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Morphology and gene expression in mouse placentas lacking leptin receptors
Kelly E Pollock1, Omonseigho O Talton2, Laura C Schulz1
1Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|April 7, 2020
Summary
Placental leptin receptors are crucial for regulating gene expression, particularly in metabolic pathways affecting fetal growth. Their absence impacts placental function without altering overall morphology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, influences offspring phenotypes during pregnancy.
- Leptin affects placental trophoblast cells in vitro, impacting proliferation, invasion, and nutrient transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of placental leptin receptors in placental development and gene expression.
- To determine if the absence of functional leptin receptors affects placental morphology and gene expression patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Leprdb-3j mice to generate conceptuses with varying leptin receptor (Lepr) functionality.
- Transferred conceptuses to wildtype recipient dams and collected placentas at gestational day 18.5.
- Analyzed placental morphology and quantified relative mRNA levels for key genes.
Main Results:
- Placentas lacking functional leptin receptors exhibited reduced weights but normal morphology.
- Significant alterations in mRNA levels were observed, especially for genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism and transport.
- Leptin promoted stathmin expression and serotonin receptors, consistent with in vitro findings.
Conclusions:
- Placental leptin receptor absence does not significantly impact placental morphological development.
- Placental leptin receptors are critical regulators of placental gene expression, influencing metabolic pathways vital for fetal growth.
