Int J Med Sci 2023; 20(3):392-405. doi:10.7150/ijms.80684 This issue Cite
Research Paper
1. Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
2. NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
3. Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
4. Clinical Epidemiology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
5. State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
6. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
#These authors contributed equally to this work.
Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is characterized by restricted fetal growth and dysregulated placental development. The etiology and pathogenesis still remain elusive. IL-27 shows multiple roles in regulating various biological processes, however, how IL-27 involves in placentation in FGR pregnancy hasn't been demonstrated.
Methods: The levels of IL-27 and IL-27RA in FGR and normal placentae were determined by immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR. HTR-8/SVneo cells and Il27ra-/- murine models have been adopted to evaluate the effects of IL-27 on the bio-functions of trophoblast cells. GO enrichment and GSEA analysis were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.
Findings: IL-27 and IL-27RA was lowly expressed in FGR placentae and administration of IL-27 on HTR-8/SVneo could promote its proliferation, migration and invasion. Comparing with wildtypes, Il27ra-/- embryos were smaller and lighter, and the placentae from which were poorly developed. In mechanism, the molecules of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway (CCND1, CMYC, SOX9) were downregulated in Il27ra-/- placentae. In contrast, the expression of SFRP2 (negative regulator of Wnt) was increased. Overexpression of SFRP2 in vitro could impair trophoblast migration and invasion capacity.
Interpretation: IL-27/IL-27RA negatively regulates SFRP2 to activate Wnt/β-catenin, and thus promotes migration and invasion of trophoblasts during pregnancy. However, IL-27 deficiency may contribute to the development of FGR by restricting the Wnt activity.
Keywords: Fetal growth restriction (FGR), IL-27, IL-27 receptor / IL-27RA, trophoblast cells, HTR-8/SVneo, canonical Wnt pathway, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, SFRP2