Cytokine regulation during the formation of the fetal-maternal interface: focus on cell-cell adhesion and remodelling of the extra-cellular matrix.
The establishment of human pregnancy requires the orchestration of substantial cell differentiation and tissue remodelling processes in the context of a complex dialogue between the receptive endometrium and the implanting blastocyst, and is therefore dependent upon a complex sequence of signalling events. Cytokines play an important role in each step of implantation, modulating expression of adhesion molecules on both the fetal and maternal surfaces, regulating expression of the proteases that remodel the extra-cellular matrix, and promoting invasion and differentiation of trophoblasts. Here we review the role of cytokines in regulating the establishment of the fetal-maternal interface, with a particular focus on regulation of the functional expression of CAMs, the ECM and of the proteinases that modulate their function.
McEwan
Miranda
M
The Liggins Institute and National Research Centre for Growth and Reproduction, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
Lins
Roger J
RJ
Munro
Sheryl K
SK
Vincent
Zoe L
ZL
Ponnampalam
Anna P
AP
Mitchell
Murray D
MD
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016207:Cytokines