AP1 mediates uPA/uPAR induced FUT4 expression and trophoblast invasion

Trophoblast invasion is crucial for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are expressed on trophoblasts and involved in trophoblast invasion. The transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP1) (c-Fos and cJun) and fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4) have been found to be involved in this process. However, the relationship of uPA/uPAR, AP1 and FUT4 is unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the role of AP1 in uPA/uPAR induced FUT4 expression and trophoblast invasion. We found that p-c-Fos and p-c-Jun were decreased in abortion patients compared to that in normal pregnant women. Employing human trophoblastic cells, we then demonstrated that uPA/uPAR induced the expression of p-c-Fos and p-c-Jun. Applying an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we further proved that transcription factor AP1 bound to FUT4 promoter that could increase FUT4 transcriptional activity, further promoting trophoblast cell migration and invasion through JNK MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that uPA/uPAR induces FUT4 expression, and trophoblast cell invasion mediated by AP1 transcription factor (c-Fos and c-Jun). Our findings provide novel insights into the relationship between AP1 and abortion.