205. Homeobox gene TGIF is increased in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) is a clinically significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. Recently, we identified a novel homeobox gene TGIF, in the placenta using microarray expression profiling (1). Targeted mutation of tgif in mouse results in placental dysfunction (2). In this study, we have investigated TGIF expression levels in idiopathic FGR. FGR-affected placental samples were collected based on strict clinical criteria to ensure inclusion of cases at the severe end of the spectrum of the disease. TGIF mRNA expression was analysed in placentae obtained from pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n = 25 each). Real-time PCR showed a significant increase in TGIF mRNA levels in FGR-affected placentae and gestation-matched controls [1.29 ± 0.06 FGR v. 0.78 ± 0.04 Control, P < 0.001]. western blotting using a TGIF polyclonal antibody revealed significantly increased levels of TGIF protein in term FGR-affected placentae compared with term controls [3970 ± 1101 (n = 10) v. 2323 ± 644 (n = 10), P < 0.05]. The spatial distribution of TGIF protein by immunohistochemistry revealed immunoreactive TGIF protein in residual cytotrophoblast cells, syncytiotrophoblast cells, microvascular endothelial cells and in stromal cells. We conclude that increased expression of homeobox gene TGIF may be a contributing factor to the developmental abnormalities seen in the FGR-affected placentae.

(1) Murthi P, Hiden U, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B. Placenta May 29, [Epub ahead of print].

(2) Bartholin L, Melhuish TA et al. Dev Biol. 2008 May 2. [Epub ahead of print].