Abstract
Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, consisting of 15 different types, each with a specific function. Galectins contribute to placentation by regulating trophoblast development, migration, and invasion during early pregnancy. In addition, galectins are critical players regulating maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. Recently, the role of galectins in angiogenesis during decidualization and in placenta formation has gained attention. Altered expression of galectins is associated with abnormal pregnancies and infertility. This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
Highlights
During pregnancy, a delicately regulated interplay of endocrine, immune and metabolic processes is established in order to sustain offspring development
This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders
Their expression is regulated during pregnancy and galectins are highly specific to certain trophoblast and maternal cell types
Summary
A delicately regulated interplay of endocrine, immune and metabolic processes is established in order to sustain offspring development. At the fetal site, the process of placentation relies on a complex interaction between invasive trophoblasts and maternal immune cells involving developmentally regulated periods of branching angiogenesis, non-branching angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation and syncytium formation. As the active interface mediating maternal-fetal communication, the placenta plays a key role in sensing and modulating perturbations in the maternal environment and transmitting these stimuli to the developing fetus, with potential consequences in long-term offspring health. It is well-recognized than an adverse intrauterine environment during early development can modify disease predisposition in adult life as stated in the so-called “developmental origins of health and disease” or “fetal programming” paradigm. In this review we discuss the current knowledge on the role of galectins in supporting maternal adaptations to pregnancy and placental development, the impact of their dysregulation for development of disease and the potential application of galectinome profiling studies for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in adverse pregnancy outcomes
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