Placenta Development and Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy News
Obie Editorial Team
Complications with the placenta, such as restricted fetal growth, elevated maternal blood pressure, the presence of protein in urine, and pre-term placental detachment, are significant challenges. The placenta is more than just a connection between you and your baby; it’s a dynamic organ crucial for your baby's nourishment and waste management, with safeguards to keep your blood supplies separate. While research is ongoing, we can rely on the latest scientific understanding to make informed and proactive health decisions.
In a breakthrough study using mice, reported in the journal Developmental Cell, researchers tracked single cells in the placenta, pinpointing the ones essential for its healthy function. This study leverages mice due to their genetic and physical similarities to humans, offering valuable insights.
In mammals like us, the placenta forms partly from uterine cells. Inside this incredible organ are stem cells, pivotal for generating various specialized placental cells. Researchers identified a specific cell group—LaTP, or Epcamhi labyrinth trophoblast progenitors—that behave like stem cells, adapting into necessary placenta cell types.
Moreover, the study uncovered a critical messaging pathway that helps these cells communicate: hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) connects with its receptor, c-Met, to drive placental development. A robust HGF and c-Met interaction is crucial. Disruption in their communication can lead to inadequate fetal growth, particularly affecting the liver and its ability to produce blood cells—sometimes even resulting in fetal loss.
Understanding these underlying mechanisms can illuminate why some pregnancy complications occur, particularly those tied to placental challenges. This knowledge equips us to better anticipate, diagnose, and manage these complications for healthier outcomes.
Source: Ueno, Masaya. "Developmental Cell - C-Met-Dependent Multipotent Labyrinth Trophoblast Progenitors Establish Placental Exchange Interface." Developmental Cell. C-Met-Dependent Multipotent Labyrinth Trophoblast Progenitors Establish Placental Exchange Interface. 25 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.
In a breakthrough study using mice, reported in the journal Developmental Cell, researchers tracked single cells in the placenta, pinpointing the ones essential for its healthy function. This study leverages mice due to their genetic and physical similarities to humans, offering valuable insights.
In mammals like us, the placenta forms partly from uterine cells. Inside this incredible organ are stem cells, pivotal for generating various specialized placental cells. Researchers identified a specific cell group—LaTP, or Epcamhi labyrinth trophoblast progenitors—that behave like stem cells, adapting into necessary placenta cell types.
Moreover, the study uncovered a critical messaging pathway that helps these cells communicate: hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) connects with its receptor, c-Met, to drive placental development. A robust HGF and c-Met interaction is crucial. Disruption in their communication can lead to inadequate fetal growth, particularly affecting the liver and its ability to produce blood cells—sometimes even resulting in fetal loss.
Understanding these underlying mechanisms can illuminate why some pregnancy complications occur, particularly those tied to placental challenges. This knowledge equips us to better anticipate, diagnose, and manage these complications for healthier outcomes.
Source: Ueno, Masaya. "Developmental Cell - C-Met-Dependent Multipotent Labyrinth Trophoblast Progenitors Establish Placental Exchange Interface." Developmental Cell. C-Met-Dependent Multipotent Labyrinth Trophoblast Progenitors Establish Placental Exchange Interface. 25 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.
