Complex regulation of Calbindin-D(9k) in the mouse placenta and extra-embryonic membrane during mid- and late pregnancy

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2004 Feb 12;214(1-2):39-52. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2003.11.029.

Abstract

Calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein mainly expressed in the duodenum, uterus and placenta, however, the role of CaBP-9k in the regulation of fetal growth remains to be elucidated. The present study was performed to investigate the expression pattern and regulation of CaBP-9k by antagonists of steroid hormones related with steroid hormone receptors during mid- and late pregnancy in mouse placenta and extra-embryonic membrane. The expression level of CaBP-9k increased in the placenta, while it decreased in the extra-embryonic membrane during pregnancy. The mRNA expression levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR) appeared to increase in both placenta and extra-embryonic membrane during pregnancy, suggesting that the ER and PR mRNA and protein expressions of placental CaBP-9k are positively correlated, but expressions of extra-embryonic membrane CaBP-9k are reversely correlated with ERalpha and PR mRNA levels. In addition, the present study indicates that the expressions of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein are differentially up- or down-regulated by antagonists of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) in mouse placenta and extra-embryonic membranes, which suggests that E2 and P4 may be dominant factors in the regulation of the CaBP-9k. In particular, RU486, an antagonist of P4, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of placental CaBP-9k, whereas it up-regulated the protein level of extra-embryonic membrane CaBP-9k. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the CaBP-9k is distinctly regulated in the mouse placenta and extra-embryonic membrane, probably via sex steroid hormones (E2 and P4) and their receptors through a complex pathway. Extended studies are needed to verify relevant factors to regulate CaBP-9k gene and to provide further insight into roles of CaBP-9k gene in these tissues for the control of reproductive functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calbindins
  • Estradiol / physiology
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / cytology
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Placenta / cytology
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / physiology
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics
  • Receptors, Progesterone / genetics
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / analysis
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / biosynthesis*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Calbindins
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol