SMAD7 regulates proinflammatory and prolabor mediators in amnion and myometrium

R Lim; G Barker; M Lappas

Journal article

SMAD7 regulates proinflammatory and prolabor mediators in amnion and myometrium

R Lim, G Barker, M Lappas

Biology of Reproduction | OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC | Published : 2017

DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox080

Abstract

Preterm birth continues to be a significant public health problem. Infection (bacterial and or viral) and inflammation, by stimulating proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), play a central role in the rupture of membranes and myometrial contractions. SMAD7 has been implicated in regulating the inflammatory response; however, no studies have been performed with regard to human labor. In this study, we determined the effect of spontaneous human labor and prolabor mediators on SMAD7 expression inmyometrium and fetal membranes. Functional studies were employed to investigate the effect of siRNA knockdown of SMAD7 (siSMAD7) in regulating infection an..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

A/Prof Martha Lappas Author

Related Projects (2)

UNDERSTANDING WHAT TRIGGERS BIRTH

Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and accounts for the majority of neonatal deaths. The aim of th..

UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISMS THAT REGULATE INFECTION-INDUCED PRETERM BIRTH

Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and accounts for the majority of neonatal deaths. The aim of th..

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

ML is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC; grant no. 1047025). Funding for this study was provided to ML by the NHMRC (grant no. 1058786), Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation and the Mercy Research Foundation.