Dr Saije Endacott
Research Associate
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
- Email:saije.morosin@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:4042 0376
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Saije Endacott (nee Morosin) is a Research Associate in the Mothers and Babies Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Dr Endacott was awarded her PhD in Medical Biochemistry in February 2021. Her doctoral research involved the role of the Renin Angiotensin System in pregnancy and reproductive health. More specifically, she looked at the role of the (pro)renin receptor in placentation and in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Recently, Dr Endacott has been working with the Gomeroi Gaaynggal Study- A longitudinal cohort study that follows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Australian mothers and babies from pregnancy through to early childhood (https://www.gomeroibabies.org.au). Dr Endacott developed and currently manages the Gomeroi Gaaynggal Study’s ethics and safety applications and the study website. Having worked with the study for a significant amount of time Dr Endacott has experience in engaging with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Australian community, presenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research, reporting to partner organisations, and managing large data sets.
Dr Endacott was recently awarded a 2023 Hunter Medical Research Institute Research Fellowship to continue her work with the Gomeroi Gaaynggal Study.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- (pro)renin receptor
- Indigenous Health
- Placenta
- Pregnancy
- Renin Angiotensin System
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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450414 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies health and wellbeing | 50 |
321503 | Reproduction | 50 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Research Associate | University of Newcastle School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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3/11/2020 - | Research Associate | The University of Newcastle School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Pringle KG, Lumbers ER, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, 'The role of angiotensins in the pathophysiology of human pregnancy', Angiotensin: From the Kidney to Coronavirus 179-211 (2023) A successful pregnancy outcome in humans requires the activation of the maternal circulating, intrarenal, and intrauterine renin¿angiotensin systems (RASs). To protect both the mo... [more] A successful pregnancy outcome in humans requires the activation of the maternal circulating, intrarenal, and intrauterine renin¿angiotensin systems (RASs). To protect both the mother and the baby and ensure a successful outcome, activation of these RASs must be carefully regulated throughout gestation, and the balance between the various opposing pathways of the RASs must be precisely maintained. This chapter describes the physiological activation and actions of these RASs in normal pregnancy. The common pregnancy complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes, in which there is known dysregulation of the various RASs and an imbalance in the various RAS pathways, are also discussed.
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Journal article (9 outputs)
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2023 |
Schofield LG, Kahl RGS, Rodrigues SL, Fisher JJ, Endacott SK, Delforce SJ, et al., 'Placental deficiency of the (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) reduces placental development and functional capacity.', Front Cell Dev Biol, 11 1212898 (2023) [C1]
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2022 |
Tamanna S, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, van Helden DF, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) enzymes and placental trophoblast syncytialisation', MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY, 547 (2022) [C1]
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2021 |
Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Corbisier de Meaultsart C, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'FURIN and placental syncytialisation: a cautionary tale', CELL DEATH & DISEASE, 12 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Morosin SK, Lochrin AJ, Delforce SJ, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'The (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) and soluble (pro)renin receptor (s(P)RR) in pregnancy', Placenta, 116 43-50 (2021) [C1] The (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a multi-functional protein that can be proteolytically cleaved and released in a soluble form (s(P)RR). Recently, the (P)RR and s(P)RR have beco... [more] The (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a multi-functional protein that can be proteolytically cleaved and released in a soluble form (s(P)RR). Recently, the (P)RR and s(P)RR have become of interest in pregnancy and its associated pathologies. This is because the (P)RR not only activates tissue renin angiotensin systems, but it is also an integral component of vacuolar-ATPase, activates the wingless/integrated (Wnt)/ß-catenin and extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2/mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways, and stabilises the ß subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Additionally, s(P)RR is detected in plasma and urine, and maternal plasma levels are elevated in pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Therefore, s(P)RR has potential as a biomarker for these pregnancy pathologies. Preliminary functional findings suggest that s(P)RR may be important for regulating fluid balance, inflammation and blood pressure, all of which contribute to a successful pregnancy. The (P)RR and s(P)RR regulate pathways that are known to be important in maintaining pregnancy, however their role in the physiological context of pregnancy is poorly characterised. This review summarises the known and potential functions of the (P)RR and s(P)RR in pregnancy, and how their dysregulation may contribute to pregnancy complications. It also highlights the need for further research into the source and function of s(P)RR in pregnancy. Soluble (P)RR levels could be indicative of placental, kidney or liver dysfunction and therefore be a novel clinical biomarker, or therapeutic target, to improve the detection and treatment of pregnancy pathologies.
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2021 |
Tamanna S, Lumbers ER, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Pringle KG, 'ACE2: A key modulator of the renin-angiotensin system and pregnancy', American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 321 R833-R843 (2021) [C1] Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a membrane-bound protein containing 805 amino acids. ACE2 shows approximately 42% sequence similarity to somatic ACE but has different bi... [more] Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a membrane-bound protein containing 805 amino acids. ACE2 shows approximately 42% sequence similarity to somatic ACE but has different biochemical activities. The key role of ACE2 is to catalyze the vasoconstrictor peptide angiotensin (ANG) II to Ang-(1-7), thus regulating the two major counterbalancing pathways of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In this way, ACE2 plays a protective role in end-organ damage by protecting tissues from the proinflammatory actions of ANG II. The circulating RAS is activated in normal pregnancy and is essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure. Renin-angiotensin systems are also found in the conceptus. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation and function of circulating and uteroplacental ACE2 in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies, including those affected by preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Since ACE2 is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with more severe disease and increased risk of abnormal pregnancy outcomes, we also discuss the role of ACE2 in mediating some of these adverse consequences. We propose that dysregulation of ACE2 plays a critical role in the development of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and COVID-19-associated pregnancy pathologies and suggest that human recombinant soluble ACE2 could be a novel therapeutic to treat and/or prevent these pregnancy complications.
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2021 |
Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Kahl RGS, de Meaultsart CC, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'The (pro)renin receptor and soluble (pro)renin receptor in choriocarcinoma', Reproduction, 162 375-384 (2021) [C1] This study aimed to determine if the (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) changes the cellular profile of choriocarcinomas from cytotrophoblast cells to terminally syncytialised cells an... [more] This study aimed to determine if the (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) changes the cellular profile of choriocarcinomas from cytotrophoblast cells to terminally syncytialised cells and ascertain whether this impacts the invasive potential of choriocarcinoma cells. Additionally, we aimed to confirm that FURIN and/or site 1 protease (MBTPS1) cleave soluble ATP6AP2 (sATP6AP2) in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells and determine whether sATP6AP2 levels reflect the cellular profile of choriocarcinomas. BeWo choriocarcinoma cells were treated with ATP6AP2 siRNA, FURIN siRNA, DEC-RVKR-CMK (to inhibit FURIN activity), or PF 429242 (to inhibit MBTPS1 activity). Cells were also treated with forskolin, to induce syncytialisation, or vehicle and incubated for 48 h before collection of cells and supernatants. Syncytialisation was assessed by measuring hCG secretion (by ELISA) and E-cadherin protein levels (by immunoblot and immunocytochemistry). Cellular invasion was measured using the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis system and secreted sATP6AP2 levels measured by ELISA. Forskolin successfully induced syncytialisation and significantly increased both BeWo choriocarcinoma cell invasion (P < 0.0001) and sATP6AP2 levels (P= 0.02). Treatment with ATP6AP2 siRNA significantly inhibited syncytialisation (decreased hCG secretion (P= 0.005), the percent of nuclei in syncytia (P= 0.05)), forskolin-induced invasion (P= 0.046), and sATP6AP2 levels (P < 0.0001). FURIN siRNA and DEC-RVKR-CMK significantly decreased sATP6AP2 levels (both P < 0.0001). In conclusion, ATP6AP2 is important for syncytialisation of choriocarcinoma cells and thereby limits choriocarcinoma cell invasion. We postulate that sATP6AP2 could be used as a biomarker measuring the invasive potential of choriocarcinomas. Additionally, we confirmed that FURIN, not MBTPS1, cleaves sATP6AP2 in BeWo cells, but other proteases (inhibited by DEC-RVKR-CMK) may also be involved.
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2020 |
Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'Cleavage of the soluble (pro)renin receptor (sATP6AP2) in the placenta', Placenta, 101 49-56 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'The (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) does not play a role in syncytialisation of term human primary trophoblast cells', Placenta, 97 89-94 (2020) [C1] Introduction: In the placenta, the (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) is localised to the syncytiotrophoblast. ATP6AP2 can activate the placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS), produc... [more] Introduction: In the placenta, the (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) is localised to the syncytiotrophoblast. ATP6AP2 can activate the placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS), producing Angiotensin II (Ang II) which, acting via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), is important for placental development and function. ATP6AP2 can also independently stimulate intracellular signalling pathways known to regulate trophoblast syncytialisation. We proposed that ATP6AP2 plays a role in trophoblast syncytialisation. Methods: Primary trophoblast cells were isolated from human placentae and transfected with an ATP6AP2 siRNA, a negative control siRNA or vehicle and allowed to spontaneously syncytialise. Syncytialisation was determined by secretion of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and by decreased CDH1 (E-cadherin) levels. Expression of RAS mRNAs and proteins were measured by qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Results: Primary trophoblast cells spontaneously syncytialised in culture. Syncytialisation did not affect ATP6AP2 mRNA or protein levels. However, the expression of REN, AGT and AGTR1 mRNAs were increased (P = 0.02, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). ATP6AP2 siRNA had no effect on syncytialisation. Discussion: In primary trophoblasts, syncytialisation was associated with increased expression of the RAS. hCG was increased during syncytialisation and is known to stimulate REN and possibly AGT, however further experiments are needed to confirm that this was the mechanism via which the RAS was activated. Therefore, syncytialisation of primary trophoblasts may involve hCG-induced RAS activation and downstream activation of signalling pathways and growth factors, which can be stimulated via the interaction of Ang II with AGTR1. Nevertheless, it appears that the (pro)renin receptor is not involved.
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2019 |
Delforce SJ, Lumbers ER, Morosin SK, Wang Y, Pringle KG, 'The Angiotensin II type 1 receptor mediates the effects of low oxygen on early placental angiogenesis', Placenta, 75 54-61 (2019) [C1] Introduction: Placental development occurs in a low oxygen environment, which stimulates angiogenesis by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), plasminogen act... [more] Introduction: Placental development occurs in a low oxygen environment, which stimulates angiogenesis by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (SERPINE1) and the angiopoietin-2/-1 ratio (ANGPT2/1). At this time, Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is highly expressed. We postulated that the early gestation placental oxygen milieu, by stimulating the angiotensin (Ang) II/AT1R pathway, increases expression of proliferative/angiogenic factors. Methods: HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured in 1%, 5% or 20% O2 with the AT1R antagonist (losartan) for 48 h. mRNA and protein levels of angiogenic factors were determined by qPCR and ELISA. Angiogenesis and cell viability were assessed by HUVEC tube formation and resazurin assay. Results: Culture in low oxygen (1%) increased angiogenic VEGFA, SERPINE1 and placental growth factor (PGF) mRNA and VEGFA and SERPINE1 protein levels, and reduced anti-angiogenic ANGPT1, endoglin (ENG) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-e15a (sFlt-e15a) mRNA (all P = 0.0001). At 1% oxygen, losartan significantly reduced intracellular VEGFA and SERPINE1 levels and secreted VEGF levels (P = 0.008, 0.0001 and 0.0001). HUVEC tube formation was increased in cells grown in HTR-8/SVneo conditioned medium from 1 to 5% cultures (all P = 0.0001). HUVECs cultured in medium from losartan treated HTR-8/SVneo cells had a reduced number of meshes, branching points and total branching length (P = 0.004, 0.003 and 0.0002). At 1% oxygen, losartan partially inhibited the oxygen-induced increase in cell viability (P = 0.0001). Discussion: Thus, AT1R blockade antagonised the low oxygen induced increase in pro-angiogenic factor expression and cell viability. Our findings highlight a role for an oxygen-sensitive Ang II/AT1R pathway during placentation.
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Show 6 more journal articles |
Conference (6 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2023 |
Morosin SK, Brooker IA, Tollard A, Kahl RGS, Onifade OM, Lumbers ER, et al., 'The Relationship Between Birth Outcomes and Kidney Function in a Cohort of Indigenous Australian Infants', REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES, AUSTRALIA, Brisbane (2023)
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2023 |
Brooker IA, Delforce SJ, Morosin SK, Fisher JJ, Pringle KG, 'The Effect of Placental In Vitro Exposure to Hypoxia/Reoxygenation on the Expression of Placental Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2', REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES, AUSTRALIA, Brisbane (2023)
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2023 |
Tamanna S, Delforce SJ, Morosin SK, Van Helden DF, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, 'Human Placental Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Enzymes and ADAM17 in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies', REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES, AUSTRALIA, Brisbane (2023)
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Show 3 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 6 |
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Total funding | $187,265 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20233 grants / $111,767
2023 Fellowship: Gomeroi Gaaynggal study$104,489
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Doctor Saije Endacott |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300226 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Understanding factors that influence breastfeeding practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on Gomeroi lands$4,958
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Doctor Saije Endacott, Reakeeta Smallwood, Ms Ashley Bullock, Professor Kirsty Pringle, Professor Donna Hartz |
Scheme | Pilot Funding Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300474 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
2023 BOLDE Research Program Grant$2,320
Funding body: College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants
Funding body | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants |
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Project Team | Dr Saije Endacott |
Scheme | BOLDE Research Program Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20221 grants / $9,994
College of Health Medicine and wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant$9,994
Funding body: 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant
Funding body | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
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Project Team | Professor Kirsty Pringle, Dr Saije Endacott, Professor Donna Hartz, Professor Maralyn Foureur |
Scheme | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20212 grants / $65,504
HMRI Researcher Bridging Fund$63,504
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Doctor Saije Endacott |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2100253 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Publication Scheme$2,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Funding body | The University of Newcastle - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy |
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Project Team | Dr Saije Endacott |
Scheme | School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Publication Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2024 | Honours | Development of New Therapeutics for the Treatment of Preeclampsia | Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | Co-Supervisor |
2021 | PhD | The Role of the (Pro)Renin Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia | Biochemistry & Cell Biology, The University of Newcastle - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2022 | Honours | The significance of the renin‐angiotensin system in preparing the uterus for implantation | Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | Honours | The Effect of Placental Exposure to Hypoxia/Reoxygenation on the Placental Renin‐ Angiotensin System as a model of Fetal Growth Restriction | Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | Co-Supervisor |
2021 | Honours | The soluble (pro)renin receptor in a cohort of women carrying Indigenous Australian infants | Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Saije Endacott
Position
Research Associate
Mothers and Babies Research Centre
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
saije.morosin@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | 4042 0376 |
Office
Room | Level 3 East, mothers and babies research centre |
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Building | The Hunter Medical Research Institute, Level 3 East. |
Location | The Hunter Medical Research Institute , |