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Collagen type IV at the fetal-maternal interface.


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Type

Article

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Authors

Oefner, CM 
Gardner, L 
Critchley, H 

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Extracellular matrix proteins play a crucial role in influencing the invasion of trophoblast cells. However the role of collagens and collagen type IV (col-IV) in particular at the implantation site is not clear. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the distribution of collagen types I, III, IV and VI in endometrium and decidua during the menstrual cycle and the first trimester of pregnancy. Expression of col-IV alpha chains during the reproductive cycle was determined by qPCR and protein localisation by immunohistochemistry. The structure of col-IV in placenta was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the expression of col-IV alpha chain NC1 domains and collagen receptors was localised by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Col-IV alpha chains were selectively up-regulated during the menstrual cycle and decidualisation. Primary extravillous trophoblast cells express collagen receptors and secrete col-IV in vitro and in vivo, resulting in the increased levels found in decidua basalis compared to decidua parietalis. A novel expression pattern of col-IV in the mesenchyme of placental villi, as a three-dimensional network, was found. NC1 domains of col-IV alpha chains are known to regulate tumour cell migration and the selective expression of these domains in decidua basalis compared to decidua parietalis was determined. DISCUSSION: Col-IV is expressed as novel forms in the placenta. These findings suggest that col-IV not only represents a structural protein providing tissue integrity but also influences the invasive behaviour of trophoblast cells at the implantation site.

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Keywords

Alpha(IV) NC1 domains, Extracellular matrix, Placental bed, Reproductive cycle, Trophoblast, Chorionic Villi, Collagen Type IV, Decidua, Embryo Implantation, Female, Humans, Placenta, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, First, Trophoblasts, Up-Regulation

Journal Title

Placenta

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0143-4004
1532-3102

Volume Title

36

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (085992/Z/08/Z)
Wellcome Trust (090108/Z/09/Z)
British Heart Foundation (None)
This work was supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust [090108/Z/09/Z], [085992/Z/08/Z] and the British Heart Foundation [PG/09/077/27964]. C.M. Oefner was in receipt of a German National Academic Foundation PhD studentship. The authors also thank the Centre for Trophoblast Research for generous support.