Genes governing placental development

The placenta is essential for fetal growth because it promotes the delivery of nutrients and oxygen from the maternal circulation. In mice, many gene mutations disrupt formation of the placenta, with specific effects at diffe rent times and on different components. Studies of these mutations are begi nning to provide insights into both the molecular pathways required for for mation of different placental substructures and the nature of intercellular interactions, between trophoblast, mesenchymal and vascular components, th at regulate placental development. Conserved gene expression patterns in hu mans should enable the elucidation of the molecular basis of human placenta l dysfunction.