Abnormal placental development and early embryonic lethality in EpCAM-null mice

BACKGROUND: EpCAM (CD326) is encoded by the tacstd1 gene and expressed by a variety of normal and malignant epithelial cells and some leukocytes. Results of previous in vitro experiments suggested that EpCAM is an intercellular adhesion molecule. EpCAM has been extensively studied as a potential tumor marker and immunotherapy target, and more recent studies suggest that EpCAM expression may be characteristic of cancer stem cells.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To gain insights into EpCAM function in vivo, we generated EpCAM -/- mice utilizing an embryonic stem cell line with a tacstd1 allele that had been disrupted. Gene trapping resulted in a protein comprised of the N-terminus of EpCAM encoded by 2 exons of the tacstd1 gene fused in frame to betageo. EpCAM +/- mice were viable and fertile and exhibited no obvious abnormalities. Examination of EpCAM +/- embryos revealed that betageo was expressed in several epithelial structures including developing ears (otocysts), eyes, branchial arches, gut, apical ectodermal ridges, lungs, pancreas, hair follicles and others. All EpCAM -/- mice died in utero by E12.5, and were small, developmentally delayed, and displayed prominent placental abnormalities. In developing placentas, EpCAM was expressed throughout the labyrinthine layer and by spongiotrophoblasts as well. Placentas of EpCAM -/- embryos were compact, with thin labyrinthine layers lacking prominent vascularity. Parietal trophoblast giant cells were also dramatically reduced in EpCAM -/- placentas.

CONCLUSION: EpCAM was required for differentiation or survival of parietal trophoblast giant cells, normal development of the placental labyrinth and establishment of a competent maternal-fetal circulation. The findings in EpCAM-reporter mice suggest involvement of this molecule in development of vital organs including the gut, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, eyes, and limbs.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2009

Erschienen:

2009

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:4

Enthalten in:

PloS one - 4(2009), 12 vom: 31. Dez., Seite e8543

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Nagao, Keisuke [VerfasserIn]
Zhu, Jianjian [VerfasserIn]
Heneghan, Mallorie B [VerfasserIn]
Hanson, Jeffrey C [VerfasserIn]
Morasso, Maria I [VerfasserIn]
Tessarollo, Lino [VerfasserIn]
Mackem, Susan [VerfasserIn]
Udey, Mark C [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Antigens, Neoplasm
Cadherins
Cell Adhesion Molecules
Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 17.03.2010

Date Revised 11.03.2022

published: Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1371/journal.pone.0008543

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM194099695