VE-cadherin enables trophoblast endovascular invasion and spiral artery remodeling during placental development.

ABSTRACT: During formation of the mammalian placenta, trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua and remodel spiral arteries to bring maternal blood into the placenta. This process, known as endovascular invasion, is thought to involve the adoption of functional characteristics of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by trophoblasts. The genetic and molecular basis of endovascular invasion remains poorly defined, however, and whether trophoblasts utilize specialized endothelial proteins in an analogous manner to create vascular channels remains untested. Vascular endothelial (VE-)cadherin is a homotypic adhesion protein that is expressed selectively by ECs in which it enables formation of tight vessels and regulation of EC junctions. VE-cadherin is also expressed in invasive trophoblasts and is a prime ca

SUBMITTER: Sung DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9106330 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature