Expression and protein localisation of IGF2 in the marsupial placenta
2008
Role of IGF2 in the Marsupial Placenta
Sample size: 13
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Eleanor I Ager, Andew J Pask, Geoff Shaw, Marilyn B Renfree
Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of IGF2 in the yolk sac placenta of the tammar wallaby.
Conclusion
IGF2 plays a critical role in placentation in marsupials by promoting vascularization and increasing VEGF expression.
Supporting Evidence
- IGF2 mRNA and protein were produced in the marsupial placenta.
- IGF2 increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression in placental explant cultures.
- This is the first demonstration of a physiological role for any imprinted gene in marsupial placentation.
- IGF2 expression was higher in the vascular region of the yolk sac placenta.
Takeaway
This study shows that a gene called IGF2 helps the baby wallaby grow by making blood vessels in its placenta.
Methodology
The study used immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to analyze IGF2 expression in the yolk sac placenta.
Participant Demographics
Adult female tammar wallabies carrying fetuses in the final third of gestation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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