GNA11 differentially mediates fibroblast growth factor 2- and vascular endothelial growth factor A-induced cellular responses in human fetoplacental endothelial cells

Qing yun Zou, Ying jie Zhao, Hua Li, Xiang zhen Wang, Ai xia Liu, Xin qi Zhong, Qin Yan, Yan Li, Chi Zhou, Jing Zheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Key points: Fetoplacental vascular growth is critical to fetal growth. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are two major regulators of fetoplacental vascular growth. G protein α subunit 11 (GNA11) transmits signals from many external stimuli to the cellular interior and may mediate endothelial function. It is not known whether GNA11 mediates FGF2- and VEGFA-induced endothelial cell responses under physiological chronic low O2. In the present study, we show that knockdown of GNA11 significantly decreases FGF2- and VEGFA-induced fetoplacental endothelial cell migration but not proliferation and permeability. Such decreases in endothelial migration are associated with increased phosphorylation of phospholipase C-β3. The results of the present study suggest differential roles of GNA11 with respect to mediating FGF2- and VEGFA-induced fetoplacental endothelial function. Abstract: During pregnancy, fetoplacental angiogenesis is dramatically increased in association with rapidly elevated blood flow. Any disruption of fetoplacental angiogenesis may lead to pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are crucial regulators of fetoplacental angiogenesis. G protein α subunits q (GNAq) and 11 (GNA11) are two members of the Gαq/11 subfamily involved in mediating vascular growth and basal blood pressure. However, little is known about the roles of GNA11 alone with respect to mediating the FGF2- and VEGFA-induced fetoplacental endothelial function. Using a cell model of human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells cultured under physiological chronic low O2 (3% O2), we showed that GNA11 small interfering RNA (siRNA) dramatically inhibited (P < 0.05) FGF2- and VEGFA-stimulated fetoplacental endothelial migration (by ∼36% and ∼50%, respectively) but not proliferation and permeability. GNA11 siRNA also elevated (P < 0.05) FGF2- and VEGFA-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C-β3 (PLCβ3) at S537 in a time-dependent fashion but not mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (ERK1/2) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue 1 (AKT1). These data suggest that GNA11 mediates FGF2- and VEGFA-stimulated fetoplacental endothelial cell migration partially via altering the activation of PLCβ3.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2333-2344
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Physiology
Volume596
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • G-protein
  • growth factor
  • placental angiogenesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

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