One of the paradoxes of human development lies in its temporary dependence on an extracorporeal organ, the placenta. This complex entity interfaces with the mother, assuming a multitude of structural and functional roles to sustain the fetus throughout its intrauterine existence. It is a master regulator of nutrient and oxygen supply while efficiently removing waste products from the developing fetus. Meanwhile, it provides critical hormonal support and sustains the developing vasculature. Disruption of any of these roles may have an adverse impact on fetal development. The complex embryology of the placenta translates into an organ composed of distinct cell lineages arising early in development from a single fertilized oocyte. Normal fetal and placental development rely on epigenetic and spatiotemporal mechanisms that control gene expression switches in distinct cell lines, as well as timely and accurate cell-to-cell signaling.
In order to predict, prevent, diagnose, or treat pregnancy disorders, such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth, it is essential that we understand these mechanisms in humans. Animal models and in vitro studies may only help delineate the molecular mechanisms and identify promising therapeutic options. Furthermore, in tissues with heterogeneous cell composition, such as the placenta, each cell type has a distinct and dynamic epigenetic and transcriptional signature. Thus, the bulk of placental tissue analyses simply profile an amalgamation of the individual signatures of constituent cell types, masking real cell resolution and compromising interpretation.
This Research Topic will address challenges in placental analysis across gestation in a range of pregnancy complications. The aim is to comprehensively address the heterogeneous composition of the placenta in healthy and pathological pregnancies.
We welcome clinical and preclinical data, molecular studies using 2D and 3D cell models, methodological papers and targeted reviews. We encourage contributions from a broad range of disciplines including clinicians, basic scientists and experts in placental biology, bioinformatics and data analysis. This integrative approach will provide new insights into the placental pathophysiology of these important conditions.
One of the paradoxes of human development lies in its temporary dependence on an extracorporeal organ, the placenta. This complex entity interfaces with the mother, assuming a multitude of structural and functional roles to sustain the fetus throughout its intrauterine existence. It is a master regulator of nutrient and oxygen supply while efficiently removing waste products from the developing fetus. Meanwhile, it provides critical hormonal support and sustains the developing vasculature. Disruption of any of these roles may have an adverse impact on fetal development. The complex embryology of the placenta translates into an organ composed of distinct cell lineages arising early in development from a single fertilized oocyte. Normal fetal and placental development rely on epigenetic and spatiotemporal mechanisms that control gene expression switches in distinct cell lines, as well as timely and accurate cell-to-cell signaling.
In order to predict, prevent, diagnose, or treat pregnancy disorders, such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth, it is essential that we understand these mechanisms in humans. Animal models and in vitro studies may only help delineate the molecular mechanisms and identify promising therapeutic options. Furthermore, in tissues with heterogeneous cell composition, such as the placenta, each cell type has a distinct and dynamic epigenetic and transcriptional signature. Thus, the bulk of placental tissue analyses simply profile an amalgamation of the individual signatures of constituent cell types, masking real cell resolution and compromising interpretation.
This Research Topic will address challenges in placental analysis across gestation in a range of pregnancy complications. The aim is to comprehensively address the heterogeneous composition of the placenta in healthy and pathological pregnancies.
We welcome clinical and preclinical data, molecular studies using 2D and 3D cell models, methodological papers and targeted reviews. We encourage contributions from a broad range of disciplines including clinicians, basic scientists and experts in placental biology, bioinformatics and data analysis. This integrative approach will provide new insights into the placental pathophysiology of these important conditions.
