[Role of implantation-related factors, stathmin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 in reproductive endocrinology]

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Apr;128(4):565-74. doi: 10.1248/yakushi.128.565.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Successful implantation and placentation require that trophoblasts adhere to the uterine epithelium and penetrate the decidualized endometrium. However, the biochemical mechanisms of the establishment of pregnancy including these phenomena have not yet to be definitively elucidated. We have found that stathmin, a cytosolic phosphoprotein that regulates microtubule dynamics, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1, now called IGF-binding protein 7) were highly expressed in the endometrium around the time of implantation and decidualization. In this article, we review our recent findings of the research regarding the functions of these implantation-associated proteins in endocrine physiology and pharmacology. Analysis of the expression of both factors in rodent and human uterus has revealed that both factors are crucial for the process of endometrial stromal cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Embryo Implantation / genetics*
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Stathmin / physiology*
  • Stromal Cells / cytology

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins
  • Stathmin
  • insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1