Trophoblast-specific Deptor knockdown enhances trophoblast nutrient transport and fetal growth in mice.

Aim: Silencing of DEP-domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), an endogenous inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, increases mTOR signaling and System A/L amino acid transport activity in cultured primary human trophoblast cells. However, there is no evidence supporting the regulatory role of DEPTOR signaling in placental function in vivo. We hypothesized that trophoblast-specific Deptor knockdown in mice increases trophoblast mTOR signaling, amino acid transport, and enhances fetal growth.

Temporal trends in microplastic accumulation in placentas from pregnancies in Hawai'i.

Microplastics are created for commercial use, are shed from textiles, or result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Recent reports have shown that microplastics accumulate in human tissues and may have adverse health consequences. Currently, there are no standardized environmental monitoring systems to track microplastic accumulation within human tissues.

Exosome-Enriched Plasma Analysis as a Tool for the Early Detection of Hypertensive Gestations.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are closely associated with prematurity, stillbirth, and maternal morbidity and mortality. The onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is generally noticed after the 20th week of gestation, limiting earlier intervention. The placenta is directly responsible for modulating local and systemic physiology by communicating using mechanisms such as the release of extracellular vesicles, especially exosomes.

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 25 expressed by trophoblast cells and leukocytes bearing its receptor Ccr9: An alliance during embryo implantation?

Problem: We hypothesized that trophoblast expression of Ccl25 attracts a specific leukocyte cell population to the implantation site for local regulation.

Method Of Study: Mice blastocysts, ectoplacental cones, and decidua at gestational days 3.5-7.