Abstract
We recently provided the first evidence of a presence of a cluster of mechano‐transducing molecules in the cervix using proteomics analysis, including caveolin‐1 (CAV‐1), talin‐1, vinculin, pro‐filin and others. Here, we use confocal immunofluorescence, Western blot and real time PCR analysis to examine whether a key mechano‐transduction molecule, phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase protein and mRNA (pFAK and FAK mRNA) are expressed in the cervix during pregnancy (days 0, days 14, 15, 16), as well as identify its (pFAK) cellular distribution in mice. pFAK was localized in the epithelial and stromal (fibroblast) cells of the cervix of pregnant mice and its expression and activity increased with advancement in pregnancy but decreased postpartum. The expression was found to be confined to the cell membrane. We conclude that the growing fetus likely induces mechano‐transduction in the cervix and may influence cervical remodeling and most likely the timing of birth. Funding: Office of Student Research, Appalachian State University.
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