Conclusion
This is the first demonstration of the production and function of CSPG4 in human placentation. These data suggest that locally produced CSPG4 stimulates human EVT migration and invasion and suggests that IL11 and LIF regulate villous cytotrophoblast differentiation towards the invasive phenotype at least in part via CSPG4.
Results
Immunoreactive CSPG4 localized to EVT cells in the trophoblast shell, subpopulations of interstitial EVT cells within the decidua and cytotrophoblast cells in placental villi. In HTR8/SVneo cells, siRNA knockdown of CSPG4 stimulated proliferation and decreased migration/invasion. In primary first trimester placental villi explants two cytokines, interleukin 11 (IL11) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) with known roles in trophoblast function, stimulated CSPG4 mRNA expression and immunoreactive protein in the cyotrophoblast.