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Updated: May 17, 2025
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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
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Phosphoglucomutase 5 gene transcripts are expressed by the human placenta and differentially regulated in placental
Natasha de Alwis1,2, Sally Beard1,2, Lydia Baird1,2
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia.
Scientific Reports
|April 3, 2025
Summary
Phosphoglucomutase-5 (PGM5) mRNA is downregulated in pathological placentas, but protein levels remain stable. PGM5 influences placental cell growth and stress responses under hypoxic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- The placenta is crucial for fetal development, mediating nutrient, gas, and waste exchange.
- Impaired placental development can lead to pregnancy complications like fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
- Previous studies indicated elevated phosphoglucomutase-5 (PGM5) transcripts in pregnancies with these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize phosphoglucomutase-5 (PGM5) levels in healthy and dysfunctional placentas.
- To investigate the role of PGM5 in placental function and development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PGM5 mRNA and protein expression in placental samples from different gestational ages and conditions (controls, preterm preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction).
- In vitro studies using isolated cytotrophoblast and placental explants exposed to hypoxia.
- Gene silencing of PGM5 in primary cytotrophoblast cells under hypoxic conditions.
Main Results:
- PGM5 mRNA was significantly downregulated in pathological placentas compared to controls, while protein levels were not dysregulated.
- Hypoxia increased PGM5 mRNA expression in isolated placental cells, but not protein levels.
- Silencing PGM5 under hypoxia affected genes related to cell growth, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, and increased cell viability without altering sFLT-1 secretion.
Conclusions:
- PGM5 is expressed in the placenta, suggesting a functional role.
- Discrepancies between PGM5 mRNA and protein expression warrant further investigation.
- The precise function of PGM5 in placental development and its potential role in pregnancy complications require additional research.
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