Matrix metalloproteinase-9 deficiency phenocopies features of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.

ABSTRACT: The pregnancy complication preeclampsia (PE), which occurs in approximately 3% to 8% of human pregnancies, is characterized by placental pathologies that can lead to significant fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Currently, the only known cure is delivery of the placenta. As the etiology of PE remains unknown, it is vital to find models to study this common syndrome. Here we show that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) deficiency causes physiological and placental abnormalities in mice, which mimic features of PE. As with the severe cases of this syndrome, which commence early in gestation, MMP9-null mouse embryos exhibit deficiencies in trophoblast differentiation and invasion shortly after implantation, along with intrauterine growth restriction or embryonic death. Reciprocal emb

SUBMITTER: Plaks V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3704020 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature