Transcriptomic Insights into Gas6-Induced Placental Dysfunction: Gene Targets for Preeclampsia Therapy

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and systemic inflammation, posing significant risks to maternal and fetal health. This study investigates the role of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) in PE pathogenesis using a rat model. Gas6 administration induces hallmark PE features, including hypertension, proteinuria, and significant alterations in placental gene expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in pathways related to extracellular matrix remodeling, interleukin signaling, and oxidative stress, highlighting their contribution to PE pathology. Key findings include the upregulation of Fam111a, linked to oxidative stress and DNA replication, and the downregulation of Clca4, associated with ion transport and cellular homeostasis. Protein-level validation through immunofluorescence confirmed these alterations, reinforcing their mechanistic roles in placental dysfunction. Enrichment analysis further identified significant disruptions in extracellular matrix organization and intercellular signaling. These results underscore the pivotal role of Gas6 in exacerbating placental oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Importantly, therapeutic inhibition of the Gas6/AXL axis using small-molecule inhibitors mitigated PE-like symptoms, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. This study provides novel insights into the molecular underpinnings of Gas6-mediated placental dysfunction and supports the development of targeted therapies to improve PE outcomes.