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Updated: May 28, 2026
12:17
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Fucose, placental evolution and the glycocode
John D Aplin1, Carolyn J P Jones
1Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. john.aplin@manchester.ac.uk
Glycobiology
|October 26, 2011
Summary
Glycoprotein fucosylation, essential for embryo implantation and growth, involves fucosyltransferase genes. Changes in these genes may influence maternal-fetal interface stability, reproductive compatibility, and speciation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) are enzymes catalyzing fucose addition to glycans on glycoproteins.
- Glycoprotein fucosylation plays critical roles in various biological processes, including embryonic development.
- The maternal-fetal interface is a complex glycan-rich environment crucial for pregnancy success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glycoprotein fucosylation in embryo implantation and conceptus growth.
- To explore the presence and significance of fucosylated structures at the maternal-fetal interface.
- To examine the evolutionary implications of fucosyltransferase gene expression on reproductive compatibility and speciation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mouse models with null mutations in fucosyltransferase genes.
- Performing histological studies to analyze fucosylated structures at the maternal-fetal interface.
- Comparative analysis of fucosyltransferase gene expression across species.
Main Results:
- Null mutations in fucosyltransferase genes reveal unexpected functions in embryo implantation and growth.
- Histological analysis confirms the presence of diverse fucosylated structures at the trophectoderm-uterine epithelium interface.
- Fucosyltransferase gene expression patterns are linked to the stability of the maternal-fetal interface.
Conclusions:
- Glycoprotein fucosylation is vital for successful embryo implantation and development.
- The maternal-fetal interface is characterized by specific fucosylated structures.
- Evolutionary changes in fucosyltransferase genes likely impact reproductive isolation and speciation.
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