The transcription factor Ets-1 is expressed in human amniochorionic membranes and is up-regulated in term and preterm premature rupture of membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The major tensile strength of fetal membranes is provided by their extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The transcription factor Ets-1 is a critical mediator of ECM remodelling. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Ets-1 is expressed in human fetal membranes and whether it is implicated in premature membrane rupture.


METHODS
Amniochorionic membranes from 52 women in the following categories were analyzed for Ets-1 expression: preterm and term premature rupture of membranes, preterm and term labor and delivery, and preterm and term cesarean sections without previous onset of labor. Ets-1 protein was localized with the use of immunohistochemistry. Ets-1 levels were determined with a histoscore.


RESULTS
Ets-1 protein was localized to the trophoblast as well as to the stromal layers. Ets-1 protein expression was up-regulated in the stroma of term and preterm prematurely ruptured membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Ets-1 is expressed in human fetal membranes and its expression is up-regulated with premature rupture of membranes, suggesting a role for Ets-1 in ECM remodelling of the membranes.
Michaelis
Silké A M
SA
Department of Obstetrics, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany. silke.michaelis@charite.de
Okuducu
Ali Fuat
AF
Sarioglu
Nanette M E
NM
von Deimling
Andreas
A
Dudenhausen
Joachim W
JW
D000650:Amnion / Q000378:metabolism*; D002823:Chorion / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D050784:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D050783:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D015854:Up-Regulation
C494041:ETS1 protein, human; D050784:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D050783:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets; D014157:Transcription Factors