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In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
Amniotic Fluid Extracellular Vesicle Properties Evolve With Gestational Age and Reflect Fetal Development
Ishara Atukorala1,2,3, Sally Beard4, Ching-Seng Ang5
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Melbourne Medical School The University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.
Amniotic fluid extracellular vesicles (EVs) change significantly during pregnancy. Second-trimester EVs aid fetal development, while term EVs support newborn functions like immunity and digestion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amniotic fluid (AF) contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the fetoplacental unit, crucial for cellular communication.
- The physiological role and developmental changes of AF-EVs are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological importance and changes in AF-EVs during fetal development from the second trimester to term gestation.
- To characterize AF-EVs' subtypes, morphologies, and protein content across different gestational ages.
Main Methods:
- AF samples collected from second-trimester amniocentesis and term Caesarean sections.
- EV isolation via differential centrifugation, filtration, and ultracentrifugation.
- Characterization using nanoparticle tracking analysis, cryo-electron microscopy, Western blotting, and label-free proteomics.
Main Results:
- AF-EVs exhibited gestational-age-dependent variations in subtype, with ectosomes predominant in the second trimester and exosomes at term.
- Proteomics identified 4137 proteins, with 1090 differentially enriched between trimesters.
- Second-trimester EVs were linked to development (organogenesis, metabolism), while term EVs related to newborn functions (immunity, digestion).
Conclusions:
- EV biogenesis and secretion in the fetoplacental unit dynamically alter throughout gestation.
- AF-EVs play a critical, adaptive role in fetal development and preparation for neonatal life.
- This study reveals complex intercellular communication via AF-EVs adapting to fetal growth needs.
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