Mechanotransduction drives morphogenesis to develop folding during placental development in pigs

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Developmental biology
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Placental fold development is crucial for nutrient and gas exchange.
• The role of mechanical forces in coordinating placental morphogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between mechanical forces and morphological changes during placental fold development in pigs.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying placental fold formation.

Main Methods:

• Examined changes in placental fold length and expression of mechanotransduction molecules.
• Assessed subepithelial blood vessel size and the impact of arginine supplementation on fold development.

Main Results:

• Placental fold length increased, accompanied by co-localization of mechanotransduction molecules (osteopontin, talin, focal adhesion kinase) at the maternal-fetal interface.
• Actin polymerization and focal adhesion assembly were observed in placental folds.
• Endometrial fibroblasts differentiated into myofibroblasts, and subepithelial blood vessels enlarged.
• Arginine supplementation enhanced placental fold length.

Conclusions:

• Placental fold development is associated with actin polymerization, myofibroblast differentiation, and blood vessel dilation.
• Mechanical forces, including blood flow and cellular contractile forces, sculpt placental folds.
• Arginine enhances placental fold development, suggesting a role in vascular and connective tissue remodeling.