Single-cell transcriptomics of the human placenta: inferring the cell communication network of the maternal-fetal interface

Proof of concept: Canonical Wnt signaling is induced in decidualization in maternal cells, as well as in fetal cells conditioned with supernatant of maternal decidualized cells. Anti-beta-catenin antibody is shown in green, and DAPI nuclear staining in blue. The translocation of beta-catenin into the nucleus marks activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. (A) Endometrial stromal fibroblasts (HESC) show beta catenin nuclear localization upon decidualization (Nikon, 20×). (B) BeWo show no nuclear localization in normal growth medium; however, the nuclear localization occurs upon addition of the supernatant from decidualized cells (Nikon, 40×).