Identification of SMAD3 as a Novel Mediator of Inflammation in Human Myometrium In Vitro

Martha Lappas

Journal article

Identification of SMAD3 as a Novel Mediator of Inflammation in Human Myometrium In Vitro

Martha Lappas

MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION | HINDAWI LTD | Published : 2018

DOI: 10.1155/2018/3140120

Abstract

Preterm birth remains the primary cause of early neonatal death and is a major determinant for long-term health consequences. Aberrant intrauterine inflammation and infection are known to augment the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and induce uterine contractions, which can subsequently lead to preterm birth. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members regulate numerous cellular processes through the activation of intracellular mediators known as mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMADs). Studies in nongestational tissues have shown that SMAD3 plays a role in immune regulation and inflammation; however, its role in human labour remains unknown. Thus, the present..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Martha Lappas Author

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Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Awarded by NHMRC

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia

Funding Acknowledgements

The following are gratefully acknowledged: Dr. Ratana Lim and Gillian Barker for their excellent technical assistance; the clinical research midwives Genevieve Christophers, Gabrielle Pell, and Rachel Murdoch for sample collection; and the Obstetrics and Midwifery staff of the Mercy Hospital for Women for their cooperation. Associate Professor Martha Lappas is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC; Grant no. 1047025) and a Research Fellowship from the University of Melbourne. Funding for this study was provided by the NHMRC (Grant no. 1058786), the Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation, the University of Melbourne, and the Mercy Research Foundation.