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Bruce S. Babiarz
Professor
Rutgers University
Department of Biological Sciences
Nelson Biological Labs - C214
Busch Campus
Piscataway. NJ 08855-1059
(732) 445-2805
FAX - 3694
babiarz@biology.rutgers.edu |
Mouse embryo implantation
Successful implantation is critical for the development of the mammalian
embryo. This process involves a controlled invasion of the uterine wall
by the embryonic trophoblast. The resulting differentiation of the uterine
stroma to decidua is thought to provide a barrier to invasion. The hypothesis
tested by our lab is that the decidual extracellular matrix plays a major
role in controlling invasion. Our previous work has focused on stromal matrix
remodeling. demonstrating an upregulation of basement membrane molecules.
Analysis of matrix receptors has shown that in contrast to the limited number
of observed decidual receptors. trophoblast has multiple receptors for basement
membrane molecules. including galactosyltransferase. a number integrin subunit
combinations. and IKVAV and YIGSR receptors for laminin. Our current work
is concentrating on proteinase synthesis. in both trophoblast invasion and
decidua matrix remodeling. and the control provided by matrix composition
and/or specific matrix receptors. The work uses a 3-dimensional in vitro
gel invasion assay to study trophoblast invasion. The effects of decidual
matrix molecules added to Vitrogen (collagen type I) based gels on the synthesis
of metallo-. serine. and acidic cysteine proteinases. are studied using
zymography. as well as western and northern blotting. Similar studies focus
on the proteinases synthesized by uterine stromal cells during remodeling
of vitrogen gels. Decidua is also thought to participate in invasion control
by the secretion of proteinase inhibitors. We are also studying the production
of cystatins. cathepsin inhibitors. during decidual differentiation in vivo
and in vitro. Both cDNA probes and specific antibodies are used to study
cystatin A and C at the transcription and protein levels.
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