Trophoblast organoids with physiological polarity for modelling the placenta
2023
Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
Human trophoblast organoids (TOs) are a three-dimensional ex vivo culture model to study placental development, physiology and pathology. However, standard culturing does not recapitulate the cellular orientation of the chorionic villi in vivo, as the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) develops mainly within the organoids (STBin).
In this study, a suspension culture method is developed whose gentle movements cause the polarity of the TOs to change so that the STB layer is directed outwards (STBout). It has also been shown that the culture method used promotes the secretion of hormones and cytokines associated with the STB. STBout TOs show large syncytia on the outermost surface, whereas STBin TOs contain smaller syncytia and mononuclear cells.
The STBout-TO culture model described here thus better reflects the physiological and pathological processes of the human placenta, which may facilitate studies to determine the underlying mechanisms of normal and pathological placental conditions. It also allows for medium to high throughput screening approaches.
Trophoblast organoids with physiological polarity model placental structure and function
Liheng Yang, Carolyn B. Coyne
Added on: 09-19-2023
[1] https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/137/5/jcs261528/327966/Trophoblast-organoids-with-physiological-polarity
