Update of syncytiotrophoblast derived extracellular vesicles in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.
The release of extracellular vesicles (EV) by the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) may be an important mechanism by which the placenta signals to the mother. STB derived EV (STBEV) are comprised predominantly of exosomes (50-150nm) and microvesicles (100-1000nm) that contain bioactive mediators such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. They, along with larger syncytial nuclear aggregates are released by the STB into the maternal circulation throughout gestation in normal pregnancy where they appear to have an immunoregulatory role, inhibiting T cell and NK cell responses. In pre-eclampsia (PE) STBEV are released in significantly increased numbers and have pro-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and procoagulant activity, implicating them in the maternal systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and activation of the clotting system which typifies the disorder. Research has focused on understanding the biological significance of STBEV by measuring their size and repertoire of molecules carried and how they differ in normal pregnancy and PE, using techniques such as Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. We have also found alterations in STBEV surface glycans associated with PE. The goal is to better understand the role STBEV play in normal pregnancy and PE and whether they are potential biomarkers of placental pathology and therapeutic targets in PE.
Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK. Electronic address: d.s.tannetta@reading.ac.uk.
Dionne
D
Tannetta
Center for Reproductive Medicine, TKsO-266, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: i.masliukaite@amc.uva.nl.
Ieva
I
Masliukaite
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. Electronic address: manu.vatish@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk.
Manu
M
Vatish
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. Electronic address: christopher.redman@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk.
Christopher
C
Redman
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. Electronic address: ian.sargent@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk.
Ian
I
Sargent
D001777:Blood Coagulation; D000067128:Extracellular Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D053758:Nanoparticles; D021041:Placental Circulation; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D018836:Inflammation Mediators
Exosomes; Microvesicles; Placenta; Preeclampsia; Syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles