Molecular Mechanisms of Gestational Length Regulation

Dear Colleagues,

Previous preterm birth and cervical length measurement are currently the strongest predictors for a subsequent preterm birth, however nulliparous women with no past obstetrical history continue to remain at a heightened risk. Thus the ability to accurately predict and prevent preterm labor remains one of the most critical challenges facing modern obstetrics. Currently it is clear that progesterone and progesterone receptor action are critical in the maintenance of uterine quiescence. Mechanisms that involve changes in ionic conductance that extend relaxation effects on the uterus have also been found to maintain uterine quiescence during pregnancy. Although largely idiopathic, multiple risk factors have been attributed to cause preterm labor. However to date it remains unclear as to the events that precede and elicit the signals that allow for the onset of preterm uterine contractions and premature labor. As a consequence, although the rates of preterm birth continue to decrease in the US there has been a steady rise in the prevalence of preterm birth globally over the past decade and thereby continues to pose an acute risk for neurodevelopmental and respiratory complications that adversely effect neonatal health. In this issue we will cover trending research advances in the areas of endocrine function, ion channel regulation, exosome and novel paracrine signaling, immunological and inflammatory mediators, mechanical properties of the soft tissues involved in pregnancy and preterm birth and labor as a target of genomic research.

Dr. Jennifer Condon
Guest Editor

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• Hormones
• Ion Channels
• Cervix
• Fetal membranes
• Exosome
• Secretome
• Inflammasome
• Prematurity
• Immune response
• Uterus
• Contraction
• Genomics