Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
09:14
Author Spotlight: A Pipeline to Analyze Lineage-Specific Mutant Embryos at Single-Cell Resolution
Published on: June 14, 2024
1.5K
Single nuclei RNA-seq of mouse placental labyrinth development
Bryan Marsh1,2, Robert Blelloch1,2
1The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.
Elife
|November 3, 2020
Summary
This study reveals the cell types and functions within the placental labyrinth using single nuclei RNA sequencing. It provides a detailed map of placental development and cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The placenta is a vital maternal-fetal interface, but its cellular complexity hinders research.
- Understanding placental cell types, their development, and functions is crucial but challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ontogeny, specification, and function of placental cell types.
- To analyze the labyrinthine exchange interface during mouse embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on mouse placentas at multiple embryonic developmental stages.
- Analysis focused on progenitor expansion through terminal differentiation stages.
Main Results:
- snRNA-seq identified transcript profiles for most placental cell types.
- Inferred functions, cell trajectories, signaling interactions, and transcriptional drivers were determined.
- Detailed cellular profiles of placental development were generated at high resolution.
Conclusions:
- This study provides unprecedented resolution into placental development and cell differentiation.
- The findings offer insights into the dynamic functions of placental cells over time.
- The generated data serves as a valuable resource for future placental research.
