Molecular and cellular responses of normal human trophoblast to vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor

Implantation and growth of the placenta requires extensive angiogenesis in fetal villi and maternal decidua to form vascular structures involved in placental exchange. Vascular development, cell proliferation, differentiation and invasiveness are required for proper development of the placenta. Many growth factors and receptors are involved in these processes. The human placenta is a rich source of angiogenic growth factors and their receptors, which are known to control vascular changes and control trophoblast function [1, 2]. Within the placenta, trophoblast are a source of angiogenic growth factors like transforming growth factor -α and β (TGF-α and β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1 and 2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PIGF) [3].