Control of trophoblast cell differentiation: Lessons from the genetics of early pregnancy loss and trophoblast neoplasia |
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Authors: | Michael J Soares Belinda M Chapman Takayuki Kamei Toshiya Yamamoto |
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Institution: | Department of Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA. |
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Abstract: | Trophoblast cell differentiation is crucial to the morphogenesis of the placenta and thus the establishment of pregnancy and the growth and development of the embryo/fetus. In the present review, we discuss current evidence for the existence of regulatory genes crucial to trophoblast cell differentiation and placental morphogenesis. The elucidation of regulatory pathways controlling normal differentiation of trophoblast cells will facilitate the identification of sensitive junctures in the regulatory pathways leading to various developmental disorders, including those associated with the initiation of pregnancy, fetal growth retardation and gestational trophoblast disease. |
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Keywords: | differentiation morphogenesis placenta placental morphogenesis trophoblast regulatory genes |
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