High glucose levels may cause problems in placental cell invasion by increasing cell aging and IGFBP4 signaling

Cell senescence and the expression of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) were up-regulated in the placenta of individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

• High glucose levels may trigger a senescent phenotype in trophoblast cells.
• Impaired migration and invasion abilities were observed in senescent choriocarcinoma cells.
• Increased GLUT3 expression in senescent cells may create a feedback loop that promotes further cell senescence.
• Overexpression of GLUT3 could enhance glucose uptake and lactate accumulation while decreasing cell migration and invasion.
• The observed processes may be dependent on IGFBP4, indicating a potential mechanism linking GLUT3 and cell function in GDM.

Simplified