Induction of Pro-Angiogenic Factors by Pregnancy-Specific Glycoproteins and Studies on Receptor Usage
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs), also referred to as Schwangerschafts-protein 1(Sp1) or pregnancy-specific Beta1 glycoproteins, are a family of proteins secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast whose expression increases as pregnancy progresses and correlates with pregnancy success. Although PSGs have been identified for more than 30 years their functions have yet to be fully elucidated. PSGs belong to the carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) family of proteins whose members have been implicated in the processes of angiogenesis, cell adhesion, immunomodulation and cell migration. The ability of humanPSG1, 6 and 11 and murine PSG17, 18 and 19 to induce anti-inflammatory cytokines has led to the hypothesis that these proteins may function to protect the fetus from a potential maternal immune attack. Recent reports demonstrated positive staining for murine PSGs lining the capillaries within the decidua at the implantation site, suggesting a possible role for PSGs in maternal vasculature remodeling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- AD1013791
Entities
People
- Julie A. Wu
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences