Volume electron microscopy reveals placental ultrastructure in 3D

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Placental function relies on complex ultrastructural components.
• Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) offers unprecedented 3D visualization of these structures.
• Advances in volume EM technology have increased its accessibility for research.

Approach:

• This review highlights the potential of volume EM in studying placental ultrastructure.
• Focuses on the human term placenta, detailing key findings from the placental barrier.
• Examines structures like trans-syncytial nanopores and tunnelling nanotubes.

Key Points:

• Volume EM enables 3D visualization of tissue, cell, and organelle ultrastructure.
• It determines the 3D spatial relationships between subcellular components.
• Identifies ultrastructural features potentially linked to pregnancy pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Volume EM significantly advances the understanding of placental ultrastructure.
• Multimodal and correlative workflows are essential to fully exploit volume EM's potential.
• Further research is needed in this underrepresented area, particularly regarding ultrastructural contributions to pregnancy pathologies.