BIOSKETCH Dr Tashlen Abel is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and UKZN’s Placental Research Group. His current research focus is on human papillomavirus (HPV) and his PhD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, competed in our world-class Optics and Imaging Centre, evaluated Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) in preeclampsia (a pregnancy-related condition) and HIV infection. Certain gene variations in this protein were tied to both conditions in women of African ancestry, affecting angiogenesis. Interestingly, VEGFR-2 was decreased in preeclampsia and HIV-infected placentae, potentially contributing to both conditions. The research also reviewed and highlighted microRNA dysregulation in preeclampsia, HIV, and COVID-19.
