Progesterone enhances HLA-G gene expression in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells and human cytotrophoblasts in vitro.
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests that HLA-G plays a critical role in maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. However, regulation of HLA-G gene expression is not well understood. Many studies have suggested that progesterone may also be important in suppressing maternal immune response to the fetus. Therefore, we hypothesized that this steroid hormone may play a role in regulating HLA-G gene expression. The objective of the study was to explore potential effects of progesterone on HLA-G gene expression in vitro.


METHODS
Cultured first trimester trophoblasts and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells were treated with progesterone and its antagonist RU486. HLA-G gene transcription was determined by real-time PCR while HLA-G translation was investigated by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HLA-G and western blot analysis.


RESULTS
HLA-G mRNA and protein expression in trophoblasts and JEG-3 cells were elevated by progesterone in dose- and time-dependent manners. The effect of progesterone can be completely inhibited by co-incubation with RU486 at the same concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Progesterone has an up-regulatory effect on HLA-G gene expression in first trimester trophoblasts and JEG-3 cells in vitro.
Yie
Shang-mian
SM
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Li
Liang-hong
LH
Li
Guang-ming
GM
Xiao
Rong
R
Librach
Clifford L
CL
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002822:Choriocarcinoma; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D015854:Up-Regulation
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015735:Mifepristone; D011374:Progesterone