Abstract
PROBLEM: The cadherins are a gene superfamily of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules. To date, the role(s) of the cadherins in human implantation remains poorly defined. METHOD OF STUDY: The spatiotemporal expression of the type 2 cadherins, known as cadherin-11 and cadherin-6, in the endometrium and placenta was examined using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Cadherin-6 and cadherin-11 are differentially expressed in the endometrial stroma during the menstrual cycle. The switch between cadherin-6 and cadherin-11 expression in the endometrial stroma occurs during the late secretory phase. Maximum cadherin-11 mRNA levels were observed in the decidua of early pregnancy but were markedly reduced at term. In the placenta, cadherin-11 is expressed in the syncytial trophoblast and extravillous cytotrophoblast columns. However, cadherin-6 seems to be the predominant cadherin subtype present in highly invasive extravillous cytotrophoblasts. CONCLUSION: Cadherin-11 and cadherin-6 may play a central role in the formation and organization of the human endometrium and placenta.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 96-107 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | American Journal of Reproductive Immunology |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |
Keywords
- Cadherin-11
- Cadherin-6
- Cadherins
- Endometrium
- Implantation
- Placenta
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology