Alternative functions of the complement protein C1q at embryo implantation site.
Complement component C1q is one of the recognition molecules of the complement system which can serve several functions unrelated to complement activation. This molecule is produced at foeto-maternal interface by macrophages as wells as by decidual endothelial cells and invading trophoblast. Foetal trophoblast cells migrating through the decidua in the early stages of pregnancy synthesize and express C1q on their surface, which is actively involved in promoting trophoblast endovascular and interstitial invasion of the decidua. These functions are mediated by two cell surface receptors, gC1qR and α4β1 integrin, which promote trophoblast adhesion and migration through the activation of ERK1/2 MAPKs. C1q-/-mice manifest increased frequency of foetal resorption, reduced foetal weight, and smaller litter size when compared to their wild-type counterparts, suggesting that defective local production of C1q may be involved in pregnancy disorders, such as pre-eclampsia. C1q acts also as a strong angiogenic factor and promotes neovascularization. These studies suggest novel and unexpected roles of this complement component in physiological and pathological pregnancies.
Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
Chiara
C
Agostinis
IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149, Milan, Italy.
Francesco
F
Tedesco
Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy. Electronic address: rbulla@units.it.
Roberta
R
Bulla
D000818:Animals; D015922:Complement C1q / Q000276:immunology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000502:physiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1 / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D066253:Vascular Remodeling
D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1; D015922:Complement C1q; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
C1q; Complement system; Innate immunity; Pre-eclampsia; Trophoblast invasion