TMEM16F phospholipid scramblase mediates trophoblast fusion and placental development
Yang Zhang, Trieu Le, Ryan Grabau, Zahra Mohseni, Hoejeong Kim, David R.C. Natale, Liping Feng, Hua Pan, Huanghe Yang
Abstract
-activated phospholipid scramblase (CaPLSase), plays an essential role in placental trophoblast fusion by translocating PS to cell surface independent of apoptosis. The placentas from the TMEM16F knockout mice exhibit deficiency in trophoblast syncytialization and placental development, which lead to perinatal lethality. We thus identified a new biological function of TMEM16F CaPLSase in trophoblast fusion and placental development. Our findings provide insight into understanding cell-cell fusion mechanism of other cell types and on mitigating pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia.