The trophoblast begins at the outer covering of the early blastocyst and provides the route of nourishment between the maternal endometrium and the developing embryo. The trophoblast adhesion to the uterine wall is the requisite first step of implantation and, subsequently, placentation. Human villous tryophoblasts (HVT) covering the villi of the placenta provide the surface for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with the maternal circulation. They synthesize and release chorionic gonadotropin, placental lactogen and angiogenin and express CXCR4, CCR5 and prolactin gene family. They acquire CCR1 as they differentiate to an invasive phenotype at the villous-anchoring sites. The features of HVT, together with the recent establishment of trophoblast stem cells, make them an ideal genetic platform to study cell differentiation and organogenesis. HVT from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human placental villi. HVT are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 106 cells in 1 ml volume. HVT are characterized by HCG ELISA. HVT are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HVT are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, HVT are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures since the cells do not proliferate in regular culture. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Trophoblast Medium (TM, Cat. #7121) for the culturing of HVT in vitro.