Mitochondrial Dynamics in Mesenchymal Cells in Placental Development and Preeclampsia

Cellular health hinges on functional mitochondrial networks that are maintained by fusion protein Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1) and fission protein Dynamin Related Protein 1 (DRP1). Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy disorder where exuberant fission events contribute to trophoblast cells demise. Placental mesenchymal stromal cells (pMSCs) are critical for placenta development. We hypothesized that the mitochondrial dynamic events in pMSCs are kept in balance across gestation and that this balance is disrupted in PE. We discovered the low physiologic oxygen in the first trimester placenta produce small and functional mitochondria. Conversely, in PE exuberant fission were related to mitophagy. Healthy mitochondrial fission was attributed to the lysosome, whereas secondary lysosomes in PE degrade damaged mitochondria. In conclusion, during placental development physiologic changes in oxygen regulate mitochondrial dynamic events to maintain their function, however in PE excessive fission impair pMSCs function and contributes to poor placental development.M.Sc