Dr Shakil Ahmad

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Preeclampsia, a maternal hypertensive condition, is a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Key proteins of interest in the disorder are vascular endothelial growth factor and its endogenous antagonist, soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1). My research activity has focused on understanding their signaling transduction in endothelial cells and placenta. Previously I identified sFlt-1, which is elevated in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia, as the principal factor responsible for the reduced placental angiogenesis associated with preeclampsia. Ongoing work is aimed at the development of novel in vivo models for preeclampsia and the use of transgenic animals to define how sFlt-1 causes preeclampsia-like condition. Specifically, I am interested in the interaction of these factors with pro-atherogenic chemokines and their role in the disease progression.

Scientific Inspiration

Daniel Hale Williams: Pioneer of open-heart surgery and healthcare equality, his dedication advanced both medical innovation and inclusivity in medicine.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative, student-centred.

Provision of Training

I believe in a hands-on approach to training initially, ensuring students are well-supported as they learn techniques. As their confidence grows, I encourage them to take increasing ownership of their methods, with support from both me and experienced members of the Aston Medical School.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I expect students to take responsibility for their progression, but I maintain an open-door policy to discuss troubleshooting or challenges. I hold regular meetings to review progress and provide feedback, with milestones set on a monthly basis to track their development.

Communication

Communication is key and I am available for discussions during work hours, I encourage students to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We use a collaborative team platform, such as Teams or WhatsApp, for regular updates and informal communication.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once a fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once a week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

In year 3 of PhD Study

At least once a fortnight

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Investigating the Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy Complications

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Investigating the Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy Complications

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Mandeep Kaur Marwah

University of Registration: Aston University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing)

Project Outline

Global production of nano- and microplastics exceeds 300 million tonnes annually, making them widespread environmental contaminants. These plastics are particularly concerning for pregnant women and developing foetuses, as microplastics have been found in up to 95% of placentas. Their presence may impair placental function, increasing the risk of complications such as preeclampsia and miscarriage. Despite these concerns, significant gaps remain in understanding how microplastics interact with the foetal-placental barrier, especially during early pregnancy when recurrent miscarriage is a major issue. Microplastics, ingested or inhaled from the environment, can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease. However, their specific impact on reproductive development is still poorly understood.

Preeclampsia, characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction (often involving the kidneys and liver), is a leading pregnancy complication. Although the exact causes are unknown, oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in its development. Microplastics may pose a significant risk factor for preeclampsia by inducing these processes. Investigating how microplastics impact placental function, oxidative stress, and barrier integrity is essential to understanding their potential role.

We have validated a placental barrier model using a 3D bio-printed membrane system with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), demonstrating a robust barrier over 7–14 days. This model will be used to study the accumulation and permeability of fluorescently labelled microplastics. Additionally, we will assess their impact on cell viability and mitochondrial bioenergetics in HTR-8SV/neo trophoblast cells, as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are linked to preeclampsia. This interdisciplinary project aims to explore how microplastic exposure affects trophoblast function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and placental barrier integrity using advanced in vitro models.

Objectives

Characterise the uptake and distribution of microplastics in placental models and assess their impact on barrier function. Using trophoblast models (e.g., BeWo cells) and a placenta-on-a-chip model, we will expose cells to fluorescently labelled microplastics, tracking uptake via confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. TEER and nutrient transport will assess barrier integrity.

Evaluate the effects of microplastics on oxidative stress and inflammation. We will measure oxidative stress markers (e.g., ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) in placental cells to link exposure to molecular pathways associated with preeclampsia.

Investigate the impact of microplastics on cell viability and mitochondrial function. HTR-8SV/neo cells will be exposed to various microplastic concentrations to assess viability using the MTT assay. Mitochondrial respiration will be evaluated with the Seahorse XFe24 Analyser to determine effects on ATP production and respiration.

Methods

Characterise the uptake and distribution of microplastics in placental models and assess their impact on barrier function. Using trophoblast models (e.g., BeWo cells) and a placenta-on-a-chip, we will expose cells to fluorescently labelled microplastics, tracking uptake with confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. TEER and nutrient transport will assess barrier integrity. Evaluate the effects of microplastics on oxidative stress and inflammation. We will measure oxidative stress markers (e.g., ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) in placental cells to link exposure to pathways associated with preeclampsia. Investigate the impact of microplastics on cell viability and mitochondrial function. HTR-8SV/neo cells will be exposed to different microplastic concentrations to assess viability with the MTT assay. Mitochondrial respiration will be evaluated using the Seahorse XFe24 Analyser to assess effects on ATP production and respiration.

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Keqing Wang.