Abstract
Fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1) is an RNA-binding protein that can regulate specific mRNA decay in cells. Our previous study showed that FXR1 expression was significantly decreased in trophoblasts from patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, the role of FXR1 in trophoblast function during early placenta development has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that knockdown of FXR1 using siRNA effectively inhibited the migration of HTR-8 cells and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) outgrowth in an ex vivo extravillous explant culture model. Furthermore, through analysis of a panel of cytokines, we found that the GDF-15 protein was upregulated after knockdown of FXR1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. This was further confirmed by western blotting and immunofluorescence in HTR-8/SVneo cells and an extravillous explant. Our data also showed that FXR1 expression was downregulated and GDF-15 was upregulated in chorionic villous tissues from RSA patients compared with those from healthy controls (HCs). Further, immunohistochemistry showed a strong expression of GDF-15 in chorionic villous tissue in the RSA group, which was mainly distributed in villous trophoblasts (CTBs) and syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs). Moreover, knockdown of GDF-15 enhanced the migration of HTR-8 cells, while overexpression of GDF-15 using plasmid or treatment with recombinant human GDF-15 protein inhibited trophoblast migration. Importantly, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation showed that FXR1 directly bound to the 3′-UTR of GDF-15 mRNA to promote GDF-15 mRNA decay. Together, our data provide new insight into the function of FXR1 in human placenta via regulation of GDF-15 expression in trophoblasts and suggest a possible pathological process involved in RSA.
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Introduction
Implantation of the embryo is a key step to maintaining a successful pregnancy and depends on embryo quality; embryo hatching; trophoblast differentiation, migration, and invasion; uterine receptivity and proper maternal–fetal cross talk; and immune regulation [1,2,3,4]. Two major trophoblast cell lineages are identified as participating in the early stages of human placental development: villous trophoblasts (CTBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). CTBs are trophoblast progenitor cells that can differentiate to syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) or EVTs. Two EVT populations can be identified; interstitial cytotrophoblasts (iCTBs) invade the decidual stroma, whereas endovascular cytotrophoblasts (eCTB) colonize the maternal spiral arteries [1, 5,6,7]. Defective EVT migration and invasion can lead to abnormal placentation and abnormal maternal–fetal connection, which causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as first trimester recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), placental insufficiency, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction [1, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. RSA, defined as two or more unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion before 20 weeks of gestation, affects 1–5% of couples and can cause both physical and emotional distress [5, 6]. Causes of RSA include anatomical factors and embryo chromosomal abnormalities, but the pathogenic factors of some unexplained recurrent miscarriages are still unknown.
Fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1) is a homologue of the fragile X mental retardation syndrome protein (FMRP) and interacts with FXR2 to form the fragile X-related (FXR) family of RNA-binding proteins [10, 11]. FXR1 is associated with regulation of specific mRNAs in cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In our previous study, we found that FXR1 mRNA expression level was significantly decreased in trophoblasts from RSA patients and that FXR1 is involved in the regulation of the maternal fetal interface by binding to the 3′-UTR region of COX-2 to repress its expression [12]. However, the role of FXR1 in early placenta development has not been fully elucidated.
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a divergent member of the human transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which is also known as MIC-1 and placental transforming growth factor beta (PTGFB) [13, 14]. The most abundant source of MIC-1 mRNA transcripts is the human placenta [15]. Intense MIC-1 immunostaining was observed in the STBs and the trophoblast cell columns that develop into the invasive EVTs of the first trimester placenta [15, 16]. GDF-15 is also present in stromal cells and luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the first trimester decidua [16, 17]. GDF-15 is suggested to help maintain pregnancy by suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and regulating trophoblast invasion [15,16,17,18,19].
Together, in this study, we found that FXR1 affect trophoblast migration by regulating GDF-15 expression in trophoblasts. Further, we clarified the relationship between FXR1 and GDF-15 expression. These results suggest that dysregulation of FXR1 expression may be associated with the pathogenesis of RSA disease.
Materials and Methods
Patient Characteristics
Twelve patients, aged 28–36 years old (mean age, 31 ± 3.17 years), who had suffered RSA and were treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital at the Tongji University School of Medicine between May 2017 and February 2018 were included in this study. RSA patients with gestational age of 6–12 weeks were confirmed missed abortion by ultrasound. When inevitable abortions occurred, they were treated with dilatation and curettage of the uterus, and villous tissue samples were collected. Chromosomal microarray analysis of villi tissue was normal. Ten females aged 25–32 years old (mean age, 28.8 ± 2.57 years), with normal early pregnancies were recruited as healthy controls (HCs). These patients underwent artificial abortion to terminate their unwanted pregnancies at 6–12 weeks of gestation, and samples of villi tissues were collected. All patients in our study with following comorbidities have been excluded: embryo chromosomal abnormalities, anatomic, anatomical, and immune abnormalities, as well as complications such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid abnormalities, infection with chlamydia, ureaplasma in cervical mucus, alcohol abuse, tabacco abuse, and obesity (BMI > 30). The samples were paraffin embedded or stored in liquid nitrogen until analysis or used immediately for further extravillous explant culture. The protocol of this study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai (ethics protocol number KS1665). Written informed consent was obtained from all of the participants before enrollment.
Cell Culture
The HTR-8/SVneo cell line [20], which is derived from human invasive extravillous trophoblasts, was kindly gifted by Dr. P.K. Lala (University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada). Cells were cultured in DMEM /F12 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and all tissue culture reagents were purchased from Gibco company.
Knockdown of FXR1 and GDF-15
Knockdown of FXR1 was performed using FXR1 siRNA (sc-35423, Santa Cruz Biotechnology). The negative control used siRNA (sc-37007, Santa Cruz Biotechnology). The siRNAs were transfected into cells at a final concentration of 100 nmol/L using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX transfection reagent (Invitrogen). GDF-15 knockdown was performed using a specific siRNA (siGDF-15) purchased from GenePharma, Inc (Shanghai, China) and was transfected into cells at a final concentration of 50 nmol/L. The FXR1 siRNA (h) sc-35423 is a pool of 3 different siRNA duplexes: sc-35423A: 5′-CUAGGAAUCUCGUUGGAAAtt-3′; sc-35423B: 5′-GGAAUGACUGAAUCUGAUAtt-3′; sc-35423C: 5′-GGAUCCUGAAGAAAUCAUAtt-3′. The GDF-15 siRNA sequence was as follows: (5′-CUCAGAGUUGCACUCCGAATTUUCGGAGUGCAACUCUGAGTT-3′).
Overexpression of FXR1 and GDF-15
To generate the FXR1 overexpression construct, the coding sequence (CDS) of human FXR1 (NM_005087.4) was cloned into the pLvx-IRES-ZsGreen vector (Clontech Laboratories). To generate a construct overexpressing GDF-15, the CDS of human GDF-15(NM_004864.4) was cloned into the GV365 vector. We used the INTERFERin Transfection Reagent (Polyplus) to transfect pLvx-IRES-ZsGreen-FXR1, pCMV-GDF-15, and the control vector into cells.
Cytokine Array Analysis
FXR1 was knocked down in HTR-8/SVneo cells using FXR1 siRNA. After 48 h, the cell culture supernatants were collected, and particulates were removed by centrifugation for further analysis using the human XL cytokine array kit (ARY022, R&D Systems) according to the recommended protocol.
Microscope Imaging
HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured on poly-L-lysine-coated coverslips in 24-well plates for 24 h and were transfected with control siRNA, FXR1 siRNA, control vector, or the FXR1 overexpression plasmid and cultured for an additional 48 h. The cells were washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, washed three times with PBS, and stained with primary antibodies using standard immunofluorescence protocols. Images were captured and assessed using a Leica microscope. Primary antibodies for immunofluorescence included anti-FXR1 (Abcam) and anti-GDF-15 (NBP1-81050, Novus) at a 1:200 dilution.
Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR)
We used TRIzol reagent (Life Technologies) to extract total RNA from cultured HTR-8/SVneo cells according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The total RNA, was treated with DNase, was reversed transcription using the PrimeScript™II first-strand cDNA synthesis kit (TAKARA) with oligo-dT primers and the cDNA was generated. QRT-PCR was performed using a SYBR green kit (Qiagen Inc.). Relative expression was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method, and normalized to the internal control gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; human). The primers were as follows: FXR1 F: 5′-GAGAAGACGG-TATGGTTCCAT-3′; R: 5′-AGGCGTTCCATTCTTAGCTGT-3′. GAPDH F: 5′-CACTGG-GCTACACTGAGCAC-3′, R: 5′-AGTGGTCGTTGAGGGCAAT-3′
Western Blot Analysis
Trophoblasts were washed twice with ice-cold PBS and proteins were isolated using 1% Triton X-100 reagent (Sigma-Aldrich; Merck, Germany) on ice. The lysate was centrifuged at 12,000 rpm at 4 °C for 25 min. The supernatant was obtained, and the protein concentration was detected using a BCA kit (Pierce, Rockford, IL, USA). Equal amounts of protein were subjected to 10% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by electrotransferring onto PVDF membranes (Pall Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Then, 5% fat-free milk powder in TBS with 0.1% Tween-20 (Sigma-Aldrich; Merck, Germany) was used to block the PVDF membranes for 1 h. Antibodies FXR1 (diluted 1:1000; Abcam) and GDF-15 (diluted 1:1000; Abcam) were used to perform western blot analysis using standard techniques. Antibodies against β-tubulin and GAPDH (diluted 1:1000; Yeasen, Shanghai, China) were used as loading controls. ECL imaging system utilized was an Amersham Imager 600.
RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation
RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) was conducted using the EZMagna RIP kit (Millipore, cat: 17-701), according to the manufacturer’s protocol. In brief, HTR-8/SVneo cells were lysed using RIP lysis buffer. RIPAb+ FXR1(Millipore) and nonspecific control rabbit IgG antibodies were used for the immunoprecipitations. RIP lysates and antibody bound to magnetic beads were incubated together overnight at 4 °C with rotation. Then, proteins in the immunoprecipitates were digested with proteinase K. Bound RNA was purified from the supernatant, reverse transcribed, and evaluated by qRT-PCR. Relative RNA expression was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method and normalized against input values. The primers for GDF-15 are as follows: F: 5′-TCAGATGCTCCTGGTGTTGC-3′; R: 5′-GATCCCAGCCGCACTTCTG-3′.
Immunohistochemistry
First trimester villous tissues were obtained from 12 RSA patients and ten HC group patients undergoing legal therapeutic abortion. Fragments of villous tissue were dissected free of embryonic and decidual tissues and washed three times with PBS. Subsequently, tissue samples were processed in routine paraffin embedding. Tissue section thickness was 5 μm. Slides were deparaffinized and rehydrated, boiled in EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) in a water bath at 95 °C for 20 min to retrieve antigen. Endogenous peroxidase activity was blocked with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide for 20 min. Slides were blocked with 5% FBS for 30 min and incubated with anti-GDF-15 (diluted 1:100, Abcam) at 4 °C overnight. After washing in PBS, the sections were incubated with biotinylated secondary antibody and stained by using a MaxvisionTM2 HRP-polymer anti-mouse/rabbit IHC kit (Fuzhou, China). Meyer’s hematoxylin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) was used as a counterstain dye. An isotype controls (IgG) (ab172730, Abcam) had been used as negative control. Images were captured with the Leica microscope (Leica, Buffalo Grove, IL).
Cell Migration
We evaluated the migration ability of trophoblasts using the transwell cell migration assay, according to standard protocols. Briefly, HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with siCtrl, siFXR1, siGDF-15, control vector, the FXR1 overexpression plasmid, or the GDF-15 overexpression plasmid and cultured for 24 h. To perform the transwell cell migration assay, 0.8 × 105 cells in 200 μL of DMEM/F12 containing 1% FBS were placed into the upper chamber of each insert. The lower chambers were filled with 800 μL of DMEM/F12 containing 15% FBS, and the cells were incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. Then, the inserts were removed and washed in PBS three times. The inserts were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (Sigma-Aldrich) and stained with 0.1% crystal violet (Sigma-Aldrich). The non-migrating cells in the upper surface of the filter were removed by gently wiping with a cotton bud. The cells on the lower surface were observed using an inverted phase-contrast microscope (Leica). The number of cells that had invaded the lower surface were counted at a magnification of × 200. Each experiment was performed in duplicate, and the experiments were independently repeated three times.
Wound Healing Assay
HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with siCtrl, control vector, or the FXR1 overexpression plasmid and plated in 6-well plates until they achieved about 90% confluence. A 1-mL pipette tip was uses to create scratch wounds, washed three times with PBS, and the culture medium was replaced with DMEM/F12 containing 1% FBS. For each image, wound gap distances between the two sides were measured randomly at six points using the ImageJ software calibrated for the image magnification. The average value was recorded and analyzed. The experiment was independently repeated three times. All experiments were independently repeated for three times.
Extravillous Explant Culture
Extravillous explant culture is an ex vivo explant culture model created to evaluate trophoblast (especially EVT cells) migration and invasion [20,21,22,23]. Small 2–3 mm tissue sections were obtained from the tips of first-trimester human placental villi (6–10 weeks), dissected, and explanted in 24-well culture dishes pre-coated with phenol red-free Matrigel® substrate (Corning Life Sciences, New York, NY). Villi explants were cultured in DMEM/F12 media containing 10% FBS and 1% antibiotic–antimycotic (Gibco), successfully anchored on Matrigel matrix, and initiated outgrowths were used for subsequent experiments. EVT sprouting and migration from the distal end of the villous tips were observed and recorded daily. The extent of migration was measured via the ImageJ software. To test the effect of FXR1 on the migration of EVTs, 250 nM siRNA specifically targeting FXR1 or an equal concentration of control siRNA was introduced into two wells of extravillous explants from HC patients. The images were obtained after 24 h and 48 h of in vitro culture under a light microscope. The explant experiments with cultured villi were repeated three times.
Statistical Analysis
All statistical values were calculated using SPSS 22.0 (Chicago, IL). Comparison between two groups was done using the independent sample t test. Normality of data was assessed with a one-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
FXR1 Regulated the Migration Ability of HTR-8 Cells
To investigate whether FXR1 is involved in the migration of trophoblasts, the HTR-8/SVneo (HTR-8) cell line was transfected with siFXR or the FXR1 overexpression plasmid. Knockdown and overexpression of FXR1 was detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR. The control group siRNA and vector were transfected at the same time (Fig. 1A–C). Transwell cell migration and wound healing assays were also conducted. Knockdown of FXR1 significantly suppressed the migratory ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells (Fig. 1D–G), while FXR1 overexpression enhanced the migratory ability of HTR-8 cells (Fig. 1H–K).
FXR1 Regulates Extravillous Trophoblast Outgrowth in an Ex Vivo Extravillous Explant Culture Model
To further clarify the role of FXR1 in trophoblasts ex vivo, extravillous explants from first-trimester villi tissue samples (6–10 weeks of gestation) were cultured in Matrigel-coated 24-well dishes. Following 24 h of culture, the explants were anchored into the Matrigel and started to exhibit outgrowth. They were then transfected with control siRNA or siFXR1. At 48 h, the explants treated with siFXR1 outgrowths were significantly shorter than the siCtrl-treated explants (Fig. 2A, B). These results clearly suggest that FXR1 plays an important role in the regulation of trophoblast invasion in an ex vivo extravillous explant culture model.
FXR1 Regulated GDF-15 Expression in HTR-8 Cells Posttranscriptionally
To further explore the downstream genes regulated by FXR1 in trophoblasts, HTR-8 cells were transfected with siCtrl and siFXR1. After 48 h, we collected trophoblast culture supernatants, removed particulates by centrifugation, and screened them using a human cytokine array kit. The results showed that GDF-15 expression was obviously enhanced via calculating the gray value of the spots. Additionally, there were some visual differences in PDGF-aa and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression that need to be further verified and studied (Fig. 3A, B). To further confirm whether GDF-15 was regulated by FXR1, HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with FXR1 siRNA and an FXR1-overexpressing plasmid. After 48 h, the level of GDF-15 expression was detected by western blotting. These results showed that expression of GDF-15 was increased after knockdown of FXR1, while overexpression of FXR1 had the opposite effect (Fig. 3C). We further performed RNA immunoprecipitation assays to investigate the role of FXR1 in regulation of GDF-15 expression. FXR1 was transiently overexpressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells and immunoprecipitated with anti-FXR1. After isolation of the co-purifying RNA, enrichment of selected transcripts was measured by qRT-PCR, and we confirmed the specific enrichment of GDF-15 (Fig. 3D).
Immunofluorescence confirmed that GDF-15 is upregulated in HTR-8/SVneo cells after knockdown of FXR1 (Fig. 4A, B). We used extravillous explants instead of primary trophoblast extractions in vitro. In extravillous explants, placental villi that successfully anchored on the Matrigel matrix-initiated outgrowth, and EVT begin to sprout and migrate 24 h after explant. FXR1 siRNA and an equal concentration of control siRNA were introduced into four wells of extravillous explants from HC patients. After 48 h, immunofluorescence showed that GDF-15 was upregulated in extravillous trophoblasts after knockdown of FXR1 (Fig. 4C, D).
FXR1 Expression Was Negatively Related with GDF-15 Expression in RSA Patients
In our previous study, immunohistochemical analysis of first-trimester chorionic villi tissues showed that FXR1 expression was significantly downregulated in RSA patients compared with that in HCs. At the mRNA level, FXR1 was downregulated in villi from the RSA group compared with those from HCs [12]. In this study, western blotting further confirmed that the level of FXR1 protein expression was downregulated in chorionic villous tissue from RSA patients compared to HCs, which is consistent with previous immunohistochemical and mRNA results. The level of GDF-15 protein was upregulated in chorionic villous tissue from RSA patients compared with HCs (Fig. 5A, B). Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded first-trimester chorionic villous tissues was performed to further investigate the localization of GDF-15 protein. A strong expression of GDF-15 was observed in chorionic villous tissue from the RSA group, with the staining mainly distributed in CTBs and STBs (Fig. 5C). These results indicate that FXR1 and GDF-15 expression are important factors participating in the pathogenesis of RSA.
Knockdown of FXR1 Inhibits Trophoblast Migration by Regulating GDF-15 Expression
To further study role of GDF-15 in trophoblasts, HTR-8 cells were transfected with GDF-15 siRNA, siCtrl, a GDF-15-overexpressing plasmid, or a control vector. The knockdown and overexpression of GDF-15 at the protein level were confirmed by western blotting (Fig. 6A). Transwell assays showed that knockdown of GDF-15 enhanced the migration of HTR-8 cells, while overexpression of GDF-15 inhibited migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells (Fig. 6B–D). Further, HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated with 5 ng/mL and 25 ng/mL of recombinant human GDF-15 protein; then, transwell cell migration and wound healing assay were conducted. The results showed that the migration ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells was inhibited after treatment with recombinant human GDF-15 protein (Fig. 6E–H). These results suggest that FXR1 regulates the migration and invasion of trophoblasts via the GDF-15.
Discussion
Many studies have found that insufficient migration and invasion of trophoblasts are associated with recurrent miscarriage [6,7,8]. In this study, we explored the function of FXR1 in trophoblast migration during the early stage of pregnancy. The FXR1 protein, found mostly in the cytoplasm, has RNA-binding properties and contains a nucleolar targeting signal. FXR proteins are known to play an important role in post-transcriptional regulation [4, 9, 10, 24, 25] and are associated with the regulation of specific mRNAs in cells and in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Depletion of FXR1 decreased levels of CCL2 and IL1b mRNA and also decreased the ability of THP1 human monocytic leukemic cells to induce cell migration of neighboring monocytic cells [26]. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, significant copy number amplification and mRNA overexpression of FXR1 regulates p21 and TERC RNA to bypass p53-mediated cellular senescence [27]. Qian et al. demonstrated that FXR1 executes its regulatory function by forming a novel complex with two other oncogenes, protein kinase C and iota and epithelial cell transforming 2, located in the same amplicon, via distinct binding mechanisms. FXR1 overexpression is regarded as a candidate biomarker predictive of poor survival in multiple solid tumors including NSCLCs and 18 types of human cancers, such as lung, cervix, head, breast, ovarian, and neck squamous carcinoma [28]. Edwin et al. generated an FXR1 KO mouse model. Homozygous FXR1 knockout neonates died shortly after birth, most likely due to cardiac or respiratory failure. Heterozygote FXR1 knockout neonates showed a striated muscle phenotype, displayed a strongly reduced limb musculature, and had a reduced life span of 18 weeks. This suggests that FXR1 may play a role in muscle mRNA transport/translation control, similar to that seen for FMRP in neuronal cells [29]. In our previous study, we explored that FXR1 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in trophoblasts from recurrent miscarriage patients and that FXR1 may be involved in the regulation of maternal fetal interface by binding to the 3′-UTR region of COX-2 to represses its expression [12]. In this study, we further confirmed that the level of FXR1 protein expression was downregulated in chorionic villous tissue from the RSA group compared with that in healthy controls. We also explored if FXR1 could regulate trophoblast migration in the early stages of human placental development. The migration ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells and trophoblast outgrowth using an ex vivo extravillous explant culture model was obviously decreased after the knockdown of FXR1.
GDF-15 is associated with cardiovascular disease, inflammation, body weight regulation, and cancer. Serum GDF-15 increased with gestation age, reaching the highest level in the third trimester [15, 16, 30]. The placenta is the only tissue that expresses large amounts of GDF-15 under normal physiological conditions and is produced by trophoblasts, stromal cells, and luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the first trimester decidua [15,16,17]. Intense GDF-15 immunostaining can be observed in the syncytiotrophoblast of the early pregnant placenta and in the trophoblast cell columns which give rise to the invasive extravillous trophoblast cell lineage [16]. In our study, consistent with previously reported literature, immunohistochemical analysis showed a positive signal for GDF-15 in CTBs in the HCs. Strong expression of GDF-15 was observed in chorionic villous tissue in the RSA group, with the staining mainly distributed in CTBs and STBs. Western blotting showed that the level of the GDF-15 protein was upregulated in chorionic villous tissues from RSA patients compared to that in chorionic villous tissues from the HCs.
The function of GDF-15 in the maternal fetal interface has been reported. GDF-15 was suggested to act to maintain pregnancy by suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines [15, 16]. In human trophoblast cells, GDF-15 led to apoptosis and inhibited proliferation [19, 31]. In vitro studies using EVT cells indicated that GDF-15 had overall inhibitory actions on trophoblast invasion through growth inhibition and stimulation of apoptosis [19]. GDF-15 is considered a potent regulator of matrix metalloproteinases, which control the degradation effect of the decidual matrix and thus impact the invasion of trophoblast cells [32]. These data suggest the function of GDF-15 on trophoblasts is to inhibit invasion of the extravillous cytotrophoblast and inhibit villous cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation into syncytium at lower concentrations [15, 16, 31, 32]. At high concentrations, trophoblast cells proceed to apoptosis [19, 31]. In our study, we confirmed that knockdown of GDF-15 using siRNA enhanced the migration ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells, while overexpression of GDF-15 inhibited HTR-8/SVneo cell migration. The migration ability of HTR-8 cells was also inhibited after treatment with various lower concentrations of recombinant human GDF-15 protein.
Tong et al. found that GDF-15 could predict miscarriage, because serum GDF-15 concentrations were low in the weeks before miscarriage [33]. This is in contrast to what we observed in villi from RSA patients. We found the level of GDF-15 protein was upregulated in chorionic villous tissue from RSA patients compared to the HCs. This contradictory phenomenon can also be found in preeclampsia [16, 30, 34], which is associated with abnormal invasion of trophoblasts and incomplete remodeling of placenta-supplying maternal uterine spiral arteries. There is agreement on the relationship between preeclampsia or miscarriage and maternal serum GDF-15 concentration. We speculate that the placenta is the most likely source of GDF-15, but decidual secretion may also contribute to circulating GDF-15 [16].
In conclusion, we demonstrated here, that the level of FXR1 protein expression was downregulated and GDF-15 expression was upregulated in chorionic villous tissue from the RSA group compared with that from HC group. Using RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, we proved that FXR1 may regulate the expression of GDF-15 at the posttranscriptional level by directly binding to the 3′-UTR of GDF-15. Together, our data provide new insights into the function of FXR1 in human placenta trophoblast migration via regulation of GDF-15 expression in trophoblasts and suggest a possible pathological mechanism involved in RSA.
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Funding
The work was supported by the Project of Shanghai Natural Science Foundation (20ZR1444000 to X.-C.L.) and Family Planning Project of the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission (201640371).
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X.-C.L. designed the study and directed the project, W.H. and J.-H.C. performed the experiments, H.-J.M. and L.L. contributed to the statistical analyses, and W.H. and X.-C.L. wrote the manuscript.
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Hong, W., Chen, JH., Ma, Hj. et al. Fragile X-Related Protein 1 (FXR1) Promotes Trophoblast Migration at Early Pregnancy via Downregulation of GDF-15 Expression. Reprod. Sci. 29, 110–121 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-021-00693-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-021-00693-1