Fig. 6: The modulation of PAPP-A by proMBP regulates the placental EVT function in sIUGR.
From: Structural insights into the covalent regulation of PAPP-A activity by proMBP and STC2
a Schematic illustration of a placental villous anchored to the maternal decidua during gestation. Atop the villous stroma cells (VSCs), the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) undergo cell fusion to produce the outer multi-nuclear syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), which then directly contact maternal blood. EVTs are located outside the villi and invade the maternal decidua. b–e Co-staining IF analysis of PAPP-A, proMBP, and HLA-G in first-trimester decidual tissue section (8th week) (b, c) and term placental tissue section (40th week) (d, e). HLA-G human leukocyte antigen G. White arrows, decidual face; yellow arrows, chorionic face. The inset dashed squares indicate a higher-magnification view. Scale bars, 50 μm. f, g Cellular invasion (f) and migration (g) assays of HTR8/SVneo cells under different conditions. Compared to the mock, *P < 0.05; ***P < 0.005; ns, non-significant. h The relative protein expressions of PAPP-A and proMBP in placentas from the IUGR-twin and Normal-cotwin in sIUGR. i, j Protein concentrations of PAPP-A (i) and proMBP (j) in umbilical cord blood from the IUGR-twin and Normal-cotwin in sIUGR.
