Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Galectin signature in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia
Sandra M Blois1, Gabriela Barrientos2
1Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Members of the galectin family are expressed within the female reproductive tract and have been shown to be involved in multiple biological functions that support the progression of pregnancy. Specific expression patterns of different members of this family have been identified at the maternal decidua and on the placental side. In some cases, mechanisms by which galectins exert their functions have been delineated in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes studies on galectins that have been documented to be important for pregnancy maintenance, either supporting the maternal adaptation to pregnancy or the placentation process. In addition, we focus our discussion on the role of galectins in preeclampsia, a specific life-threatening pregnancy disorder.
Related Concept Videos
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Proteoglycans
Hormonal Regulation
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Selectins
