The role of ephrins' receptors and ephrins' ligands in normal placental development and disease

Abstract

Introduction: Ephrin (Eph) receptors and their membrane-anchored ligands, the ephrins, participate in a wide spectrum of pathophysiological processes, regulating cellular adhesion, migration or chemo-repulsion and tissue/cell boundary formation. Recent evidence has further extended the role of Eph receptors and their ligands as critical regulators of vascular remodelling during embryogenesis. The role of Ephs/ephrins signalling in the angiogenic development of murine placentas and in the invasion of the maternal tissues and the development of the placental vasculature in humans has currently attracted considerable interest.

Areas covered: A literature review summarising the most recent data in terms of the role of Ephs/ephrins in normal placental development and disease, highlighting on their expression status in the different cellular populations of the placental vascularity.

Expert opinion: Despite the fact that the role of Eph/ephrins signalling in normal placental development is still unclear, some studies tried to investigate their potential implication in placental pathologies, such as preeclampsia and placenta accreta. Even though no evidence for their direct implication occurred, their role is an interesting field for future research.

Keywords::

• embryonic development
• ephrins
• placenta
• placental pathology

Notes

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