Perfluorooctanoic acid induces transcriptomic alterations in second trimester human cytotrophoblasts.

Poly- and perfluroroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a major class of surfactants used in industry applications and consumer products. Despite efforts to reduce the usage of PFAS due to their environmental persistence, compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are widely detected in human blood and tissue. Although growing evidence supports that prenatal exposures to PFOA and other PFAS are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the target organs and pathways remain unclear.

Proteomic analyses of primary human villous trophoblasts exposed to flame retardant BDE-47 using SWATH-MS.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants and recognized developmental toxicants that are detectable in placental tissues. Higher levels of in utero PBDE exposure have been associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. During pregnancy, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) from the placenta play critical roles in the formation of the maternal-fetal interface via uterine invasion and vascular remodeling.

Regionally distinct trophoblast regulate barrier function and invasion in the human placenta.

The human placenta contains two specialized regions: the villous chorion where gases and nutrients are exchanged between maternal and fetal blood, and the smooth chorion (SC) which surrounds more than 70% of the developing fetus but whose cellular composition and function is poorly understood. Here, we use single cell RNA-sequencing to compare the cell types and molecular programs between these two regions in the second trimester human placenta. Each region consists of progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) with similar gene expression programs.

RNA profiling of laser microdissected human trophoblast subtypes at mid-gestation reveals a role for cannabinoid signaling in invasion.

Human placental architecture is complex. Its surface epithelium, specialized for transport, forms by fusion of cytotrophoblast progenitors into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts. Near the uterine surface, these progenitors assume a different fate, becoming cancer-like cells that invade its lining and blood vessels.

Global proteomic analyses of human cytotrophoblast differentiation/invasion.

During human pregnancy, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) from the placenta differentiate into specialized subpopulations that play crucial roles in proper fetal growth and development. A subset of these CTBs differentiate along an invasive pathway, penetrating the decidua and anchoring the placenta to the uterus. A crucial hurdle in pregnancy is the ability of these cells to migrate, invade and remodel spiral arteries, ensuring adequate blood flow to nourish the developing fetus.