Grant: Project Grant

The placenta is a critical organ in pregnancy that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby and enables the baby's growth and survival. The placenta's DNA is identical to the baby's DNA, and is therefore either male or female. Notably, disorders of pregnancy show biasing according to the chromosomal sex of the placenta. In early pregnancy, male (XY) fetuses appear to be protected from miscarriage, while in later pregnancy, female (XX) fetuses show greater protection from preterm birth. The underlying reason(s) for these discrepancies is unknown, but could relate to fundamental differences in male and female placental biology. The major cells of the placenta, called trophoblasts, play central roles in executing most of the placenta's important functions. However little is known if the biological sex of trophoblasts (i.e. male vs. female trophoblasts) relates to potential differences in trophoblast functions that underlie normal placental development. The goal of this research project aims to examine if fundamental differences in male and female trophoblasts exist. Using human cell culture systems, genomic approaches, and specific readouts of trophoblast development, the role of biological sex will be tested. This work will be important in establishing the groundwork needed to understand normal differences in male and female placentas. Further, this work will provide critical insight into underlying mechanisms initiating differences in male and female baby health-specific outcomes.