Trophoblast and extraembryonic fetal cells: plasticity, differentiation factors and in vitro modulation of functional characteristics

We are interested in trophoblast differentiation along the invasive extravillous pathway and autocrine/paracrine modulation of trophoblast invasiveness in vitro. We have previously established relevance of the selected factors for the process of trophoblast invasion (IL-6, IL-8, anti-phospholipid antibodies).Through this project we wish to study in more detail actions of these, but also other potential regulatory factors such as miRNA. Relevance of the observations made on in vitro models will be verified on normal and pathological material when appropriate at the iRNA and protein levels. Galectin profile of extravillous trophoblast and the extraembryonic fetal cells will be determined. Selected members of the galectin family expressed in trophoblast, will be studied for their potential to interact with diverse glycoproteins such as integrins and other yet undefined trophoblast proteins. Through this project improved understanding of physiological role(s) of galectin-1 in the invasive extravillous trophoblast will be reached through studies involving series of functional tests in vitro. Investigations will also address relevance of decidual prolactin for trophoblast and its contribution to cytokines of the placental bed. Many cell types isolated from placental tissues retain phenotypic plasticity. We intend to identify these cells in situ, study their local functions and through collaborations explore possibilities for induction of their differentiation.