Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma and regulates colorectal carcinoma cell growth and apoptosis

Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer. However, the role of GRP78 in colorectal carcinoma still remains unclear. In this study, using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, we explored the expression patterns of GRP78 in colorectal carcinoma. We knocked down GRP78 expression in RKO cells using shRNA-GRP78. Apoptosis and proliferation assay were performed. We found increased GRP78 expression with progression along the normal tissue–adenoma–carcinoma sequence, while there was no difference in the relative mRNA expression of GRP78 among normal, adenoma and colorectal carcinoma. The shRNA-GRP78 plasmid caused a significant reduction of GRP78 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, knockdown of GRP78 not only efficiently suppressed proliferation of RKO cells, but also induced early apoptosis of cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that GRP78 may play some important roles in the development and progression of colorectal carcinomas. The expression of GRP78 is associated with the enhanced proliferation of colorectal carcinoma cells and with their resistance to apoptosis.     

金属硫蛋白降低GRP78和CHOP蛋白表达减轻大鼠砷中毒肝细胞凋亡

目的 研究葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)、C/EBP环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合转录因子同源蛋白(CHOP)在金属硫蛋白(MT)减轻大鼠砷中毒肝细胞凋亡中的作用.方法 建立MT治疗亚砷酸钠(NaAsO2)诱导的大鼠砷中毒肝损伤模型,用MT治疗2周,以TUNEL法检测肝细胞凋亡,免疫组化法、Western blot检测大鼠肝脏GRP78、CHOP蛋白表达.结果 砷中毒模型组大鼠肝细胞凋亡、肝组织GRP78和CHOP蛋白表达较对照组显著升高(P＜0.05),MT治疗组肝细胞凋亡、肝组织GRP78和CHOP蛋白表达明显回降(P＜0.05),但仍然高于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 MT可通过降低GRP78和CHOP蛋白表达减轻大鼠砷中毒所致的肝细胞凋亡.     

Glucose-regulated protein GRP78 is up-regulated in prostate cancer and correlates with recurrence and survival

Chemotherapy resistance is a significant contributor to treatment failure and death in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. One unexplored mechanism for drug resistance is the induction of stress response proteins referred to as the glucose-regulated proteins (GRPs). We sought to determine the level of expression of GRP78, the best characterized GRP in lymph node-positive prostate cancer. Archived, paraffin-embedded, radical prostatectomy specimens were obtained from 153 patients with lymph node-positive prostate cancer (stage D1). The level of GRP78 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. We assessed the expression and specificity of GRP78 immunoreactivity in benign prostatic tissue, prostate cancer, and lymph node metastasis. We correlated the intensity of immunopositivity with prostate cancer recurrence and survival. Whereas immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that all prostate tissue was immunoreactive for GRP78, the intensity of expression was markedly higher in the primary tumor compared with areas of benign epithelium. GRP78 expression was also evident in lymph node metastases although less intensely than in the primary tumor. Patients with strong GRP78 immunoreactivity in the primary tumor are at higher risk for clinical recurrence (relative risk = 2.0, P = .019) and death (relative risk = 1.8, P = .024) than patients with weak GRP78 expression. This finding confirms that GRP78 protein expression is significantly higher in prostate cancer than in benign prostatic tissue. The intensity of expression is significantly associated with survival and clinical recurrence. GRP78 has considerable potential not only as a prognostic indicator but also as a potential therapeutic target.     

肝纤维化大鼠肝细胞内质网形态及GRP78表达的研究

目的: 观察四氯化碳(CCl₄)致大鼠肝纤维化过程中内质网形态及内质网应激标志性蛋白——葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)的表达变化, 探讨内质网应激在肝纤维化发病机制中可能的作用。方法: 雄性Wistar大鼠皮下注射CCl₄制备肝纤维化模型,分别在4周及8周处死大鼠测定肝脏指数、血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)活性, 观察肝组织病理改变和肝细胞内质网形态, 免疫组化和real-time PCR分别检测肝组织GRP78蛋白及mRNA表达变化。结果: 肝纤维化组大鼠肝脏指数、血清ALT和AST活性显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01),肝纤维化明显, 电镜下见肝细胞内质网扩张,数量明显减少; 肝细胞胞浆中GRP78蛋白表达量及mRNA表达量较正常组显著增加(P<0.01)。结论: 在CCl₄诱导的肝纤维化发生过程中肝细胞内质网形态有明显损伤性变化, 内质网应激蛋白GRP78蛋白及基因表达水平明显增加, 提示内质网应激参与肝纤维化发生发展。     

Overexpression of GRP78 protects glial cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces apoptotic cell death by causing the accumulation of structurally abnormal proteins. The 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) is an ER chaperone that regulates protein folding in the ER and has been suggested to contribute to cell survival. Using the rat C6 glioma cell line and flow cytometry, we assessed GRP78 expression following tunicamycin- and glutamate-induced ER stress. The results showed that GRP78 expression is upregulated following ER stress and has protective effects on injured glial cells. Annexin V and propidium iodide labeling revealed cells transiently expressing GRP78 prior to injury were protected against high-concentrations of tunicamycin and glutamate within 72 h. Our findings support the hypothesis that GRP78 inhibits cell death associated with ER stress.     

葡萄糖调节蛋白78促进肝硬化大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及其机制

 目的： 探讨葡萄糖调节蛋白78/免疫球蛋白重链结合蛋白(GRP78/BiP)是否促进肝硬化大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及其发生机制。方法： 采用复合致病因素法建立肝硬化大鼠模型,在4周、6周和8周分别取材。实验1：取心脏称重并测量左室壁厚度,计算左室壁厚度与心脏重量比值及心脏指数。实验2： TUNEL法观察心肌细胞凋亡情况;免疫组化方法检测心肌组织中GRP78/BiP蛋白以及凋亡相关蛋白CCAAT增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白/生长停滞及DNA诱导蛋白153（CHOP/GADD153）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶12（caspase-12）、核转录因子κB p65（NF-κB p65）、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病蛋白2（Bcl-2）的表达。结果： 随肝硬化病程进展,左室壁厚度与心脏重量比值以及心脏指数逐渐增加,8周组增加显著(P<0.05);心肌细胞凋亡指数、CHOP/GADD153和caspase-12阳性蛋白表达指数逐渐升高,8周组差异显著(P<0.05);NF-κB p65和Bcl-2阳性蛋白表达指数呈一致性变化,在4周组较其它组明显增高(P<0.05); GRP78/BiP蛋白阳性表达指数与心肌细胞凋亡指数、CHOP/GADD153、caspase-12蛋白阳性表达指数呈显著正相关,CHOP/GADD153与NF-κB p65、Bcl-2蛋白阳性表达指数呈显著负相关。结论： GRP78高表达在内质网应激介导的肝硬化心肌病发病中可能发挥重要作用。     

Essential role of stem cell factor–c‐Kit signalling pathway in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis

Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c‐Kit have been implicated in tissue remodelling and fibrosis. Alveolar fibroblasts from patients with diffuse interstitial fibrosis secrete more SCF. However, its precise role remains unclear. In this study the potential role of the SCF–c‐Kit axis in pulmonary fibrosis was examined. Fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM), which caused increased SCF levels in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue, as well as increased expression by lung fibroblasts. These changes were accompanied by increased numbers of bone marrow‐derived c‐Kit⁺ cells in the lung, with corresponding depletion in bone marrow. Both recombinant SCF and lung extracts from BLM‐treated animals induced bone‐marrow cell migration, which was blocked by c‐Kit inhibitor. The migrated cells promoted myofibroblast differentiation when co‐cultured with fibroblasts, suggesting a paracrine pathogenic role. Interestingly, lung fibroblast cultures contained a subpopulation of cells that expressed functionally active c‐Kit, which were significantly greater and more responsive to SCF induction when isolated from fibrotic lungs, including those from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This c‐Kit⁺ subpopulation was αSMA‐negative and expressed lower levels of collagen I but significantly higher levels of TGFβ than c‐Kit‐negative cells. SCF deficiency achieved by intratracheal treatment with neutralizing anti‐SCF antibody or by use of Kitl^Sl/Kitl^Sl‐d mutant mice in vivo resulted in significant reduction in pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, the SCF–c‐Kit pathway was activated in BLM‐injured lung and might play a direct role in pulmonary fibrosis by the recruitment of bone marrow progenitor cells capable of promoting lung myofibroblast differentiation. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

葡萄糖调节蛋白78和内质网调节蛋白57在PTSD大鼠前额皮质的表达

目的观察创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)大鼠前额皮质(mPFC)神经元未折叠蛋白反应(unfolded protein response,UPR)标志物葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)和内质网调节蛋白57(ERP57)的表达变化,探讨内质网分子伴侣在PTSD发病机制中的作用。方法采用国际认定的PTSD动物模型-SPS大鼠模型,取80只成年雄性健康Wistar大鼠,随机分为正常组和SPS模型组(SPS1d,SPS4d,SPS7d),采用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应、免疫组织化学法和免疫印记检测PTSD-SPS大鼠m PFC神经元中GRP78和ERP57的表达变化。结果 SPS刺激后大鼠m PFC神经元细胞内GRP78和ERP57蛋白表达于1d开始逐渐升高,7d时表达最多;GRP78和ERP57的m RNA水平的变化与其蛋白表达变化相一致。结论 GRP78和ERP57在PTSD大鼠mPFC过表达可能参与SPS刺激诱导的UPR反应。     

肠道菌群、GRP78、TLR4在大鼠肝硬化发生发展中的作用#br#

目的　探讨肠道菌群、肠组织中内质网应激蛋白GRP78（glucose-regulated protein 78）、模式识别受体TLR4（toll-like receptors 4）表达水平的改变在大鼠肝硬化发生发展中的作用。 方法　采用复合致病因素法诱导大鼠肝硬化。HE染色观察肝与小肠病理学改变,ARISA（automated ribosomal intergenic-spacer analysis）分析回肠内容物肠道菌群组成,培养法检测各组动物细菌易位情况,ELISA（enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay）测定血浆生化指标,quantitative real-time PCR、Western blotting检测肝、肠组织GRP78、TLR4的表达。 结果　肝硬化模型动物肝、肠组织病理学改变明显。随着肝硬化的进展,模型动物血浆中ALT（alanine aminotransferase）、内毒素和Hcy（homocysteine）的水平逐渐增高。模型组与对照组间肠道菌群的组间相似性明显降低。模型组发生细菌易位的大鼠数量、易位率显著升高。模型组动物肝、肠组织中GRP78的表达水平均随病程进展显著升高;肝组织中TLR4的表达水平在6周之前随病程进展显著升高,8周仍明显高于正常动物,但低于6周时的表达水平;肠组织中TLR4的表达水平在6周之前随病程进展显著升高,8周则明显降低。 结论　肠道微生物群落结构的生态失调、应激水平升高、免疫功能下降,导致肠道细菌易位,加重肝损伤,促进肝硬化形成。     

Hereditary pancreatitis caused by mutation‐induced misfolding of human cationic trypsinogen: A novel disease mechanism

We investigated the biochemical properties and cellular expression of the c.346C>T (p.R116C) human cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) mutant, which we identified in a German family with autosomal dominant hereditary pancreatitis. This mutation leads to an unpaired Cys residue with the potential to interfere with protein folding via incorrect disulfide bond formation. Recombinantly expressed p.R116C trypsinogen exhibited a tendency for misfolding in vitro. Biochemical analysis of the correctly folded, purified p.R116C mutant revealed unchanged activation and degradation characteristics compared to wild type trypsinogen. Secretion of mutant p.R116C from transfected 293T cells was reduced to ～20% of wild type. A similar secretion defect was observed with another rare PRSS1 variant, p.C139S, whereas mutants p.A16V, p.N29I, p.N29T, p.E79K, p.R122C, and p.R122H were secreted normally. All mutants were detected in cell extracts at comparable levels but a large portion of mutant p.R116C was present in an insoluble, protease‐sensitive form. Consistent with intracellular retention of misfolded trypsinogen, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers immunoglobulin‐binding protein (BiP) and the spliced form of the X‐box binding protein‐1 (XBP1s) were elevated in cells expressing mutant p.R116C. The results indicate that mutation‐induced misfolding and intracellular retention of human cationic trypsinogen causes hereditary pancreatitis in carriers of the p.R116C mutation. ER stress triggered by trypsinogen misfolding represents a new potential disease mechanism for chronic pancreatitis. Hum Mutat 0, 1–8, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

PI3K/Akt信号通路及内质网应激在肝纤维化大鼠肝细胞凋亡中的作用

目的观察磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶/蛋白激酶(PI3K/Akt)信号通路及葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)、生长停滞及DNA损伤基因(CHOP/GADD153)在四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导的肝纤维化中的表达并探讨其可能的作用。方法将30只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、肝纤维化模型(皮下注射40%CCl4橄榄油溶液)4及8周组。HE染色法观察肝组织病理形态学;用real-time PCR技术检测肝脏内GRP78及CHOP mRNA的表达;用Western blot检测肝脏内PI3K/Akt信号通路中Akt1、磷酸化Akt1及内质网应激相关蛋白GRP78及CHOP的表达;用原位末端转移酶标记(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡。结果与正常组大鼠比较,肝纤维化模型4及8周组大鼠肝脏内GRP78及CHOP mRNA和蛋白表达均明显升高(P0.05),而肝脏内Akt1和磷酸化Akt1蛋白的表达则较正常大鼠显著降低(P0.05);与正常组大鼠比较,肝纤维化模型4及8周组大鼠肝细胞凋亡显著升高(P0.05)。结论 PI3K/Akt信号通路及内质网应激可能在肝纤维化大鼠肝细胞凋亡中发挥了重要作用。     

Fibroblast growth factor 2 decreases bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and inhibits fibroblast collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice lacking FGF2 have increased mortality and impaired epithelial recovery after bleomycin exposure, supporting a protective or reparative function following lung injury. To determine whether FGF2 overexpression reduces bleomycin‐induced injury, we developed an inducible genetic system to express FGF2 in type II pneumocytes. Double‐transgenic (DTG) mice with doxycycline‐inducible overexpression of human FGF2 (SPC‐rtTA;TRE‐hFGF2) or single‐transgenic controls were administered intratracheal bleomycin and fed doxycycline chow, starting at either day 0 or day 7. In addition, wild‐type mice received intratracheal or intravenous recombinant FGF2, starting at the time of bleomycin treatment. Compared to controls, doxycycline‐induced DTG mice had decreased pulmonary fibrosis 21 days after bleomycin, as assessed by gene expression and histology. This beneficial effect was seen when FGF2 overexpression was induced at day 0 or day 7 after bleomycin. FGF2 overexpression did not alter epithelial gene expression, bronchoalveolar lavage cellularity or total protein. In vitro studies using primary mouse and human lung fibroblasts showed that FGF2 strongly inhibited baseline and TGFβ1‐induced expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen, and connective tissue growth factor. While FGF2 did not suppress phosphorylation of Smad2 or Smad‐dependent gene expression, FGF2 inhibited TGFβ1‐induced stress fiber formation and serum response factor‐dependent gene expression. FGF2 inhibition of stress fiber formation and αSMA requires FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and downstream MEK/ERK, but not AKT signaling. In summary, overexpression of FGF2 protects against bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and reverses TGFβ1‐induced collagen and αSMA expression and stress fiber formation in lung fibroblasts in vitro, without affecting either inflammation or epithelial gene expression. Our results suggest that in the lung, FGF2 is antifibrotic in part through decreased collagen expression and fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

内质网应激相关分子葡萄糖调节蛋白78及增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白在高血压大鼠全脑缺血海马区的表达变化

目的:观察血压正常大鼠和高血压大鼠全脑缺血再灌注后海马区CAAT/增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白(CHOP)、葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)的表达变化,探讨内质网应激在高血压增加脑缺血再灌注神经易损性中的作用.方法:60只雄性血压正常Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham)和全脑缺血再灌注组(I/R);另取30只雄性自发性高血压大鼠为高血压全脑缺血再灌注组(SHR+I/R).应用改良的Pulsineli 4血管阻断(4-VO)法制作全脑缺血再灌注模型.各组分别在术后6、24、48 h,H-E染色观察海马区神经细胞形态变化;免疫组织化学和免疫印迹检测海马区CHOP、GRP78的表达;48 h八臂迷宫检测动物行为学变化.结果:与Sham组比较,I/R组各时间点存活神经元数量降低;GRP78表达增高,24 h达高峰;CHOP表达增高,24 h达高峰,高表达持续至48 h;与I/R组比较,SHR+ IR组各时间点存活神经细胞数量降低;GPR78表达6h增高,24、48h显著减少;6、24 h CHOP表达增高,48 h明显减少;八臂迷宫结果显示SHR+I/R组与I/R组比较,各检测指标变化差异有统计学意义.结论:高血压可增加脑缺血再灌注神经易损性,与加重缺血再灌注后GRP78表达下降、CHOP活体表达增高有关.     

The role of cell injury and the continuing inflammatory response in the generation of silicotic pulmonary fibrosis

The pathogenesis of silicosis involves interaction between pulmonary macrophages and fibroblasts. The consequences of direct injury to pulmonary cells and the role of inflammatory cells other than the macrophage have received little attention. These were studied over a 20 week period after instilling silica to mice by correlating the changing inflammatory response, as revealed by bronchoalveolar lavage and lung sections, with the cellular location of silica particles and the development and resolution of granulomatous lesions. Within 24 h, a massive concentration of particles and PMN was seen in centrilobular locations with acute focal necrosis of type 1 epithelial cells. Rapid epithelial repair occurred but PMN were recovered from the lung up to 20 weeks. In the alveoli, silica was ingested by PMN and AM, resulting in the death of some cells; free particles crossed the epithelium and were found predominantly in peribronchial macrophages. Silicotic granulomas formed within a week and consisted mainly of fibroblasts macrophages and some PMN. It is suggested that the necrosis of type 1 epithelium and the continuing efflux with serial destruction of PMN may be important factors in the generation of silicotic fibrosis.     

Genetic Disorders of the Extracellular Matrix

Mutations in the genes for extracellular matrix (ECM) components cause a wide range of genetic connective tissues disorders throughout the body. The elucidation of mutations and their correlation with pathology has been instrumental in understanding the roles of many ECM components. The pathological consequences of ECM protein mutations depend on its tissue distribution, tissue function, and on the nature of the mutation. The prevalent paradigm for the molecular pathology has been that there are two global mechanisms. First, mutations that reduce the production of ECM proteins impair matrix integrity largely due to quantitative ECM defects. Second, mutations altering protein structure may reduce protein secretion but also introduce dominant negative effects in ECM formation, structure and/or stability. Recent studies show that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by mutant misfolded ECM proteins, makes a significant contribution to the pathophysiology. This suggests that targeting ER-stress may offer a new therapeutic strategy in a range of ECM disorders caused by protein misfolding mutations. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.     

葡萄糖调节蛋白78在复合致病因素诱导的大鼠肝肺综合征中的作用

目的: 探讨葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)在大鼠肝肺综合征发病中的作用及其与肠源性内毒素血症的关系。方法: Wistar大鼠被随机分为4周组、6周组和8周组3个时点,采用复合致病因素法制备大鼠肝硬化合并肝肺综合征(HPS)模型,并设标准饮食的正常大鼠作为对照组。采用HE染色观察肺组织病理变化;测定血浆中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、内毒素、TNF-α和肺组织匀浆中的TNF-α、丙二醛(MDA)的含量。Western blotting和RT-PCR法检测肺组织标本中GRP78蛋白和mRNA表达水平。结果: 模型组动物血浆内毒素含量随病程进展逐渐增高;肺组织中GRP78蛋白和mRNA的表达随HPS进展逐步增高,且各时点间的表达有显著差异(P<0.05);血浆内毒素与升高的GRP78蛋白水平间呈高度正相关(P<0.01)。血浆ALT和TNF-α含量以及肺组织匀浆中TNF-α和MDA含量随病程进展逐渐增高;血浆内毒素含量以及肺组织中GRP78蛋白分别与血浆TNF-α和肺组织中TNF-α、MDA的含量呈高度正相关(P<0.01)。在各时点,模型组动物血浆TNF-α含量、肺组织匀浆TNF-α、GRP78蛋白及mRNA均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05)。在第6周和第8周,模型组动物血浆内毒素和ALT的含量以及肺组织匀浆中MDA的含量均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论: 肝硬化时形成的肠源性内毒素血症作为内质网应激的重要应激原,通过氧化应激激活肺组织的内质网应激反应导致GRP78表达增高,很可能是HPS发病的重要机制。     

不同+Gz重复持续暴露对大鼠肝脏组织损伤及GRP78的表达影响

目的探讨不同正加速度(+Gz)暴露下大鼠肝脏损伤及葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78/Bip)在肝脏组织内分布和表达的变化。方法将SD大鼠24只,随机分为对照、+6Gz、+9Gz和+12Gz组,每组6只,峰值作用时间3 min,加速度增长率0.5 G/s,间隔30 min,重复间断连续5次。HE染色观察肝组织,并测定血浆天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)和丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT),用免疫组化法和Western blot测定肝脏组织中GRP78的表达。结果与对照组相比,+9Gz组、+12Gz组转氨酶水平均显著升高;且在ALT水平上,+12Gz组高于+9Gz组(P0.05);HE染色显示正加速度组肝细胞排列紊乱,形态不规则,细胞间隙不清晰,空泡样改变,且随G值增长而加重。与对照组相比,GRP78/Bip表达分布主要集中在细胞胞质内;各实验组的GRP78表达均显著升高(P0.05)。且+12Gz组明显高于+6Gz组和对照组(P0.05),肝脏组织中GRP78/Bip蛋白表达水平随G值升高而升高;+12Gz组和+9Gz组都高于+6Gz组和对照组(P0.05)。结论 GRP78/Bip的表达可能在加速度引起的肝脏应激反应有着正相关的作用。     

Differential activation of placental unfolded protein response pathways implies heterogeneity in causation of early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia

Based on gestational age at diagnosis and/or delivery, pre‐eclampsia (PE) is commonly divided into early‐onset (<34 weeks) and late‐onset (≥34 weeks) forms. Recently, the distinction between ‘placental’ and ‘maternal’ causation has been proposed, with ‘placental’ cases being more frequently associated with early‐onset and intrauterine growth restriction. To test whether molecular placental pathology varies according to clinical presentation, we investigated stress‐signalling pathways, including unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways, MAPK stress pathways, heat‐shock proteins and AMPKα in placentae delivered by caesarean section for clinical indications at different gestational ages. Controls included second‐trimester, pre‐term and normal‐term placentae. BeWo cells were used to investigate how these pathways react to different severities of hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Activation of placental UPR and stress‐response pathways, including P‐IRE1α, ATF6, XBP‐1, GRP78 and GRP94, P‐p38/p38 and HSP70, was higher in early‐onset PE than in both late‐onset PE and normotensive controls (NTCs), with a clear inflection around 34 weeks. Placentae from ≥ 34 weeks PE and NTC were indistinguishable. Levels of UPR signalling were similar between second‐trimester and term controls, but were significantly higher in pre‐term ‘controls’ delivered vaginally for chorioamnionitis and other conditions. Severe H/R (1/20% O₂) induced equivalent activation of UPR pathways, including P‐eIF2α, ATF6, P‐IRE1α, GRP78 and GRP94, in BeWo cells. By contrast, the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL‐1β induced only mild activation of P‐eIF2α and GRP78. AKT, a central regulator of cell proliferation, was reduced in the < 34 weeks PE placentae and severe H/R‐treated cells, but not in other conditions. These findings provide the first molecular evidence that placental stress may contribute to the pathophysiology of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia, whereas that is unlikely to be the case in the late‐onset form of the syndrome. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.