Protocadherin 12 deficiency alters morphogenesis and transcriptional profile of the placenta.

ABSTRACT: Protocadherins are transmembrane proteins exhibiting homophilic adhesive activities through their extracellular domain. Protocadherin 12 (Pcdh12) is expressed in angiogenic endothelial cells, mesangial cells of kidney glomeruli, and glycogen cells of the mouse placenta. To get insight into the role of this protein in vivo, we analyzed PCDH12-deficient mice and investigated their placental phenotype. The mice were alive and fertile; however, placental and embryonic sizes were reduced compared with wild-type mice. We observed defects in placental layer segregation and a decreased vascularization of the labyrinth associated with a reduction in cell density in this layer. To understand the molecular events responsible for the phenotypic alterations observed in Pcdh12(-/-) placentas, we analyze

SUBMITTER: Rampon C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3305468 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature