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Expression of CD44 adhesion molecules on human placentae.
Chel Hun Choi1, Cheong Rae Roh, Tae-Joong Kim
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Summary
CD44H is expressed in all placentae, while CD44v6 expression decreases in term placentae. These CD44 splicing variants may influence trophoblast invasion during early pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular and molecular biology
Background:
- CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation.
- CD44 exists in various isoforms due to alternative splicing, including the standard hematopoietic form (CD44H) and epithelial variants (CD44v).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression patterns of CD44 isoforms in human placentae.
- To investigate the potential role of CD44 variants in placental development and function.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze CD44H and CD44R1 expression in term placentae.
- Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect CD44H and CD44v6 expression in first-trimester and term placentae.
Main Results:
- CD44H was expressed in all examined placentae, indicating the presence of alternative isoforms.
- CD44R1 was detected in a subset of term placentae.
- CD44v6 expression was higher in first-trimester placentae (50%) compared to term placentae (24%), particularly on the trophoblast surface in areas of hypoxia.
Conclusions:
- CD44H is ubiquitously expressed in human placentae.
- Decreased expression of CD44v6 in term placentae suggests a role in early pregnancy, potentially in trophoblast invasion.
- CD44 splicing variants may be crucial for regulating trophoblast cell behavior during placental development.