transforming-growth-factor-beta and Choriocarcinoma

Following embryo implantation, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the maternal decidua to a certain extent during early pregnancy, which is critical for normal placentation and successful pregnancy in humans. Although sharing a similar protein structure, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members exert divergent functions in regulating EVT invasion, which contributes to a relative balance of TGF-β superfamily proteins in precisely modulating this process at the maternal-fetal interface during the first trimester of pregnancy. This review details recent advances in our understanding of the functions of TGF-β superfamily members and their corresponding receptors, signaling pathways, and downstream molecular targets in regulating human EVT invasion from studies using various in vitro or ex vivo experimental models. Also, the relevance of these discoveries about TGF-β superfamily members to adverse pregnancy outcomes is summarized. The application of 3D culture trophoblast organoids, single-cell sequencing, and microfluidic assays in EVT invasion studies will help better reveal the molecular mechanisms through which TGF-β superfamily members regulate human EVT invasion, shedding light on the development of innovative strategies for predicting, diagnosing, treating, and preventing adverse human pregnancy outcomes related to EVT invasion dysfunction.

Topics: Choriocarcinoma; Female; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts

The human placenta is a highly invasive tumor-like structure in which a subpopulation of placental trophoblast cells known as the "extravillous trophoblast" (EVT) invades the uterine decidua and its vasculature to establish adequate fetal-maternal exchange of molecules. By utilizing in vitro-propagated short-lived EVT cell lines we found that molecular mechanisms responsible for their invasiveness are identical to those of cancer cells; however, unlike cancer cells, their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in situ are stringently controlled by decidua-derived transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. By SV40T antigen transfection of normal EVT cells followed by a forced crisis regimen in culture we produced an immortalized premalignant derivative that is hyperproliferative, hyperinvasive, and deficient in gap-junctional intercellular communication. Both premalignant and malignant EVT (JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma) cell lines were found to be TGF-beta-resistant. Using these cell lines, we investigated genetic changes responsible for transition of the normal EVT cells to premalignant and malignant phenotype. Hyperinvasiveness in both cases resulted from a downregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 genes. In contrast to normal EVT cells, both cell types failed to upregulate these genes in response to TGF-beta. Loss of TGF-beta response in malignant EVT cells was explained by the loss of expression of Smad3 gene. Differential mRNA display of normal and premalignant EVT cells identified up- and down-regulation of numerous known or novel genes in premalignant EVT cells, with potential oncogenic and (or) tumor-suppressor functions, e.g., loss of fibronectin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-5). Premalignant EVT cells also lost IGF receptor type 2 (IGFR-II). IGFBP-5 was shown to be a negative regulator of IGF-1-induced proliferation of premalignant EVT cells, so that loss of IGFBP-5 as well as IGFR-II permitted their unrestricted proliferation in an IGF-I-rich microenvironment of the fetal-maternal interface. The present model may be a good prototype for identifying genetic changes underlying epithelial tumor progression.

Topics: Cell Line; Choriocarcinoma; Disease Progression; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasms; Placentation; Precancerous Conditions; Pregnancy; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Identifying the factors responsible for reducing the proliferation, syncytialization, and invasiveness of trophoblast tissues, as seen with preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and spontaneous miscarriage, is a current challenge in reproductive biology. These factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta as an example, can work by altering trophoblast differentiation or proliferation. We therefore investigated and compared specific markers of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation in three commonly used trophoblast tissue cell models, and also investigated the influence of TGF-beta on these markers.. In this study, we isolated human trophoblasts from first trimester and term placentas, and additionally used human choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3). Baseline values of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion and relative mRNA levels of cell cycle regulators (cyclin E, p21, p27, and p57) were investigated for each cell type. We also investigated the influence of TGF-beta on these parameters.. Quantitative and longitudinal production of hCG differed between the three cell types. Significantly different amounts of cyclin E, p21, p27, and p57 mRNA were demonstrated within each cell type, as well as between all the cell types, throughout the culture time period. Each trophoblast type demonstrated a reduction of hCG secretion in response to TGF-beta. TGF-beta did not show a consistent effect on the cell cycle mRNA of any of the cell types.. We were able to characterize and compare the differential production of hCG, as well as the differential expression of cell cycle-associated mRNA of early trophoblasts, term trophoblasts, and choriocarcinoma cells. The production of hCG was altered by TGF-beta, although mRNA levels were not markedly altered by TGF-beta.

Topics: Cell Cycle Proteins; Cell Line, Tumor; Choriocarcinoma; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Female; Genes, cdc; Humans; Placenta; Pregnancy; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts

The current techniques for quantifying trophoblast viability, migration and invasion are mainly limited by the need to sacrifice the cells during the test procedure. In this study, the vital dye AB (AB) was used to quantify cell number and viability of BeWo and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, as well as their migration and invasion through fibronectin-coated filters.. AB was directly added to culture medium of incubated test and control cells. At various time intervals, the redox reaction, in which AB is reduced by the cells, was measured by absorbance readings at 540 and 630 nm. For cell migration and invasion, cells were cultured onto uncoated or fibronectin-coated inserts, respectively. AB reduction of migrated cells was normalized to that of control cells to calculate percentages of migration. This model was also tested in the presence of a reported inhibitor, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta.. The curve of %AB reduction versus cell number was linear, with intra- and inter-assay Coefficient of Variations of 1.88%and 2.94%, respectively. AB reduction increased with both seeding concentrations and incubation time with AB. TGFbeta treatment caused a modest decrease in AB reduction in both JEG-3 and BeWo cells. TGFbeta treatment also decreased migration in BeWo, but not in JEG-3, cells.. AB assay is a simple and reliable method for quantifying trophoblast viability, migration and invasion.

Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Choriocarcinoma; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Oxazines; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Xanthenes

Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily, known for its ability to inhibit muscle growth. It can also regulate metabolism and glucose uptake in a number of tissues. To determine the mechanism of myostatin's effect on glucose uptake, we evaluated its actions using choriocarcinoma cell lines that are widely used as models for placental cells. Protein and mRNA were determined using immunoblotting and RT-PCR/PCR, respectively. Glucose uptake was assessed by uptake of radiolabeled deoxyglucose in vitro. All choriocarcinoma cell lines tested i.e., BeWo, JEG, and Jar, are used as models of placental cells, and all expressed myostatin protein and mRNA. Treatment of BeWo cells with myostatin resulted in inhibition of glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01). At all concentrations tested, follistatin, a functional inhibitor of myostatin, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of myostatin (40 nM) on glucose uptake by BeWo cells (0.4 nM, P < 0.05). Follistatin treatment alone also increased glucose uptake (0.4 and 4 nM, P < 0.001; 40 nM, P < 0.05). Because BeWo cells proliferated and greater cell densities were achieved, glucose uptake declined irrespective of treatment. Myostatin treatment of BeWo cells did not alter the levels of myostatin receptor, ActRII A/B proteins. The levels of glucose transport proteins also remained unaltered in BeWo cells with myostatin treatment. This study has shown that myostatin specifically inhibits glucose uptake into BeWo cells, suggesting that locally produced myostatin may control glucose metabolism within the placenta.

Topics: Activin Receptors, Type II; Blotting, Western; Cell Line, Tumor; Choriocarcinoma; Follistatin; Glucose; Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative; Humans; Myostatin; Placenta; Recombinant Proteins; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Hypoxia occurs during the development of placenta in the first trimester and is implicated in trophoblast differentiation. Intervillous blood flow increases after 10 wk of gestation and results in exposure of trophoblast cells to oxygen. Before this time, low oxygen appears to prevent trophoblast differentiation toward an invasive phenotype. The oxygen-regulated early events of trophoblast differentiation are mediated by TGF-beta3. TGF-beta3 plays a vital role in trophoblast differentiation, and its overexpression can be found in preeclamptic placenta. We sought to determine the mechanism of TGF-beta3 expression through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1. We show that HIF-1alpha and TGF-beta3 are overexpressed in preeclamptic placenta. Hypoxia not only transactivates the TGF-beta3 promoter activity but also enhances endogenous TGF-beta3 expression. Using the TGF-beta3 promoter deletion mutants, we show that the region between -90 and -60, which contains a putative HIF-1 consensus motif, is crucial for HIF-1-mediated transactivation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that HIF-1 binds to the oligonucleotide containing the HIF-1 motif. Also, introduction of an antisense oligonucleotide for HIF-1 diminishes TGF-beta3 expression during hypoxia, indicating that the up-regulation of TGF-beta3 by hypoxia is mediated through HIF-1. Our results provide evidence that regulation of TGF-beta3 promoter activity by HIF-1 represents a mechanism for trophoblast differentiation during hypoxia.

Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Choriocarcinoma; DNA-Binding Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Nuclear Proteins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RNA, Messenger; Transcription Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta3; Trophoblasts

The present study examines the effects of IL-1beta and TGF-beta1 in modulation of ezrin, E-cadherin, CD44 and beta-catenin expression in human trophoblast cells which may lead to their altered cytoskeleton dynamics during cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions.. Trophoblast (extravillous and villous) cells isolated and purified from early and term placentae and human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 used in this study were challenged with either IL-1beta or TGF-beta1 (10 ng/ml) for 12 h following which RT-PCR was performed for ezrin, E-cadherin, CD44 and beta-catenin. Immunolocalization of these proteins was carried out in the chorionic villi as well as in the cultured cells stimulated by the cytokines. Western Blot was also performed to study the regulation of ezrin and E-cadherin in primary extravillous, villous and term trophoblast by these cytokines. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Matrigel Invasion Assay was used to study the effect of these cytokines on cellular morphology and invasion.. IL-1beta induced a down regulation in the expression of ezrin, E-cadherin and beta-catenin while upregulation of CD44 message in both primary trophoblast and JEG-3 cells. On the contrary, TGF-beta1 exhibited just an opposite effect, i.e. up regulation of ezrin, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and down regulation of CD44. These observations were further corroborated with the immunolocalization findings of the above proteins in first trimester and term villous tissue, the former having predominance of IL-1beta and the latter of TGF-beta1 [Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. 48 (2002) 210]. Cellular morphology as observed through SEM revealed an enhanced cell-to-matrix adhesion with poor cell-cell interaction following IL-1beta challenge and a strong intercellular adhesion with weak cell-to-matrix interaction in presence of TGF-beta1. Crystal violet staining and Matrigel invasion revealed a higher invasion index following IL-1beta challenge and a low invasion index following TGF-beta1 challenge.. IL-1beta mediated increased cell-to-matrix interaction with reduced cell-to-cell adhesion along with reduced ezrin and E-cadherin expression is associated with enhanced invasiveness while TGF-beta1 mediated up regulation of cell-to-cell adhesion with reduced cell-to-matrix interaction along with an increased ezrin and E-cadherin expression, is associated with reduced invasiveness, along with an altered cellular morphology. These facts therefore indicate the possible role of the two cytokines during cell motility and invasion through alteration of cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction.

Topics: Cadherins; Cell Adhesion; Cell Communication; Cell Line, Tumor; Choriocarcinoma; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Cytoskeleton; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hyaluronan Receptors; Interleukin-1; Phosphoproteins; Pregnancy; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Trophoblasts

Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells of the human placenta proliferate, migrate, and invade the pregnant uterus and its vasculature in order to nourish the fetus. However, the normal EVT cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness are exquisitely controlled in situ by decidua-produced transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), whereas EVT cancer (choriocarcinoma) cells are TGF-beta-resistant. We found that these cells lack in expression of Smad3, a key transcription factor involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway. To test whether Smad3 restitution restores TGF-beta response in choriocarcinoma cells, we produced a Smad3-expressing cell line (JAR-smad3/c). Since anti-invasive effect of TGF-beta in the normal EVT cells was partly mediated by an upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1, we examined whether Smad3-restituted JAR cells have restored TGF-beta response of TIMP-1 upregulation. The expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was found to be low in JAR and JAR-smad3/c cells. Moreover, the basal level of secreted TIMP-1 protein was very low in these cells as compared to the normal EVT cells. TGF-beta1 upregulated TIMP-1 mRNA and secreted protein in Smad3-restituted JAR cells as well as in the normal EVT cells, whereas no effect was detected in Smad3-deficient (wild-type) JAR cells. We had earlier shown that Smad3-restituted JAR cells had also restored TGF-beta response of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 upregulation. However, in vitro functional analysis revealed that, in contrast to the normal EVT cells, anti-invasive action of TGF-beta was not restored in Smad3-restituted JAR cells. Thus, additional factors (possibly low expression of Smad4 and/or other unknown factors) may contribute to refractoriness to anti-invasive action of TGF-beta in JAR cells.

Topics: Cell Line; Choriocarcinoma; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Smad3 Protein; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Trans-Activators; Transfection; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Up-Regulation; Uterine Neoplasms

To investigate whether phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) modifies the invasive ability of trophoblast cells by regulating their cytokine productions.. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the effect of PMA on the expression of cytokines which regulated the invasive ability of trophoblast cells.. Prior to PMA treatment, expressions of the cytokins including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin (IL)-1beta, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II, transforming growth factor (TGF)- beta and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were all detected in JAR cells, only with the exception of IGF-I. After incubation with 100 nmol/L PMA for 24 h, the cells showed strong expression of IL-1beta, HGF and IGF-II, with reduced expression of TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3.. By regulating the autocrine of these cytokines, PMA exercises its effect to enhance the invasive ability of trophoblast or choriocarcinoma cells.

Topics: Cell Line; Choriocarcinoma; Cytokines; Endothelial Growth Factors; Female; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lymphokines; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Somatomedins; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Uterine Neoplasms; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells of the human placenta progressively lose their proliferative activity in situ as EVT cell columns migrate into and invade the decidua. It remains unclear whether this is due to a terminal differentiation of EVT cells along the invasive pathway with concomitant loss of proliferative ability, or a negative regulation by decidua-derived factors, or both mechanisms. Our earlier studies provided evidence for a negative regulation by a decidua-derived factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of first-trimester EVT cells in vitro. We further discovered that decidua also produces decorin, a proteoglycan that binds TGF-beta (and in some cases, inactivates TGF-beta), which is colocalized with TGF-beta in the decidual extracellular matrix. The present study used in vitro-propagated EVT cell lines to examine whether EVT cells retain their capacity for proliferation after the process of invasion; and whether decorin exerts any effect on EVT cell proliferation, migration, or invasiveness in a TGF-beta-dependent or TGF-beta-independent manner. We also examined whether trophoblastic cancer (choriocarcinoma) JAR and JEG-3 cells responded to decorin in a similar manner. Proliferation was measured using a colorimetric (MTT) cellularity assay and immunolabeling for the Ki-67 proliferation marker. Migration and invasiveness were measured in transwells by the ability of cells to cross 8-microm pores of polycarbonate membranes in the absence or presence of an additional matrigel barrier. These experiments revealed three points. First, EVT cells retained limited but significant proliferative ability in vitro after invading matrigel. Second, that decorin alone blocked EVT cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. This effect remained unaffected in an additional presence of TGF-beta, which exerted antiproliferative effects on its own. The antiproliferative effect of decorin was explained by an up-regulation of the p21 protein. Third, that decorin alone or TGF-beta alone exerted antimigratory and anti-invasive effects on EVT cells, but the addition of TGF-beta to decorin did not alter decorin action. And fourth, that choriocarcinoma cells were resistant to antiproliferative, antimigratory, and anti-invasive effects of decorin. These results suggest 1) that the invasive function of EVT cells is not associated with a terminal differentiation into a noncycling state; 2) that prol

Topics: Blotting, Western; Cell Division; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Choriocarcinoma; Chorionic Villi; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases; Decidua; Decorin; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Female; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Oncogene Protein p21(ras); Proteoglycans; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Up-Regulation; Uterine Neoplasms

Proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of the normal placental extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are negatively regulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), whereas malignant EVT (JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma) cells are resistant to TGF-beta. These malignant cells were found to have lost the expression of Smad3. Present study examined whether Smad3 restitution in JAR cells could restore TGF-beta response. We produced a stable Smad3 cDNA-transfected clone (JAR-smad3/c) which exhibited further upregulation of Smad3 in the presence of TGF-beta1. Since anti-invasive effects of TGF-beta in the normal EVT cells were shown to be mediated in part by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), we compared the expression of PAI-1 and uPA in the normal EVT, JAR, and JAR-smad3/c cells in the presence or absence of TGF-beta1. The basal levels of PAI-1 mRNA and secreted PAI-1 and uPA proteins were found to be very low in JAR and JAR-smad3/c cells, as compared to the normal EVT cells. However, TGF-beta1 upregulated PAI-1 and downregulated uPA in JAR-smad3/c cells, but not in JAR cells. Thus, resistance of choriocarcinoma cells to anti-invasive effects of TGF-beta may, at least in part, be due to loss of Smad3 expression.

Topics: Cell Line; Choriocarcinoma; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Humans; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Smad3 Protein; Trans-Activators; Transcriptional Activation; Transfection; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; Uterine Neoplasms

We had earlier shown that TGF-beta controls proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of normal human trophoblast cells, whereas premalignant and malignant trophoblast cells are resistant to TGF-beta. To identify signaling defects responsible for TGF-beta resistance in premalignant and malignant trophoblasts, we have compared the expression of TGF-beta signaling molecules in a normal trophoblast cell line (HTR-8), its premalignant derivative (RSVT2/C), and two choriocarcinoma cell lines (JAR and JEG-3). RT-PCR analysis revealed that all these cell lines expressed the mRNA of TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3, TGF-beta receptors type I, II, and III, and post-receptor signaling genes smad2, smad3, smad4, smad6, and smad7 with the exception that TGF-beta2 and smad3 were undetectable in JAR and JEG-3 cells. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the absence of smad3 protein in choriocarcinoma cells. Treatment with TGF-beta1 induced smad3 phosphorylation and smad3 translocation to the nucleus in the normal and premalignant trophoblast cells. These results suggest that loss of smad3 may account for a functional disruption in the TGF-beta signaling pathway in choriocarcinomas, but not in the premalignant trophoblast.

Topics: Choriocarcinoma; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Phosphorylation; Pregnancy; Signal Transduction; Smad3 Protein; Trans-Activators; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblastic Neoplasms; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Uterine Neoplasms

To clarify the biological and pathological features of choriocarcinoma, we evaluated the in vitro production of cytokines by a choriocarcinoma cell line, BeWo. We measured the concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the culture media of BeWo cells after stimulation with various modulatory agents of cytokine expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Northern blot analysis was used to examine the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA in these cells. A weak expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was detected in unstimulated BeWo cells by both methods. IL-6 transcription and secretion were dose-dependently enhanced by stimulation with IL-1beta, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Forskolin, lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma had no effect on these cytokines production. The TNF-alpha-induced secretion of IL-6 was inhibited by dexamethasone. The TPA-induced production of IL-6 was inhibited by 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and sphyngosine, suggesting the involvement of a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. Levels of IL-8 mRNA and protein were also dose-dependently increased by stimulation with IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and TPA. In contrast to IL-6, the expression of IL-8 was not affected by TGF-beta1. It is suggested that, in addition to the production of steroidal and non-steroidal hormones, these cytokines may serve as part of a cytokine network that modulates the proliferation and angiogenesis of choriocarcinomas.

Topics: 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine; Adult; Blotting, Northern; Choriocarcinoma; Dexamethasone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Sphingosine; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Uterine Neoplasms

Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) interactions play a significant role in the immune privilege status of certain cell populations, and several cytokines and growth factors can modulate their expression. When a FasL-expressing cell binds a Fas-bearing immune cell, it triggers its death by apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that normal human endometrial epithelial but not stromal cells express FasL. Moreover, we showed that macrophage-conditioned media induced FasL expression by endometrial stromal cells in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate which macrophage product was responsible for the up-regulation of FasL, endometrial stromal cell cultures were treated with the macrophage products platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The first two (which are known to be elevated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis) induced a dose-dependent up-regulation of FasL expression, which was specifically inhibited by the antibody. Interestingly, bFGF (which is not elevated in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis) did not induce any response. These results suggest that the pro-inflammatory nature of the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis induces the FasL expression by regurgitated endometrial cells, and signals Fas-mediated cell death of activated immune cells. This could be a mechanism for endometrial cells to escape immune surveillance, implant and grow.

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Choriocarcinoma; Culture Media, Conditioned; Endometrium; Fas Ligand Protein; Female; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid; Ligands; Macrophages; Membrane Glycoproteins; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Pregnancy; Stromal Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Uterine Neoplasms

Endoglin is an integral membrane glycoprotein that binds transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) with high affinity and it is strongly expressed on syncytiotrophoblasts throughout pregnancy. Here, we describe the expression of endoglin by the choriocarcinoma cell line JAR as evidenced by flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses. Cross-linking experiments of [125I]-labeled TGF-beta1 to JAR cells indicated that endoglin expressed at the surface of these cells binds TGF-beta. Furthermore, staining of human choriocarcinoma tissue sections with a polyclonal antibody to endoglin demonstrated a high expression of endoglin in syncytiotrophoblast-like areas, as opposed to a negative staining of cytotrophoblast-like cells. This pattern of endoglin expression was confirmed by experiments with methotrexate, an inducer of giant, multinucleated, non-proliferative cells, morphologically indistinguishable from the naturally occurring syncytiotrophoblasts. Thus, treatment of the JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell lines with methotrexate led to an increase in endoglin expression, as demonstrated by Western and Northern blot analyses. Taken together, our results suggest that endoglin, in addition to being involved in placental development, may also be a cellular differentiation marker.

Topics: Antigens, CD; Blotting, Northern; Choriocarcinoma; Culture Techniques; Endoglin; Humans; Methotrexate; Phosphorylation; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Precipitin Tests; Receptors, Cell Surface; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

Invasion of the uterus by first trimester human placental extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells depends on mechanisms shared by malignant cells. However, unlike tumor invasion, trophoblast invasion of the uterus is stringently controlled in situ by local molecules such as transforming growth factor (TGF)beta. Since EVT cells possess active invasion-associated genes but are nontumorigenic, our objective was to induce premalignant and then malignant phenotype into a normal EVT cell line in order to identify the molecular basis of tumor progression. Simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40 Tag) was introduced into a normal human first trimester invasive EVT cell line, HTR8, established in our laboratory. Since the HTR8 line has a limited in vitro lifespan of 12-15 passages, SV40 Tag-transformed cells were selected on the basis of extended lifespan. A long-lived line, RSVT-2, was produced and an immortalized subclone, RSVT2/C, was further derived under a forced crisis regimen. We examined transformation-induced alterations in proliferative and invasive abilities, responses to the invasion and proliferation-regulating growth factor TGFbeta and changes in gene expression for invasion-associated enzymes or enzyme inhibitors. RSVT-2 and RSVT2/C cell lines were hyperproliferative and hyperinvasive when compared with the parental HTR8 cell line. They were also variably resistant to the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive signals from TGFbeta. Since both cell lines remained non-tumorigenic in nude mice, these properties indicate that they attained a premalignant phenotype. Both cell lines showed reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1, while TIMP-2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-I expression was was also reduced in RSVT2/C cells, thus contributing to their hyperinvasiveness. Their resistance to the anti-invasive action of TGFbeta was explained by the failure of TGFbeta to upregulate TIMPs and PAI-I, in contrast to the TGFbeta-induced upregulation noted in parental HTR8 cells.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Viral, Tumor; Cell Division; Cell Line; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Choriocarcinoma; Clone Cells; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Mice; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Phenotype; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Precancerous Conditions; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Simian virus 40; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transplantation, Heterologous; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured

This study compared the effects of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), two aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, on proliferation and gene expression in the human placental choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cell line. BaP significantly inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation, whereas no effect of TCDD was observed over a 7 day period. TCDD and BaP both showed induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), whereas only BaP caused a significant loss of EGFRs. Exposure to 10 microM BaP significantly increased the steady state mRNA level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, while the c-myc mRNA levels were decreased by 61%. In contrast, TCDD showed no changes in mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 and c-myc. Thus, although both compounds induce CYP1A1, only BaP inhibits cell proliferation which is correlated with disruption of expression of significant regulators of trophoblast growth.

Topics: Benzo(a)pyrene; Cell Division; Choriocarcinoma; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; ErbB Receptors; Gene Expression Regulation; Genes, myc; Humans; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Previous studies have shown that the transcription of the TGF-beta 2 gene is controlled by at least one negative and two positive regulatory regions in differentiated cells derived from both embryonal carcinoma cells and embryonic stem cells. The use of TGF-beta 2 promoter/reporter gene constructs has also identified a CRE/ATF motif near the TATA box that appears to heavily influence the transcription of the TGF-beta 2 gene. In this study, two choriocarcinoma cell lines, JAR and JEG-3, and the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, were used to determine whether differences exist in the transcriptional regulation of the TGF-beta 2 gene. We demonstrated that both similarities and differences exist in the transcriptional regulation of this gene. Common to all cells examined to date, the positive regulatory region just upstream of the TATA box contains an essential CRE/ATF motif that binds at least one transcription factor, ATF-1, in gel mobility shift assays. However, we did not detect ATF-2 binding to this site with any of the nuclear extracts used. We also determined that the effect of the region between -187 and -78 (relative to the transcription start site) is cell type dependent. Previous studies have shown that this region acts to reduce the activity of the TGF-beta 2 promoter in differentiated cells derived from embryonal carcinoma cells and embryonic stem cells. In direct contrast, this region acts as a strong positive regulatory region in JAR, JEC-3, and MCF-7 cells. The mechanisms responsible for these differing effects remain to be established. Interestingly, this region does not appear to contain sequence motifs that bind known transcription factors. Thus, this region is likely to bind one or more novel transcription factors or contain novel recognition sites for known transcription factors.

Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 1; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase; Choriocarcinoma; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; DNA; DNA-Binding Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Topics: Cell Division; Cell Line; Choriocarcinoma; Cytokines; Female; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukins; Lymphotoxin-alpha; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Pregnancy; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Uterine Neoplasms

The expression of the tumor suppressor/oncoprotein p53 has been investigated in normal human placental villous trophoblast, in vitro propagated invasive extravillous trophoblast, SV40 tumor antigen (Tag)-immortalized extravillous trophoblast, human cytomegalovirus (hCMV)-infected syncytiotrophoblast and malignant trophoblast (choriocarcinoma) cell lines (JAR, JEG-3 and BeWo) using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western immunoblot methods using monoclonal antibodies specific for wild-type and mutant p53. The normal villous and extravillous trophoblast cells expressed low levels of the wild-type p53 protein, whereas normal terminally differentiated multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast cells, as well as hCMV-infected syncytiotrophoblast, showed a higher expression of the wild-type p53 protein. SV40 Tag-immortalized invasive trophoblast cells also showed a high expression of the wild-type p53 protein which remained complexed with the Tag protein. All the choriocarcinoma cell lines over expressed the mutant form of the p53 protein. The increased expression of p53 protein in the SV40 Tag-immortalized invasive trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cells paralleled with increased expression of the mouse double minute 2 (mdm2) oncogenic protein. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta inhibited proliferation of normal extravillous trophoblast cells. The antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta were reduced in SV40 Tag-immortalized cells and non-detectable in choriocarcinoma cell lines JAR, BeWo and JEG-3. The inactivation of p53 owing to complexing with Tag in the immortalized premalignant trophoblast and p53 mutation in the malignant trophoblast may be responsible for their aberrant proliferation and refractoriness to antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta observed in these cells as compared to the normal trophoblast. These results may suggest the role of p53 protein in trophoblast differentiation, transformation and tumorigenesis.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming; Blotting, Western; Cell Division; Cell Line, Transformed; Choriocarcinoma; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, p53; Humans; Methionine; Mice; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Sulfur Radioisotopes; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Human placental trophoblast invasion of the uterus is a highly controlled event. We had shown that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) produced in the pregnant uterus controls invasiveness and reduces proliferation of first trimester placental trophoblasts in vitro. The anti-invasive effect of TGF-beta was due, at least in part, to induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1. In the present study we compared the effects of TGF-beta on proliferation ([3H]-TdR incorporation) and invasiveness (3-day Matrigel invasion assay) of JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells vs normal first trimester human trophoblast cells. Transcripts of type IV collagenases (72- and 92-kDa enzymes, i.e., gelatinases A and B) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in these cells were measured by Northern analysis, and secretion of gelatinases and plasminogen activators (PAs) was evaluated by gel zymography. The results revealed that: (a) TGF-beta inhibited invasiveness and proliferation of normal trophoblast but not JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells; (b) gelatinase A mRNA, expressed by the normal trophoblast and JAR cells, was upregulated in the presence of TGF-beta; (c) gelatinase B mRNA was not detected in the total RNA preparations of treated or untreated normal trophoblast or choriocarcinoma cells; (d) TGF-beta significantly upregulated the levels of TIMP-1 mRNA in the normal trophoblasts, but this transcript was very low in treated as well as untreated choriocarcinoma cells; TGF-beta also upregulated the 3.5-kb TIMP-2 message in the normal trophoblast; (e) gelatin zymography revealed a distinct band of approximately 68-kDa (gelatinase A) in the conditioned media of normal trophoblast and JAR cells; however, TGF-beta did not change the level of secretion of this gelatinase; and (f) the normal trophoblast also exhibited significant PA secretion (casein zymography) which was reduced in the presence of TGF-beta. PA secretion by the malignant trophoblast cells was low and unaffected by TGF-beta. These findings suggest that choriocarcinoma cells may become refractory to the mechanisms which control normal trophoblast proliferation and invasiveness. Concurrent resistance to antiproliferative and anti-invasive molecules such as TGF-beta may be highly relevant to tumor progression.

Topics: Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Choriocarcinoma; Collagenases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Resistance; Female; Gelatinases; Glycoproteins; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Metalloendopeptidases; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Plasminogen Activators; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Proteins; RNA, Messenger; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Uterine Neoplasms

The influence of epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factors I and II, insulin, transforming growth factor beta 1 and transferrin on the growth of a postgestational rat choriocarcinoma was examined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The cell line was cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with fetal calf serum, beta-mercaptoethanol, glucose, sodium pyruvate and antibiotics. The experiments were done in media supplemented with 10% (optimal) or 3% (suboptimal) fetal calf serum. Among the different growth factors tested, only epidermal growth factor and to a certain extent insulin had a growth-promoting effect by themselves. The other growth factors had either an additive effect in the presence of epidermal growth factor or no effect at all. The cytotrophoblast cells expressed both epidermal growth factor and transferrin receptors whereas the more differentiated giant cells expressed only transferrin receptors.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Choriocarcinoma; Colorimetry; Epidermal Growth Factor; ErbB Receptors; Fetal Blood; Growth Substances; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Rats; Receptors, Transferrin; Tetrazolium Salts; Thiazoles; Transferrin; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potential mediator of placental trophoblast functions, including differentiation, hormone production, endometrial invasion, and immunosuppression. Equilibrium binding and affinity-labeling assays were used to investigate the binding characteristics of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 on an established human choriocarcinoma trophoblastic cell line (BeWo). The equilibrium binding experiments indicated that the BeWo cells exhibited similar average affinities and total number of binding sites for TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2. The Kd values obtained from Scatchard analyses were approximately 65 pM for 125I-TGF-beta 1 and approximately 40 pM for 125I-TGF-beta 2, with 70,000 and 85,000 sites per cell, respectively. Competitive equilibrium binding experiments indicated that TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 were equipotent (apparent half maximal inhibition [IC50] approximately 70 pM) and that all binding sites were capable of recognizing both isoforms. Affinity-labeling studies with 125I-TGF-beta 1 and 125I-TGF-beta 2 and the chemical cross-linking agent bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS3) revealed a predominant type III/betaglycan receptor, a low level of apparently heterogeneous type I and II receptors and an additional novel 38-kDa TGF-beta binding glycoprotein that was present both under reducing and nonreducing conditions on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Affinity-labeling saturation and competition studies indicated that the type III/betaglycan component appears to have a 7-fold higher capacity for TGF-beta 1 than for -beta 2 yet exhibits a 5- to 10-fold higher affinity for TGF-beta 2 than for -beta 1. The 38-kDa TGF-beta binding component, an N-linked glycoprotein, exhibits a higher affinity for TGF-beta 2 than for -beta 1 that is strikingly similar to that of the type III/betaglycan receptor. This 38-kDa binding protein appears to be upregulated after methotrexate-induced differentiation of the BeWo cells.

Topics: Affinity Labels; Binding Sites; Binding, Competitive; Cell Differentiation; Choriocarcinoma; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Humans; Methotrexate; Molecular Weight; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Stereoisomerism; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trophoblasts; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a regulator of growth and differentiation of many cell types, has previously been purified from the human placenta, and the messenger (m) RNA is abundantly expressed there. We found that the approximate 2.5-kilobase TGF-beta 1 mRNA is expressed in JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells, which have been widely used as a model system for studying the regulation of trophoblast hormone secretion. Cholera toxin (CT) elevates the cellular levels of the second messenger cAMP and increases the secretion of CG and steroids in these cells, thus being a potent inducer of trophoblast-differentiated functions. We show that CT also stimulates TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels in JEG-3 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner as studied by Northern and dot blotting. The maximal effect (about 5-fold increase above basal levels) occurs within 12-48 h of induction with a CT concentration of 1.0 ng/ml. The cell-permeable cAMP-analog 8-bromo-cAMP stimulates the accumulation of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in JEG-3 cells as well. Furthermore, this cAMP analog also induces TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels in normal cultured term placental cytotrophoblasts. 12-O-Tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, an active phorbol ester protein kinase C regulator and inducer of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in many cells, increases TGF-beta 1 mRNA accumulation in JEG-3 cells with a similar time course as cAMP analogs but to a lesser extent. Human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and A-549 lung carcinoma cells exhibit up-regulation of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in response to TGF-beta 1 itself, but we show that activation of the cAMP-dependent pathway does not affect TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels in these cells. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevents the effect of CT and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate on TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression in JEG-3 cells, suggesting that a protein mediator may be involved in the transduction of their effects. Our finding of a cAMP-dependent induction pathway for TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression in JEG-3 cells provides a new mechanism for the regulation of the synthesis of this ubiquitous growth and differentiation factor and suggests that TGF-beta 1 may have a role in trophoblast differentiation.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Cholera Toxin; Choriocarcinoma; Cyclic AMP; Humans; RNA, Messenger; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Time Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Cells, Cultured