title: Adhesion molecules in human trophoblast - a review. I. Villous trophoblast.
abstract: In the placental villus, cells attach to basement membrane via integrin alpha6beta4 and adhere both laterally and apically to their neighbours. The most prominent adhesive specialisation seen using the electron microscope is the desmosome, which connects cytotrophoblast cells (CTB) laterally and also contributes to the attachment of CTB to the overlying syncytium. However, numerous cadherins and other junctional proteins are also present in the corresponding plasma membrane domains, indicating a multiplicity of adhesive interactions. Integrins, tight junction components and cadherins are all found in the syncytial microvillous membrane, perhaps reflecting its ability to form intersyncytial bridges. There is a wide gulf to be filled between molecular anatomy and functional studies, with much to be learned about the role of adhesion molecules in regulating villous epithelial integrity, homeostasis and growth.
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0JH, UK. john.aplin@manchester.ac.uk
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Aplin
authors.forename: C J P
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D015820:Cadherins / Q000502:physiology; D051177:Catenins / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003896:Desmosomes / Q000502:physiology; D036342:Ephrins / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000502:physiology; D000075983:Nectins; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins; D051177:Catenins; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D036342:Ephrins; D016023:Integrins; D000075983:Nectins; D011134:Polysaccharides