Syncytins expression in cultured trophoblast cells according to differentiation status

Abstract

Background: Data of syncytin 1 and 2 env gene expression in human placenta and participation in the syncytialisation phenomena has been reported. However, there are not many studies on simultaneous changes in expression of both syncytins in culture. We sought evidence on the relative expression of syncytins and syncytin 1 receptors in trophoblast cell culture treated with a differentiation inducing factor (forskolin). Methodology: Total RNA was isolated from normal karyotype specimens after chorionic villous sampling of a mean gestational week of 12(+5) after 10 days of culture with or without the addition of forskolin. Real time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of syncytins and syncytin 1 receptors. Results: In cultures of trophoblast cells treated with the inducing factor we noted an inverse expression pattern of syncytins. When forskolin was added, syncytin 1 levels increased, while syncytin 2 levels decreased. Expression levels of syncytin 1 receptors remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence for the expression of syncytins in normal trophoblastic tissue from early placentas and advance the understanding of the physiological changes of syncytins upon differentiation towards syncytium.