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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:14
Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 13, 2014
Galectin 15 (LGALS15) functions in trophectoderm migration and attachment
Jennifer L Farmer1, Robert C Burghardt, F Dean Jousan
1Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, 442 Kleberg Center, 2471 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
Summary
Galectin 15 (LGALS15) supports early pregnancy by enhancing trophoblast cell attachment and migration. This protein, secreted by the uterine lining, plays a key role in blastocyst implantation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Galectin 15 (LGALS15) is specifically expressed in the ovine uterus during early pregnancy.
- LGALS15 has domains for carbohydrate recognition and integrin binding (LDV and RGD sequences).
- Its role in regulating blastocyst development and trophoblast function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if LGALS15 regulates blastocyst development, trophoblast growth, migration, adhesion, and apoptosis.
- To investigate the mechanism of LGALS15 action on trophoblast cells, focusing on integrin binding.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of bovine embryos with recombinant ovine LGALS15.
- Assays for cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, migration, and attachment of ovine trophectoderm (oTr) cells.
- Use of mutated LGALS15 (CRD and LDVRGD sequences) and specific peptides to determine binding mechanisms.
Main Results:
- LGALS15 did not affect embryo cleavage or blastocyst formation rates.
- LGALS15 moderately increased oTr cell proliferation, partially inhibited apoptosis, and significantly stimulated migration and attachment.
- LGALS15-mediated attachment and focal adhesion formation were dependent on the LDVRGD integrin-binding sequence, not the CRD.
Conclusions:
- LGALS15 acts as a secreted regulator of trophoblast cell function.
- It promotes trophoblast migration and attachment through integrin binding and activation.
- These functions are critical for blastocyst elongation and successful uterine implantation.
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