Deciphering the StarD7 role in molecular and cellular aspects of trophoblast cells

GENTI DE RAIMONDI SUSANA

Simposio; V Latin American Symposium on Maternal Fetal Interaction & Placenta; 2013

Deciphering the StarD7 ROLE in molecular and cellular aspects of trophoblast cells Genti-Raimondi S CIBICI?CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UNC, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina START proteins constitute a family of evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed proteins, which are implicated in lipid transport, metabolism, and signaling. StarD7 mRNA that encodes a member of StarD2/PCTP subfamily was first identified using differential display techniques as a JEG-3 over-expressed gene compared to normal and benign trophoblastic samples. Recent evidences indicate that StarD7 protein facilitates the delivery of phosphatidylcholine to the mitochondria. The presentation will highlight the latest advances in StarD7 research focusing on its expression regulatory mechanisms. Novel implications of StarD7 in the villous (BeWo and JEG-3 cells) and extravillous (HTR8/SVneo) trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and differentiation will be particularly discussed. In addition, it also will be discussed the current data trying to establish the mechanisms implicated in these findings. It is hoped that a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating StarD7 expression will improve our knowledge about its role in normal placenta development as well as in pathological conditions. Supported by CONICET, FONCyT and SECyT-UNC.