Regulatory mechanism of microenvironment at fetomaternal interface by lipid mediators and progesterone

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H04979
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Fujii Tomoyuki 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 教授 (40209010)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 廣田 泰 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (40598653) ; 永松 健 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 准教授 (60463858)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 脂質メディエーター / 胎盤 / 妊娠高血圧症候群 / リゾホスファチジン酸

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The involvement of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling pathway in the regulation of trophoblast cell activities and placental function was investigated. We found that the serum level of autotaxin (ATX), a secretory enzyme essential for LPA production was remarkably elevated in pregnant women and that the placenta was a major source of ATX. In-vitro study revealed that LPA signaling induced the expression of the genes related to angiogenesis, immune modulation and cell differentiation in trophoblast cells. Abnormal expression pattern of the molecules associated with LPA signaling was observed in the placentas complicated with preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, suggesting the relevance of deranged LPA signaling to pathoetiology of those diseases. Our findings propose that LPA signaling pathway can be a therapeutic target for preeclampsia and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Free Research Field

産婦人科学