# Changes in plasma PLAC-1 concentration and its expression during early-mid pregnancy in bovine placental tissues – a pilot study

## TL;DR

This study shows that PLAC1, a placenta-specific protein, is present in higher levels in the blood of pregnant cows and in fetal placental tissues, suggesting it could be a potential pregnancy marker.

## Contribution

The study is the first to investigate PLAC1 in bovine pregnancy and identifies its potential as a pregnancy marker in cows.

## Key findings

- PLAC1 plasma concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant cows compared to non-pregnant ones.
- PLAC1 protein levels were higher in the fetal part of the placenta than in the maternal part.
- PLAC1 transcripts were detected in placental tissues and epithelial cell cultures.

## Abstract

Placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC1) is a small secreted protein considered to be a molecule with a significant role in the development of the placenta and the establishment of the mother-foetus interface. This study aimed to confirm the presence of bovine PLAC1 and to examine its profile in the placenta and plasma in the first six months of pregnancy. The expression pattern of PLAC1 was analysed by RT-qPCR and Western Blotting. Quantitative evaluation was carried out using ELISA.

PLAC1 concentrations in the plasma of pregnant cows were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those obtained from non-pregnant animals. PLAC1 protein concentrations in the placental tissues of the foetal part were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in the tissues of the maternal part of the placenta. PLAC1 transcripts were detected in both placental tissue samples and epithelial cell cultures.

In conclusion, the results of the present preliminary study suggest that PLAC1 is involved in the development of bovine placenta. The presence of this protein in the plasma of pregnant animals as early as the first month may make it a potential candidate as a pregnancy marker in cows. Further studies on exact mechanisms of action of PLAC1 in bovine placenta are necessary.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-024-03898-z.