Sex-Specific Gene Expression Differences Are Evident in Human Embryonic Stem Cells and During In Vitro Differentiation of Human Placental Progenitor Cells.

ABSTRACT: The placenta is a short-lived tissue required for embryonic growth and survival, and it is fetal derived. Fetal sex influences gestation, and many sexual dimorphic diseases have origins in utero. There is sex-biased gene expression in third-trimester human placentas, yet the origin of sex-specific expression is unknown. Here, we used an in vitro differentiation model to convert human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into trophoblastic progenitor cells of the first-trimester placenta, which will eventually become mature extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. We observed significant sex differences in transcriptomic profiles of hESCs and trophoblastic progenitors, and also with the differentiation process itself. Male cells had higher dosage of X/Y gene pairs relative to female samp

SUBMITTER: Syrett CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6916123 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature