Notch receptor 1 controls trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis in first trimester villous cytotrophoblasts

Objective: Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway controlling development, tissue homeostasis, differentiation and cell death. Recently, we showed that blocking of canonical Notch signaling increases trophoblast proliferation and accelerates differentiation of isolated villous cytotrophoblasts (vCTBs) towards the extravillous phenotype. Here, we investigated placental localisation of Notch receptor 1 (Notch 1) throughout first trimester pregnancy and studied its role in proliferation and apoptosis using specific blocking antibodies and siRNA-mediated gene silencing in different trophoblast model systems.
Source: Placenta - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Frontmatter Source Type: research