Figure 8

Proposed model. In unperturbed trophoblast cells p45 NF-E2 prevents Gcm1 acetylation and desumoylation by CBP and SENP, respectively, thus restricting excess Gcm1-mediated syncytiotrophoblast formation. Loss of p45 NF-E2, as observed in human IUGR, results in enhanced CBP-mediated Gcm1 acetylation and SENP-mediated Gcm1 desumoylation, allowing excess syncytiotrophoblast differentiation which promotes placental insufficiency. These processes are associated with enhanced cell death in IUGR placentae