title: Molecular and metabolic retinoid pathways in human amniotic membranes.
abstract: Vitamin A (retinol) and its active derivatives (the retinoids) are essential for the growth and development of the mammalian fetus and placenta. The amniotic membranes are extra-embryonic structures that are indispensable for normal gestation in mammals. Although placental involvement of retinoids is clearly established, little is known about the roles of retinoids for the associated amniotic membranes. The aim of this study was to define the metabolic and molecular pathways of retinoic signaling in human fetal membranes. The expression of retinoid receptors (RARalpha, beta and RXRalpha, beta) was established at transcript and protein levels. Enzymes involved in retinoic acid generation were also detected. The enzymatic generation of functional retinoids was confirmed using specific inhibitors of retinol metabolism. Finally, the functionality of retinoid pathways was demonstrated by inducing established retinoid target gene expression. Our results clearly demonstrated that the molecular and metabolic actors of retinoic signaling pathways are functional in human fetal membranes.
authors.affiliation: Université d'Auvergne, JE 2447, ARDEMO, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Geoffroy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marceau
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gallot
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Borel
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lémery
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dastugue
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dechelotte
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sapin
mesh_terms: D000650:Amnion / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012176:Retinoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000378:metabolism; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012176:Retinoids; D014801:Vitamin A; D014212:Tretinoin