Scientists unlock secrets of maternal/fetal cellular communication during pregnancy

"During pregnancy, there is constant communication between maternal and fetal cells using sacs filled with chemicals called exosomes," said senior author Ramkumar Menon, UTMB associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology. "Our prior studies have shown that the fetal exosomes signal to the mother's body that her/his organs have fully matured, which triggers the labor and delivery process. Given this, we sought out to learn more about the extent and capabilities of this communication system in order to develop new ways to monitor and support the fetus during pregnancy."

To test exosome trafficking and function, the research team used mice that were genetically engineered to have certain exosome proteins glow florescent red and green when blood and tissue samples are stained and viewed under a microscope in order to distinguish between the fetal and maternal exosomes.

The researchers learned that isolating and tracking fetal exosomes travelling to the maternal side is a useful indicator of the fetus's health and development that can be measured in minimally invasive maternal blood samples. Likewise, they now know that trafficking of exosomes from the maternal side to the fetus produces functional changes.

"We've just received a $ 1.5 million three-year contract to test a novel approach in treating preterm birth," said Menon. "We will test the usefulness of drugs enclosed in exosomes that can potentially cross the placenta barrier, reach the fetus and prevent fetal inflammation, a major cause of preterm birth for which there is currently no drug treatment. Fetal inflammatory response is primarily responsible for preterm delivery, which impacts 15 million pregnancies yearly and responsible for 1 million neonatal deaths."