Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase is necessary for embryo implantation in the domestic ferret.
The mechanism of implantation in carnivores is poorly understood. However, a previously unidentified 60-kDa protein has been shown to be necessary for embryo implantation in ferrets. Here we identify this protein as glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI). GPI is expressed by the corpus luteum on days 6-9 of pregnancy, the time at which implantation-promoting activity has been found in corpora lutea. Passive immunization against GPI reduced the number of implantation sites in pregnant ferrets in a dose-dependent manner. GPI is a multifunctional protein. Although first identified for its role in glycolysis, GPI has since been implicated in neural growth, lymphocyte maturation, and metastasis. This study demonstrates a previously uncharacterized function of this protein that may represent the natural motility-stimulating activity that has been co-opted by tumor cells.
Schulz
Laura Clamon
LC
Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. lcschulz@bu.edu
Bahr
Janice M
JM
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002465:Cell Movement; D002645:Chickens; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000201:enzymology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets / Q000502:physiology*; D005956:Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011555:Pseudopregnancy; D011817:Rabbits; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D017385:Sequence Homology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D005956:Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase