Dynamic regulation of alpha-dystroglycan in mouse placenta

Alpha dystroglycan (alpha-DG) is a peripheral membrane protein important in cellular interaction with other cells and the extracellular matrix. Recent data suggests that the Dag1 gene, which encodes alpha-DG, is important for implantation. In addition to its importance in cellular function, alpha-DG also serves as a cellular receptor for members of the arenaviridae family of viruses, which can cause placental infection. Because of its apparent dual role in implantation and its role as a viral receptor, we sought to determine placental and uterine alpha-DG expression during mouse pregnancy. Dag1 is expressed throughout gestation in the placenta and to a lesser extent in the uterus, with the highest levels in early gestation. By Western blot analysis, the glycosylated protein is also expressed and the pattern of glycosylation changes to favor the most highly glycosylated forms at mid gestation. These data support the idea that alpha-DG may be a target for evolutionary host-pathogen interactions at the maternal-fetal interface.