Different epigenetic states define syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast nuclei in the trophoblast of the human placenta
Open accessAbstract
Introduction The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) epithelial covering of the villous tree in the human placenta is a multi-nucleated syncytium that is sustained by continuous incorporation of differentiating cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells. STB nuclei display a variety of morphologies, but are generally more condensed in comparison to CTB nuclei. Here, we consider whether this condensation is a feature of epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure.Methods Semi-quantitative immunohistochemical investigations of a panel of histone modifications were performed to determine the relative proportions in CTB and STB nuclear populations. We also investigated the patterns of DNA methylation and distribution of DNA methyltransferases enzymes in these populations.Results Unexpectedly DNA methylation, and H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, which are modifications associated with heterochromatin, are present at lower levels in STB nuclei compared to CTB, despite the intensive condensation in the former nuclear population and the progenitor state of the latter. By contrast, STB nuclei are enriched for H4K20me3, which is also associated with repressive states. 5'hydroxymethylcytosine immunoreactivity is higher in STB, with intense staining observed in the highly condensed nuclei within syncytial knots.Discussion Cell-type specific epigenetic states exist within the trophoblast populations potentially regulating their different functions and developmental properties and suggesting non-canonical epigenetic states associated with the properties of these cells.
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Nuclei within the syncytiotrophoblast exhibit contrasting patterns of chromatin and different epigenetic states.
“The significance for the placenta is still unknown, although it is well recognized that nuclei within the syncytiotrophoblast exhibit contrasting patterns of chromatin and different epigenetic states (187).”
From Placental Origins of Chronic Disease (2016) · cites this paper as [187]
The heavily condensed nuclei within syncytial knots stain particularly strongly for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine.
“The heavily condensed nuclei within syncytial knots stain particularly strongly for 5hydroxymethylcytosine (187).”
From Placental Origins of Chronic Disease (2016) · cites this paper as [187]
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Fogarty, N. M. E., Burton, G. J., & Ferguson-Smith, A. C.
- Affiliations
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Fogarty, N.M.E.
- Venue
- Placenta
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2015-08
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 796-802
- ISSN
- 0143-4004 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1587461357
- Cited by
- 57
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 2
- FWCI
- 2.17
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- Licence
- Locations
- Placenta (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Apollo (University of Cambridge) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Funders
- Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
- Centre for Trophoblast Research
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Reproductive System and Pregnancy
- Keywords
- syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, trophoblast, human placenta, epigenetic regulation, histone modifications, DNA methylation, DNA methyltransferases, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, H4K20me3, heterochromatin, chromatin condensation, syncytial knots
- MeSH terms
- Cell Nucleus, Female, Humans, Placenta, Pregnancy, Trophoblasts, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic
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