The Placenta as an Organ and a Source of Stem Cells and Extracellular Matrix: A Review

Abstract

The placenta is a temporal, dynamic and diverse organ with important immunological features that facilitate embryonic and fetal development and survival, notwithstanding the fact that several aspects of its formation and function closely resemble tumor progression. Placentation in mammals is commonly used to characterize the evolution of species, including insights into human evolution. Although most placentas are discarded after birth, they are a high-yield source for the isolation of stem/progenitor cells and are rich in extracellular matrix (ECM), representing an important resource for regenerative medicine purposes. Interactions among cells, ECM and bioactive molecules regulate tissue and organ generation and comprise the foundation of tissue engineering. In the present article, differences among several mammalian species regarding the placental types and classifications, phenotypes and potency of placenta-derived stem/progenitor cells, placental ECM components and current placental ECM applications were reviewed to highlight their potential clinical and biomedical relevance.

Extracellular matrix in epitheliochorial, endotheliochorial and haemochorial placentation and its potential application for regenerative medicine

“…The last common ancestor of placental mammals or Eutheria likely had an invasive type of placenta, whereas non‐invasive placentation is derived character (Elliot & Crespi, ; Gundling & Wildman, ; Mess & Carter, ; Vogel, ; Wildman et al., ). The placental extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a complex network of bioactive components (Figure ) (Lobo et al., ), which facilitates a multitude of biological processes. The sparse data suggest that differences in ECM composition and function occur in the various types of placentation, but their characteristics during evolution are not yet revealed.…”

“…The sparse data suggest that differences in ECM composition and function occur in the various types of placentation, but their characteristics during evolution are not yet revealed. Recently, interest in the ECM, including placenta ECM (Lobo et al., ; Schneider et al., ), as a biological scaffold for tissue‐regenerating purposes arose (Parmaksiz, Dogan, Odabas, Elçin, & Elçin, ; Tian, Prabhakaran, & Ramakrishna, ). Here, we provide an in‐depth review on placental types with special reference to their ECM and the potential use for regenerative medicine.…”

“…Maternal part in light grey; foetal trophoblast and capillaries in dark grey and foetal connective tissue in black, fv, foetal vessel; mbs, maternal blood space. (Modified after Benirschke et al., ; Lobo et al., )…”

“…Among new technologies, the use of biological scaffolds from placental ECM has achieved good results in regeneration of skin, muscles, connective tissue and inner organs (Flynn, Semple, & Woodhouse, ; Badylak, Freytes, & Gilbert, ; Shevchenko, Stoĭko, Levchuk, Stepaniuk, & Seregin, ; Lisi et al. ; Teodori et al., ; Martino et al., ; Moore, Pandolfi, & McFetridge, ; Lobo et al., ; Schneider et al., ). There are main advantages: tissue transplants have 3D structure in contrast to the 2D structure of transplanted cells (Gilbert, Stolz, Biancaniello, Simmons‐Byrd, & Badylak, ; Khan, Vishwakarma, Bardia, & Venkateshwarulu, ; MacNeil, ).…”

Estimation of Oxygen Diffusing Conductance in Different Dissection Portion of the Placental Cotyledon of Passive Smoking Mothers

“…The placenta, a vital interface component between mother and fetus is important for nutrients and gas exchange, waste disposal, immunity and organ maturation (1). Placenta provides a large surface area for nutrients exchange to occur between the mother and fetus (2).…”