Identification of optimal conditions for human placental explant culture and extracellular vesicle release.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate intercellular communication, including signaling between the placenta and maternal tissues. Human placental explant culture is a versatile model system to investigate placental function. We performed systematic studies in different tissue culture media types and oxygen tensions to identify a defined serum-free culture condition that supports high trophoblast viability and metabolism, as well as the release of similar populations of EVs, compared to traditional undefined conditions that contain media additives potentially contaminated with exogenous EVs.

Humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant and nonpregnant women following infection.

Background: Immune changes that occur during pregnancy may place pregnant women at an increased risk for severe disease following viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Whether these immunologic changes modify the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is not well understood.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Role of autocrine bone morphogenetic protein signaling in trophoblast stem cells†.

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway is involved in numerous developmental processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. In mouse embryogenesis, BMP signaling is a well-known morphogen for both mesoderm induction and germ cell development. Recent evidence points to a potential role in development of the extraembryonic compartment, including trophectoderm-derived tissues.

Trophoblast lineage-specific differentiation and associated alterations in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

The human placenta is a poorly-understood organ, but one that is critical for proper development and growth of the fetus in-utero. The epithelial cell type that contributes to primary placental functions is called "trophoblast," including two main subtypes, villous and extravillous trophoblast. Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast comprise the villous compartment and contribute to gas and nutrient exchange, while extravillous trophoblast invade and remodel the uterine wall and vessels, in order to supply maternal blood to the growing fetus.

Enhancement of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by supplementation with umbilical cord blood serum.

Umbilical cord blood serum (UCBS) is a promising replacement for animal sera for the culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), the unique serum composition of UCBS appearing to have variable effects on their proliferation and differentiation. Conditioning UCBS with methods such as charcoal stripping assists specific processes such as adipogenesis and osteogenesis in hMSCs. The charcoal stripping of serum removes lipophilic materials such as oestrogens, which are known inhibitors of adipogenesis.

"Humanized" stem cell culture techniques: the animal serum controversy.

Cellular therapy is reaching a pinnacle with an understanding of the potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to regenerate damaged tissue in the body. The limited numbers of these hMSCs in currently identified sources, like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and so forth, bring forth the need for their in vitro culture/expansion. However, the extensive usage of supplements containing xenogeneic components in the expansion-media might pose a risk to the post-transplantation safety of patients.