BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 79, 179–179 (2008)
DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.071423
© 2008 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.
Highlights
A sticky matter. Mucin 1 (MUC1), the most studied mucin in the uterus, reportedly affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and trophoblast invasion during early pregnancy. MUC1 is also expressed by trophoblast cells, and trophoblast invasion is essential for normal placental development. However, the extent of trophoblast invasion must be regulated to prevent abnormal placentation and conditions such as placental accreta. In a paper on p. 274 of this issue, Shyu et al. provide evidence that expression of MUC1 by syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast increases with gestational age and suppresses trophoblast cell invasion. Overexpression of MUC1 suppressed matrigel invasion by trophoblast-like JAR cells which was associated with a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. These findings are important with respect to mechanisms responsible for regulation of trophoblast invasion to prevent disorders of pregnancy such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction that may result from abnormal trophoblast invasion and placental development.
Ming-Kwang Shyu, Mei-Chun Lin, Chiung-Hui Liu, Yen-Rong Fu, Jin-Chung Shih, Chien-Nan Lee, Hsiao-Yu Chen, John Huang, Min-Chuan Huang, and Fon-Jou Hsieh. MUC1 Expression Is Increased During Human Placental Development and Suppresses Trophoblast-Like Cell Invasion In Vitro. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:274-282. Published in BOR-Papers In Press 16 April 2008; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068353
