Comparative analysis of mouse and human placentae across gestation reveals species-specific regulators of placental development [mouse]

In this study, we compared the genome-wide transcriptome of mouse and human placentas across gestation to identify species-specific signatures of early development. We also compared human placental signatures to purified primary cytotrophoblasts (CTB) isolated from placentae at different gestational age. In order to characerise the human trophobalst stem cells niche, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of mouse placentas from E7.5 to E18.5 and compared these profiles to those of human placenta specimen from week 4 to term. CD-1 mice were time-mated with the morning of the plug referred to as E0.5. Extraembryonic tissue was dissected and collected at E7.5 and E8.5. Placentas were dissected out of maternal decidua, and halves were collected at E9.5, E10.5, E11.5, E12.5, E14.5, E16.5, and E18.5. At least 6 samples from 2 different litters were collected per time point.