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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Gene expression profiling of the human maternal-fetal interface reveals dramatic changes between midgestation and
Virginia D Winn1, Ronit Haimov-Kochman, Agnes C Paquet
1Reproductive Science, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12800 East 19th Avenue, P.O. Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. virginia.winn@uchsc.edu
Endocrinology
|December 16, 2006
Summary
This study analyzed gene expression in the human placenta basal plate, revealing significant changes at term. These findings offer insights into pregnancy, tumor biology, and transplantation immunology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Human placentation involves complex fetal-maternal cell integration at the basal plate.
- Understanding molecular interactions is crucial for normal pregnancy and has implications for cancer and transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a global gene expression analysis of the maternal-fetal interface in the basal plate.
- To identify molecular changes during human placental development.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling of 36 basal plate biopsy specimens (14-40 weeks gestation) using Affymetrix GeneChips.
- Validation of differentially expressed genes using quantitative PCR and immunolocalization.
Main Results:
- Little gene expression change observed between 14-24 weeks gestation.
- 418 genes were differentially expressed at term (37-40 weeks) compared to mid-gestation.
- Many identified genes are involved in differentiation, motility, immunity, and angiogenesis; some were unannotated.
Conclusions:
- Provides a reference gene expression dataset for the human placenta basal plate.
- Highlights molecular dialogue between maternal and fetal cells.
- Offers a basis for studying obstetric complications and related fields like oncology and immunology.
