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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
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Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
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Cell-Free DNA Release by Mouse Fetal Membranes
Michala R Sawyer1, Sharareh Adeli1, Mark Phillippe2
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Bldg. 9-911, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|December 22, 2018
Summary
Mouse fetal membranes release cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is hypomethylated and stimulates Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). This finding expands our understanding of cfDNA origins and immune signaling during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) originates from the placenta.
- Fetal membranes also develop from the trophectoderm, suggesting they might also release cfDNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether fetal membranes release cfDNA.
- To characterize the properties and biological activity of cfDNA released from fetal membranes.
Main Methods:
- Mouse fetal membranes were cultured with various stimuli (apoptosis inducers, inflammatory mediators).
- cfDNA release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, caspase activity, and protein expression were measured.
- DNA methylation levels and cfDNA's effect on macrophage cytokine release were assessed.
Main Results:
- Fetal membranes released cfDNA, with release levels correlating with LDH.
- cfDNA release and caspase activity were modulated by apoptosis and inflammatory stimuli.
- Released cfDNA was hypomethylated and stimulated interleukin-6 (IL6) release via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9).
Conclusions:
- Mouse fetal membranes confirmed to release cfDNA.
- The released cfDNA is hypomethylated.
- cfDNA acts as a potent stimulator of TLR9, influencing immune responses.
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