Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Pertl, MK.
Establishment of a Functional Placental Barrier in a Fluid Flow-culture System.
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis (UNI) ] Universität Graz; 2024.
FullText
- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Gauster Martin
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- Abstract:
- This research focuses on the development of a new in vitro model to mimic the human placental barrier (PB) during the first trimester of pregnancy. The placenta is essential for fetal development and undergoes significant physiological and structural changes throughout pregnancy. It functions as a vital barrier between mother and fetus, mediating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange while also producing essential hormones. This barrier plays a crucial role in protecting the fetus from harmful substances, including drugs and environmental pollutants, and therefore research in this area is of considerable interest. Access to placental samples for research is not always available, except in cases of miscarriages and first-trimester abortions. Placentas from miscarriages usually cannot guarantee healthy placental physiology while the latter can be used for research purposes. Nevertheless, access to placental samples is limited, making in vitro models representing placental physiology of great interest. Therefore, we developed an in vitro model of the PB consisting of three human cell lines. HUVEC, JAR, and Forskolin-differentiated BeWo cells were used to mimic the fetal endothelium, cytotrophoblast cells, and the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) layer. The model was successfully established under static and dynamic conditions. In addition to that, we also examined the function of the PB through the effects on glucose transport and the main glucose transporter GLUT1. The newly developed model provides a valuable platform for future studies investigating the effects of various substances, also in consideration of physiological and pathological flow rates, on placental function. The placenta barrier model also enables RNA and protein isolation, which could provide a deeper understanding of the mechanistic effects on cellular levels. With the developed PB models, future studies can be conducted to help identify the causes of pregnancy complications in a broader sense.