TGF-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression: A potential mechanism for human trophoblast cell differentiation

Journal of Cellular PhysiologyVolume 230, Issue 7 p. 1558-1566 Original Research Article TGF-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression: A potential mechanism for human trophoblast cell differentiation Jung-Chien Cheng, Jung-Chien Cheng Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorHsun-Ming Chang, Hsun-Ming Chang Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorLanlan Fang, Lanlan Fang Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorYing-Pu Sun, Ying-Pu Sun Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPeter C.K. Leung, Corresponding Author Peter C.K. Leung Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Correspondence to: Peter C.K. Leung, FCAHS, FRSC, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Room 317, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada. E-mail: peter.leung@ubc.caSearch for more papers by this author Jung-Chien Cheng, Jung-Chien Cheng Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorHsun-Ming Chang, Hsun-Ming Chang Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorLanlan Fang, Lanlan Fang Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorYing-Pu Sun, Ying-Pu Sun Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPeter C.K. Leung, Corresponding Author Peter C.K. Leung Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Correspondence to: Peter C.K. Leung, FCAHS, FRSC, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Room 317, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada. E-mail: peter.leung@ubc.caSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 January 2015 https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.24902Citations: 31 Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Connexin43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) are required for human trophoblast differentiation. To date, whether Cx43 mediates TGF-β1-induced trophoblast differentiation has not been determined. We showed that treatment with TGF-β1 increased Cx43 expression and GJIC in HTR-8/SVneo human trophoblast cells. In addition, Smad and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were involved in TGF-β1-induced up-regulation of Cx43. Moreover, TGF-β1 increased the expression of the syncytiotrophoblast marker, β-hCG. Importantly, knockdown of Cx43 abolished the TGF-β1-induced up-regulation of β-hCG. Furthermore, overexpression of Cx43 up-regulated β-hCG expression. These results provide evidence that Cx43 and GJIC activity are up-regulated by TGF-β1 in human trophoblast cells, which subsequently contributes to TGF-β1-induced trophoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1558–1566, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company Citing Literature Volume230, Issue7July 2015Pages 1558-1566 RelatedInformation