Key regulatory transcription factors involved in placental trophoblast development - A review

Specification of the trophoblast cell lineage comprising the outermost epit helial cell layer of the blastocyst occurs early in development and is a pr erequisite for implantation of the embryo and subsequent formation of the p lacenta, a multifunctional organ which is indispensable for the proper deve lopment of the Fetus. Trophoblast stem cells of the placenta give rise to d istinct highly differentiated trophoblast subtypes which build the function al units of the organ. These specialized cells assure anchorage of the embr yo to the mother, establishing a vascular connection transporting nutrients and gases and expression of hormones that are required for the successful progression of pregnancy. Developmental processes of the trophoblast occur in a spatially and temporally highly organized manner. Despite these facts, little is known on the key regulator? factors which commit and differentia te trophoblast cells in humans. Recent studies in mice, however, provided e vidence that various cell-type specific transcription factors pla) crucial roles in the developmental programme of the trophoblast. In this review we will focus on the function of these major regulatory factors in murine trop hoblast/placental development and discuss the potential role of their homol ogues in the human system, (C) 2001 IFPA and Harcourt Publishers Ltd.