Nicol1 is identified as a gatekeeper of the stem cell state during the early differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells. Its function is crucial for the proper expansion and lineage specification of trophoblast stem and progenitor cells, which are essential for placental formation [1].

Using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse trophoblast stem cells, Nicol1 was found to be a key regulator at the early stages of differentiation. Although the reference does not mention KO/CKO mouse models for Nicol1, the identification of it as a gatekeeper implies its importance in maintaining the stem cell state, which is likely to be further explored in future in vivo studies like gene knockout or conditional knockout mouse models to understand its exact role in placental development and related diseases [1].

In conclusion, Nicol1 is an important regulator in the early differentiation of trophoblast stem cells, potentially playing a key role in placental formation. While direct evidence from KO/CKO mouse models is lacking in the current reference, future research using such models could provide more insights into how Nicol1 affects placental-related functions and potentially associated pregnancy complications.

References:

1. Angelova, Dafina M, Tsolova, Aleksandra, Prater, Malwina, Hemberger, Myriam, Charnock-Jones, D Stephen. 2025. Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies CXADR as a fate determinant of the placental exchange surface. In Nature communications, 16, 142. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-55597-w. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39747179/