Osteopontin Is Colocalized with the Adhesion Molecule CEACAM1 in the Extravillous Trophoblast of the Human Placenta and Enhances Invasion of CEACAM1-Expressing Placental Cells

Abstract

The present study shows the first systematic analysis of OPN expression pattern in the human placenta showing strong expression in the EVT at the invasion front. Colocalization of OPN with CEACAM1 in the EVT indicates that they might act together to regulate invasiveness at the maternal-fetal interface. Using an in vitro model, we also demonstrated increased cellular invasiveness after OPN treatment. We speculate that OPN and CEACAM1 may act as a functional complex involved in the regulation of placental invasiveness.