Maternal folate deficiency causes inhibition of mTOR signaling, down-regulation of placental amino acid transporters and fetal growth restriction in mice.

ABSTRACT: Maternal folate deficiency is linked to restricted fetal growth, however the underlying mechanisms remain to be established. Here we tested the hypothesis that mTOR functions as a folate sensor in vivo in mice and that maternal folate deficiency inhibits placental mTOR signaling and amino acid transporter activity and causes fetal growth restriction. Folate deficient mice had lower serum folate (-60%). In late pregnancy, fetal weight in the folate deficient group was decreased (-17%, p < 0.05), whereas placental weight, litter size and crown rump length were unaltered. Maternal folate deficiency inhibited placental mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and decreased trophoblast plasma membrane System A and L amino acid transporter activities and transporter isoform expression. Folate deficiency also

SUBMITTER: Rosario FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5479823 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature