Developmental expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor in the human placenta.
To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) during human placental development, expression of the genes encoding PDGF, the PDGF-receptor (PDGF-R) and the c-fos protooncogene was measured. Messenger RNAs for these genes were detected throughout pregnancy and peaked coordinately during the second trimester. An identical pattern of PDGF-R protein expression was confirmed by immunoblotting using a specific PDGF-R antiserum, measurement of PDGF-R kinase activity, and [125I]PDGF binding. These findings show that the components of the PDGF pathway are expressed in a concerted fashion throughout human pregnancy and are present at especially high levels during the midtrimester. Our observations suggest that through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms, PDGF is likely to play an important role in placental homeostasis.
Taylor
R N
RN
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Williams
L T
LT
D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010920:Placenta / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012313:RNA; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor