Derivation of functional trophoblast stem cells from primed human pluripotent stem cells

Stem Cell Reports. 2022 Jun 14;17(6):1303-1317. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.013. Epub 2022 May 19.

Abstract

Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) have recently been derived from human embryos and early-first-trimester placenta; however, aside from ethical challenges, the unknown disease potential of these cells limits their scientific utility. We have previously established a bone morphogetic protein 4 (BMP4)-based two-step protocol for differentiation of primed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into functional trophoblasts; however, those trophoblasts could not be maintained in a self-renewing TSC-like state. Here, we use the first step from this protocol, followed by a switch to newly developed TSC medium, to derive bona fide TSCs. We show that these cells resemble placenta- and naive hPSC-derived TSCs, based on their transcriptome as well as their in vitro and in vivo differentiation potential. We conclude that primed hPSCs can be used to generate functional TSCs through a simple protocol, which can be applied to a widely available set of existing hPSCs, including induced pluripotent stem cells, derived from patients with known birth outcomes.

Keywords: cytotrophoblast; naive pluripotent stem cells; placenta; primed pluripotent stem cells; trophoblast stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Placenta
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Pregnancy
  • Trophoblasts