The term basal plate of the human placenta as a source of functional extravillous trophoblast cells

Author(s):Show less -

Borbely, Alexandre U. ^[1] ; Sandri, Silvana ^[2] ; Fernandes, Isabella R. ^[3] ; Prado, Karen M. ^[1] ; Cardoso, Elaine C. ^[1] ; Correa-Silva, Simone ^[1] ; Albuquerque, Renata ^[2] ; Knoefler, Martin ^[4] ; Beltrao-Braga, Patricia ^{[3, 5]} ; Campa, Ana ^[2] ; Bevilacqua, Estela ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Cell & Dev Biol, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin Chem, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Vet Med & Zootechnol Sch, Dept Surg, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Med Univ Vienna, Dept Obstet & Fetal Maternal Med, Reprod Biol Unit, A-1090 Vienna - Austria

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities, BR-03828000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology; v. 12, JAN 28 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Background: Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are of pivotal importance in human embryo implantation and homeostasis of the maternal fetal interface. Invasion of the endometrium by EVT contributes to placental anchorage, spiral artery remodeling, immunological defense, tolerogenic responses, and several collaborative cross talks involved in establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy. We report here an improved protocol for the isolation of fully differentiated EVT cells from the basal plate of the human term placenta. Methods: The basal plate was carefully dissected from the villous tissue and the amniochorion membrane prior to enzymatic digestion. Term basal EVT cells were isolated using a 30 and 60% Percoll gradient. A panel of markers and characteristics of the isolated cells were used to confirm the specificity and efficiency of the method so that their potential as an investigative tool for placental research could be ascertained. Results: Isolated cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), placental growth factor, placental alkaline phosphatase, human leukocyte antigen G1 (HLA-G1), and alpha 1 and alpha 5 integrins, similarly to the EVT markers from first trimester placental villi. Around 95% of the isolated cells labeled positively for CK-7 and 82% for HLA-G1. No significant change in viability was observed during 48 h of EVT culture as indicated by propidium iodide incorporation and trypan blue test exclusion. Genes for metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP9 (positive regulators of trophoblast invasiveness) were expressed up to 48 h of culturing, as also the gelatinolytic activity of the isolated cells. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of first-trimester EVT cells, also reduced invasion of isolated term EVT cells in transwell assays, whereas epidermal growth factor was a positive modulator. Conclusions: Term basal plate may be a viable source of functional EVT cells that is an alternative to villous explant-derived EVT cells and cell lines. Isolated term EVT cells may be particularly useful in investigation of the role of trophoblast cells in pathological gestations, in which the precise regulation and interactive ability of extravillous trophoblast has been impaired. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/12243-5 - The role played by biglycan in the invasive activity of the trophoblast
• Grantee: Estela Maris Andrade Forell Bevilacqua
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/05354-0 - Evaluation of serum amyloid A (SAA) in processes related to embrionary implantation and its effects on human cytotrophoblast
• Grantee: Ana Campa
• Support type: Regular Research Grants