Preconditioning the uterine unfolded protein response maintains non-apoptotic Caspase 3-dependent quiescence during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT: The prevention of apoptotic caspase 3 activation through biological preconditioning, mediated through the modulation of the unfolded protein response has been demonstrated to ameliorate multiple pathophysiologies. The maintenance of non-apoptotic caspase 3 activity by the unfolded protein response within the pregnant uterus has previously been proven to be critical in inhibiting uterine myocyte contractility during pregnancy. Here we report that the pregnant uterus utilizes an unfolded protein response-preconditioning paradigm to conserve myometrial caspase 3 in a non-apoptotic state in order to effectively inhibit uterine contractility thereby preventing the onset of preterm labor. In the absence of appropriate endogenous preconditioning during pregnancy, uterine caspase 3 is transformed

SUBMITTER: Ingles J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6141493 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature