Effects of gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, on human placental cell growth

UW Nilsson; TG Johns; T Wilmann; T Kaitu'u-Lino; C Whitehead; E Dimitriadis; E Menkhorst; B Saglam; Y Gao; SA Greenall; AW Horne; S Tong

Journal article

Effects of gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, on human placental cell growth

UW Nilsson, TG Johns, T Wilmann, T Kaitu'u-Lino, C Whitehead, E Dimitriadis, E Menkhorst, B Saglam, Y Gao, SA Greenall, AW Horne, S Tong

Obstetrics and Gynecology | LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS | Published : 2013

DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182a1ba56

Abstract

Placenta has the highest expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor of all tissues, a cell signaling pathway promoting survival and growth. Therefore, EGF receptor inhibition could potentially treat ectopic pregnancy. We undertook preclinical studies to examine whether gefitinib (orally available EGF receptor inhibitor) with or without methotrexate inhibits placental cell growth. METHODS: Gefitinib and methotrexate were added to placental cells and their ability inhibit cell growth, block EGF receptor signaling, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) was examined. They were also administered to two animal mouse models to examine their effects on placental tissue in vivo. Resu..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u-Lino Author

Clare Whitehead Author

Evdokia Dimitriadis, Eva Dimitriadis Author

Ellen Menkhorst Author

Related Projects (2)

DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL MEDICAL THERAPIES TO CURE ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES

Ectopic pregnancies are conceptions implanting outside the womb, mainly the fallopian tube. They are pathological, and can erode straight th..

DEVELOPING MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Pregnancy complications still causes the death of mothers, and their babies. During this fellowship, we will be developing new treatments an..

Grants

Awarded by Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) Project Grants 606611 (S. T. and T.G.J.), 1008276 (S. T., and T.G.J.), and 550905 (to E. D.); NHMRC Career Development Fellowship #1050765 (S. T.) and NHMRC Training Fellowships #550911 (E. D.); Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinician Scientist Fellowship and MRC Centenary Award #G0802808 (A. W. H.); The Helen MacPherson Trust (S. T.); The Arthur Wilson RANZCOG Fellowship (S. T.) and The Monash University Strategic Grants Scheme (S. T.); and The Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program (T.G.J., S. T., and U.W.N.).