The placenta as a cradle, but not source, of blood?

PLoS Biol. 2025 Feb 6;23(2):e3003021. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003021. eCollection 2025 Feb.

Abstract

An important question is whether the placenta is a source of, or merely a niche for, blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells. A recent PLOS Biology study suggests that the placenta does not directly give rise to hematopoietic stem cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Placenta* / blood supply
  • Placenta* / cytology
  • Placenta* / physiology
  • Pregnancy