Transcription factors E2F1 and E2F3 are expressed in placenta but do not regulate MMP14

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy for which there are no efficacious medical treatments. Soluble endoglin is as an anti-angiogenic factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease, however little is known about its molecular regulation in placenta. Recent data has demonstrated E2F transcription factors directly regulate MMPs in metastatic disease. Of particular interest was the capacity of E2F1 and E2F3 to up-regulate MMP14, a protease that cleaves and releases soluble endoglin from placenta. The aim of this study was to characterize E2F1 and E2F3 in preeclamptic placenta and assess whether silencing affects soluble endoglin release. METHODS: E2F1 an..