Detailed information
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The information is provided in the language in which it was submitted by the researcher.
- Project title:
- Placental sex as a biological determinant in trophoblast function and trophoblast-directed immune activity
- Principal investigator(s):
- Beristain, Alexander G; Robinson, Wendy P
- Co-investigator(s):
- N/A
- Supervisors:
- N/A
- Institution paid:
- University of British Columbia
- Research institution:
- University of British Columbia
- Department:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Program:
- Project Grant
- Competition (year/month):
- 202109
- Assigned peer review committee:
- Clinical Investigation - A: Reproduction, Maternal, Child and Youth Health 2
- Primary institute:
- Human Development, Child and Youth Health
- Primary theme:
- Biomedical
- Term (yrs/mths):
- 5 yrs 0 mth
- CIHR contribution:
- Contributors:
- Amount:
- $784,125
- Equipment:
- $0
- External funding partner(s):
- Partner Name:
- N/A
- Amount:
- N/A
- Equipment:
- N/A
- External applicant partner(s):
- Partner Name:
- N/A
- Amount:
- N/A
- Equipment:
- N/A
- External in-kind partner(s):
- Partner Name:
- N/A
- Amount:
- N/A
- Equipment:
- N/A
- Keywords:
- Biological Sex; Chromosomal Sex; Organoids; Placenta; Single Cell Rna Sequencing; Trophoblast; Trophoblast Stem Cells; Uterine Immune Cells
- Abstract/Summary:
- The placenta is a critical organ in pregnancy that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby and enables the baby's growth and survival. The placenta's DNA is identical to the baby's DNA, and is therefore either male or female. Notably, disorders of pregnancy show biasing according to the chromosomal sex of the placenta. In early pregnancy, male (XY) fetuses appear to be protected from miscarriage, while in later pregnancy, female (XX) fetuses show greater protection from preterm birth. The underlying reason(s) for these discrepancies is unknown, but could relate to fundamental differences in male and female placental biology. The major cells of the placenta, called trophoblasts, play central roles in executing most of the placenta's important functions. However little is known if the biological sex of trophoblasts (i.e. male vs. female trophoblasts) relates to potential differences in trophoblast functions that underlie normal placental development. The goal of this research project aims to examine if fundamental differences in male and female trophoblasts exist. Using human cell culture systems, genomic approaches, and specific readouts of trophoblast development, the role of biological sex will be tested. This work will be important in establishing the groundwork needed to understand normal differences in male and female placentas. Further, this work will provide critical insight into underlying mechanisms initiating differences in male and female baby health-specific outcomes.
- Version:
- 20231215.2