DNA methylation-associated repression of MEST/PEG1 expression contributes to the invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells

The invasion of extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVTs) into the maternal uterine decidua and vasculature is critical for human placenta development and pregnancy maintenance. The imprinted gene MEST/PEG1 has been implicated in trophoblast development; however, the role of MEST in EVT invasion and the accompanying early pregnancy complications are not fully understood. Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect...