RGMb expression in goat uterine tissues: possible role of RGMb in the proliferation and apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells

Context. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in the uteri. Repulsive guidance molecule b (RGMb; a.k.a. Dragon) has been confirmed as the coreceptor of BMPs to function through drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein (Smads) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways. We hypothesise that RGMb regulates the uterine function through the Smads and MAPK pathways. Aims. This study aimed to investigate the expression of RGMb in goat uteri and the potential role of RGMb in the endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). Methods. The localisation of RGMb in goat uterine tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), EECs were isolated and transfected with siRNA to investigate the role of RGMb in proliferation, and apoptosis. The expression levels of Smads and MAPK members was measured by western blot (WB) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Key results. IHC showed that RGMb was localised in goat endometrial luminal cells, glandular epithelial cells, and circular muscle fibres, but not in stromal cells. RT-PCR results showed that treatment with RGMb siRNA suppressed the expressions of proliferation-related genes cyclin D1 (CCND1, P = 0.0291), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2 P = 0.0107), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, P = 0.0508), leading to the reduced viability of EECs (P = 0.0010). WB results showed that the expression ratio of cleaved-caspase 3/caspase 3 (P = 0.0013) was markedly increased after RGMb siRNA transfection. Likewise, the level of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2, P = 0.0068) and p-Smad1/5/8 (P = 0.0011) decreased significantly, while there were no appreciable differences in the level of p-P38 MAPK expression (P > 0.05). Conclusions. RGMb might participate in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis through Smads and ERK signalling pathways in goat EECs. Implications. RGMb is involved in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis in goat endometrial epithelial cells.