Comparative expression patterns of selected membrane transporters in differentiated BeWo and human primary trophoblast cells

Placenta. 2018 Dec:72-73:48-52. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.10.008. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Abstract

Although placental membrane transporters have an important impact on materno-fetal nutrient transfer, placental cell models are poorly characterized regarding transporter expression. We assessed the mRNA expression of 26 physiologically important solute carriers and ABC transporters in BeWo (b30 clone) and primary human trophoblast cells (PHT) before and after syncytialization. 77% of the transporters showed similar mRNA expression changes between BeWo and PHT after syncytialization. Selected transporters, however, were either lacking in BeWo or showed different trends after syncytialization. In conclusion, BeWo cells generally represent an apt model for transporter studies, but their suitability should be confirmed for each transporter by comparison with PHT.

Keywords: ABC transporter; BeWo b30 clone; Cell fusion; Forskolin; Placenta; SLC transporter; Syncytialization; Trophoblast.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Models, Biological
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Solute Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Solute Carrier Proteins