Regulation of Gene Expression in Mouse Trophoblast Cells by Interferon-gamma

We have previously shown that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) activates phagocytosis and induces nitric oxide production in cultured mouse trophoblast cells. In the present study we examined the effect of this cytokine on ectoplacental cone and gene expression in trophoblast cells. Ectoplacental cones were obtained during the postimplantation period on gestational day 7.5 from CD-1 mice and exposed to 100 U/mL IFN-γ. Ectoplacental cone morphology, cell proliferation and death were also determined upon IFN-γ treatment. Complementary DNA macroarray and semiquantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze gene expression. IFN-γ treatment did not alter ectoplacental cone morphology, trophoblast cell proliferation or death. However, using gene array technology, we observed that IFN-γ affected the developing trophoblast, altering the level of mRNA expression, which resulted in upregulation of 35 genes and downregulation of seven others. The upregulation of transcription factors and immune response-associated genes suggests that IFN-γ is involved in processes beyond immunological homeostasis and plays an important role in placental development and function.