TGF-β1 inhibits human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating cyclooxygenase-2

This study indicates that TGF-β1 upregulates COX-2 expression by activating SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling, and elevated COX-2 subsequently contributes to the suppression of human trophoblast cell invasion by TGF-β1. Clinically, targeting TGF-β1/COX-2 could be a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of placental disorders.