Role of transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on proliferation and invasion by first trimester human trophoblast

Summary By employing pure cultures of first trimester human trophoblast cells we have examined the effects of EGF and TGFα on trophoblast cell proliferation and invasiveness. Both exogenous EGF and TGFα were able to stimulate trophoblast proliferation ( 3 H-TdR incorporation). Anti-TGFα neutralizing Ab had no effect on proliferation indicating the lack of significant endogenous TGFα production in these cultures. Anti-EGF-receptor blocking Ab significantly decreased trophoblast proliferation indicating the presence of endogenous EGF or another EGF-receptor ligand, capable of binding to the EGF-receptor, and enhancing trophoblast growth. EGF and TGFα did not alter trophoblast invasiveness in a Matrigel invasion assay although an increase in the transcription of invasion regulating molecules, type IV collagenases and their inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 was noted. Both growth factors may be required for normal placental growth in situ . These studies reveal that the two important biological processes, e.g., trophoblast proliferation and invasion required for placental development are not necessarily linked.