Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) deficiency alters placental angiogenesis, mimicking features of human placental insufficiency.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) is a tetraspan protein predicted to regulate placental development. Highly expressed in secretory endometrium and trophectoderm cells, previous studies suggest that it may regulate implantation by orchestrating the surface expression of integrins and other membrane proteins. In order to test the role of EMP2 in pregnancy, mice lacking EMP2 (Emp2^-/- ) were generated. Emp2^-/- females are fertile but have reduced litter sizes when carrying Emp2^-/- but not Emp2^+/- fetuses. Placentas of Emp2^-/- fetuses exhibit dysregulation in pathways related to neoangiogenesis, coagulation, and oxidative stress, and have increased fibrin deposition and altered vasculature. Given that these findings often occur due to p

SUBMITTER: Williams CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5444952 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature