Centrins are a family of small calcium-binding proteins found at basal bodies. The family can be separated into two groups based on sequence homology to the human centrins. The model organism Tetrahymena was used to show that the two centrin groups have similar but distinct functions at basal bodies.

IA ETX decreases placental growth and vessel density and decreases placental VDR and CYP27B1 protein expression, and that antenatal 1,25-(OH)D restores placental weight and vessel density, as well as birth weight. We speculate that 1,25-(OH)D treatment preserves placental function in experimental CA and that these effects may be mediated by increased vascular growth.