Trophoblast-specific Deptor knockdown enhances trophoblast nutrient transport and fetal growth in mice.

Aim: Silencing of DEP-domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), an endogenous inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, increases mTOR signaling and System A/L amino acid transport activity in cultured primary human trophoblast cells. However, there is no evidence supporting the regulatory role of DEPTOR signaling in placental function in vivo. We hypothesized that trophoblast-specific Deptor knockdown in mice increases trophoblast mTOR signaling, amino acid transport, and enhances fetal growth.

Methods: We generated trophoblast-specific Deptor transgenic mice, and at embryonic day 18.5, placentas were analyzed to confirm knockdown efficiency, specificity, and mTOR signaling pathway levels. Trophoblast plasma membrane (TPM) System A/L amino acid transport expression and activity were also determined. We also examined the relationship between birthweight and DEPTOR protein levels in human placentas collected at term from appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) pregnancies.

Results: Reducing trophoblast Deptor RNA levels increased placental mTOR signaling, System A/L transporter expression/activity, and fetal growth in mice. Similarly, human LGA placentas displayed decreased DEPTOR protein levels, inversely correlated to birthweight and BMI.

Conclusions: This is the first report showing that trophoblast-specific Deptor is sufficient to activate mTOR signaling, a master regulator of placental function, which increases the TPM System A and L amino acid transporter expression and activity. We also propose that Deptor expression is mechanistically linked to placental mTOR signaling and fetal growth. Furthermore, modulation of DEPTOR signaling may represent a promising approach to improve outcomes in pregnancies characterized by abnormal fetal growth.