Date of Award

11-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Program

Biology (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Dr. Robert Belton

Abstract

Between 1990 and 2017, the global rate of female infertility increased by over 15% (Sun et al., 2019). An embryo's failure to implant into the uterus is the primary cause of early pregnancy loss. Several studies have identified molecules necessary for successful implantation, but their function during implantation remains poorly understood (S. Zhang et al., 2013). The cell surface glycoprotein basigin-2 is necessary for embryo implantation in the mouse and plays a role in several cellular functions, including cell communication and extracellular matrix remodeling (Chen et al., 2009; K. Li & Nowak, 2020). In vitro studies using human uterine cells demonstrate that basigin-2 regulates the expression and secretion of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which are critical for successful implantation in the mouse (Belton et al., 2008). This thesis aimed to purify and characterize a monoclonal antibody raised against a recombinant form of basigin-2, then measure the expression of basigin-2 proteins in human uterine cells and tissues. The results indicate the P2D7 mAb specifically labeled basigin-2 expression in thin sections of human uterine tissues, and labeling was inhibited by the inclusion of the recombinant basigin protein in a competition assay to show specificity. Immunoblot analysis using the P2D7 mAb demonstrated the specific labeling of human basigin-2 in HESC lysates. The antibody additionally detects basigin in HESCs in vitro. The characterization of the P2D7 mAb supports its use in future studies of the role of basigin-2 in the molecular mechanisms of uterine reproductive function resulting in successful embryo implantation.

Access Type

Open Access

Additional Files
Commons Barna, Jeannine Thesis Signature Page.pdf (95 kB)
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