Reduced SMEK1 regulates trophoblast migration and invasion in fetal growth restriction

• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2025.02.005
• Publication Date: 2025-02-05T16:55:56Z
• Authors: Anna Li; Man Zhao; Ziming Lin; Zexin Yang; Pihai Gong; Chunying Wang; Zhenya Fang; Meihua Zhang
• Keywords: Trophoblast; Fetal growth

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant pregnancy condition characterized by the fetus failing to attain its full genetic potential. FGR primarily ascribed defective placentation, owing impaired trophoblast cellular function. The objective of this research elucidate pathogenic functions suppressor Mek1 (SMEK1) in FGR. Western blot and Immunofluorescence were used detect expression localization SMEK1 placenta. We overexpressed knocked down using plasmid or siRNA special targeted it. EdU Assay, flow cytometry, blot, Wound healing migration Transwell insert assay influence on mechanism regulating JEG3 cells was predicted employing transcriptomics bioinformatics analysis, validated blot. downregulated placentas. aberrant associated with cell invasion, but not proliferation, apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis blots indicate that knockdown inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. A inhibition observed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process within group. activation pathway partially restored invasive ability due cells. reduction may contribute development hindering EMT through modulation signaling