Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles

Our research is focused on the placenta/brain communication. We are exploring whether small extracellular vesicles can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, and if that is the potential underlying mechanism associated with cerebrovascular complication observed in women with preeclampsia. We have previously shown that plasma of women with preeclampsia can impair the blood-brain barrier.

However, the nature of this potential harmful factor present in the plasma is unknown. Results from our laboratory show that extracellular vesicles derived from the plasma of women with preeclampsia, or from placentas, cultured in hypoxia, impairs the blood-brain barrier. The underlying mechanism of how placental extracellular vesicles impair the blood-brain barrier needs further investigation.

That includes analysis of the content of extracellular vesicles, such as specific microRNAs that control the expression of digestion proteins in brain endothelial cells.