Cell Adhesion and Migration at the Maternal–Fetal Interface

Cell adhesion and migration in the placenta are fundamental to the establishment, maturation, and function of the maternal–fetal interface. During placental development, trophoblasts and other interacting cell populations must coordinate attachment, invasion, differentiation, vascular remodeling, and tissue organization while maintaining immune and structural homeostasis. Disruption of these processes has been associated with pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Recent studies have identified important roles for cell-adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix components, cytoskeletal regulators, mechanotransduction pathways, and maternal–fetal immune interactions. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms governing placental cell movement and adhesion remain incompletely understood. In particular, the field requires greater integration of findings across molecular, cellular, tissue, and physiological scales, as well as improved models that capture the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of the maternal–fetal interface.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the mechanisms regulating cell adhesion and migration during placental development and pregnancy. It will examine how trophoblasts and other placental, maternal, and fetal cells interact with one another and with the extracellular matrix, and how these interactions contribute to implantation, placental morphogenesis, vascular development, barrier function, and adaptation to changing physiological conditions. Contributions may also address how altered adhesion and migration pathways contribute to placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Integrating developmental biology, cell biology, reproductive medicine, bioengineering, and computational approaches may reveal new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and strategies for improving placental health.To gather further insights into cell adhesion and migration at the maternal–fetal interface, this Research Topic will focus on mechanisms operating in normal and complicated pregnancies, from implantation and early placentation to term placental function. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Trophoblast adhesion, invasion, and migration• Cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions• Integrins, cadherins, selectins, and other adhesion molecules• Cytoskeletal remodeling and mechanotransduction• Extracellular matrix composition, stiffness, and remodeling• Maternal–fetal immune interactions and decidual cell function• Placental vascular development and endothelial cell migration• Organoids, placental explants, organ-on-chip, and advanced in vitro models• Single-cell, spatial, and imaging approaches to placental cell dynamics• Dysregulated adhesion and migration in pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, miscarriage, and preterm birth• Therapeutic and diagnostic implications of placental adhesion and migration pathways Topic editors: Roberto PERRIS, Daniela Marzioni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86256/cell-adhesion-and-migration-at-the-maternal-fetal-interface