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Plac1 (placenta-specific 1) is essential for normal placental and embryonic development
Suzanne M Jackman1, Xiaoyuan Kong, Michael E Fant
1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
Molecular Reproduction and Development
|June 26, 2012
Summary
Placental growth factor 1 (Plac1) is essential for embryonic development. Plac1 ablation causes placental overgrowth and intrauterine growth retardation, highlighting its role in placental development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Plac1 is an X-linked gene expressed in trophoblast cells.
- It is located at a locus associated with placental growth.
- Its role in development was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessity of Plac1 for placental and embryonic development.
- To analyze the effects of Plac1 gene ablation in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Generation and analysis of Plac1 knockout (KO) and heterozygous (Het) mouse models.
- Assessment of placental and embryonic growth at various gestational stages (E16.5).
- Histological examination of placental tissues.
Main Results:
- Plac1 ablation led to placentomegaly (100% increase in weight) and mild intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR, 7-12% less weight).
- Mutant placentae showed an expanded spongiotrophoblast layer invading the labyrinth.
- Paternal imprinting was observed, as Het placentae with the null allele from the father showed normal growth.
- KO placentae continued to grow post-E16.5, indicating a role for the paternal allele escaping X-inactivation.
- Male KO mice exhibited decreased viability.
Conclusions:
- Plac1 is a paternally imprinted, X-linked gene crucial for normal placental and embryonic development.
- It plays a significant role in regulating placental growth, particularly through the paternally inherited allele.
- Disruption of Plac1 function leads to developmental abnormalities and reduced viability.
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