Analyzing Trophoblast Function Using Cell-Based Assays

Functional cell-based assays are useful for comparing the effect of a treatment, drug, or condition on cells in culture. Cell lines are a commonly used model to replicate a normal biological process or a pathological condition. Trophoblasts within the placenta are required to perform a variety of functions, which include proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion for efficient placentation to occur. These functions are impaired in trophoblasts from preeclamptic pregnancies, and therefore functional cell-based assays can be utilized to measure differences and dissect molecular regulatory pathways.