UCSF

Placental function requires organized growth, transmission of nutrients, and an anti-inflammatory milieu between the maternal and fetal interface, but placental factors important for its function remain unclear. Renalase is a pro-survival, anti-inflammatory flavoprotein found to be critical in other tissues. We examined the potential role of renalase in placental development. PCR, bulk RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence for renalase and its binding partners, PMCA4b and PZP, were performed on human placental tissue from second-trimester and full-term placentas separated into decidua, placental villi and chorionic plates. Quantification of immunohistochemistry was used to localize renalase across time course from 17 weeks to term. Endogenous production of renalase was examined in placental tissue and organoids. Renalase and its receptor PMCA4b transcripts and proteins were present in all layers of the placenta. Estimated RNLS protein levels did not change with gestation in the decidual samples. However, placental villi contained more renalase immunoreactive cells in fetal than full-term placental samples. RNLS co-labeled with markers for Hofbauer cells and trophoblasts within the placental villi. Endogenous production of RNLS, PMCA4b, and PZP by trophoblasts was validated in placental organoids. Renalase is endogenously expressed throughout placental tissue and specifically within Hofbauer cells and trophoblasts, suggesting a potential role for renalase in placental development and function. Future studies should assess renalase's role in normal and diseased human placenta.