Research

Mechanical Behavior of the Murine Cervix

The mouse model has been integral for studying the role of the extracellular matrix in cervical remodeling. The short gestation period and genetic tools have allowed the interrogation of remodeling at distinct gestation time points and the elucidation of the mechanical role of individual ECM components. The Myers lab seeks to characterize the complex hyperviscoelastic mechanical behavior of the cervix in healthy and disease models to discern material failure mechanisms related to preterm cervical remodeling and its contribution to preterm birth. This work is done in collaboration with Mala Mahendroo’s lab at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (website).

Reproductive Tissue Remodeling During Pregnancy Using a Nonhuman Primate Model

We look at the material remodeling during pregnancy using a nonhuman primate model, where we combine optical imaging, mechanical testing, and computational modeling to investigate the evolution of tissue mechanical properties. This work is done in collaboration with Timothy J. Hall, Ivan Rosado-Mendez at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Joy Vink at Hawaii Pacific Health, and Helen Feltovich at Intermountain Healthcare.

Mapping the Human Uterus

The uterus undergoes dramatic cellular and extracellular matrix growth and remodeling throughout the course of pregnancy and in the context of many gynecological diseases. We seek to characterize the multi-scale time-dependent mechanical properties of the uterus in healthy and pathological nonpregnant and pregnant states, utilizing nanoindentation, macro-scale indentation, and tensile testing.

Ultrasound-based Models of Pregnancy

We have developed a novel solid modeling routine to generate parametric solid models of the pregnant abdomen based on maternal ultrasonic data. These models are used in finite element simulations to explore the biomechanical environment of pregnancy. Research thus far has revealed that maternal geometric and material properties of the cervix influence the distribution and magnitude of tissue stretch. We believe this predictive engineering analysis will provide a better understanding of how reproductive tissues are loaded in-vivo, shed light on tissue loading that could lead to preterm delivery, and guide the development of patient-specific therapeutic interventions.