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A systems perspective on placental amino acid transport
Author(s) -
Cleal Jane K.,
Lofthouse Emma M.,
Sengers Bram G.,
Lewis Rohan M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jp274883
Subject(s) - syncytiotrophoblast , amino acid , placenta , limiting , transporter , biochemistry , chemistry , fetus , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , pregnancy , genetics , mechanical engineering , gene , engineering
Placental amino acid transfer is a complex process that is essential for fetal development. Impaired amino acid transfer causes fetal growth restriction, which may have lifelong health consequences. Transepithelial transfer of amino acids across the placental syncytiotrophoblast requires accumulative, exchange and facilitated transporters on the apical and basal membranes to work in concert. However, transporters alone do not determine amino acid transfer and factors that affect substrate availability, such as blood flow and metabolism, may also become rate‐limiting for transfer. In order to determine the rate‐limiting processes, it is necessary to take a systems approach which recognises the interdependence of these processes. New technologies have the potential to deliver targeted interventions to the placenta and help poorly growing fetuses. While many factors are necessary for amino acid transfer, novel therapies need to target the rate‐limiting factors if they are going to be effective. This review will outline the factors which determine amino acid transfer and describe how they become interdependent. It will also highlight the role of computational modelling as a tool to understand this process.