DExD-Box Helicase 21 Enhances Myometrial Contractions Through Thrombospondin-1-Mediated Increase in Cell Adhesion.

ABSTRACT: During labour, the myometrium transitions from a quiescent to an actively contracting state, governed by changes in gene expression. Identifying the pivotal transcription regulators involved in these gene expression alterations offers a useful strategy for addressing abnormal myometrial contractions. This study determined that the transcriptional regulator DExD-Box Helicase 21 (DDX21) is upregulated in human myometrial tissues and myometrial smooth muscle cells (hMSMCs) during labour. DDX21 enhances hMSMC contractility through a mechanism that involves binding to thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) mRNA, a cell adhesion molecule, and promoting its transcription and subsequent protein expression. This upregulation of THBS1 increases cellular adhesion, which is crucial for effective myometrial contract

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11652106 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature