Effects of estradiol on HIF-1α expression and trophoblast differentiation in first trimester villous explant cultures

Geum Joon Cho, Lyn Hwa Lee, Bona Lee, Jaeeun Lee, Ki Hoon Ahn, Soon Cheol Hong, Hai Joong Kim, Min Jeong Oh

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of estradiol on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and the differentiation of trophoblasts in human first trimester villous explant cultures. Methods Villous explant cultures were established from first trimester human placentas (6-8 weeks of gestation, n = 3 ). Normal villous tissues were explanted on Matrigel and incubated under 3% O2 tension for 5 days. To evaluate the effects of estradiol on the villous explant cultures, 1 ng/mL of estradiol was added to the culture medium. The morphological integrities and viabilities of the villous explants were monitored. Immunohistochemistry for α5 and α1 integrin was performed to assess differentiation of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Expression of HIF-1α in villous explant cultures was evaluated by western blotting and densitometry. Results EVTs emerging from first trimester villous explant cultures formed outgrowths of cells from the distal ends and invaded the surrounding Matrigel. Exposure of villous explants to estradiol resulted in the decreased outgrowth of cells from the distal end and decreased expression of α5 integrin. However, estradiol treatment increased the invasion of villous explants into the surrounding Matrigel, concomitant with the increased expression of α1 integrin, indicating differentiation of EVTs into more invasive EVTs. On western blots, the expression of HIF-1α decreased significantly after treatment with estradiol under 3% O2 tension. Conclusion Our findings suggest that estradiol may downregulate expression of HIF-1α in placenta, which in turn promote trophoblast differentiation into invasive phenotype.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)71-78
    Number of pages8
    JournalObstetrics and Gynecology Science
    Volume61
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018 Jan 1

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2018 Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

    Keywords

    • Estradiol
    • Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
    • Trophoblasts

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of estradiol on HIF-1α expression and trophoblast differentiation in first trimester villous explant cultures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this