Oxidative stress induces release of mitochondrial DNA into the extracellular space in human placental villous trophoblast BeWo cells.

This is the first study to test whether trophoblast cells release mitochondrial DNA in response to oxidative stress and to identify mechanisms of release and biological forms of mtDNA from this cellular type. This research identifies potential cellular mechanisms that can be used in future investigations to establish the source and biomarker potential of circulating mitochondrial DNA in preclinical experimental models and humans.