A single-cell survey of the human first-trimester placenta and decidua
Updated July 19, 2023The placenta and decidua interact dynamically to enable embryonic and fetal development. Here, we report single-cell RNA sequencing of 14,341 and 6754 cells from first-trimester human placental villous and decidual tissues, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis identified major cell types, many known and some subtypes previously unknown in placental villi and decidual context. Further detailed analysis revealed proliferating subpopulations, enrichment of cell type–specific transcription factors, and putative intercellular communication in the fetomaternal microenvironment. This study provides a blueprint to further the understanding of the roles of these cells in the placenta and decidua for maintenance of early gestation as well as pathogenesis in pregnancy-related disorders.
A single-cell survey of the human first-trimester placenta and decidua (Official HCA Publication)
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Analysis Portals
Project Label
HumanFirstTrimesterPlacentaDeciduaSpecies
Sample Type
Anatomical Entity
Organ Part
Selected Cell Types
Disease Status (Specimen)
Disease Status (Donor)
Development Stage
Library Construction Method
Nucleic Acid Source
Paired End
falseAnalysis Protocol
optimus_post_processing_v1.0.0, optimus_v4.2.3File Format
Cell Count Estimate
22.5kDonor Count
11