Implantation and the placenta: key pieces of the development puzzle

作者：James C. Cross, Zena Werb, Susan J. Fisher · 发表于：Science · 年份：1994 · DOI：10.1126/science.7985020 · 被引用次数：1382 · 研究领域：Reproductive System and Pregnancy、Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies、Organ and Tissue Transplantation Research

The mammalian embryo cannot develop without the placenta. Its specialized cells (trophoblast, endoderm, and extraembryonic mesoderm) form early in development. They attach the embryo to the uterus (implantation) and form vascular connections necessary for nutrient transport. In addition, the placenta redirects maternal endocrine, immune, and metabolic functions to the embryo's advantage. These complex activities are sensitive to disruption, as shown by the high incidence of early embryonic mortality and pregnancy diseases in humans, as well as the numerous peri-implantation lethal mutations in mice. Integration of molecular and developmental approaches has recently produced insights into the molecules that control these processes.