The role of a non-classical progesterone receptor in the uterus and placenta

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K11113
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science
• Principal Investigator: Yoshie Mikihiro 東京薬科大学, 薬学部, 講師 (50434014)
• Research Collaborator: Tamura Kazuhiro ; Isaka Keiichi ; Nishi Hirotaka ; Ishikawa Gen ; Ishikawa Gen ; Kubota Kaiyu ; Yonekawa Ryo ; Chiba Tsubasa
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: PGRMC1 / 脱落膜化 / 胎盤形成

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we examined the roles of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), known as a non-classical progesterone receptor, in the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, maturation of endometrial glandular cells and differentiation of placental trophoblast cells which are indispensable for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. We demonstrated that secretory phase-specific downregulation of endometrial PGRMC1 expression during the menstrual cycle may promote the acquisition of endometrial receptivity for implantation. In addition, we also found possible roles of PGRMC1 in trophoblast differentiation during pregnancy.

Free Research Field

生殖内分泌学、薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

従来より知られている妊娠の成立・維持におけるプロゲステロン受容体に加え、非古典的プロゲステロン受容体として位置づけられているPGRMC1が、受精卵（胞胚）の着床に向けた子宮内膜の受け入れ準備や妊娠時の胎盤形成に関与することを明らかとした。これらの知見は、生殖生理におけるPGRMC1の重要性を示唆するだけでなく、婦人科系疾患の治療標的として発展する可能性がある。