Focal adhesion kinase signaling is necessary for the hydrogen sulfide-enhanced proliferation,migration,and invasion of HTR8/SVneo human trophoblasts

Objective:Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)has been elucidated that it promotes migration and invasion in human placenta trophoblasts.However,the signaling pathway underlying H_(2)S-based regulation of trophoblasts remains unknown.Hence,we investigated the potential effect of sodium hydrosulfide(NaHS),an exogenous H_(2)S donor,on extravillous trophoblasts.Methods:The Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the proliferative activity of trophoblasts and to screen the optimal concentration of NaHS.The migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells were measured by Transwell assays.Gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis.Protein expression was determined by western blot.Results:We found that NaHS could promote the proliferation,migration,and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells.The phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase(FAK),Src,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)were activated by NaHS.Moreover,NaHS also upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)and MMP-9,downregulated the expression of E-cadherin in HTR8/SVneo cells.The application of NaHS could increase the expression of cystathionine-β-synthase.Conclusion:Both FAK-Src signaling and the upstream signaling cascade of ERK activation play a significant important role in NaHS-induced proliferation,migration,and invasion via upregulating activity of MMP-2,MMP-9,and downregulating E-cadherin in HTR8/SVneo cells.These novel findings may provide a strong foundation for the clinical application of H_(2)S donor drugs.