Overview
Background
Dr Cuffe is a systems physiologist focused on understanding the complex changes to maternal physiology that occur during pregnancy and the impact of pregnancy dysfunction of programmed cardiovascular, metabolic and renal disease in offspring. Dr Cuffe has a particular focus on understanding the role of the placenta and its hormones in mediating both maternal and offspring disease. He is most recognised for his research investigating how maternal stress, thyroid dysfunction, hypoxia or altered nutrition affect placental development and program disease in the mother after pregnancy as well as her offspring. Dr Cuffe has an exceptional track record and is excited to take new honours and PhD students into his research laboratory.
Availability
- Dr James Cuffe is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Placental regulation of pregnancy disorders
The placenta modulates almost every aspect of human physiology during pregnancy and it is the least understood of all human organs. It is known that placental dysfunction contributes to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction and yet the mechanisms responsible are largely unknown. Much of my work focuses on understanding what goes wrong in the placenta to cause such poor outcomes in pregnancy.
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Understanding the impact of thyroid disorders on pregnancy outcomes
Given that thyroid disorders impact 1 in 20 women, it is essential to understand the links between these disorders and poor outcomes in pregnancy. In particular, I want to understand how targeting novel factors may ensure a healthy start to life for babies born to women with a thyroid disorder
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Effects of maternal adversity on offspring physiology
I am interested in understanding how stress, hypoxia or other causes of adversity during pregnancy can impair placental function and induce fetal growth restriction. Given that fetal growth restriction is associated with a range of adult onset diseases, I explore the link between these maternal factors and offspring cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological and renal dysfunction.
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Understanding the role of poorly understood nutrients in pregnancy health and fetal development
We must obtain a large number of micronutrients in our diet to ensure optimal health. The requirements for many of these micronutrients increase in pregnancy as the placenta actively transports these nutrients to the baby where they are required for essential biological processes or to provide the building blocks of life. This can mean that micronutrient deficiencies can become problematic at a time that the human body is undergoing the most significant changes to its physiology that occur during its lifetime. My research focuses on understand the key biological roles of such micronutrients in pregnancy which may better inform nutrient requirements to ensure a healthy pregnancy. I am currently most interested in understanding the roles of selenium and vitamin B12 in pregnancy in relation to poor pregnancy outcomes and long term disease in offspring.
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Understanding the impact of metformin on placental formation
Metformin is frontline medication used for management of endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome. Furthermore, it is one of only two treatments used to manage gestational diabetes. Metformin is known to induce its effects by impacting multiple pathways however, how it impacts maternal and fetal physiology in pregnancy is largely unknown. I am currently looking at how metformin impacts placental development and if some of the benefits of this drug are due to changes in placental function.
Works
Search Professor James Cuffe’s works on UQ eSpace
2021
Journal Article
Sex-specific differences in lysine, 3-hydroxybutyric acid and acetic acid in offspring exposed to maternal and postnatal high linoleic acid diet, independent of diet
Shrestha, Nirajan, Melvin, Steven D., McKeating, Daniel R., Holland, Olivia J., Cuffe, James S. M., Perkins, Anthony V., McAinch, Andrew J. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2021). Sex-specific differences in lysine, 3-hydroxybutyric acid and acetic acid in offspring exposed to maternal and postnatal high linoleic acid diet, independent of diet. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (19) 10223, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/ijms221910223
2021
Journal Article
Analysis of mitochondrial regulatory transcripts in publicly available datasets with validation in placentae from pre-term, post-term and fetal growth restriction pregnancies
Bartho, Lucy A., O’Callaghan, Jessica L., Fisher, Joshua J., Cuffe, James S.M., Kaitu'u-Lino, Tu'uhevaha J., Hannan, Natalie J., Clifton, Vicki L. and Perkins, Anthony V. (2021). Analysis of mitochondrial regulatory transcripts in publicly available datasets with validation in placentae from pre-term, post-term and fetal growth restriction pregnancies. Placenta, 112, 162-171. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.303
2021
Journal Article
Let’s talk about placental sex, baby: understanding mechanisms that drive female- and male-specific fetal growth and developmental outcomes
Meakin, Ashley S., Cuffe, James S. M., Darby, Jack R. T., Morrison, Janna L. and Clifton, Vicki L. (2021). Let’s talk about placental sex, baby: understanding mechanisms that drive female- and male-specific fetal growth and developmental outcomes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (12) 6386, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/ijms22126386
2021
Journal Article
The placental ferroxidase zyklopen is not essential for iron transport to the fetus in mice
Helman, Sheridan L., Wilkins, Sarah J., McKeating, Daniel R., Perkins, Anthony V., Whibley, Page E., Cuffe, James S. M., Simmons, David G., Fuqua, Brie K., Vulpe, Christopher D., Wallace, Daniel F., O'Callaghan, Jessica L., Pelzer, Elise S., Anderson, Gregory J. and Frazer, David M. (2021). The placental ferroxidase zyklopen is not essential for iron transport to the fetus in mice. The Journal of Nutrition, 151 (9), 1-10. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab174
2021
Journal Article
Is the link between elevated TSH and gestational diabetes mellitus dependant on diagnostic criteria and thyroid antibody status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kent, Nykola L., Young, Sophia L., Akison, Lisa K. and Cuffe, James S. M. (2021). Is the link between elevated TSH and gestational diabetes mellitus dependant on diagnostic criteria and thyroid antibody status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine, 74 (1), 38-49. doi: 10.1007/s12020-021-02733-x
2021
Journal Article
Maternal diet high in linoleic acid alters offspring fatty acids and cardiovascular function in a rat model
Shrestha, Nirajan, Sleep, Simone, Helman, Tessa, Holland, Olivia, Cuffe, James S. M., Perkins, Anthony, McAinch, Andrew J., Headrick, John P. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2021). Maternal diet high in linoleic acid alters offspring fatty acids and cardiovascular function in a rat model. British Journal of Nutrition, 127 (4) PII S0007114521001276, 540-553. doi: 10.1017/S0007114521001276
2021
Journal Article
Maternal and postnatal high linoleic acid diet impacts lipid metabolism in adult rat offspring in a sex-specific manner
Shrestha, Nirajan, Vidimce, Josif, Holland, Olivia J., Cuffe, James S. M., Beck, Belinda R., Perkins, Anthony V., McAinch, Andrew J. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2021). Maternal and postnatal high linoleic acid diet impacts lipid metabolism in adult rat offspring in a sex-specific manner. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (6) 2946, 1-23. doi: 10.3390/ijms22062946
2021
Journal Article
Maternal selenium deficiency in mice promotes sex‐specific changes to urine flow and renal expression of mitochondrial proteins in adult offspring
Neal, Elliott S., Hofstee, Pierre, Askew, Montana R., Kent, Nykola L., Bartho, Lucy A., Perkins, Anthony V. and Cuffe, James S. M. (2021). Maternal selenium deficiency in mice promotes sex‐specific changes to urine flow and renal expression of mitochondrial proteins in adult offspring. Physiological Reports, 9 (6) e14785, 1-14. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14785
2021
Journal Article
Low serum selenium in pregnancy is associated with reduced T3 and increased risk of GDM
Hofstee, Pierre, James-McAlpine, Janelle, McKeating, Daniel R., Vanderlelie, Jessica J., Cuffe, James S.M. and Perkins, Anthony V. (2021). Low serum selenium in pregnancy is associated with reduced T3 and increased risk of GDM. Journal of Endocrinology, 248 (1), 45-57. doi: 10.1530/JOE-20-0319
2020
Journal Article
The effect of high maternal linoleic acid on endocannabinoid signalling in rodent hearts
Sleep, Simone L., Shrestha, Nirajan, Cuffe, James S. M., Holland, Olivia J., Headrick, John P., McAinch, Andrew J. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2020). The effect of high maternal linoleic acid on endocannabinoid signalling in rodent hearts. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 11 (6), 617-622. doi: 10.1017/s2040174419000813
2020
Journal Article
Mitochondrial transformations in the aging human placenta
Bartho, Lucy A., Fisher, Joshua J., Cuffe, James S.M. and Perkins, Anthony V. (2020). Mitochondrial transformations in the aging human placenta. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, 319 (6), E981-E994. doi: 10.1152/AJPENDO.00354.2020
2020
Journal Article
Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, signalling elements and associated behaviours in a rodent model
Burgess, Danielle J., Lucia, Diana, Cuffe, James S. M. and Moritz, Karen M. (2020). Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, signalling elements and associated behaviours in a rodent model. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 122 104901, 104901. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104901
2020
Journal Article
Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding
Mangwiro, Yeukai T.M., Cuffe, James S.M., Vickers, Mark H., Reynolds, Clare M., Mahizir, Dayana, Anevska, Kristina, Gravina, Sogand, Romano, Tania, Moritz, Karen M., Briffa, Jessica F. and Wlodek, Mary E. (2020). Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding. Placenta, 104, 57-70. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.006
2020
Journal Article
Mitochondrial dysfunction in placental trophoblast cells experiencing gestational diabetes mellitus
Fisher, Joshua J., Vanderpeet, Chelsea L., Bartho, Lucy A., McKeating, Daniel R., Cuffe, James S. M., Holland, Olivia. J. and Perkins, Anthony V. (2020). Mitochondrial dysfunction in placental trophoblast cells experiencing gestational diabetes mellitus. The Journal of Physiology, 599 (4) JP280593, 1-15. doi: 10.1113/jp280593
2020
Journal Article
Maternal high linoleic acid alters placental fatty acid composition
Shrestha, Nirajan, Holland, Olivia J., Kent, Nykola L., Perkins, Anthony V., McAinch, Andrew J., Cuffe, James S. M. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2020). Maternal high linoleic acid alters placental fatty acid composition. Nutrients, 12 (8) 2183, 2183-14. doi: 10.3390/nu12082183
2020
Journal Article
Analysis of selenoprotein expression in response to dietary selenium deficiency during pregnancy indicates tissue specific differential expression in mothers and sex specific changes in the fetus and offspring
Hofstee, Pierre, Cuffe, James S. M. and Perkins, Anthony V. (2020). Analysis of selenoprotein expression in response to dietary selenium deficiency during pregnancy indicates tissue specific differential expression in mothers and sex specific changes in the fetus and offspring. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21 (6) 2210, 2210. doi: 10.3390/ijms21062210
2020
Journal Article
Pregnancy and diet-related changes in the maternal gut microbiota following exposure to an elevated linoleic acid diet
Shrestha, Nirajan, Sleep, Simone L., Cuffe, James S. M., Holland, Olivia J., McAinch, Andrew J., Dekker Nitert, Marloes and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2020). Pregnancy and diet-related changes in the maternal gut microbiota following exposure to an elevated linoleic acid diet. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 318 (2), E276-E285. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00265.2019
2020
Journal Article
Role of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in fetal programming
Shrestha, Nirajan, Sleep, Simone L., Cuffe, James S. M., Holland, Olivia J., Perkins, Anthony V., Yau, Suk Yu, McAinch, Andrew J. and Hryciw, Deanne H. (2020). Role of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in fetal programming. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 47 (5) 1440-1681.13244, 907-915. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.13244
2020
Journal Article
Maternal selenium deficiency in mice alters offspring glucose metabolism and thyroid status in a sexually dimorphic manner
Hofstee, Pierre, McKeating, Daniel R., Bartho, Lucy A., Anderson, Stephen T., Perkins, Anthony V. and Cuffe, James S. M. (2020). Maternal selenium deficiency in mice alters offspring glucose metabolism and thyroid status in a sexually dimorphic manner. Nutrients, 12 (1) 267, 267. doi: 10.3390/nu12010267
2020
Conference Publication
Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoform profile in the liver of adult offspring irrespective of fetal liver GR patterns
Kent, N.L., Cuffe, J.S.M., Akison, L.K., Saif, Z., Clifton, V.L. and Moritz, K.M. (2020). Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoform profile in the liver of adult offspring irrespective of fetal liver GR patterns. Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) World Congress, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 19-23 October 2019. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr James Cuffe is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Investigating placental contributions to complications of pregnancy
The placenta regulates all aspects of pregnancy health. It secretes factors into the maternal system to control maternal blood glucose concentrations, blood pressure and neurological function. This study will investigate key pathological processes in the placenta which may contribute to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction.
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Investigating how micro-nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy lead to metabolic and renal disease in offspring.
Given that only 1 in 20 Australians consume the recommended dietary intake of fruit and vegetables, most Australians would be deficient in key micronutrients when they fall pregnant. Deficiencies in these micronutrients is known to increase maternal risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia but their influence on offspring physiology is less well understood. This study will investigate the role of specific micronutrients in fetal development and offspring physiology. Most particularly, this project will focus on diabetes and renal disease in offspring, two comorbid conditions known to be affected by events that occur before birth.
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Investigating placental contributions to complications of pregnancy
The placenta regulates all aspects of pregnancy health. It secretes a range of steroid, protein and peptide hormones into the maternal system to override normal homeostatic processes resulting in drastic physiological changes to almost all biological systems. Such changes result in a significant expansion of blood volume, cardiac hypertrophy, redistribution of metabolic resources, altered insulin production, insulin resistance as well changes to neurological function. This study will investigate how pathological processes in the placenta impact hormone secretion and this may contribute to miscarriage, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. This study also aims to increase our knowledge of poorly understood proteins that are only secreted by the placenta that likely have significant biological roles. To achieve these outcomes, this study will use a combination of clinical samples from pregnant people as well as targeted animal and in vitro models.
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Investigating how thyroid autoimmunity impacts pregnancy outcomes: Possible role of selenium as a treatment
Thyroid autoimmunity is the most common cause of thyroid dysfunction in areas that are iodine sufficient. Patients with thyroid autoimmunity have antibodies that target key thyroid proteins. These thyroid antibodies can disrupt thyroid function leading to thyroid disease. However, a large number of individuals have high levels of these antibodies without having yet developing changes to thyroid hormone levels. Approximately 1 in 6 pregnant people are positive for thyroid antibodies, and this increases their risk of a range of pregnancy complications, even if their thyroid hormone levels are within normal ranges. This study aims to investigate the biological processes by which thyroid antibodies lead to a range of pregnancy related disorders. For instance, we will investigate how thyroid antibodies impact vascular smooth muscle cell migration and how this might lead to preeclampsia or growth restriction. Currently, there are no suitable treatments for reducing thyroid antibody levels however, there is a large amount of emerging evidence that suggests that selenium supplementation might improve outcomes. Therefore this study will also explore how selenium can alter the biological processes shown to be impacted by thyroid antibodies.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Treating thyroid autoimmunity in pregnancy with selenium supplementation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karin Borges
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the effects of Autoimmune Thyroiditis on Pregnancy Physiology
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the impact of metformin on one carbon metabolism, placental function and fetal outcomes.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the effects of Autoimmune Thyroiditis on Pregnancy Physiology
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the impact of metformin on one carbon metabolism, placental function and fetal outcomes.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karin Borges
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Doctor Philosophy
Glycogen in Epilepsy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nela Durisic, Associate Professor Karin Borges
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Doctor Philosophy
A new the mechanism for the coexistence of hypercortisolaemia and inflammation: GRalpha D1
Associate Advisor
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The impact of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy on maternal, placental and fetal outcomes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Moritz
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on maternal, placental, and fetal micronutrients
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Moritz
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The impact of periconceptional ethanol exposure on maternal and offspring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and associated behaviours in a rat model.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Moritz
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