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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Nuclear factor of activated T-cell isoform expression and regulation in human myometrium

Authors: Evonne C. Chin-Smith, Frances R. Willey, Donna M. Slater, Michael J. Taggart, Rachel M. Tribe

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

During pregnancy, myometrial gene and protein expression is tightly regulated to accommodate fetal growth, promote quiescence and ultimately prepare for the onset of labour. It is proposed that changes in calcium signalling, may contribute to regulating gene expression and that nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) transcription factors (isoforms c1-c4) may be involved. Currently, there is little information regarding NFAT expression and regulation in myometrium.

Methods

This study examined NFAT isoform mRNA expression in human myometrial tissue and cells from pregnant women using quantitative PCR. The effects of the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 and in vitro stretch (25 % elongation, static strain; Flexercell FX-4000 Tension System) on NFAT expression were determined in cultured human myometrial cells.

Results

Human myometrial tissue and cultured cells expressed NFATc1-c4 mRNA. NFATc2 gene expression in cultured cells was increased in response to 6 h stretch (11.5 fold, P < 0.001, n = 6) and calcium ionophore (A23187, 5 μM) treatment (20.6 fold, P < 0.001, n = 6). This response to stretch was significantly reduced (90 %, P < 0.001, n = 10) in the presence of an intracellular calcium chelator, BAPTA-AM (20 μM).

Conclusions

These data suggest that NFATc2 expression is regulated by intracellular calcium and in vitro stretch, and that the stretch response in human myometrial cells is dependent upon intracellular calcium signalling pathways. Our findings indicate a potentially unique role for NFATc2 in mediating stretch-induced gene expression per se and warrant further exploration in relation to the mechanisms promoting uterine smooth muscle growth in early pregnancy and/or labour.

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Title: Nuclear factor of activated T-cell isoform expression and regulation in human myometrium
Authors: Evonne C. Chin-Smith
Frances R. Willey
Donna M. Slater
Michael J. Taggart
Rachel M. Tribe
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0086-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Nuclear factor of activated T-cell isoform expression and regulation in human myometrium

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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