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Mechanobiology of mice cervix: expression profile of mechano-related molecules during pregnancy

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Abstract

There is a known reciprocation between the chronic exertion of force on tissue and both increased tissue density (e.g., bone) and hypertrophy (e.g., heart). This can also be seen in cervical tissue where the excessive gravitational forces associated with multiple fetal pregnancies promote preterm births. While there is a well-known regulation of cervical remodeling (CR) by sex steroid hormones and growth factors, the role of mechanical force is less appreciated. Using proteome-wide technology, we previously provided evidence for the presence of and alteration in mechano-related signaling molecules in the mouse cervix during pregnancy. Here, we profile the expression of select cytoskeletal factors (filamin-A, gelsolin, vimentin, actinin-1, caveolin-1, transgelin, keratin-8, profilin-1) and their associated signaling molecules [focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Rho GTPases CDC42, RHOA, and RHOB] in cervices of pregnant mice by real-time PCR and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Messenger RNA and protein levels increased for each of these 12 factors, except for 3 (keratin-8, profilin-1, RHOA) that decreased during the course of pregnancy and this corresponded with an increase in gravitational force exerted by the fetus on the cervix. We therefore conclude that size or weight of the growing fetus likely plays a key role in CR through mechanotransduction processes.

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This work was funded by the Appalachian State University Office of Student Research and the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology.

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  1. Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Rankin Science North Building N219, 572 River Street, Boone, NC, 28608, USA

    Jacob Gordon & Chishimba Nathan Mowa

  2. Rusangu University, Monze, Zambia

    Chishimba Nathan Mowa

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Correspondence to Chishimba Nathan Mowa.

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Gordon, J., Mowa, C.N. Mechanobiology of mice cervix: expression profile of mechano-related molecules during pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res 376, 443–456 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-018-02983-8

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