Oxygen regulates human Cytotrophoblast Migration by controlling Chemokine Ligand and Receptor Expression

Aims: During placentation, formation of the maternal-fetal interface depends on the invasion of uterine tissues by cytotrophoblasts. These cells integrate into maternal spiral arterioles redirect maternal blood to the fetus. Low oxygen conditions are important during early pregnancy since they initiate cytotrophoblast differentiation pathways. In this study, we analyze the effect of oxygen on chemokine-mediated cytotrophoblast migration. Result: Cytotrophoblasts, as they differentiate, upregulate a subset of chemokines and their receptors including CXCL12 (SDF–1), CXCR4, CXCR6, CCR1, and CCR7. A low oxygen envir…