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Is TMED2 essential in the chorion for normal interaction between the allantois and the chorion in mice?
Author(s) -
Hou Wenyang Dominic,
Majewska Loydie
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.525.8
Subject(s) - allantois , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , chorioallantoic membrane , trophoblast , morphogenesis , placenta , anatomy , embryo , fetus , genetics , pregnancy , gene
During vesicular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi, members of the transmembrane emp24 domain (TMED) protein family form hetero‐oligomeric complexes that facilitate protein cargo transportation and secretion. In our laboratory, we are studying the function of one member of the TMED protein family, TMED2, in mouse placental labyrinth development. Formation of the mouse labyrinth layer requires proper interactions between two extraembryonic tissues, the allantois and the chorion; and is essential for nutrition, waste, as well as hormone exchange between fetal and maternal circulation. We have shown that Tmed2 is expressed in both allantois and chorion and is required for normal labyrinth layer formation. We hypothesized that TMED2 is essential in the chorion or allantois for normal interaction between the allantois and chorion‐a critical step in placental labyrinth layer development. To test this hypothesis, we have generated an ex‐vivo allantois and chorion recombination model. In our model, we recapitulated the early events of labyrinth layer development: chorioallantoic attachment, fusion of the mesothelium and allantois, and chorionic trophoblast differentiation. We used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to confirm the chorioallantoic attachment event and to monitor development of labyrinth layer in the chimeric explants. We will then use combinations of wild type and Tmed2 null chorion and allantois in these ex‐vivo cultures to follow branching morphogenesis in the chorion. Our work will provide insight into the contribution of placental‐specific vesicular transport by TMED2 to labyrinth layer morphogenesis. Ultimately we will identify novel mechanisms that may be implicated in the prediction and treatment of placental diseases such as EPL and IUGR.