295: Anthrax toxin receptor 2 is involved in normal human uterine smooth muscle cell function and modulates extracellular matrix homeostasis

Abstract

Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2 (Antxr2) is highly expressed in mouse uterine and cervical tissue. Antxr2 knock-out mice are fertile, carry pregnancies to term but fail to deliver their fetuses resulting in maternal death or fetal reabsorption. Studies show this parturition defect is likely due to 1) decreased myometrial smooth muscle cell content and 2) over-accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM)/collagen in the uterus/cervix resulting in fibrosis/defective cervical ripening. We sought to evaluate Antxr2 expression in human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMC), and the potential role of Antxr2 in HUSMC function and ECM homeostasis.