Tracing the glycogen cells with protocadherin 12 during mouse placenta development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Glycogen cells (GC) are a trophoblast subtype in the mouse placenta that invade the decidua.
• Previous work identified protocadherin 12 (PCDH12) as a specific marker for GC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of PCDH12-positive cells (GC).
• To characterize the fate of GC within maternal tissues.
• To understand the migratory properties and lineage of GC.

Main Methods:

• Embryonic staging from embryonic day (E) 7.5 to E17.5.
• Analysis of PCDH12 expression.
• Observation of glycogen accumulation and cell migration.
• Assessment of P-cadherin expression.
• Localization of GC within the decidua and maternal vasculature.

Main Results:

• PCDH12-positive GC originate from the central ectoplacental cone at E7.5.
• Glycogen accumulation begins at E10.5, with migration observed from the same stage.
• GC lack P-cadherin expression, potentially facilitating migration.
• GC reside near maternal vascular sinuses but do not integrate into the endothelium.
• By E17.5, decidual GC undergo lysis, forming glycogen-rich lacunae.

Conclusions:

• GC and spongiotrophoblasts represent distinct lineages.
• GC migration is influenced by the absence of P-cadherin.
• Decidual GC-derived lacunae may serve as an energy source late in gestation or during delivery.