Mauritius, Biologie

I am deeply grateful to have been awarded the Eirene – für eine gemeinsame Zukunft Scholarship by the DAAD-Stiftung which specifically promotes research undertaken by female scientists and academics. As a female scientist, it is a great honour to be recognized with this award, especially since my research is dedicated to maternal and child health. This award has allowed me to pursue more advanced molecular biology assays which were necessary for my PhD work but which proved difficult for me to undertake in Mauritius.

In November 2024, I arrived in Erlangen, Bavaria, as a visiting research student in the research laboratory of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Regine Schneider-Stock at the Universitäts-klinikum Erlangen. My research primarily focusses on investigating the effects of heightened stress levels during the perinatal period on both maternal health and foetal development. In Mauritius, as part of my PhD research work, we conducted longitudinal studies with expectant mothers, gathering data on their perceived stress levels and pregnancy outcomes.

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At the Pathology Department

Our results to date revealed that mothers with elevated perceived stress often experienced shorter gestational periods. The data from our longitudinal study, along with findings from international research, has established a foundation for further investigation into how increased stress levels affect specific molecular developmental processes, particularly placental angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels in the placenta, and neural tube development.

Since it is not possible to do these investigations in human, we employed the chick embryo as a vertebrate model for the molecular biology studies. The chick embryo is recognized as an animal model of choice for its rapid development and physical isolation, alongside the chorio-allantoic membrane, which is highly vascularized.

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In the lab of University Clinic Erlangen

In the laboratory in Erlangen, we studied the influence of corticosterone, a biomarker of stress, on embryonic development, with a particular focus on its effects on chick neural tube formation during the early developmental phases and its role in angiogenesis within the chorio-allantoic membrane. We conducted RT-qPCR analysis to assess specific genes linked to the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, which is crucial for neural tube closure and the proliferation of neural crest cells. Our RT-qPCR results indicated that increased levels of corticosterone significantly interfere with the Sonic Hedgehog BT signaling pathway, implying a possible connection to delays observed in neural tube closure.

Additionally, we evaluated hypoxia levels during the early stages of embryogenesis using RT-qPCR, and our results demonstrated that corticosterone elevates the relative expression of hypoxia factor mRNA. We further investigated the effects of varying concentrations of corticosterone, both low and high, on the vascular development of the chorio-allantoic membrane. Image analysis of the treated chorio-allantoic membranes revealed that corticosterone exerts an anti-angiogenic effect, hindering proper vascular development.

The findings from my research conducted in Germany are encouraging, highlighting the substantial impact of increased corticosterone levels, a recognized stress indicator, on developmental processes. These findings will enable us to better formulate suitable recommendations designed to assist expectant mothers in managing stress and achieving a healthy pregnancy.

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River Regnitz, Bamberg in winter time

In addition to my laboratory research, my role as a visiting research student at the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen has allowed me to engage strongly in teamwork, in group discussions and seminars. Given that the laboratory focuses primarily on tumour pathology, the valuable interactions with colleagues have significantly expanded my scientific perspective and generated ideas about how there could be clinical applications to the work which I have undertaken. Indeed, I have found the seminar discussions to be instrumental in advancing our research efforts.

My time in Germany has been nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by a blend of unforgettable experiences both personal and professional, along with the challenges presented by the local climate. The shift from a tropical environment to winter temperatures proved to be particularly daunting during my initial weeks. Nevertheless, like many others who have faced this transition, I gradually adapted to the new conditions. One of the most striking moments during my stay was the rich cultural experience of witnessing snow for the first time, an event that filled me with a profound sense of wonder and excitement.

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At the Botanical Garden

Additionally, a significant highlight of my time in Germany was my visit to the Christmas market, where I indulged in a variety of delectable hot foods such as currywurst as well as in the comforting warmth of mulled wine. The atmosphere was vibrant and festive, enhancing the overall experience.

Erlangen, as a prominent university town, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and culinary experiences that I found to be thoroughly enjoyable to explore. The variety of dining options reflects the town's vibrant student population and cultural diversity, making each meal an opportunity for discovery.

Another aspect of Bavaria that I particularly cherished was my leisurely Sunday strolls, which allowed me to contemplate the cultural significance of Sunday as a day reserved for rest and relaxation. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of visiting the botanical garden located near Schlossplatz Erlangen. This garden, with its lush tropical trees and vibrant flowers, evoked memories of Mauritius. As a biologist, I felt awed at the natural beauty of these gardens and the unique species I discovered.

Additionally, I ventured to the nearby city of Bamberg, renowned for its stunning architecture and the picturesque banks of the River Regnitz. This excursion further enriched my experience in Germany, allowing me to immerse myself in the historical and aesthetic beauty of the region.

The scientific knowledge and understanding I gained under the scholarship of Dr Regine, along with the multicultural connections I have established with fellow researchers and friends throughout my experience in Germany, will forever be cherished. These relationships and insights have significantly enriched my academic journey. At present, I am actively engaged in the preparation of my PhD thesis, which will be included in the research findings I gathered during my time in Germany.

Acknowledgement: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Regine Schneider-Stock and her working team at the Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, for their generous hospitality and professional scientific help throughout my time in Germany.