Unique method for human villous trophoblasts isolation from placental tissue explants

Abstract

Isolation of cytotrophoblasts from primary placental tissue may be costly and time consuming with variable results. In this paper, we provide a simple, affordable, and efficient method that may performed using common laboratory supplies to achieve consistent in vitro isolation of cytotrophoblasts from villous tissue. Trophoblast populations are identified based on morphology and phenotyping, which employs the timely extraction of villous nodes from the placenta prior to cultivation and isolation of nodal outgrowth by visual guidance for selective capture of cytotrophoblast populations and subculture. This method allows for the isolation of cytotrophoblasts free of contamination with other placental cell types. Isolated cells stain positive for the specific cytotrophoblast biomarker cytokeratin 7 and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). Subcultured cells grow to confluency to establish monolayers that may be passaged in culture and later used to develop primary syncytiotrophoblasts over time. These primary cytotrophoblast populations may be employed using in in vitro placenta-on-a chip models to better understand placental cell biology and function, as well as physiological responses after exposure to toxicants, and infectious agents. This technique may be modified for selective isolation of specific cell types within different tissues from multiple organ systems.