EGF promotes development of a differentiated trophoblast phenotype having c-myc and junB proto-oncogene activation

Human placental cytotrophoblast cells differentiate by a process of fusion into a syncytium. This process is stimulated by EGF but also occurs spontaneously at a slower rate in cultured cytotrophoblast cells. To determine nuclear proto-oncogene changes mediating these events, c-myc, c-fos, c-jun and junB were measured in spontaneously differentiating cells and in cells exposed to EGF. c-myc showed a transient rise in expression at 4-8 h with augmented expression by EGF, occurring even in the absence of serum or attachment. c-myc and c-jun declined during culture, but c-fos and particularly junB showed increased expression by day 3 with marked responses to EGF stimulation. Syncytia induced to form by EGF exposure for 48 h demonstrated marked junB expression after rechallenge with 40 min EGF exposure, but negligible responses of c-fos and c-jun. c-myc showed increased expression after 6 h EGF exposure throughout the culture period and in syncytia. The results indicate EGF promotes a syncytial phenotype characterized by c-fos and junB expression during syncytial formation. EGF continues to elicit junB and c-myc responsiveness in more mature syncytium, indicative of continued EGF actions which may include acting as a survival factor, as an hCG secretagogue, and as an inducer of continued development of the syncytium.