by Researchers have successfully grown ‘mini-placentas’ in a laboratory setting to study the development and functioning of the placenta. This breakthrough discovery could help scientists gain a deeper understanding of pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition during pregnancy, and potentially develop new treatments in the future.
The study, published in Cell Stem Cell, demonstrates that it is possible to experiment on developing human placentas rather than solely observing specimens. This allows researchers to study major pregnancy disorders and explore potential solutions.
The successful progression of pregnancy depends on the early development of the placenta. During this phase, the placenta attaches itself to the endometrium, the inner lining of the mother’s uterus. The interaction between the cells of the placenta and the endometrium is crucial for a successful pregnancy, as it enables the supply of maternal blood to the placenta for fetal growth and development.
When these interactions fail, complications such as pre-eclampsia may arise. Pre-eclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy and affects approximately six out of every 100 first pregnancies. It poses risks to the health of both the mother and the baby.
Professor Ashley Moffett of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Pathology explains that most major pregnancy disorders, including pre-eclampsia, are linked to abnormalities in placental development during the early weeks of gestation. However, studying this developmental process has been challenging, often described as a ‘black box’ of human development.
In recent years, researchers, including those at Cambridge, have developed embryo-like models to study pre-implantation development. However, understanding the interactions between the placenta and the uterus has remained limited.
To address this knowledge gap, Professor Moffett and her team, along with researchers from the Friedrich Miescher Institute in Switzerland and the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, used ‘mini-placentas’ as a cellular model to gain insights into early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These ‘trophoblast organoids,’ derived from placental cells, closely resemble early placental development and have demonstrated positive responses on over-the-counter pregnancy tests.
In previous studies, the team identified specific genes associated with increased risk or protection against conditions like pre-eclampsia. Their research highlighted the vital role of uterine natural killer cells, unique immune cells found in the uterus. These cells cluster at the site of placental implantation in the lining of the womb and facilitate interactions between the endometrium and placental cells.
In their latest study, the researchers applied proteins secreted by uterine natural killer cells to the trophoblast organoids, replicating the conditions during placental implantation. They identified key proteins that promoted the development of the organoids, facilitating successful implantation and invasion of the mother’s arteries by the placenta.
Professor Moffett emphasizes that the invasion and transformation of the mother’s arteries by normal cells, originating from the developing fetus, is a unique process in which complications can arise if not properly executed. Insufficient invasion can lead to inadequate blood flow, depriving the placenta and the baby of essential nutrients and oxygen. This can result in complications later in pregnancy, potentially endangering the baby’s well-being.
Additionally, the researchers identified several genes involved in blood flow regulation and implantation, providing valuable insights for future research into pre-eclampsia and related disorders.
Dr. Margherita Turco from the Friedrich Miescher Institute suggests that despite its global impact on millions of women, pre-eclampsia is still not fully understood. Most cases of pre-eclampsia manifest towards the end of pregnancy, making it essential to investigate the processes occurring in the early weeks.
Utilizing ‘mini-placentas’ has enabled researchers to investigate the causes and mechanisms underlying pre-eclampsia. This newfound knowledge can shed light on crucial processes that warrant further investigation. The study highlights the significance of basic science in enhancing our understanding of fundamental biology, offering the potential for significant improvements in maternal and infant health in the future.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
