Protocadherin-12 cleavage is a regulated process mediated by ADAM10 protein: evidence of shedding up-regulation in pre-eclampsia.

ABSTRACT: Protocadherins are a group of transmembrane proteins with homophilic binding activity, members of the cadherin superfamily. Apart from their role in adhesion, the cellular functions of protocadherins are essentially unknown. Protocadherin (PCDH)12 was previously identified in invasive trophoblasts and endothelial and mesangial cells in the mouse. Invalidation studies revealed that the protein was required for optimal placental development. In this article, we show that its human homolog is abundantly expressed in various trophoblast subtypes of the human placenta and at lower levels in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that PCDH12 is shed at high rates in vitro. The shedding mechanism depends on ADAM10 and results in reduced cellular adhesion in a cell migration assay. PCDH12 is subsequent

SUBMITTER: Bouillot S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3083177 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature