Cadmium inhibits placental trophoblast cell migration via miRNA regulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway

Preeclampsia (PE), a condition during pregnancy that involves high blood pressure and proteinuria, is potentially fatal to both mother and child. PE currently has no known etiology or cure but has been tied to poor placental trophoblast cell migration. Increased levels of the toxic metal cadmium (Cd) have been associated with increased risk of developing PE, as well as miRNA-associated regulation of the transforming growth factorbeta (TGF-β) pathway. Signal reprogramming of the TGF-β pathway via epigenetic mechanisms is hypothesized to modify placental trophoblast function. In the present study we investigated the role of increased and decreased signaling of the TGF-β pathway in relation to Cd-induced reduction in cellular migration in JEG3 trophoblast cells. Furthermore, the role of a miR-26a as a molecular mediator of placental trophoblast migration was confirmed. The results demonstrate that increased expression of miR-26a and decreased signaling of the TGF-β pathway increase placental cell migration. These findings have relevance for mechanistic understanding of the underpinnings of poor placentation associated with PE. [Display omitted] •Cadmium treatment decreases placental trophoblast migration.•Increased TGF-β pathway signaling results in diminished trophoblast migration.•TGF-β pathway-targeting miRNAs are critical in regulating trophoblast migration.•miRNAs have the potential as therapeutic targets for cadmium-associated PE.