Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals distinct pathophysiological trophoblast signatures in spontaneous preterm birth subtypes

Abstract

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) poses significant challenges, affecting neonatal health and neurodevelopmental outcomes worldwide. The specific effects of placental trophoblasts on the pathological development of sPTB subtypes—preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) and spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL)—are not fully understood, making it crucial to uncover these impacts for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we investigated transcriptomic and cellular differences at the maternal–fetal interface in pPROM and sPTL placentas. Our findings revealed distinct trophoblast compositions with pPROM characterized predominantly by extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), while sPTL showed an abundance of syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs). Through cell differentiation and cell-to-cell communication analyses, other distinguishing factors were also found. In pPROM, heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysregulation with key pathways including tumor necrosis factor signaling, matrix metalloproteinase activation, and integrin-mediated cell adhesion, highlighted an invasive EVT profile potentially driven by hypoxic conditions and immune cell recruitment. In contrast, sPTL was marked by increased smooth muscle contraction, vascular remodeling, and altered signaling dynamics involving fibroblasts, including TGF-β and WNT pathways. Our study highlights the critical need to distinguish sPTB subtypes to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic targeting. The molecular insights gained provide a foundation for future investigations aimed at functional validation of key pathways and exploration of trophoblasts on the development of sPTB. Ultimately, these findings pave the way for more personalized and effective interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with preterm birth.