Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Trophoblast Cell Recovery from Angiogenesis-Tube Formation Assay for Differentiation Marker Expression Analysis
Published on: November 8, 2024
A Grhl2-dependent gene network controls trophoblast branching morphogenesis
Katharina Walentin1, Christian Hinze1, Max Werth2
1Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin 13125, Germany Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a collaboration between the Max Delbrück Center and the Medical Faculty of the Charité, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin 13125, Germany.
The transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) is crucial for placental development. GRHL2 regulates trophoblast branching morphogenesis, essential for feto-maternal exchange and preventing pregnancy complications.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Healthy placental development is vital for successful reproduction.
- Placental dysfunction can lead to pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation.
- The grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) transcription factor's role in placental development was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of GRHL2 in placental development.
- To identify GRHL2-regulated genes involved in placental morphogenesis.
- To explore the conserved role of GRHL2 in human and mouse placentation.
Main Methods:
- Generated Grhl2-deficient mouse embryos to study placental defects.
- Utilized ChIP-seq to identify GRHL2 binding sites in placental tissue.
- Integrated ChIP-seq data with gene expression profiles to identify GRHL2 targets.
- Examined human placental tissue for conserved GRHL2 expression and co-regulation.
Main Results:
- Grhl2 deficiency in mice caused defects in basal chorionic trophoblast cell polarity, basement membrane integrity, and labyrinth branching.
- Selective Grhl2 inactivation in epiblast-derived cells highlighted its importance in trophectoderm-derived cells.
- Identified direct and indirect GRHL2 targets, including Spint1, a regulator of trophoblast integrity.
- Observed conserved co-regulation and expression patterns of GRHL2 and its targets in human placenta.
Conclusions:
- A conserved GRHL2-coordinated gene network controls trophoblast branching morphogenesis.
- GRHL2 is essential for facilitating the development of the feto-maternal exchange site.
- Dysregulation of this GRHL2 network may contribute to placental dysfunction syndromes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Gastrulation
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

