# TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · 1994 · $170,455

## Abstract

The chorioallantoic placenta plays an essential role in the development of
the fetus.  Trophoblast cells, the parenchymal cells of the placenta, are
involved in regulating the transport of nutrients and wastes between
maternal and fetal compartments, producing hormones that control the growth
and metabolism of maternal and fetal cells, and in preventing immunologic
rejection of the genetically disparate embryo.  Cellular and biochemical
mechanisms controlling trophoblast cell growth and differentiation are yet
to be elucidated.  Consequences of disrupted placental development may be
conspicuous resulting in the cessation of pregnancy or more subtle
resulting in impaired fetal growth and maturation.  Difficulties
accompanying fetal development are associated with increased health care
needs postnatally.

The purpose of this proposal is to identify and characterize cellular and
molecular mechanisms involved in directing trophoblast cell differentiation
and in maintaining the differentiated trophoblast phenotype.  The analysis
will be largely focused on the endocrine differentiation of trophoblast
cells.  We hypothesize that trophoblast cell differentiation is dependent
upon interactions with mesenchyme of maternal (uterine decidua) and fetal
origin.  These interactions influence the organization of the placenta and
its access to signals emanating from maternal and fetal environments.
Studies will utilize the developing rat chorioallantoic placenta and cell
lines established from rat placental primordia.  The developing rat
chorioallantoic placenta is an excellent model system in that its responses
to fetal and maternal interactions are readily dissociable.  Two major
specific aims presented in the form of questions will be addressed in the
proposal:  1) What factors are responsible for the functional and
morphological phenotypes of the zones of the rat chorioallantoic placenta?
and 2) What is the origin of the rat trophoblast cell lines and what do
they represent?  Molecular and immunologic probes will be utilized to
examine the expression of four measures of the differentiated trophoblast
phenotype (placental lactogen-II, placental prolactin-like protein-A,
P450scc, and alkaline phosphatase).Expression will be monitored
biochemically and histologically in experimentally manipulated trophoblast
cells.  Studies are designed to evaluate roles of the extracellular matrix,
maternal and fetal factors, steroid hormones and cyclic AMP in directing
trophoblast cell differentiation.

Identification of factors responsible for controlling trophoblast cell
differentiation will significantly add to our knowledge of a fundamental
embryologic process.  Furthermore, these studies will permit identification
of developmental stages susceptible to pathologic disruption and thus,
potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198062
- **Project number:** 5R01HD020676-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YXJGGNC5J269
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL J SOARES
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $170,455
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-07-01 → 1996-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198062

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198062, TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION (5R01HD020676-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198062. Licensed CC0.

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