Fig. 7. Schematic representation for the proposed mechanism in the migratory process involving trophoblast cells. The interaction of the gC1q1 domain of EMILIN1, produced by decidual stromal cells, with 4ß1 promotes trophoblast migration towards the vessels. The engagement of 4ß1 also promotes the release from trophoblast cells of MT1-MMP (60 kDa form) that in turn activates MMP-2 on the membrane of stromal cells. The activated enzyme could digest the ECM component of blood vessels (i.e. laminins), exert an improved efficiency in binding capability or signaling functions of the 4ß1 receptor, or unmask EMILIN1 cryptic sites in order to facilitate the migratory phenotype of trophoblast cells. The potential role of FN and other ECM molecules and of integrins other than 4ß1 is not represented for clarity.