Researchers have identified distinct fetal and maternal cell signatures associated with severe preeclampsia using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies to analyze the fetal-maternal interface. The findings provide new insight into how fetal and maternal tissues contribute to disease progression and highlight potential molecular targets for future therapeutic development.
Published in Science Advances, the study used spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomic analysis to compare fetal-maternal tissue samples from individuals with severe preeclampsia with healthy pairs at similar gestational ages. The study examined tissues collected from pregnancies between 25 and 37 weeks of gestation.
Preeclampsia affects approximately 2% to 4% of pregnancies worldwide and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications. The condition is associated with dysfunction at the fetal-maternal interface, including the placenta and surrounding tissues.
Mapping cellular changes linked to disease
Researchers used single-cell and spatial molecular profiling to evaluate gene expression patterns across specific cell types and tissue locations. After accounting for gestational age, the team identified molecular signatures in placental cells from severe preeclampsia cases associated with hypoxia, fibrosis, impaired blood vessel formation, and altered metabolism.
The study also identified immune-related molecular changes in maternal tissues, including the myometrium and chorioamniotic membranes. These signatures included mitochondrial dysfunction and interferon signaling, which may contribute to systemic inflammation and impaired communication between maternal and fetal cells.
The findings suggest that severe preeclampsia involves coordinated changes across multiple tissues rather than dysfunction in the placenta alone.
Potential for future biomarker development
By distinguishing fetal and maternal contributions to disease, the researchers aim to improve understanding of how severe preeclampsia develops and identify potential targets for future interventions.
The authors suggest that these tissue- and cell-specific molecular responses could represent therapeutic targets, particularly when investigated during earlier stages of disease.
For clinical laboratory researchers, the study highlights the potential of single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies to characterize complex biological processes at high resolution. These approaches may support future discovery of biomarkers and molecular pathways that could advance precision medicine approaches for pregnancy-related conditions.
Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.
