Reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase expression in preeclamptic decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells is restored by aldehyde dehydrogenase agonists

Implications of maternal-fetal health on perinatal stem cell banking

Cell based therapies are being assessed for their therapeutic potential across a variety of diseases. Gestational tissues are attractive sources for cell therapy. The large number of births worldwide ensures sufficient access to gestational tissues, however, limited information has been reported around the impact of birth trends, delivery methods and pregnancy conditions on perinatal stem cell banking. This review describes the current state of banking of gestational tissues and their derived perinatal stem cells, discusses why the changes in birth trends and delivery methods could affect gestational tissue banking practices, and further explores how common pregnancy complications can potentially influence perinatal stem cell banking.

The pathological and therapeutic roles of mesenchymal stem cells in preeclampsia

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have made progress in the treatment of ischemic and inflammatory diseases. Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by placenta ischemic and inflammatory injury. Our paper summarized the new role of MSCs in PE pathology and its potency in PE therapy and analyzed its current limitations. Intravenously administered MSCs dominantly distributed in perinatal tissues. There may be additional advantages to using MSCs-based therapies for reproductive disorders. It will provide new ideas for future research in this field.

Decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from preeclamptic patients secrete endoglin, which at high levels inhibits endothelial cell attachment invitro

INTRODUCTION

In preeclampsia (PE), inadequate remodelling of spiral arterioles in the decidua basalis causes oxidative stress and subsequent increased release of antiangiogenic soluble endoglin (sENG) into the maternal circulation. Decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DMSCs) reside adjacent to endothelial cells in this vascular niche. Surprisingly, DMSCs express membrane-bound ENG (CD105). PE-affected DMSCs (PE-DMSCs) are abnormal and due to reduced extravillous invasion, more of them are present, but the significance of this is not known.

METHODS

DMSCs were isolated and characterised from normotensive control and severe-PE placentae. Extracellular vesicle (EV) types, shed microvesicles (sMV) and exosomes, were isolated from DMSC conditioned media (DMSC_CM), respectively. Secretion of ENG by DMSCs was assessed by ELISA of DMSC_CM, with and without EV depletion. The effects of reducing ENG concentration, by blocking antibody, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) attachment were assessed by xCELLigence real-time functional assays.

RESULTS

ENG was detected in DMSC_CM and these levels significantly decreased when depleted of exosomes and sMV. There was no significant difference in the amount of ENG secreted by control DMSCs and PE-DMSCs. Blocking ENG in concentrated DMSC_CM, used to treat HUVECs, improved endothelial cell attachment.

DISCUSSION

In normotensive pregnancies, DMSC secretion of ENG likely has a beneficial effect on endothelial cells. However, in PE pregnancies, shallow invasion of the spiral arterioles exposes more PE-DMSC derived sources of ENG (soluble and EV). The presence of these PE-DMSCs in the vascular niche contributes to endothelial cell dysfunction.

Analyses of selected tumour-associated factors expression in normotensive and preeclamptic placenta

INTRODUCTION

Human placenta is often considered a controlled-tumour because of shared properties such as invasion and angiogenesis. We assessed the status of a few selected tumour-associated factors (TAFs) in late onset pre-eclamptic (PE) and normotensive (NT) placentae, to understand their involvement in trophoblast invasion. These molecules include aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH3A1), aurora kinases (AURK-A/C), platelet derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), jagged-1 (JAG1) and twist related protein-1 (TWIST1).

METHODS

The expression of TAF was compared in 13 NT and 11 PE (late onset) placentae using immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry. We then used a novel spheroidal cell model developed from transformed human first trimester trophoblast cell lines HTR8/SVneo and TEV-1 to determine the expression and localization of these six factors during invasion. We also compared the expression of these TAFs during migration and invasion.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that expressions of ALDH3A1, AURK-A, PDGFRα, and TWIST1 are significantly upregulated in PE placentae (p < 0.05) when compared to NT placentae, whereas AURK-C and JAG1 are down-regulated (p < 0.05). The protein expression pattern of all the six factors were found to be similar in spheroids in comparison to their parental counterparts. The invasive potential of the spheroids was also enhanced when compared with the parental cells.

DISCUSSION

Collectively, data from our present study suggests that these TAFs are involved in placental invasion and their altered expressions may be regarded as a compensatory mechanism against reduced invasion.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Role in Oxidative Stress Associated with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious medically important disorder of human pregnancy, which features de novo pregnancy-induced hypertension and proteinuria. The severe form of PE can progress to eclampsia, a convulsive, life-threatening condition. When placental growth and perfusion are abnormal, the placenta experiences oxidative stress and subsequently secretes abnormal amounts of certain pro-angiogenic factors (eg, PlGF) as well as anti-angiogenic factors (eg, sFlt-1) that enter the maternal circulation. The net effect is damage to the maternal vascular endothelium, which subsequently manifests as the clinical features of PE. Other than delivery of the fetus and placenta, curative treatments for PE have not yet been forthcoming, which reflects the complexity of the clinical syndrome. A major source of reactive oxygen species that contributes to the widespread maternal vascular endothelium damage is the PE-affected decidua. The role of decidua-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) in normotensive and pathological placenta development is poorly understood. The ability to respond to an environment of oxidative damage is a "universal property" of MSC but the biological mechanisms that MSC employ in response to oxidative stress are compromised in PE. In this review, we discuss how MSC respond to oxidative stress in normotensive and pathological conditions. We also consider the possibility of manipulating the oxidative stress response of abnormal MSC as a therapeutic strategy to treat preeclampsia.

Functional changes in decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are associated with spontaneous onset of labour

Ageing and parturition share common pathways, but their relationship remains poorly understood. Decidual cells undergo ageing as parturition approaches term, and these age-related changes may trigger labour. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are the predominant stem cell type in the decidua. Stem cell exhaustion is a hallmark of ageing, and thus ageing of decidual MSCs (DMSCs) may contribute to the functional changes in decidual tissue required for term spontaneous labour. Here, we determine whether DMSCs from patients undergoing spontaneous onset of labour (SOL-DMSCs) show evidence of ageing-related functional changes compared with those from patients not in labour (NIL-DMSCs), undergoing Caesarean section. Placentae were collected from term (37-40 weeks of gestation), SOL (n = 18) and NIL (n = 17) healthy patients. DMSCs were isolated from the decidua basalis that remained attached to the placenta after delivery. DMSCs displayed stem cell-like properties and were of maternal origin. Important cell properties and lipid profiles were assessed and compared between SOL- and NIL-DMSCs. SOL-DMSCs showed reduced proliferation and increased lipid peroxidation, migration, necrosis, mitochondrial apoptosis, IL-6 production and p38 MAPK levels compared with NIL-DMSCs (P < 0.05). SOL- and NIL-DMSCs also showed significant differences in lipid profiles in various phospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine), sphingolipids (ceramide, sphingomyelin), triglycerides and acyl carnitine (P < 0.05). Overall, SOL-DMSCs had altered lipid profiles compared with NIL-DMSCs. In conclusion, SOL-DMSCs showed evidence of ageing-related reduced functionality, accumulation of cellular damage and changes in lipid profiles compared with NIL-DMSCs. These changes may be associated with term spontaneous labour.

Late/post-term decidual basalis-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells show evidence of advanced ageing and downregulation of microRNA-516b-5p

INTRODUCTION

The placenta is a short-lived organ, yet it shows signs of progressive ageing in the third trimester. Studies of ageing chorionic placental tissue have recently flourished, providing evidence of advanced ageing of tissues in the late/post-term (L/PT) period of gestation. However, ageing of the maternal aspect of the maternal-fetal interface, specifically the decidua basalis, is poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether the L/PT period was associated with advanced ageing and exhaustion of important decidua basalis mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DMSCs) functions.

METHODS

In this study, DMSCs were isolated and characterised from early term (ET) and L/PT placental tissue and they were then investigated by employing various MSC potency and ageing assays. RNA sequencing was also performed to screen for specific microRNAs that are associated with stem cell exhaustion and ageing between ET- and L/PT-DMSCs.

RESULTS

L/PT-DMSCs, when compared to ET-DMSCs, showed significantly lower cell proliferation and a significant higher level of cell apoptosis. L/PT-DMSCs showed significantly lower resistance to oxidative stress and a significant decrease in antioxidant capacity compared with ET-DMSCs. Western blot analysis revealed increased expression of the stress-mediated P-p38MAPK protein in L/PT-DMSCs. RNA Sequencing showed microRNA (miR) miR-516b-5p, was present at significantly lower levels in L/PT-DMSCs. Inhibition of miR-516b-5p in ET-DMSCs revealed a decline in the ability of the inhibited cells to survive in extended cell culture.

DISCUSSION

These data provide the first evidence of advanced ageing and exhaustion of important stem cell functions in L/PT-DMSCs, and the involvement of specific miRs in the DMSC ageing process.

Mechanisms of Key Innate Immune Cells in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy with underlying multifactorial pathogeneses; however, its etiology is not fully understood. It is characterized by the new onset of maternal hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria, maternal organ damage, and/or uteroplacental dysfunction. Preeclampsia can be subdivided into early- and late-onset phenotypes (EOPE and LOPE), diagnosed before 34 weeks or from 34 weeks of gestation, respectively. Impaired placental development in early pregnancy and subsequent growth restriction is often associated with EOPE, while LOPE is associated with maternal endothelial dysfunction. The innate immune system plays an essential role in normal progression of physiological pregnancy and fetal development. However, inappropriate or excessive activation of this system can lead to placental dysfunction or poor maternal vascular adaptation and contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This review aims to comprehensively outline the mechanisms of key innate immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and innate B1 cells, in normal physiological pregnancy, EOPE and LOPE. The roles of the complement system, syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are also discussed in the context of innate immune system regulation and preeclampsia. The outlined molecular mechanisms, which represent potential therapeutic targets, and associated emerging treatments, are evaluated as treatments for preeclampsia. Therefore, by addressing the current understanding of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of EOPE and LOPE, this review will contribute to the body of research that could lead to the development of better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. Importantly, it will delineate the differences in the mechanisms of the innate immune system in two different types of preeclampsia, which is necessary for a more personalized approach to the monitoring and treatment of affected women.

Transcriptional profiling reveals altered biological characteristics of chorionic stem cells from women with gestational diabetes

Background

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. The impact of pregnancy complications on placental function suggests that extraembryonic stem cells in the placenta may also be affected during pregnancy. Neonatal tissue-derived stem cells, with the advantages of their differentiation capacity and non-invasive isolation processes, have been proposed as a promising therapeutic avenue for GDM management through potential cell therapy approaches. However, the influence of GDM on autologous stem cells remains unclear. Thus, studies that provide comprehensive understanding of stem cells isolated from women with GDM are essential to guide future clinical applications.

Methods

Human chorionic membrane-derived stem cells (CMSCs) were isolated from placentas of healthy and GDM pregnancies. Transcriptional profiling was performed by DNA microarray, and differentially regulated genes between GDM- and Healthy-CMSCs were used to analyse molecular functions, differentiation, and pathway enrichment. Altered genes and biological functions were validated via real-time PCR and in vitro assays.

Results

GDM-CMSCs displayed, vs. Healthy-CMSCs, 162 upregulated genes associated with increased migration ability, epithelial development, and growth factor-associated signal transduction while the 269 downregulated genes were strongly linked to angiogenesis and cellular metabolic processes. Notably, significantly reduced expression of detoxification enzymes belonging to the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene families (ALDH1A1/1A2, ALDH2, ALDH3) accounted for downregulation across several metabolic pathways. ALDH activity and inhibitor assays indicated that reduced gene expression of ALDHs affected ALDH enzymatic functions and resulted in oxidative stress dysregulation in GDM-CMSCs.

Conclusion

Our combined transcriptional analysis and in vitro functional characterisation have provided novel insights into fundamental biological differences in GDM- and Healthy-CMSCs. Enhanced mobility of GDM-CMSCs may promote MSC migration toward injured sites; however, impaired cellular metabolic activity may negatively affect any perceived benefit.

Decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate endothelial cell proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a cell culture model of preeclampsia

Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction contribute substantially to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DMSC), reportedly reduce endothelial cell dysfunction and alleviate PE-like symptoms in a murine model. However, as a therapeutic strategy, the use of whole DMSC presents significant technical limitations, which may be overcome by employing DMSC-secreted extracellular vesicles (DMSC_EV). DMSC_EV restoration of endothelial dysfunction through a paracrine effect may alleviate the clinical features of PE.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether DMSC-secreted, extracellular vesicles (DMSC_EV) restore endothelial cell function and reduce oxidative stress.

METHODS

DMSC were isolated from the placentae of uncomplicated term pregnancies and DMSC_EV prepared by ultracentrifugation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or with serum from PE patients, to model the effects of PE. DMSC_EV were then added to treated HUVEC and their growth profiles, inflammatory state, and oxidative stress levels measured.

RESULTS

DMSC_EV displayed characteristic features of extracellular vesicles. In both LPS- and PE serum-treatment models, addition of DMSC_EV significantly increased HUVEC cell attachment and proliferation, and significantly reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. The addition of DMSC_EV to LPS-treated HUVEC had no significant effect on total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase levels or on lipid peroxidation levels. In contrast, the addition of DMSC_EV to PE serum-treated HUVEC resulted in a significant reduction in levels of lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

Addition of DMSC_EV had beneficial effects in both LPS- and PE serum- treated HUVEC but the two treatment models to induce endothelial cell dysfunction showed differences. The LPS treatment of HUVEC model may not accurately model the endothelial cell dysfunction characteristic of PE. Human cell culture models of PE show that DMSC_EV improve endothelial cell dysfunction in PE, but testing in in vivo models of PE is required.

Ageing in human parturition: impetus of the gestation clock in the decidua†

Despite sharing many common features, the relationship between ageing and parturition remains poorly understood. The decidua is a specialized lining of endometrial tissue, which develops in preparation for pregnancy. The structure and location of the decidua support its role as the physical scaffold for the growing embryo and placenta, and thus, it is vital to sustain pregnancy. Approaching term, the physical support properties of the decidua are naturally weakened to permit parturition. In this review, we hypothesize that the natural weakening of decidual tissue at parturition is promoted by the ageing process. Studies of the ageing-related functional and molecular changes in the decidua at parturition are reviewed and classified using hallmarks of ageing as the framework. The potential roles of decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (DMSC) ageing in labor are also discussed because, although stem cell exhaustion is also a hallmark of ageing, its role in labor is not completely understood. In addition, the potential roles of extracellular vesicles secreted by DMSCs in labor, and their parturition-related miRNAs, are reviewed to gain further insight into this research area. In summary, the literature supports the notion that the decidua ages as the pregnancy progresses, and this may facilitate parturition, suggesting that ageing is the probable impetus of the gestational clocks in the decidua. This conceptual framework was developed to provide a better understanding of the natural ageing process of the decidua during parturition as well as to encourage future studies of the importance of healthy ageing for optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase isoforms and inflammatory cell populations are differentially expressed in term human placentas affected by intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complication of pregnancy that has both short- and long-term sequelae for affected mothers and offspring. The pathophysiology of disease stems from poor nutrient and oxygen provision to the fetus, resulting in increased oxidative stress within the placenta. As the milieu within the local microenvironment alters macrophage differentiation, we hypothesized that macrophage plasticity may be altered in placentas associated with IUGR, and that macrophages would show hallmarks of lipid peroxidation including altered aldehyde metabolism.

METHODS

In human placentas taken from normal pregnancies resulting in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns and placentas associated with IUGR, placental macrophages were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and shown in IUGR to resemble pro-inflammatory activated M1-type macrophages. To link oxidative stress to macrophages, the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDHs) isozymes ALDH1, ALDH2, and ALDH3 was assessed.

RESULTS

All three isozymes displayed preferential staining for distinct cellular populations within the term human placenta. ALDH1 and ALDH2 were strongly expressed in placental Hofbauer and decidual stromal cells. ALDH3, in contrast, was present in extravillous trophoblasts. Comparing AGA and IUGR-associated placentas, ALDH1 and ALDH2 trended to have greater expression in macrophage populations but lower expression in decidual cell populations in IUGR-associated placentas. ALDH3 had higher expression in IUGR-associated placentas but localized specifically to extravillous trophoblast populations.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we speculate that specific ALDH isozymes have cell-specific functions related to differentiation, inflammation, or oxidative stress responses that are altered in IUGR-associated term human placentas. This family of isozymes may be a novel method to identify human placentas affected by placental insufficiency/IUGR.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity of Wharton jelly mesenchymal stromal cells: isolation and characterization

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising tools in regenerative medicine and targeted therapies. Although different origins have been described, there is still huge need to find a valuable source harboring specific subpopulations of MSCs with precise therapeutic functions. Here, we isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting technique, two populations of Wharton's jelly (WJ)-MSCs based on their aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Two different ALDH activities (low vs. high) were thus observed. We then analyzed their gene expression profile for stemness, phenotype, response to hypoxia, angiogenesis, hematopoietic support, immunomodulation and multilineage differentiation abilities (osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis). According to ALDH activity, many differences in the mRNA expression of these populations were noticed. In conclusion, we provide evidences that WJ harbors two distinct populations of MSCs with different ALDH activity. These populations seem to display specific functional competences that may be interesting for concise therapeutic applications.

Preconditioning by Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances Multiple Properties of Human Decidua Basalis Mesenchymal Stem/Multipotent Stromal Cells

Stem cell-based therapies rely on stem cell ability to repair in an oxidative stress environment. Preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a stress environment has beneficial effects on their ability to repair injured tissues. We previously reported that MSCs from the decidua basalis (DBMSCs) of human placenta have many important cellular functions that make them potentially useful for cell-based therapies. Here, we studied the effect of DBMSC preconditioning to a stress environment. DBMSCs were exposed to various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and their functions were then assessed. DBMSC expression of immune molecules after preconditioning was also determined. DBMSC preconditioning with H₂O₂ enhanced their proliferation, colonogenicity, adhesion, and migration. In addition, DBMSCs regardless of H₂O₂ treatment displayed antiangiogenic activity. H₂O₂ preconditioning also increased DBMSC expression of genes that promote cellular functions and decreased the expression of genes, which have opposite effect on their functions. Preconditioning also reduced DBMSC expression of IL-1β, but had no effects on the expression of other immune molecules that promote proliferation, adhesion, and migration. These data show that DBMSCs resist a toxic environment, which adds to their potential as a candidate stem cell type for treating various diseases in hostile environments.

Foreskin-derived mesenchymal stromal cells with aldehyde dehydrogenase activity: isolation and gene profiling

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) become an attractive research topic because of their crucial roles in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Foreskin is considered as a valuable tissue source containing immunotherapeutic MSCs (FSK-MSCs).

Results

In this work, we used aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH) assay (ALDEFLUOR™) to isolate and therefore characterize subsets of FSK-MSCs. According to their ALDH activity, we were able to distinguish and sort by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) two subsets of FSK-MSCs (referred as ALDH⁺ and ALDH⁻). Consequently, these subsets were characterized by profiling the gene expression related to the main properties of MSCs (proliferation, response to hypoxia, angiogenesis, phenotype, stemness, multilineage, hematopoiesis and immunomodulation). We thus demonstrated by Real Time PCR several relevant differences in gene expression based on their ALDH activity.

Conclusion

Taken together, this preliminary study suggests that distinct subsets of FSK-MSCs with differential gene expression profiles depending of ALDH activity could be identified. These populations could differ in terms of biological functionalities involving the selection by ALDH activity as useful tool for potent therapeutic applications. However, functional studies should be conducted to confirm their therapeutic relevance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12860-018-0157-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of the selective toxic effect of the charge switchable diethyldithiocarbamate-loaded nanoparticles between hepatic normal and cancerous cells

Liver cancer is mainly originated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Due to difference in pH between normal and tumor cell microenvironments, targeting hepatic CSCs exploiting pH-dependent charge switchable nanoparticles (NPs) is extremely required to limit nonselective toxicity to normal hepatocytes (NHCs) and to completely eliminate the root of cancer origin. In this study, NPs were prepared from cationic chitosan and then coated with anionic albumin namely uncoated and coated NPs, respectively. Both NPs were loaded with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) which is an inhibitor of the critical enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 1A1, for CSCs survival. The charge switchable of coated DDC-loaded NPs in neutral and acidic pH (−19 and +28.5 mv, respectively) was illustrated. This special privilege of coated NPs mediated DDC releasing in a slightly acidic pH (tumor microenvironment) rather than a neutral pH (microenvironment of normal cells). Thence, these coated NPs showed the highest selective apoptosis-mediated toxicity only in murine hepatoma cells (Hepa) that may attribute to suppression of NF-κB expression and ALDH1A1 activity, subsequently collapsing 89.7% CD133⁺CSCs. These new findings declare that coated NPs could be promising safe selective anticancer drug for targeting hepatic CSCs and that requires additional future investigations using animal models of liver cancer.

Isolation and Characterization of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Subsets in Culture Based on Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have particular properties that allow their use as therapeutic strategies for several cell-based applications. Historically, bone marrow (BM)-MSCs are isolated by culture adherence since specific cell surface markers are yet to be developed. This original work aimed to identify and characterize isolating expanded BM-MSCs based on their aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity known to be a hallmark of stem cells and relevant for their isolation. We thus isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting technology two functionally different populations of BM-MSCs depending on their ALDH activity (ALDH⁺ and ALDH^-). Transcriptome analysis and profiling clearly demonstrated that both populations of BM-MSCs present distinct pattern of genes related to the main properties of MSCs (proliferation, response to hypoxia, angiogenesis, phenotype, stemness, multilineage, hematopoiesis, immunomodulation) in an ALDH activity dependent manner. Both BM-MSC populations look to significantly differ in terms of biological responses and functionalities. More functional analyses are needed to understand and characterize the properties of these ALDH populations. Collectively, our results highlight ALDH activity as a potential feature for isolating and segregating functional and/or competent subset of BM-MSC populations, which may account for better and more efficient therapeutic issue.

Isolation and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Human Third Trimester Placental Chorionic Villi and Decidua Basalis

The decidua basalis and placental chorionic villi are critical components of maternal-fetal interface, which plays a critical role in normal placental development. Failure to form a proper maternal-fetal interface is associated with clinically important placental pathologies including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Placental trophoblast cells are well known for their critical roles in establishing the maternal-fetal interface; however accumulating evidence also implicates mesenchymal stem/stromal cells that envelop the maternal and fetal blood vessels as playing an important role in the formation and efficient functioning of the interface. Moreover, recent studies associate abnormal mesenchymal stem/stromal cell function in the development of preeclampsia. Further research is needed to fully understand the role that these cells play in this clinically important placental pathology.The intimate relationship between maternal and fetal tissues at the interface poses significant problems in the enrichment of decidua basalis and chorionic villous mesenchymal stem/stromal cells without significant cross-contamination. The protocols described below for the enrichment and characterization of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from the maternal-fetal interface produce highly enriched cells that conform to international standards and show minimal cross-contamination.