Distribution of Cadherins in the Uterine Epithelium of Lizards (Niveoscincus Sp.) During Pregnancy

Abstract

Uterine epithelial cells provide the interface between an embryo and its mother during pregnancy. Proteins in the junctional complexes experience major shifts during early pregnancy to facilitate the communication between maternal cells and the embryonic milieu and are therefore important in maintaining pregnancy. Calcium-dependent cadherins occur in mammals, including humans, birds, and amphibians. Cadherins mediate chemical signaling and the adherens junction transformation during implantation in mammals and play a role during the invasion of trophoblast into the maternal tissue in some mammals.