Differential expression of the metastasis suppressor KAI1 in decidual cells and trophoblast giant cells at the feto-maternal interface

Abstract

Invasion of trophoblasts into maternal uterine tissue is essentialfor establishing mature feto-maternal circulation. The trophoblastinvasion associated with placentation is similar to tumorinvasion. In this study, we investigated the role of KAI1, ananti-metastasis factor, at the maternal-fetal interface duringplacentation. Mouse embryos were obtained from gestationaldays 5.5 (E5.5) to E13.5. Immunohistochemical analysis revealedthat KAI1 was expressed on decidual cells around the trackmade when a fertilized ovum invaded the endometrium, at daysE5.5 and E7.5, and on trophoblast giant cells, along the centralmaternal artery of the placenta at E9.5. KAI1 in trophoblast giantcells was increased at E11.5, and then decreased at E13.5.Furthermore, KAI1 was upregulated during the forskolinmediatedtrophoblastic differentiation of BeWo cells. Collectively,these results indicate that KAI1 is differentially expressedin decidual cells and trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface,suggesting that KAI1 prevents trophoblast invasion duringplacentation. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(10): 507-512]

Keywords

• Decidual cells
• KAI1
• Placenta
• Trophoblast giant cells