Immunohistochemistry for E-Cadherin (CDH1) showed an underdeveloped syncytiotrophoblast (SynT) within the labyrinth of HFD placentas compared to the CD group (Fig. 5—figure supplement 1C and D), suggesting a reduced maternal–fetal interface in the context of obesity. Here, CDH1 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.