Abstract
The placenta is the interface between maternal and fetal circulations, integrating maternal and fetal signals to selectively regulate nutrient, gas, and waste exchange, as well as secrete hormones. In turn, the placenta helps create the in utero environment and control fetal growth and development. The unique epigenetic profile of the human placenta likely reflects its early developmental separation from the fetus proper and its role in mediating maternal-fetal exchange that leaves it open to a range of exogenous exposures in the maternal circulation. In this review, we cover recent advances in DNA methylation in the context of placental function and development, as well as the interaction between the pregnancy and the environment.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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DNA Methylation / physiology
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Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
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Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology
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Epigenome / physiology*
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Female
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Hormones / metabolism
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Humans
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Maternal Exposure / adverse effects
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Maternal-Fetal Exchange / genetics*
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Placenta / cytology
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Placenta / physiology*
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Placentation / genetics*
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Outcome
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Single-Cell Analysis
Grants and funding
TM is funded by an Australian Postgraduate Research Award. BN is funded by an NHMRC Australia CJ Martin Fellowship. MCRI is funded by a Victorian Government Infrastructure grant. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.