Placental mitochondrial calcium uniporter modulates offspring susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria are crucial for regulating metabolism, but their role in the placenta and how they may shape offspring metabolism and long-term health remains unclear, despite being commonly associated with pregnancy complications. To investigate this, we used a genetic model with placenta-specific deletion of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (Pl-MCUKO) and assessed the metabolic trajectory of adult offspring. We found that, at baseline, female placental trophoblasts in wild-type animals exhibited higher respiration rates than males. MCU deletion impaired mitochondrial function specifically in female placentas and was accompanied by distinct changes in the metabolomic profiles of protein and lipid metabolism. Transcriptome analysis revealed reduced placental cellular growth pathways, consi

SUBMITTER: Jo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12423341 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature