Open AccessMSX2 safeguards syncytiotrophoblast fate of human trophoblast stem cells
Author(s) -
Ruth Hornbachner,
Andreas Lackner,
Henrieta Papúchová,
Sandra Haider,
Martin Knöfler,
Karl Mechtler,
Paulina A. Latos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2105130118
Subject(s) - trophoblast , biology , syncytiotrophoblast , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell , cell fate determination , context (archaeology) , progenitor cell , transcription factor , chromatin remodeling , chromatin , cellular differentiation , regulation of gene expression , cell type , placenta , genetics , gene , cell , fetus , pregnancy , paleontology
Significance The human placenta contains progenitors that give rise to highly specialized trophoblast cell types, and failures in their differentiation are associated with placental pathologies. Importantly, transcription factors controlling these cell fate decisions in humans are poorly understood. Here, we uncovered MSX2 as a human-specific regulator of trophoblast cell identity and implicate its role in placental development and disease. We found that MSX2 interacts and cobinds many target genes with components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, suggesting a mechanistic link. Given the critical function of SWI/SNF in gene expression, organogenesis, and disease, we provided characterization of its composition and possible role in the placental context.