The localization and function of CTRP6 in placenta

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18649
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: Kindai University (2021); Osaka City University (2019-2020)
• Principal Investigator: Takeshita Ai (武下愛) 近畿大学, 医学部, 助教 (50733557)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 胎盤 / 補体 / 子宮内胎児発育遅延 / 流産

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the function and effects of CTRP6 during pregnancy. It is a novel inhibitor of alternative complement pathway that may be a candidate for a new prophylactic agent for miscarriage. CTRP6 was expressed in the non-pregnant uterus and its expression increased during pregnancy. At the gene level, its expression was higher in fetal-derived cells, and at the protein level, CTRP6 secreted from maternal tissue was also functional. Although its role is not essential, it is involved in angiogenesis and may improve fetal growth retardation.

Free Research Field

生殖生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で自然流産モデルマウスにCTRP6を投与したところ、流産率の減少傾向と胎児体重の増加が認められた。子宮内胎児発育遅延は胎児の周産期死亡率が高いだけでなく、低体重出生児の生活習慣病発症リスクが高いことからも注目されている。また、CTRP6は多くの哺乳類で保存されている補体抑制因子である。ヒトにおける流産や胎児発育遅延の予防だけでなく、家畜動物の繁殖効率の上昇にも役立つ可能性がある。