title: Galectins in angiogenesis: consequences for gestation.
abstract: Members of the galectin family have been shown to exert several roles in the context of reproduction. They contribute to placentation, maternal immune regulation and facilitate angiogenesis encompassing decidualisation and placenta formation during pregnancy. In the context of neo-vascularisation, galectins have been shown to augment signalling pathways that lead to endothelial cell activation, cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro in addition to angiogenesis in vivo. Angiogenesis during gestation ensures not only proper foetal growth and development, but also maternal health. Consequently, restriction of placental blood flow has major consequences for both foetus and mother, leading to pregnancy diseases. In this review we summarise both the established and the emerging roles of galectin in angiogenesis and discuss the possible implications during healthy and pathological gestation.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: sandra.blois@charite.de.
authors.forename: Sandra M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Blois
authors.affiliation: Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Melanie L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.affiliation: Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freitag
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barrientos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000276:immunology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D037161:Galectins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D021041:Placental Circulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D037161:Galectins
keywords: Angiogenesis; Galectins; Pregnancy