Human amniotic glycodelin actively regulates changes in β-catenin immunoreactivity in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Objective: Assessment of the capacity of Glycodelin A (GdA) to modulate the aggregation of cultured human umbelical vein endothelial cells. Methods: Highly purified Glycodelin A (GdA) from late first trimester amniotic fluid has been added to cultured cells and its biological activity has been observed with immunofluorescent staining of β-catenin molecules. Results: GdA induces traslocation of β-catenin molecules promoting cell-to-cell adhesion and formation of adherents junctions through cytoskeletal reorganization. Conclusion: These data provide further mechanistic insight into the specificity of cell-to-cell adhesion, thus corroborating the role of GdA in promoting angiogenesis.