C/EBPδ drives key endocrine signals in the human amnion at parturition. Issue 6 (10th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Jiang‐Wen; Wang, Wang‐Sheng; Zhou, Qiong; Ling, Li‐Jun; Ying, Hao; Sun, Yun; Myatt, Leslie; Sun, Kang
• Is Part Of: Clinical and translational medicine. Volume 11:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10
• Subjects: 11β‐HSD1 -- C/EBPδ -- COX‐2 -- fetal membranes -- parturition; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine, Experimental -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.027
• DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.416
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2001-1326

Abstract

Abstract: Amnion‐derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cortisol are key to labor onset. Identification of a common transcription factor driving the expression of both cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1), the key enzymes in their production, may hold the key to the treatment of pre‐term labor. Here, we have found that the CCAAT enhancer binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) is such a transcription factor which underlies the feed‐forward induction of COX‐2 and 11β‐HSD1 expression by their own products PGE2 and cortisol in human amnion fibroblasts so that their production would be ensured in the amnion for the onset of labor. Moreover, the abundance of C/EBPδ in the amnion increases along with COX‐2 and 11β‐HSD1 at term and further increases at parturition. Knockout of C/EBPδ in mice delays the onset of labor further supporting the concept. In conclusion, C/EBPδ pathway may be speculated to serve as a potential pharmaceutical target in the amnion for treatment of pre‐term labor. Abstract : – The expression of C/EBPδ increases with gestation age and in parturition in the amnion of the fetal membranes. – C/EBPδ is capable of inducing cortisol regeneration and prostaglandin production, the key endocrine events in parturition initiation, in the amnion. – Inhibition of the C/EBPδ pathway may delay labor onset in preterm birth.