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Cell adhesion molecules in human embryo implantation

Michiko N. Fukuda, Kazuhiro Sugihara

Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA； Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan

Abstract

The process of human embryo implantation is mediated not only by evolutionarily conserved mechanisms, but also by a mechanism unique to humans. Evidence suggests that the cell adhesion molecules, L-selectin and trophinin, play a unique role in human embryo implantation. Here, we describe the dual roles of mucin carbohydrate ligand for L-selectin and trophinin protein and of the trophinin-associated proteins bystin and tastin. We then describe trophinin-mediated signal transduction in trophectoderm cells and endometrial epithelial cells. This review also covers cadherin and integrin in human embryo implantation.

Key words: embryonic implantation; gonadotrophin; apoptosis

Received: 2011-12-22　　Accepted: 2012-02-22

Corresponding author: Michiko N. Fukuda　　E-mail: michiko@burnham.org

Citing This Article：

Michiko N. Fukuda, Kazuhiro Sugihara. Cell adhesion molecules in human embryo implantation. Acta Physiol Sin 2012; 64 (3): 247-258 (in Chinese with English abstract).