Effect for Human Genomic Variation During the BMP4-Induced Conversion From Pluripotent Stem Cells to Trophoblast

Loss of GLTSCR1 causes congenital heart defects by regulating NPPA transcription

Precise and specific spatiotemporal domains of gene expression regulation are critical for embryonic development. Recent studies have identified GLTSCR1 as a gene transcriptional elongation regulator in cancer research. However, the function of GLTSCR1, especially in embryonic development, remains poorly understood. Here, we found that GLTSCR1 was essential for cardiac development because Gltscr1 knockout (Gltscr1^-/-) led to embryonic lethality in mice with severe congenital heart defects (CHDs). Ventricular septal defect and double outflow right ventricular were also observed in neural crest cells with conditional deletion of Gltscr1, which were associated with neonatal lethality in mice. Mechanistically, GLTSCR1 deletion promoted NPPA expression by coordinating the CHD risk G allele of rs56153133 in the NPPA enhancer and releasing the transcription factor ZNF740-binding site on the NPPA promoter. These findings demonstrated that GLTSCR1 acts as a candidate CHD-related gene.

Omics Approaches to Study Formation and Function of Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast

Proper development of the placenta is vital for pregnancy success. The placenta regulates exchange of nutrients and gases between maternal and fetal blood and produces hormones essential to maintain pregnancy. The placental cell lineage primarily responsible for performing these functions is a multinucleated entity called syncytiotrophoblast. Syncytiotrophoblast is continuously replenished throughout pregnancy by fusion of underlying progenitor cells called cytotrophoblasts. Dysregulated syncytiotrophoblast formation disrupts the integrity of the placental exchange surface, which can be detrimental to maternal and fetal health. Moreover, various factors produced by syncytiotrophoblast enter into maternal circulation, where they profoundly impact maternal physiology and are promising diagnostic indicators of pregnancy health. Despite the multifunctional importance of syncytiotrophoblast for pregnancy success, there is still much to learn about how its formation is regulated in normal and diseased states. ‘Omics’ approaches are gaining traction in many fields to provide a more holistic perspective of cell, tissue, and organ function. Herein, we review human syncytiotrophoblast development and current model systems used for its study, discuss how ‘omics’ strategies have been used to provide multidimensional insights into its formation and function, and highlight limitations of current platforms as well as consider future avenues for exploration.