Centre for Reproduction & Development

Placental stem cells

Lab head: Dr Ursula Manuelpillai

Research carried out by the Placental Stem Cell group has shown amnion-derived cells possess pluripotent/multipotent (stem cell) characteristics. It is believed these cells, derived from the fetal membranes after birth, could be used in regenerative and reparative medicine.

The fetal membranes, amnion and chorion retain the amniotic fluid in which the fetus is suspended during pregnancy. Both membranes arise very early in gestation from pluripotent embryonic cells and extra-embryonic tissue. The membranes are delivered together with the placenta following birth and normally discarded. Investigating if cells with stem cell like properties may be retained even at the end of pregnancy we found that amnion cells possess characteristics of pluripotent / multipotent stem cells differentiating into cells derived from each of the three germ layers in vitro. Preliminary studies have also shown that amnion cells are able to undergo tissue specific differentiation in vivo. Given the huge abundance of term delivered fetal membranes and wide community acceptance of their usage we are investigating if pluripotent / multipotent cells from term delivered fetal membranes may be useful is stem cell based therapies. Studies into functional tissue specific differentiation, tissue and organ repair, effects on inflammation and host immune function are underway.

Placental–maternal interactions in early pregnancy
Optimal placental function is essential for normal fetal growth and development. The fetal derived placenta also interacts with maternal endometrial tissue lining the uterus. Hormones, growth factors and cytokines produced by the placenta and / or endometrium regulate endometrial receptivity and maturation to facilitate embryo implantation and later, placental growth. Altered endometrial receptivity and reduced placental growth are believed to underlie important pregnancy complications such miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. In order to better understand the pathogenesis of these pregnancy complications we are investigating the effects of opioids produced by endometrium and placenta on endometrial receptivity and placental growth and function. As endogenously produced opioids can also influence immune cell function, their activity on endometrial immune cells are also being investigated to define roles played in pregnancy.