Physician–scientists in NYU Langone’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology conduct translational laboratory research in a number of areas, including amniotic fluid stem cells and gynecologic oncology.

Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells

Bruce K. Young, MD, conducts translational research on amniotic fluid stem cells. His research has led him to propose using these cells therapeutically, including in stem cell transplantation, because they are multipotent and can be retrieved without raising ethical concerns. Evaluating the effects of pharmacological agents on amniotic stem cells in culture before introducing them to pregnant patients in the clinic may also be possible, according to one of his studies. A current investigation is evaluating the pluripotency of amniotic stem cells.

In collaboration with researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Young is studying the use of amniotic stem cells to improve the healing of skin grafts. He is also preparing a clinical trial using amniotic stem cells in treating end-stage lung failure with the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Young and his team are also investigating the differences in genetic markers of survival in trisomy disorders in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, in addition to the effect of dexamethasone on trisomy in amniotic fluid stem cells. Dexamethasone may enhance brain development in cases of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), which could lead to treatments for these conditions in utero.

Gynecologic Oncology

The Gynecology Research Lab lies within the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Under the leadership of Kari E. Hacker, MD, PhD, the lab conducts basic and translational research to better understand ovarian and uterine cancers and improve treatments for them, with a focus on early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer, precision oncology to better tailor treatments, and rare tumors.