Trophoblast progenitor heterogeneity and function in normal and Trisomy 21-affected placentae

Placental dysfunction results from abnormal development of this organ early in gestation, and is the underlying cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Pregnancies affected by Trisomy 21 are at high risk of miscarriage and fetal growth restriction, at least partly due to abnormalities of placental development. This project will use placental cells, derived directly from normal and Trisomy 21-affected placentas or pluripotent stem cells in order to identify cellular defects underlying placental dysfunction.