Fusion Assays and Models for the Trophoblast

摘要: A healthy syncytium in the placenta is vital to a successful pregnancy. The trophoblast builds up natural barrier between mother and developing fetus site of gas, nutrition, waste exchange. An inadequate formation this tissue leads several pathologies pregnancy, which may result fetal death during second trimester or iatrogenic preterm delivery due intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, abruption.Cytotrophoblastic cells fuse constantly with overlying syncytiotrophoblast/syncytium maintain function trophoblast. Syncytin-1 only molecule known directly induce fusion placental Many other proteins, such as gap junctions (e.g., connexin 40) transcription factors, play role molecular pathways directing turn over. Despite significance process for placentation, mechanisms regulating its activity remain poorly understood.In chapter we present different model systems that can be utilized investigate regulation cell We describe cell-based assays well tissue-related protocols. show how monitored (1) BeWo line model, (2) HEK239 using syncytin-1 molecule, (3) floating villi explant model. Furthermore, will strategies inhibit models. These techniques represent powerful tools study mediators