Progress 03/01/01 to 09/30/05
Outputs
This research is studying the effects of hypoxia and blockers of the calcium signaling pathways on gene expression of molecules regulating synthesis/degradation of the extra-cellular matrix. The first objective was to determine whether hypoxia (5% oxygen)induced HTR8/SVneo cell mortality. The results from the initial study confirmed that hypoxic conditions did not induce a higher level of cell mortality compared to cells subjected to normal oxygen levels (20%).
Impacts
The maintenance of sexually mature females is a major expense for livestock producers. There is a 40% failure of implantation in embryo transfer in livestock. Therefore, studying the molecular basis of early implantation of fertilized eggs in livestock is of high economic importance.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
During the process of placentation in bats, primates and rodents there is a remodeling of the uterine vasculature with trophoblastic tissue invading the uterine tissue and arteries to satisfy the requirement of transplacental exchange of nutrients required for fetal growth and development. A basic understanding of the mechanisms of trophoblast invasiveness is therefore important to determine the basis of early placentation. Many signaling transduction pathways mediated by the transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) family can be evoked to regulate trophoblast invasion during early placentation. Different studies have demonstrated the importance of TGF-b in regulating trophoblast invasion/differentiation. A signaling pathway mediated by TGF-b via ion channels is proposed as a working model for regulation of trophoblast invasion, and a human trophoblastic cell line will be used as an in vitro model to mimic the early stages of placentation. This project is focusing on
studying the effects of hypoxia and blockers of the calcium signaling pathways on gene expression of molecules regulating synthesis/degradation of the extra-cellular matrix. The initial aim of this project is to demonstrate the influence of oxygen on cell mortality Aim 1: To determine whether hypoxia induces HTR8/SVneo cell mortality HTR8/SVneo cells were cultured in presence/absence of serum and under normal (20% oxygen) and hypoxic (5% Oxygen) and viability was assessed for different time periods using the trypan blue method. Results: We have accomplished aim 1 and we have confirmed that hypoxic conditions do not induce a higher level of cell mortality than normal conditions. These results therefore provide the bases to pursue further experiments related to gene expression occurring during early stage of placentation.
Impacts
The maintenance of sexually mature females is a major expense for animal producers, and increased reproductive efficiency is therefore one of the principle means of improving the profitability of livestock production. Studying the molecular bases of early implantation has not only medical importance in humans but also an economic impact for livestock producers. More that 50% of fertilized eggs are lost during early pregnancy in humans, and there is 40% failure of implantation in embryo transfer technology applied to farm animals.
Publications
- A. Bratanich, Ellis, J.A. and A. Blanchetot, 2000. Applications of RDA for identification of putative infectious agents involved in Post Weanning Multisystemic Syndrome (PWMS) in pigs. J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 12, 328-331.
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