Recombinant Human Placental lactogen protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Placental lactogen also known as chorionic somatomammotropin hormone is a glycoprotein hormone with a molecular mass of approximately 22 kDa. The hormone is primarily expressed in the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta during pregnancy. It shares structural similarities with other hormones like growth hormone and prolactin due to its polypeptide nature. Placental lactogen influences various physiological processes related to maternal and fetal development.

Biological function summary

Placental lactogen functions to modulate maternal metabolism to support fetal growth and development. It promotes changes in the maternal glucose metabolism ensuring an adequate energy supply to the fetus. This protein also stimulates mammary gland development preparing the mother for lactation. It does not form part of a larger protein complex acting independently in the biological processes it regulates.

Pathways

Researchers have found that placental lactogen plays a role in both the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. It interacts with the IGF pathway to enhance nutrient uptake and fetal growth. Additionally its role in the JAK-STAT pathway ties it to immune modulation and cell proliferation. Placental lactogen is related to proteins such as the growth hormone and prolactin within these pathways due to their shared structural properties and similar mechanisms of action.

Studies have linked abnormal levels of placental lactogen to gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. Gestational diabetes arises when placental lactogen induces higher insulin resistance impacting maternal glucose regulation. Pre-eclampsia may involve imbalance in placental lactogen expression affecting placental vascular function. Researchers have noted interactions with proteins like leptin and insulin as these relate to glucose metabolism and vascular changes in pregnancy.