Elucidating the Mechanisms of Mammalian Placentation: From Comparative Insights to In Vitro Models

Hongmei Wang

Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

 

Abstract Text:

The placenta is indispensable for supporting fetal development and maternal adaptation during pregnancy. Abnormal placental development and dysfunction can cause severe pregnancy complications and developmental disorders. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of its cellular hierarchy and underlying molecular mechanisms remains incomplete. To address this gap, our lab has focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying placental development and function across multiple mammalian species (including human, macaque, mouse and rabbit) throughout gestation. These include mapping the cellular and molecular atlas of different mammalian placentas by single-cell multi-omics studies, revealing the origin and differentiation trajectory of different placental cells, dissecting the mechanisms underlying trophoblast cell-cell fusion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the interaction between trophoblasts and the uterine endometrium, and hematopoiesis within the placental villous core. Guided by these comparative insights, we further developed robust trophoblast organoid models that faithfully recapitulate placental architecture and function, providing platforms for mechanistic studies, ultimately informing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related diseases.