Trophoblast differentiation during embryo implantation and formation of the maternal-fetal interface
Kristy Red-Horse, Yan Zhou, Olga Genbacev, Akraporn Prakobphol, Russell Foulk, Michael McMaster, Susan J. Fisher
Kristy Red-Horse, Yan Zhou, Olga Genbacev, Akraporn Prakobphol, Russell Foulk, Michael McMaster, Susan J. Fisher
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Science in Medicine

Trophoblast differentiation during embryo implantation and formation of the maternal-fetal interface

Abstract

Trophoblasts, the specialized cells of the placenta, play a major role in implantation and formation of the maternal-fetal interface. Through an unusual differentiation process examined in this review, these fetal cells acquire properties of leukocytes and endothelial cells that enable many of their specialized functions. In recent years a great deal has been learned about the regulatory mechanisms, from transcriptional networks to oxygen tension, which control trophoblast differentiation. The challenge is to turn this information into clinically useful tests for monitoring placental function and, hence, pregnancy outcome.

Authors

Kristy Red-Horse, Yan Zhou, Olga Genbacev, Akraporn Prakobphol, Russell Foulk, Michael McMaster, Susan J. Fisher

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Figure 5

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In severe preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy, cytotrophoblast ...
In severe preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy, cytotrophoblast invasion is shallow and the cells fail to switch on the expression of stage-specific antigens that are normally upregulated as they penetrate the uterine wall and blood vessels (BVs). (A and C) Cytokeratin (CK) staining of tissue sections of the maternal-fetal interface allows visualization of cytotrophoblasts that invade the uterine wall. (B) In normal pregnancy, the subpopulation of human cytotrophoblasts that carries out endovascular invasion upregulates expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). (D) In cases of severe preeclampsia (SPE), NCAM immunoreactivity is either absent or very weak (indicated by the arrows). AV, anchoring villus; COL, cell column of anchoring villus.