Synthesis of somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I by human placenta.

We have reported the presence of insulin-related poly A+ RNA sequences in human placenta by RNA to DNA hybridization. In this study we have used a monoclonal antibody to somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I (Sm-C/IGF-I) to identify somatomedin-like proteins whose synthesis is directed by placental mRNA. Poly A+ RNA from first trimester and term placenta was translated in a cell-free system using micrococcal nuclease-treated reticulocyte-lysate and [35S]methionine as a label. From 2.0 X 10(6) cpm of specifically incorporated [35S]methionine labeled protein, an immunoprecipitate with an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 represented about 0.1% of total radioactivity in the translational products of poly A+ RNA of first trimester placenta. A less prominent band (0.006%) of the same apparent molecular weight was also evident from translational products of term placental mRNAs. This protein could be competed with either acromegalic serum or synthetic Sm-C/IGF-I when added prior to immunoprecipitation. Translational products synthesized from mRNA of term placenta showed a second labeled band of 24,000 daltons. This band was less effectively competed by acromegalic serum and not competed with either Sm-C/IGF-I or IGF-II and therefore its identity is uncertain. A protein similar to Sm-C/IGF-I is, therefore synthesized in first trimester placenta and to a lesser extent at term, suggesting developmental changes in Sm-C/IGF-I synthesis. Because Sm-C/IGF-I may act in a paracrine fashion, our findings suggest a role for Sm-C/IGF-I in growth of the placenta during early gestation.