Effect of ZIKV on human ESCs derived trophoblast cells

To characterise the human trophoblast cells derived from human ESCs and the effects of ZIKV infection on them, we performed RNA-seq on two sets of samples: 1)human ES cell line HuES8 and the trophoblast cells differentiated. 2)trophoblast cells infected at 4 days after differentiation by MOCK and ZIKV, and harvested 72hpi. Here, we demonstrate gene expression profile of trophoblasts derived from human ESCs is similar to the trophoectoderm cells isolated from human blastocysts. And ZIKV infection on the human ESCs derived trophoblasts activated a panel of pathways, including programmed cell death. Overall design: 1) RNA-seq of HuES8, trophoblasts differentiation to day 4 and day 9. 2) RNA-seq of day 4 trophoblast cells infected with MOCK and ZIKV.