화학공학소재연구정보센터
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol.346, No.4, 1207-1216, 2006
Molecular and metabolic retinoid pathways in human amniotic membranes
Vitamin A (retinol) and its active derivatives (the retinoids) are essential for the growth and development of the mammalian fetus and placenta. The amniotic membranes are extra-embryonic structures that are indispensable for normal gestation in mammals. Although placenta] involvement of retinoids is clearly established, little is known about the roles of retinoids for the associated ammotic membranes. The aim of this study was to define the metabolic and molecular pathways of retinoic signaling in human fetal membranes. The expression of retinoid receptors (RAR alpha, beta and RXR alpha, beta) was established at transcript and protein levels. Enzymes involved in retinoic acid generation were also detected. The enzymatic generation of functional retinoids was confirmed using specific inhibitors of retinol metabolism. Finally, the functionality of retinoid pathways was demonstrated by inducing established retinoid target gene expression. Our results clearly demonstrated that the molecular and metabolic actors of retinoic signaling pathways are functional in human fetal membranes. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.