Myostatin increases human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 Signaling

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faten AbdelHafez Ahmed ◽  
Christian Klausen ◽  
Hua Zhu ◽  
Peter C K Leung
Keyword(s):  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Growth Control ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Protein Levels

Abstract Placental insufficiency disorders are major obstetric complications that share a common phenomenon of poor placental trophoblast cell invasion and remodeling of uterine tissues. Myostatin is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily member well-known for its important role in muscle growth control. Myostatin is also produced in the placenta and has been shown to regulate some trophoblast functions. However, its roles in placental development are still poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that myostatin increases trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling. Primary and immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) trophoblast cells were used as study models. Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assays were used to study the effects of recombinant human myostatin on trophoblast cell invasion. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure myostatin effects on N-cadherin mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Small inhibitor molecules as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown were used to block myostatin receptor and downstream signaling, respectively. Data were analyzed either by unpaired Student T test or one-way ANOVA followed by Newman Keuls test for multiple group comparisons. Myostatin significantly increased primary and HTR8/SVneo trophoblast cell invasion. Moreover, myostatin upregulated N-cadherin mRNA and protein levels in a time dependent manner in both study models. These effects were blocked by inhibition of TGF-β type I receptors as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown of SMAD2/3 combined or common SMAD4. Importantly, myostatin-induced trophoblast cell invasion was abolished by knockdown of N-cadherin, SMAD2/3 or SMAD4. Myostatin may increase human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling.

scholarly journals Activin A Increases Human Trophoblast Invasion by Inducing SNAIL-Mediated MMP2 Up-Regulation Through ALK4

2015 ◽  
Vol 100 (11) ◽  
pp. E1415-E1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Li ◽  
Christian Klausen ◽  
Hua Zhu ◽  
Peter C. K. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Protein Levels

Context: Activin A increases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 expression and cell invasion in human trophoblasts, but whether the expression of MMP2 is essential for the proinvasive effect of activin A has yet to be determined. Moreover, the identity of the activin receptor-like kinase (ALK; TGF-β type I receptors) and downstream transcription factors (eg, SNAIL and SLUG) mediating the effects of activin on MMP2 expression and trophoblast cell invasion remains unknown. Objective: To elucidate the role of MMP2 in activin A-induced human trophoblast cell invasion as well as the involvement of ALK4 and SNAIL. Design: HTR8/SVneo immortalized human extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) cells and primary cultures of human first-trimester EVT cells were used as study models. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown approaches were used to investigate the molecular determinants of activin A-mediated functions. Main Outcome Measures: Levels of mRNA and protein were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell invasiveness was measured by Matrigel-coated transwell assays. Results: Treatment of HTR8/SVneo cells with activin A increased the production of SNAIL, SLUG, and MMP2 without altering that of MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, TWIST, RUNX2, ZEB1, or ZEB2. Similarly, activin A up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SNAIL and MMP2 in primary EVT cells. Knockdown of SNAIL attenuated activin A-induced MMP2 up-regulation in HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. In HTR8/SVneo cells, activin A-induced production of SNAIL and MMP2 was abolished by pretreatment with the TGF-β type I receptor (ALK4/5/7) inhibitor SB431542 or siRNA targeting ALK4, SMAD2/3, or common SMAD4. Likewise, knockdown of ALK4 or SMAD4 abolished the stimulatory effects of activin A on SNAIL and MMP2 expression in primary EVT cells. Importantly, activin A-induced HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cell invasion were attenuated by siRNA-mediated depletion of ALK4 or MMP2. Conclusion: Activin A induces human trophoblast cell invasion by inducing SNAIL-mediated MMP2 expression through ALK4 in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4-dependent manner.

Caveolin-1 promotes trophoblast cell invasion through the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling pathway during early human placental development

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihui Dai ◽  
Fei Sheng ◽  
Ningxia Sun ◽  
Yixuan Ji ◽  
Qiuying Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Focal Adhesion Kinase ◽  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Caveolin 1

Normal implantation and placental development depend on the appropriate differentiation and invasion of trophoblast cells. Inadequate trophoblast cell invasion results in pregnancy-related disorders, which endanger both mother and fetus; however, the mechanism of early placental development has not been fully explained. In this study we conducted gene expression profile analysis using mouse placental tissues at different developmental stages (embryonic day (E)7.5, E14.5 and E19.5) using series tests of cluster (STC) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling pathway-related gene expression levels were verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The results showed that caveolin-1 (Cav1) was downregulated in the placenta of unexplained spontaneous abortion subjects compared with that of induced abortion. Furthermore, by modulating CAV1 expression levels, CAV1 was shown to promote human trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating the FAK signalling pathway. These results indicate that CAV1 and the FAK signalling pathway are crucial for early placental development, which sheds new light on our understanding of the mechanisms of human trophoblast cell invasion and early development of the placenta.

scholarly journals Smurf2 Participates in Human Trophoblast Cell Invasion by Inhibiting TGF-β Type I Receptor

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Yang ◽  
Sheng-Ping Chen ◽  
Xiao-Ping Zhang ◽  
Hongmei Wang ◽  
Cheng Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Type I ◽  
Human Trophoblast

GDF-8 stimulates trophoblast cell invasion by inducing ALK5-SMAD2/3-mediated MMP2 expression

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanlan Fang ◽  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Ze Wu ◽  
Yang Yan ◽  
Yibo Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Cell Invasiveness ◽  
Extravillous Cytotrophoblast ◽  
Placental Diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell invasion. Placental trophoblast cell invasion is a precisely regulated event. Dysregulation of MMPs has been linked to various placental diseases. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), also known as myostatin, is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. GDF-8 and its putative receptors are expressed in human extravillous cytotrophoblast cells (EVTs). Although the pro-invasive effect of GDF-8 in human EVT cells has been recently reported, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigate the effects of GDF-8 on the expression of the two most important MMPs, MMP2 and MMP9, in the HTR-8/SVneo human EVT cell line. Our results show that GDF-8 significantly upregulates the expression of MMP2. The expression of MMP9 is not affected by GDF-8. Using a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we reveal that the stimulatory effect of GDF-8 on MMP2 expression is mediated by the ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Additionally, the knockdown of MMP2 attenuates the GDF-8-induced cell invasiveness. These findings deepen our understanding of the biological roles of GDF-8 in the regulation of human trophoblast cell invasion.

scholarly journals Dual effect of transforming growth factor β1 on cell adhesion and invasion in human placenta trophoblast cells

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-rong Zhao ◽  
Wei Qiu ◽  
Yu-xia Li ◽  
Zhi-bin Zhang ◽  
Dong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Human Placenta ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Trophoblast Cell ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Adhesion And Invasion

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) has been shown to be a multifunctional cytokine required for embryonic development and regulation of trophoblast cell behaviors. In the present study, a non-transformed cell-line representative of normal human trophoblast (NPC) was used to examine the effect of TGFβ1 on trophoblast cell adhesion and invasion. In vitro assay showed that TGFβ1 could significantly promote intercellular adhesion, while inhibiting cell invasion across the collagen I-coated filter. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and gelatin zymography demonstrated that TGFβ1 evidently repressed the mRNA expression and proenzyme production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, but exerted no effect on mRNA expression and secretion of MMP-2. On the other hand, both the mRNA and protein expression of epithelial-cadherin and β-catenin were obviously upregulated by TGFβ1 in dose-dependent fashion, as revealed by RT-PCR and western-blot analysis. What is more, one of the critical TGFβ signaling molecules – Smad2 was notably phosphorylated in TGFβ1-treated NPC cells. The data indicates that cell invasion and adhesion are coordinated processes in human trophoblasts and that there exists paracrine regulation on adhesion molecules and invasion-associated enzymes in human placenta.

Abstract 14664: Reduced Activin Like Kinase 1 Activity Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis in Heart Failure

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Morine ◽  
Vikram Paruchuri ◽  
Xiaoying Qiao ◽  
Emily Mackey ◽  
Mark Aronovitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels

Introduction: Activin receptor like kinase 1 (ALK1) mediates signaling via transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1), a pro-fibrogenic cytokine. No studies have defined a role for ALK1 in heart failure. We tested the hypothesis that reduced ALK1 expression promotes maladaptive cardiac remodeling in heart failure. Methods and Results: ALK1 mRNA expression was quantified by RT-PCR in left ventricular (LV) tissue from patients with end-stage heart failure and compared to control LV tissue obtained from the National Disease Research Interchange (n=8/group). Compared to controls, LV ALK1 mRNA levels were reduced by 85% in patients with heart failure. Next, using an siRNA approach, we tested whether reduced ALK1 levels promote TGFb1-mediated collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts. Treatment with an ALK1 siRNA reduced ALK1 mRNA levels by 75%. Compared to control, TGFb1-mediated Type I collagen and pSmad-3 protein levels were 2.5-fold and 1.7-fold higher, respectively, after ALK1 depletion. To explore a role for ALK1 in heart failure, ALK1 haploinsufficient (ALK1) and wild-type mice (WT; n=8/group) were studied 2 weeks after thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). Compared to WT, baseline LV ALK1 mRNA levels were 50% lower in ALK1 mice. Both LV and lung weights were higher in ALK1 mice after TAC. Cardiomyocyte area and LV mRNA levels of BNP, RCAN, and b-MHC were increased similarly, while SERCa levels were reduced in both ALK1 and WT mice after TAC. Compared to WT, LV fibrosis (Figure) and Type 1 Collagen mRNA and protein levels were higher among ALK1 mice. Compared to WT, LV fractional shortening (48±12 vs 26±10%, p=0.01) and survival (Figure) were lower in ALK1 mice after TAC. Conclusions: Reduced LV expression of ALK1 is associated with advanced heart failure in humans and promotes early mortality, impaired LV function, and cardiac fibrosis in a murine model of heart failure. Further studies examining the role of ALK1 and ALK1 inhibitors on cardiac remodeling are required.

scholarly journals CXXC5 Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Bleomycin-Induced Mouse Model and MLFs by Suppression of the CD40/CD40L Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Cheng ◽  
Fangfang Wang ◽  
Airan Feng ◽  
Xiaodan Li ◽  
Wencheng Yu
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Feedback Regulation ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Mouse Lung ◽  
Type I ◽  
Negative Feedback Regulation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis

Objective. To investigate the role of CXXC5 and the CD40/CD40L pathway in lung fibrosis. Methods. (1) We constructed mouse models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and transfected them with a CXXC5 overexpression vector to evaluate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis. (2) Mouse lung fibroblast (MLF) models stably overexpressed or knockout of CXXC5 vector were constructed. After transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulation, we examined the proliferation and apoptosis of the MLF model and evaluated the expression of mesenchymal markers and the CXXC5/CD40/CD40L pathway. Results. (1) Compared with other groups, the overexpressed CXXC5 group had less alveolar structure destruction, thinner alveolar septum, and lower Ashcroft score. (2) In bleomycin-induced mice, the expression of CD40 and CD40L increased at both transcriptional and protein levels, and the same changes were observed in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I (Colla I). After upregulation of CXXC5, the increase in CD40, CD40L, α-SMA, and Colla I was attenuated. (3) Stimulated with TGF-β1, MLF proliferation was activated, apoptosis was suppressed, and the expression of CD40, CD40L, α-SMA, and Colla I was increased at both transcriptional and protein levels. After upregulation of CXXC5, these changes were attenuated. Conclusion. CXXC5 inhibits pulmonary fibrosis and transformation to myofibroblasts by negative feedback regulation of the CD40/CD40L pathway.

scholarly journals Identification of drivers of breast cancer invasion by secretome analysis: insight into CTGF signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna W. Hellinger ◽  
Franziska Schömel ◽  
Judith V. Buse ◽  
Christof Lenz ◽  
Gerd Bauerschmitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract An altered consistency of tumor microenvironment facilitates the progression of the tumor towards metastasis. Here we combine data from secretome and proteome analysis using mass spectrometry with microarray data from mesenchymal transformed breast cancer cells (MCF-7-EMT) to elucidate the drivers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell invasion. Suppression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) reduced invasion in 2D and 3D invasion assays and expression of transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (TGFBI), Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and lysyl oxidase (LOX), while the adhesion of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) in mesenchymal transformed breast cancer cells is increased. In contrast, an enhanced expression of CTGF leads to an increased 3D invasion, expression of fibronectin 1 (FN1), secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC) and CD44 and a reduced cell ECM adhesion. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist Triptorelin reduces CTGF expression in a Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)-dependent manner. Our results suggest that CTGF drives breast cancer cell invasion in vitro and therefore could be an attractive therapeutic target for drug development to prevent the spread of breast cancer.

scholarly journals Functional redundancy of type I and type II receptors in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth by myostatin and activin A

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (49) ◽  
pp. 30907-30917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se-Jin Lee ◽  
Adam Lehar ◽  
Yewei Liu ◽  
Chi Hai Ly ◽  
Quynh-Mai Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Functional Redundancy ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii

Myostatin (MSTN) is a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family member that normally acts to limit muscle growth. The function of MSTN is partially redundant with that of another TGF-β family member, activin A. MSTN and activin A are capable of signaling through a complex of type II and type I receptors. Here, we investigated the roles of two type II receptors (ACVR2 and ACVR2B) and two type I receptors (ALK4 and ALK5) in the regulation of muscle mass by these ligands by genetically targeting these receptors either alone or in combination specifically in myofibers in mice. We show that targeting signaling in myofibers is sufficient to cause significant increases in muscle mass, showing that myofibers are the direct target for signaling by these ligands in the regulation of muscle growth. Moreover, we show that there is functional redundancy between the two type II receptors as well as between the two type I receptors and that all four type II/type I receptor combinations are utilized in vivo. Targeting signaling specifically in myofibers also led to reductions in overall body fat content and improved glucose metabolism in mice fed either regular chow or a high-fat diet, demonstrating that these metabolic effects are the result of enhanced muscling. We observed no effect, however, on either bone density or muscle regeneration in mice in which signaling was targeted in myofibers. The latter finding implies that MSTN likely signals to other cells, such as satellite cells, in addition to myofibers to regulate muscle homeostasis.

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