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Demystifying Miscarriages
24 October 2015

Demystifying Miscarriages

After fertilisation, the uterus creates an environment to harbour a growing embryo. Early on, sequences of molecular interactions take place between the uterus and embryo, to give the best chance for the developing placenta and a successful pregnancy. Little is known about how this crosstalk is regulated, so researchers looked in mice at a protein called Rac1, which is found in very high levels in the decidua – the lining of the uterus. Removing Rac1 affected a molecule called VEGF – crucial for the development of blood vessels. And, as well as causing bleeding, it led to abnormal trophoblast cells. Normally these cells – important for the embryo-uterus interaction – start as a thin layer in the uterus lining (inner green ring). Without Rac1 they over expand (pink), leading to a disorganised placenta and, ultimately, miscarriage. Studies of the uterus lining of women who suffer recurrent miscarriages may expose Rac1 as a culprit.

Written by Katie Panteli

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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