BMP4-directed trophoblast differentiation of human embryonic stem cells is mediated through a ΔNp63+ cytotrophoblast stem cell state

We show that FCM-BMP4-treated hESC differentiate into bona fide CTB by direct comparison to primary human placental tissues and isolated CTB through gene expresson profiling. We have compared gene expression profiling of FCM-BMP4-treated hESC to a panel of fetal tissues and first trimester tissues. Moreover, we have analysed the expression profiles of cells after shRNA knock-down of p63 compared to Scramble upon BMP4 treatment. Difference in expression between CTB trimester 1 / trimester 3 and PSC were compared the difference between FCM-BMP4-treated hESC and PSC at each time point collected.