Adhesion Molecules in Human Trophoblast – A Review. I. Villous Trophoblast

Abstract

In the placental villus, cells attach to basement membrane via integrin α6β4 and adhere both laterally and apically to their neighbours. The most prominent adhesive specialisation seen in the electron microscope is the desmosome, which connects cytotrophoblast cells (CTB) laterally and also contributes to the attachment of CTB to the overlying syncytium.However, numerous cadherins and other junctional proteins are also present in the corresponding plasma membrane domains, indicating a multiplicity of adhesive interactions.Integrins, tight junction components and cadherins are all found in the syncytial microvillous membrane, perhaps reflecting its ability to form intersyncytial bridges. There is a wide gulf to be filled between molecular anatomy and functional studies, with much to be learned about the role of adhesion molecules in regulating villous epithelial integrity, homeostasis and growth.3

Role of cadherins in health and in developing breast cancer

“…Экспрессия Р-кадгерина в матке начинается с появления децидуальной оболочки, в которую мигрируют экстраэмбриональные клетки им-плантированного эмбриона, экспрессирующие Р-кадге-рин для формирования связи мать-плод [45]. В отличие от Р-кадгерина экспрессия Е-кадгерина отмечена только в плодной части плаценты.…”

“…Данные наблюдения свиде-тельствуют о роли Р-и Е-кадгерина в эмбриогенезе. Р-кадгерин необходим для связи эмбриональных и мате-ринских тканей во время поздней стадии имплантации, в то время как Е-кадгерин предотвращает смешивание этих тканей [45].…”

Expression of P-cadherin (cadherin-3) and E-selectin in the villous trophoblast of first trimester human placenta

“…Inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix components and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a major role in the entire complex chain of events where several reactions take place (1,2,(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). A potential glitch in one of the stages, such as implantation, invasion and placentation may result in many adverse pregnancy outcomes including early pregnancy loss (EPL), foetal malformation, foetal growth retardation, and stillbirth (1,2,(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Cell adhesion molecules are named according to their functions and structures.…”

“…The role of cell adhesion molecules in the regulation of many events such as histological and embryological development, cell growth, cell differentiation, cancer and inflammation has been reported in previous studies (1-4, 9-12, 15-19). Selectin among CAMs is particularly involved in the implantation stage (10), whereas the majority of others play a role at every stage, ranging from implantation to placentation (3,(9)(10)(11)(12)(15)(16)(17)(18). The cadherin family constitutes the largest group of CAMS.…”

“…To date, studies have defined almost one hundred cadherin molecules. Cadherin, a calciumdependent transmembrane glycoprotein, is required for the expression of specific adhesion molecules in the embryo, cell migration, and coalescence of cells in early embryonic tissues (3,9,(16)(17)(18). In particular, E-cadherin plays a key role in regulating trophoblastic invasion (19).…”