Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity and differential expression of the maternal–fetal interface during ICP and normal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can cause adverse perinatal outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that the placenta of an ICP pregnancy differs in morphology and gene expression from the placenta of a normal pregnancy. To date, however, the genetic mechanism by which ICP affects the placenta is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the differences in main cell types, gene signatures, cell ratio, and functional changes in the placenta between ICP and normal pregnancy. METHODS: () function and DAVID website. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding transcription factors (TFs) were identified using getorf and DIAMOND software. RESULTS: in fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed the differences in cell-type ratios, gene expression, and functional changes between ICP and normal placentas, and heterogeneity was found among cell subgroups. Hence, the imbalance of various cell types affects placental activity to varying degrees, indicating the complexity of the cell networks that form the placental tissue system, and this alteration of placental function is associated with adverse events in the perinatal period.