Investigating human placentation and pregnancy using first trimester chorionic villi

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Developmental Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is primarily used for prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders.
• CVS also offers a unique window into early placental development and function.
• Understanding villus biology is crucial for correlating placental health with pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between chorionic villus morphology, gene expression, and pregnancy outcomes.
• To establish a predictive model for pregnancy attributes using villus morphology.
• To identify potential biomarkers for gestational age and pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

• Morphological assessment of chorionic villi using a scoring system based on branching, budding, and vascularization.
• RNA sequencing to analyze the transcriptome of chorionic villi.
• Correlation of morphological scores and gene expression with clinical data and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant inter-individual variation in villus morphology was observed, independent of gestational age.
• Transcriptional profiles strongly predicted villus morphology.
• Low villus morphology scores were associated with markers of pre-eclampsia.
• SVEP1 was identified as a potential biomarker for determining gestational age.

Conclusions:

• First-trimester chorionic villi are a valuable resource for correlating placental function with pregnancy outcomes.
• Villus morphology and transcriptome analysis can provide insights into early placental development and predict pregnancy complications.
• Early placental assessment via CVS holds potential for improved prenatal care and understanding of pregnancy health.