractile response in pregnant uterine tissues.
  • Showed that MMP2/9 inhibition decreases the contractile response and delays delivery in mice.
  • Used proteomics technology to characterize global mechanical strain-activated signaling pathways in pregnant human uterine smooth muscle cells.
Research Publications

Equipment, technology and techniques

  • Aspect Biosciences RX1TM Bioprinter

Active grants and research projects

  1. MMP9 Modulation of Uterine Contraction and Birth Timing Diversity Supplement for Lauren Parker.
    • Award: R01 HD100624
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH)
  2. MMP9 Modulation of Uterine Contraction and Birth Timing.
    • Award: R01 HD100624
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH)
  3. Selective Targeting of Matrix Metalloproteinases for Developing Preterm Labor Therapeutics.
    • Award: R21 HD109743
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH)