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PLAC1 expression increases during trophoblast differentiation: evidence for regulatory interactions with the

Eltayab Massabbal1, Shanaz Parveen, D L Weisoly

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas--Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Molecular Reproduction and Development
|April 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The placental-specific gene PLAC1 is upregulated during trophoblast differentiation, localizing to the syncytiotrophoblast. Peptide growth factors like FGF-7 regulate PLAC1 expression via specific signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • PLAC1 is a trophoblast-specific gene located on the X-chromosome, implicated in placental development.
  • Immunohistochemistry reveals PLAC1 polypeptide localization in syncytiotrophoblast throughout gestation and in a subset of villous cytotrophoblasts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression pattern and regulation of PLAC1 during trophoblast differentiation.
  • To identify specific growth factors and signaling pathways involved in PLAC1 regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR to measure PLAC1 mRNA levels during cytotrophoblast differentiation.
  • Treatment of BeWo(b30) trophoblast cell line with growth factors (FGF-7, EGF) and inhibitors (PD-98059, wortmannin).
  • Immunohistochemical analysis of PLAC1 and FGFR-2b expression in placental tissue.

Main Results:

  • PLAC1 mRNA increased over 300-fold during in vitro cytotrophoblast differentiation into syncytiotrophoblasts.
  • Fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) stimulated PLAC1 mRNA expression twofold, mediated by MAP kinase and PI-3 kinase pathways.
  • Epidermal growth factor (EGF) potentiated FGF-7's effect, indicating a regulatory interaction.

Conclusions:

  • PLAC1 expression is significantly upregulated during trophoblast differentiation, primarily in the syncytiotrophoblast.
  • Peptide growth factors, particularly FGF-7, play a specific role in regulating PLAC1 expression through defined signaling cascades.
  • The interaction between FGF-7 and EGF suggests complex regulatory mechanisms governing PLAC1 during placental development.

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