Transcriptomic Profiling of JEG-3 cells using human leiomyoma derived matrix.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Cell biology
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Oxygen tension is critical during placental and fetal development.
• Hypoxia influences trophoblast invasion, while low oxygen levels are linked to pregnancy complications like fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
• JEG-3 cells are a common in vitro model for trophoblast research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transcriptional changes of JEG-3 cells cultured on a uterine leiomyoma-derived matrix (Myogel).
• To evaluate Myogel as a biomaterial for creating a more physiologically relevant in vitro model of the uterine environment.
• To assess the impact of Myogel and hypoxia on JEG-3 cell behavior and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• JEG-3 cells were cultured on Myogel, a uterine leiomyoma-derived matrix.
• Cell adherence was compared between Myogel and standard tissue culture plastic.
• PDMS microchips were used to create hypoxic conditions.
• Transcriptional changes were analyzed, focusing on ribosomal pathways, energy metabolism, and hypoxia-related genes.

Main Results:

• Culturing JEG-3 cells on Myogel significantly stimulated ribosomal pathways, energy metabolism, and ATP production.
• Myogel improved JEG-3 cell adherence compared to tissue culture plastic.
• Hypoxia induction revealed changes in oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen-related genes, and hypoxia-associated genes.
• The Myogel matrix notably impacted mitochondria, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis in JEG-3 cells.

Conclusions:

• Myogel serves as a promising biomaterial for developing more accurate in vitro models of the uterine environment for trophoblast research.
• The Myogel matrix influences key cellular processes including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial function in JEG-3 cells.
• This study provides insights into trophoblast behavior under conditions mimicking the in vivo uterine environment, with implications for understanding pregnancy complications.