The histone variant H2A.Z is dynamically expressed in the developing mouse placenta and in differentiating trophoblast stem cells.

The histone variant H2A.Z is important in establishing new chromatin environments necessary for permitting changes in gene expression and thus differentiation in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. In this study we show that H2A.Z is highly expressed in the early mouse placenta, and is specifically limited to progenitor-like trophoblast cells. Using in vitro models, we revealed distinct differences in H2A.Z abundance between undifferentiated, differentiating and differentiated mouse trophoblast stem (mTS) cells. Our work supports the hypothesis that in addition to roles in differentiating mES cells, H2A.Z is also involved in the differentiation of extra-embryonic tissues.