Trophoblast invasion and placentation: molecular mechanisms and regulation.
Trophoblast invasion is a key process during human placentation. This event constitutes the basis of the conversion of the uterine spiral arteries, a process which allows an adequate vascular connection between the intervillous space and the maternal blood flow. Trophoblast invasion is transient, with stringent spatial and temporal control. Preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, is associated with decreased, shallow trophoblastic invasion. In this article, we review the molecular mechanisms of trophoblast invasion, and its mechanisms of regulation. Insights into the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia will also be detailed.
van den Brûle
Frédéric
F
Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Development, Pathology B23, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Berndt
Sarah
S
Simon
Nadine
N
Coulon
Capucine
C
Le Goarant
Jeanne
J
Munaut
Carine
C
Noël
Agnès
A
Frankenne
Francis
F
Foidart
Jean-Michel
JM
D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D010929:Placentation / Q000502:physiology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases