Dynamics of uterine glycoconjugate expression and function.
Embryo attachment to the apical surface of the uterine epithelium is an event found in all mammalian species. Consequently, aspects of this process may be shared and considered as general principles in implantation strategies across species. This review focuses on studies implicating mucin glycoproteins disposed at the apical surface of uterine epithelia as antiadhesive molecules that block embryo attachment. As such, mucins must be removed, at least locally, to permit intimate contact between trophectoderm and uterine epithelia. Subsequently, we consider the role that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and HSPG-binding proteins play in tethering embryos to the apical surface of uterine epithelia during the attachment process.
Kirn-Safran
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CB
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA.
Carson
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DD
D066258:Amphiregulin; D000818:Animals; D066255:EGF Family of Proteins; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006001:Glycoconjugates / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D019812:Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans / Q000502:physiology; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009077:Mucins / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
C587848:AREG protein, human; D066258:Amphiregulin; D066255:EGF Family of Proteins; D006001:Glycoconjugates; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006133:Growth Substances; C587883:HBEGF protein, human; D019812:Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009077:Mucins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor