Interactions entre cellules trophoblastiques et paroi utérine: Rôle des protéines d'adhésion

Interactions between trophoblastic cells and the uterine wall are mediated through a coordinated sequence of specific alterations in the expression of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion molecules. The acquisition of an invasive phenotype by trophoblastic cells is associated with a decreased expression of E-cadherin, the main cell-cell adhesion molecule, and with the loss of several integrins behaving as laminin receptors. In contrast, invasive trophoblastic cells acquire several novel integrins, including α1β1 and αVβ3, essential for the establishment of dynamic interactions with the extracellular matrix. The endovascular invasion of spiral arteries by trophoblastic cells is associated with the expression of a set of adhesion molecules, so far considered specific for endothelial cells, such as VE-cadherin and PECAM-1. Trophoblastic cells therefore represent a fascinating model of controlled invasion and molecular mimicry.