1. Homeobox gene Distal-Less 3 is a regulator of villous cytotrophoblast differentiation and its expression is increased in human idiopathic foetal growth restriction.
- Author
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Chui, Amy, Tay, Charmaine, Cocquebert, Melanie, Sheehan, Penelope, Pathirage, Niroshani, Donath, Susan, Fournier, Thierry, Badet, Josette, Evain-Brion, Daniele, Brennecke, Shaun, Kalionis, Bill, and Murthi, Padma
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FETAL development ,GENE expression ,HOMEOBOX genes ,PREGNANCY complications ,PLACENTA - Abstract
Human idiopathic foetal growth restriction (FGR) is frequently associated with placental insufficiency. In our previous studies, we have reported the isolation and characterisation of the homeobox gene Distal-less 3 ( DLX3) in the human placenta. In this study, we have investigated the level of DLX3 expression in idiopathic FGR-affected placentae and determined its functional role in villous trophoblast differentiation. FGR-affected placentae ( n = 25) were collected based on well-defined clinical criteria and matched for gestation with control uncomplicated pregnancies ( n = 25). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting showed increased DLX3 mRNA and protein expression in FGR-affected placentae compared with gestation-matched controls. Qualitative immunohistochemistry revealed DLX3 localisation in the syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblasts and endothelial cells surrounding the foetal capillaries in both FGR-affected and control placentae. Down-regulation of DLX3 in primary villous trophoblast cells and a trophoblast-derived cell line showed decreased expression of differentiation markers, 3βHSD, βhCG and syncytin. Therefore, we conclude that increased DLX3 expression in FGR may contribute to trophoblast dysfunction observed in FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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