A blastocyst-derived in vitro model of the human chorion

Abstract

The placenta supports the foetus by mediating nutrient and gas exchange, hormone production, and immune protection. Yet, human placental biology remains poorly understood due to limited in vitro models. The foetal part of the placenta, the chorion, consists of a trophoblast-derived layer and a mesenchymal zone containing extraembryonic mesoderm cells. Here, we show that human blastocysts can give rise to both trophoblast organoids and extraembryonic mesoderm cells under the same culture conditions. Trophoblast organoids originate from both outer trophoblast cells and inner cells of the blastocyst, while extraembryonic mesoderm cells derive exclusively from inner cells. These organoids recapitulate the cellular composition, morphology, and function of the in vivo trophoblast. Moreover, given the high rate of aneuploidy at the blastocyst stage, aneuploid trophoblast organoids can be readily generated. These models reflect the trophoblasts unique ability to tolerate aneuploidy and offer a valuable platform to study human placental development and pathophysiology.