Flip a coin: cell senescence at the maternal–fetal interface

• Published in: Biology of reproduction Vol. 109; no. 3; pp. 244 - 255
• Main Authors: Gong, Guang-Shun, Muyayalo, Kahindo P., Zhang, Yu-Jing, Lin, Xin-Xiu, Liao, Ai-Hua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society for the Study of Reproduction 12.09.2023; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: cell senescence; Fetuses; inflammation; maternal–fetal interface; Parturition; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Premature birth; REVIEW; Senescence; senescence-associated secretory phenotype; Well being; senescence-associated secretory phenotype; maternal–fetal interface; inflammation; pregnancy; cell senescence; Pregnancy; Cell-senescence; Maternal-fetal interface; Inflammation; Senescence-associated secretory phenotype
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad071

During pregnancy, cell senescence at the maternal–fetal interface is required for maternal well-being, placental development, and fetal growth. However, recent reports have shown that aberrant cell senescence is associated with multiple pregnancy-associated abnormalities, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restrictions, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Therefore, the role and impact of cell senescence during pregnancy requires further comprehension. In this review, we discuss the principal role of cell senescence at the maternal–fetal interface, emphasizing its “bright side” during decidualization, placentation, and parturition. In addition, we highlight the impact of its deregulation and how this “dark side” promotes pregnancy-associated abnormalities. Furthermore, we discuss novel and less invasive therapeutic practices associated with the modulation of cell senescence during pregnancy. Summary Sentence An overview of the recent discoveries on the physiology role of cell senescence in successful pregnancies and pathology role of excessive cell senescence in complicated pregnancy. Graphical Abstract