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Appleton AA, Armstrong DA, Lesseur C, Lee J, Padbury JF, Lester BM, Marsit CJ. Patterning in placental 11-B hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase methylation according to prenatal socioeconomic adversity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74691. [PMID: 24040322 PMCID: PMC3764127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal socioeconomic adversity as an intrauterine exposure is associated with a range of perinatal outcomes although the explanatory mechanisms are not well understood. The development of the fetus can be shaped by the intrauterine environment through alterations in the function of the placenta. In the placenta, the HSD11B2 gene encodes the 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which is responsible for the inactivation of maternal cortisol thereby protecting the developing fetus from this exposure. This gene is regulated by DNA methylation, and this methylation and the expression it controls has been shown to be susceptible to a variety of stressors from the maternal environment. The association of prenatal socioeconomic adversity and placental HSD11B2 methylation has not been examined. Following a developmental origins of disease framework, prenatal socioeconomic adversity may alter fetal response to the postnatal environment through functional epigenetic alterations in the placenta. Therefore, we hypothesized that prenatal socioeconomic adversity would be associated with less HSD11B2 methylation. METHODS AND FINDINGS We examined the association between DNA methylation of the HSD11B2 promoter region in the placenta of 444 healthy term newborn infants and several markers of prenatal socioeconomic adversity: maternal education, poverty, dwelling crowding, tobacco use and cumulative risk. We also examined whether such associations were sex-specific. We found that infants whose mothers experienced the greatest levels of socioeconomic adversity during pregnancy had the lowest extent of placental HSD11B2 methylation, particularly for males. Associations were maintained for maternal education when adjusting for confounders (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patterns of HSD11B2 methylation suggest that environmental cues transmitted from the mother during gestation may program the developing fetus's response to an adverse postnatal environment, potentially via less exposure to cortisol during development. Less methylation of placental HSD11B2 may therefore be adaptive and promote the effective management of stress associated with social adversity in a postnatal environment.
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Maccani MA, Padbury JF, Lester BM, Knopik VS, Marsit CJ. Placental miRNA expression profiles are associated with measures of infant neurobehavioral outcomes. Pediatr Res 2013; 74:272-8. [PMID: 23783433 PMCID: PMC3766495 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that the intrauterine environment influences fetal neurodevelopment by altering the functional placental epigenome. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in the placenta, may be sensitive to dysregulation by environmental exposures, and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our study aimed to identify the relationships between placental miRNA expression and newborn neurobehavior. METHODS We examined the association between the expression of miR-16, miR-21, miR-93, miR-135b, miR-146a, and miR-182 in total RNA from the placentas of 86 term infants as measured by quantitative real-time PCR and newborn neurobehavioral outcomes as assessed using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS). RESULTS Bivariate analysis revealed that placental miR-16 expression is negatively associated with attention score (P = 0.006), whereas expressions of both miR-146a and miR-182 are positively associated with quality of movement score (P = 0.016 and P = 0.016, respectively). Controlling for potential confounders, high miR-16 expression is significantly associated with reduced attention score (P = 0.04), and high miR-146a and miR-182 expressions are significantly associated with increased quality of movement score (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION These results suggest that placental miRNA expression is associated with early neurobehavioral outcomes and miRNAs in the placenta may contribute to the developmental origins of infant neurobehavior.
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Saadeh FB, Clark MA, Rogers ML, Linkletter CD, Phipps MG, Padbury JF, Vivier PM. Pregnant and moving: understanding residential mobility during pregnancy and in the first year of life using a prospective birth cohort. Matern Child Health J 2013; 17:330-43. [PMID: 22415811 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-012-0978-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To examine residential mobility (i.e., moving) during pregnancy and in the first year of an infant's life using a large, prospective birth cohort in Rhode Island. Participants were recruited from Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island between January 5, 2009 and March 19, 2009. Residential histories were collected from mothers in-person immediately post-partum and by phone at 7 months and at 13 months post-partum. Of 1,040 mothers interviewed at birth, 71% (n = 740) completed the 13 month follow-up interview. Forty-one percent of mothers (n = 300) moved at least once between conception and 1 year post-partum, with the number of moves ranging from 0 to 8. Among movers, 69.0% moved once, 21.0% moved twice, and 10.0% moved three or more times. Mothers who moved tended to be younger, have fewer children, were not White, and had lower household incomes than those who did not move. Mothers who moved during pregnancy had 2.05 (95% CI: 1.40-2.98) times the odds of moving post-partum than mothers who had not moved in the antenatal period. There were statistical differences across socio-demographic groups with regard to when, where, and why mothers moved. Forty percent of movers during pregnancy (n = 61) moved for at least one negative reason, while 32.2% of movers during infancy (n = 64) relocated under negative circumstances. A substantial proportion of mothers moved pre- and post-partum, frequently under negative circumstances. Study findings have important implications for obstetric and pediatric providers who seek to understand, retain, and improve the health of their patient populations.
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Mao Q, Chu S, Ghanta S, Padbury JF, De Paepe ME. Ex vivo expanded human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs. Respir Res 2013; 14:37. [PMID: 23522153 PMCID: PMC3610254 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-14-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the capacity of expanded cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells to undergo respiratory epithelial differentiation ex vivo, and to engraft and attenuate alveolar disruption in injured newborn murine lungs in vivo. METHODS Respiratory epithelial differentiation was studied in CD34+ cells expanded in the presence of growth factors and cytokines ("basic" medium), in one group supplemented with dexamethasone ("DEX"). Expanded or freshly isolated CD34+ cells were inoculated intranasally in newborn mice with apoptosis-induced lung injury. Pulmonary engraftment, lung growth and alveolarization were studied at 8 weeks post-inoculation. RESULTS SP-C mRNA expression was seen in 2/7 CD34+ cell isolates expanded in basic media and in 6/7 isolates expanded in DEX, associated with cytoplasmic SP-C immunoreactivity and ultrastructural features suggestive of type II cell-like differentiation. Administration of expanding CD34+ cells was associated with increased lung growth and, in animals treated with DEX-exposed cells, enhanced alveolar septation. Freshly isolated CD34+ cells had no effect of lung growth or remodeling. Lungs of animals treated with expanded CD34+ cells contained intraalveolar aggregates of replicating alu-FISH-positive mononuclear cells, whereas epithelial engraftment was extremely rare. CONCLUSION Expanded cord blood CD34+ cells can induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs. These growth-promoting effects may be linked to paracrine or immunomodulatory effects of persistent cord blood-derived mononuclear cells, as expanded cells showed limited respiratory epithelial transdifferentiation.
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Bender J, Koestler D, Ombao H, McCourt M, Alskinis B, Rubin LP, Padbury JF. Neonatal intensive care unit: predictive models for length of stay. J Perinatol 2013; 33:147-53. [PMID: 22678140 PMCID: PMC4073289 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2012.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hospital length of stay (LOS) is important to administrators and families of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A prediction model for NICU LOS was developed using predictors birth weight, gestational age and two severity of illness tools, the score for neonatal acute physiology, perinatal extension (SNAPPE) and the morbidity assessment index for newborns (MAIN). STUDY DESIGN Consecutive admissions (n=293) to a New England regional level III NICU were retrospectively collected. Multiple predictive models were compared for complexity and goodness-of-fit, coefficient of determination (R (2)) and predictive error. The optimal model was validated prospectively with consecutive admissions (n=615). Observed and expected LOS was compared. RESULT The MAIN models had best Akaike's information criterion, highest R (2) (0.786) and lowest predictive error. The best SNAPPE model underestimated LOS, with substantial variability, yet was fairly well calibrated by birthweight category. LOS was longer in the prospective cohort than the retrospective cohort, without differences in birth weight, gestational age, MAIN or SNAPPE. CONCLUSION LOS prediction is improved by accounting for severity of illness in the first week of life, beyond factors known at birth. Prospective validation of both MAIN and SNAPPE models is warranted.
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De Paepe ME, Mao Q, Chu S, Padbury JF. Long-term outcome of human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells in murine lungs. Exp Lung Res 2013; 39:59-69. [DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2012.752548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Yano N, Suzuki D, Endoh M, Zhang W, Xu YC, Padbury JF, Tseng YT. In vitro silencing of the insulin receptor attenuates cellular accumulation of fibronectin in renal mesangial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2012; 10:29. [PMID: 23061721 PMCID: PMC3507851 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-10-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin receptor (InsR) and insulin signaling proteins are widely distributed throughout the kidney cortex. Insulin signaling can act in the kidney in multiple ways, some of which may be totally independent of its primary role of the maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis. However, descriptions of the insulin signaling in renal glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) are quite limited and the roles of insulin signaling in MC functions have not been sufficiently elucidated. Results InsR silencing induced a unique phenotype of reduced fibronectin (FN) accumulation in renal glomerular MCs. Transcription level of FN was not significantly changed in the InsR silenced cells, suggesting the phenotype switching was caused by post-transcriptional modification. The decreased expression of InsR was associated with enhanced activity of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway which contributed in part to the attenuation of cellular FN accumulation. Formation of IGF-1R homodimer was increased in the InsR silenced cells. The InsR silenced cells also showed increased sensitivity to exogenous IGF-1, and increased PI3K activity was reversed significantly by incubating cells with IGF-1R specific antagonist, AG538. PI3K/Akt dependent activation of cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB)-1 induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and suppressing MMP activity by doxycycline partially reversed FN accumulation in the InsR silenced cells. Conclusions The effects of InsR silencing on cellular FN accumulation in vitro are, at least partially, mediated by increased degradation of FN by MMPs which is induced by enhanced signaling sequence of IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt/CREB-1.
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Chen X, Threlkeld SW, Cummings EE, Sadowska GB, Lim YP, Padbury JF, Sharma S, Stonestreet BS. In-vitro validation of cytokine neutralizing antibodies by testing with ovine mononuclear splenocytes. J Comp Pathol 2012; 148:252-8. [PMID: 22819013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have gained increasing attention as therapeutic targets in inflammation-related disorders and inflammatory conditions have been investigated in sheep. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the ovine pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 could be used to study the effects of blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines in sheep. Ovine-specific IL-1β and IL-6 proteins and mAbs specific for these molecules were produced and the ability of the mAbs to neutralize the proteins was tested in cultures of ovine splenic mononuclear cells. Expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κβ and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 was evaluated by western blotting and densitometric quantification. Treatment with purified IL-1β and IL-6 proteins increased NF-κβ (P < 0.001) and STAT-3 (P < 0.01) expression, respectively, in cell culture. Treatment with these proteins that were pre-incubated with IL-1β and IL-6 mAbs attenuated (P < 0.01) these effects. These results confirm the bioactivity of ovine IL-1β and IL-6 proteins and the neutralizing capacity of anti-ovine-IL-1β and -IL-6 mAbs in vitro. These mAbs could be used to investigate anti-inflammatory strategies for attenuation of the effects of these pro-inflammatory cytokines in sheep.
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Marsit CJ, Lambertini L, Maccani MA, Koestler DC, Houseman EA, Padbury JF, Lester BM, Chen J. Placenta-imprinted gene expression association of infant neurobehavior. J Pediatr 2012; 160:854-860.e2. [PMID: 22153677 PMCID: PMC3311768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify links between altered gene imprinting in the placenta and infant neurobehavioral profiles. STUDY DESIGN Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of 22 imprinted candidate genes in a series of 106 term human primary placenta tissues. The expression pattern uncovered was associated with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scales summary scores in the corresponding infants. Clustering of the expression data was used to define distinct classes of expression. RESULTS Significant associations were identified between classes of expression and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scales quality of movement (P = .02) and handling (P = .006) scores. Multivariate regression demonstrated an independent effect of imprinted gene expression profile on these neurobehavioral scores after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSION These results suggest that alterations in imprinted gene expression in the placenta are associated with infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, and suggest a role for the placenta and genomic imprinting in the placenta beyond intrauterine growth regulation.
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Moore RG, Lange TS, Robinson K, Kim KK, Uzun A, Horan TC, Kawar N, Yano N, Chu SR, Mao Q, Brard L, DePaepe ME, Padbury JF, Arnold LA, Brodsky A, Shen TL, Singh RK. Efficacy of a non-hypercalcemic vitamin-D2 derived anti-cancer agent (MT19c) and inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in an ovarian cancer xenograft model. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34443. [PMID: 22509304 PMCID: PMC3317945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous vitamin-D analogs exhibited poor response rates, high systemic toxicities and hypercalcemia in human trials to treat cancer. We identified the first non-hypercalcemic anti-cancer vitamin D analog MT19c by altering the A-ring of ergocalciferol. This study describes the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of MT19c in both in vitro and in vivo models. Methodology/Principal Finding Antitumor efficacy of MT19c was evaluated in ovarian cancer cell (SKOV-3) xenografts in nude mice and a syngenic rat ovarian cancer model. Serum calcium levels of MT19c or calcitriol treated animals were measured. In-silico molecular docking simulation and a cell based VDR reporter assay revealed MT19c–VDR interaction. Genomewide mRNA analysis of MT19c treated tumors identified drug targets which were verified by immunoblotting and microscopy. Quantification of cellular malonyl CoA was carried out by HPLC-MS. A binding study with PPAR-Y receptor was performed. MT19c reduced ovarian cancer growth in xenograft and syngeneic animal models without causing hypercalcemia or acute toxicity. MT19c is a weak vitamin-D receptor (VDR) antagonist that disrupted the interaction between VDR and coactivator SRC2-3. Genome-wide mRNA analysis and western blot and microscopy of MT19c treated xenograft tumors showed inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN) activity. MT19c reduced cellular levels of malonyl CoA in SKOV-3 cells and inhibited EGFR/phosphoinositol-3kinase (PI-3K) activity independently of PPAR-gamma protein. Significance Antitumor effects of non-hypercalcemic agent MT19c provide a new approach to the design of vitamin-D based anticancer molecules and a rationale for developing MT19c as a therapeutic agent for malignant ovarian tumors by targeting oncogenic de novo lipogenesis.
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Sadowska GB, Chen X, Zhang J, Cummings EE, Padbury JF, Banks WA, Stonestreet BS. Ischemia Accentuates the Transfer of Interleukin‐1β Across the Blood‐Brain Barrier in the Ovine Fetus. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.707.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Tseng YT, Zhang W, Yano N, Mao Q, Deng M, Padbury JF. The βAR‐PI3K signaling pathway crosstalk: differential effects on phosphorylation of p70S6K and FoxO in newborn and adult hearts. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1064.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Marsit CJ, Maccani MA, Padbury JF, Lester BM. Placental 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase methylation is associated with newborn growth and a measure of neurobehavioral outcome. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33794. [PMID: 22432047 PMCID: PMC3303854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that the intrauterine environment can impact the neurodevelopment of the fetus through alterations in the functional epigenome of the placenta. In the placenta, the HSD11B2 gene encoding the 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which is responsible for the inactivation of maternal cortisol, is regulated by DNA methylation, and has been shown to be susceptible to stressors from the maternal environment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We examined the association between DNA methylation of the HSD11B2 promoter region in the placenta of 185 healthy newborn infants and infant and maternal characteristics, as well as the association between this epigenetic variability and newborn neurobehavioral outcome assessed with the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales. Controlling for confounders, HSD11B2 methylation extent is greatest in infants with the lowest birthweights (P = 0.04), and this increasing methylation was associated with reduced scores of quality of movement (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that factors in the intrauterine environment which contribute to birth outcome may be associated with placental methylation of the HSD11B2 gene and that this epigenetic alteration is in turn associated with a prospectively predictive early neurobehavioral outcome, suggesting in some part a mechanism for the developmental origins of infant neurological health.
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Uzun A, Laliberte A, Parker J, Andrew C, Winterrowd E, Sharma S, Istrail S, Padbury JF. dbPTB: a database for preterm birth. Database (Oxford) 2012; 2012:bar069. [PMID: 22323062 PMCID: PMC3275764 DOI: 10.1093/database/bar069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) query the entire genome in a hypothesis-free, unbiased manner. Since they have the potential for identifying novel genetic variants, they have become a very popular approach to the investigation of complex diseases. Nonetheless, since the success of the GWAS approach varies widely, the identification of genetic variants for complex diseases remains a difficult problem. We developed a novel bioinformatics approach to identify the nominal genetic variants associated with complex diseases. To test the feasibility of our approach, we developed a web-based aggregation tool to organize the genes, genetic variations and pathways involved in preterm birth. We used semantic data mining to extract all published articles related to preterm birth. All articles were reviewed by a team of curators. Genes identified from public databases and archives of expression arrays were aggregated with genes curated from the literature. Pathway analysis was used to impute genes from pathways identified in the curations. The curated articles and collected genetic information form a unique resource for investigators interested in preterm birth. The Database for Preterm Birth exemplifies an approach that is generalizable to other disorders for which there is evidence of significant genetic contributions.
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Wilhelm-Benartzi CS, Houseman EA, Maccani MA, Poage GM, Koestler DC, Langevin SM, Gagne LA, Banister CE, Padbury JF, Marsit CJ. In utero exposures, infant growth, and DNA methylation of repetitive elements and developmentally related genes in human placenta. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:296-302. [PMID: 22005006 PMCID: PMC3279448 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal programming describes the theory linking environmental conditions during embryonic and fetal development with risk of diseases later in life. Environmental insults in utero may lead to changes in epigenetic mechanisms potentially affecting fetal development. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between in utero exposures, infant growth, and methylation of repetitive elements and gene-associated DNA in human term placenta tissue samples. METHODS Placental tissues and associated demographic and clinical data were obtained from subjects delivering at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island (USA). Methylation levels of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) and the Alu element AluYb8 were determined in 380 placental samples from term deliveries using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Genomewide DNA methylation profiles were obtained in a subset of 184 samples using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadArray. Multiple linear regression, model-based clustering methods, and gene set enrichment analysis examined the association between birth weight percentile, demographic variables, and repetitive element methylation and gene-associated CpG locus methylation. RESULTS LINE-1 and AluYb8 methylation levels were found to be significantly positively associated with birth weight percentile (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and were found to differ significantly among infants exposed to tobacco smoke and alcohol. Increased placental AluYb8 methylation was positively associated with average methylation among CpG loci found in polycomb group target genes; developmentally related transcription factor binding sites were overrepresented for differentially methylated loci associated with both elements. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that repetitive element methylation markers, most notably AluYb8 methylation, may be susceptible to epigenetic alterations resulting from the intrauterine environment and play a critical role in mediating placenta function, and may ultimately inform on the developmental basis of health and disease.
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Banister CE, Koestler DC, Maccani MA, Padbury JF, Houseman EA, Marsit CJ. Infant growth restriction is associated with distinct patterns of DNA methylation in human placentas. Epigenetics 2011; 6:920-7. [PMID: 21758004 DOI: 10.4161/epi.6.7.16079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta acts not only as a conduit of nutrient and waste exchange between mother and developing fetus, but also functions as a regulator of the intrauterine environment. Recent work has identified changes in the expression of candidate genes, often through epigenetic alteration, which alter the placenta's function and impact fetal growth. In this study, we used the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChip array to examine genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in 206 term human placentas. Semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture modeling was implemented to identify specific patterns of placental DNA methylation that could differentially classify intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) placentas from appropriate for gestational age (AGA) placentas, and these associations were validated in a masked testing series of samples. Our work demonstrates that patterns of DNA methylation in human placenta are reliably and significantly associated with infant growth and serve as a proof of principle that methylation status in the human term placenta can function as a marker for the intrauterine environment, and could potentially play a critical functional role in fetal development.
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Ponder KL, Salisbury A, McGonnigal B, Laliberte A, Lester B, Padbury JF. Maternal depression and anxiety are associated with altered gene expression in the human placenta without modification by antidepressant use: implications for fetal programming. Dev Psychobiol 2011; 53:711-23. [PMID: 21547899 PMCID: PMC3155003 DOI: 10.1002/dev.20549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine if maternal depression, anxiety, and/or treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect placental human serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), norepinephrine transporter (SLC6A2), and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) gene expression. Relative mRNA expression was compared among placental samples (n = 164) from healthy women, women with untreated depression and/or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy, and women who used SSRIs. SLC6A4 expression was significantly increased in placentas from women with untreated mood disorders and from women treated with SSRIs, compared to controls. SLC6A2 and 11β-HSD2 expression was increased in noncontrol groups, though the differences were not significant. SLC6A4, SLC6A2, and 11β-HSD2 expression levels were positively correlated. The finding that maternal depression/anxiety affects gene expression of placental SLC6A4 suggests a possible mechanism for the effect(s) of maternal mood on fetal neurodevelopmental programming. SSRI treatment does not further alter the elevated SLC6A4 expression levels observed with exposure to maternal depression or anxiety.
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Maccani MA, Padbury JF, Marsit CJ. miR-16 and miR-21 expression in the placenta is associated with fetal growth. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21210. [PMID: 21698265 PMCID: PMC3115987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel research has suggested that altered miRNA expression in the placenta is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and with potentially harmful xenobiotic exposures. We hypothesized that aberrant expression of miRNA in the placenta is associated with fetal growth, a measurable phenotype resulting from a number of intrauterine factors, and one which is significantly predictive of later life outcomes. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed 107 primary, term, human placentas for expression of 6 miRNA reported to be expressed in the placenta and to regulate cell growth and development pathways: miR-16, miR-21, miR-93, miR-135b, miR-146a, and miR-182. The expression of miR-16 and miR-21 was markedly reduced in infants with the lowest birthweights (p<0.05). Logistic regression models suggested that low expression of miR-16 in the placenta predicts an over 4-fold increased odds of small for gestational age (SGA) status (p = 0.009, 95% CI = 1.42, 12.05). Moreover, having both low miR-16 and low miR-21 expression in the placenta predicts a greater increase in odds for SGA than having just low miR-16 or miR-21 expression (p<0.02), suggesting an additive effect of both of these miRNA. Conclusions/Significance Our study is one of the first to investigate placental miRNA expression profiles associated with birthweight and SGA status. Future research on miRNA whose expression is associated with in utero exposures and markers of fetal growth is essential for better understanding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Sharma S, Stabila J, Pietras L, Singh AR, McGonnigal B, Ernerudh J, Matthiesen L, Padbury JF. Haplotype-dependent differential activation of the human IL-10 gene promoter in macrophages and trophoblasts: implications for placental IL-10 deficiency and pregnancy complications. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 64:179-87. [PMID: 20482524 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00854.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM polymorphic changes in the IL-10 gene promoter have been identified that lead to altered IL-10 production. We hypothesized that because of these genotypic changes, the IL-10 promoter might be expressed in a cell type-specific manner and may respond differentially to inflammatory triggers. METHOD OF STUDY we created reporter gene promoter constructs containing GCC, ACC, and ATA haplotypes using DNA from patients harboring polymorphic changes at -1082 (G→A), -819 (C→T), and -592 (C→A) sites in the IL-10 promoter. These individual luciferase reporter constructs were transiently transfected into either primary term trophoblasts or THP1 monocytic cells. DNA-binding studies were performed to implicate the role of the Sp1 transcription factor in response to differential promoter activity. RESULTS our results suggest that the GCC promoter construct was activated in trophoblast cells in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as demonstrated by reporter gene expression, but not in monocytic cells. The ACC construct showed weaker activation in both cell types. Importantly, while the ATA promoter was constitutively activated in both cell types, its expression was selectively repressed in response to LPS, but only in trophoblasts. DNA-nuclear protein binding assays with nuclear extracts from LPS treated or untreated cells suggested a functional relevance for Sp1 binding differences at the -592 position. CONCLUSIONS these results demonstrate cell type-specific effects of the genotypic changes in the IL-10 gene promoter. These responses may be further modulated by bacterial infections or other inflammatory conditions to suppress IL-10 production in human trophoblasts.
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De Paepe ME, Mao Q, Ghanta S, Hovanesian V, Padbury JF. Alveolar epithelial cell therapy with human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:1329-39. [PMID: 21356383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The role of umbilical cord blood (CB)-derived stem cell therapy in neonatal lung injury remains undetermined. We investigated the capacity of human CB-derived CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells to regenerate injured alveolar epithelium in newborn mice. Double-transgenic mice with doxycycline (Dox)-dependent lung-specific Fas ligand (FasL) overexpression, treated with Dox between embryonal day 15 and postnatal day 3, served as a model of neonatal lung injury. Single-transgenic non-Dox-responsive littermates were controls. CD34(+) cells (1 × 10(5) to 5 × 10(5)) were administered at postnatal day 5 by intranasal inoculation. Engraftment, respiratory epithelial differentiation, proliferation, and cell fusion were studied at 8 weeks after inoculation. Engrafted cells were readily detected in all recipients and showed a higher incidence of surfactant immunoreactivity and proliferative activity in FasL-overexpressing animals compared with non-FasL-injured littermates. Cord blood-derived cells surrounding surfactant-immunoreactive type II-like cells frequently showed a transitional phenotype between type II and type I cells and/or type I cell-specific podoplanin immunoreactivity. Lack of nuclear colocalization of human and murine genomic material suggested the absence of fusion. In conclusion, human CB-derived CD34(+) cells are capable of long-term pulmonary engraftment, replication, clonal expansion, and reconstitution of injured respiratory epithelium by fusion-independent mechanisms. Cord blood-derived surfactant-positive epithelial cells appear to act as progenitors of the distal respiratory unit, analogous to resident type II cells. Graft proliferation and alveolar epithelial differentiation are promoted by lung injury.
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Padbury JF. Millennium neonatology: building for the future. Introduction. Semin Perinatol 2011; 35:1. [PMID: 21255700 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
The trend toward single-room neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is increasing; however scientific evidence is, at this point, mostly anecdotal. This is a critical time to assess the impact of the single-room NICU on improving medical and neurobehavioral outcomes of the preterm infant. We have developed a theoretical model that may be useful in studying how the change from an open-bay NICU to a single-room NICU could affect infant medical and neurobehavioral outcome. The model identifies mediating factors that are likely to accompany the change to a single-room NICU. These mediating factors include family centered care, developmental care, parenting and family factors, staff behavior and attitudes, and medical practices. Medical outcomes that plan to be measured are sepsis, length of stay, gestational age at discharge, weight gain, illness severity, gestational age at enteral feeding, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Neurobehavioral outcomes include the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) scores, sleep state organization and sleep physiology, infant mother feeding interaction scores, and pain scores. Preliminary findings on the sample of 150 patients in the open-bay NICU showed a "baseline" of effects of family centered care, developmental care, parent satisfaction, maternal depression, and parenting stress on the neurobehavioral outcomes of the newborn. The single-room NICU has the potential to improve the neurobehavioral status of the infant at discharge. Neurobehavioral assessment can assist with early detection and therefore preventative intervention to maximize developmental outcome. We also present an epigenetic model of the potential effects of maternal care on improving infant neurobehavioral status.
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Robins JC, Marsit CJ, Padbury JF, Sharma SS. Endocrine disruptors, environmental oxygen, epigenetics and pregnancy. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2011; 3:690-700. [PMID: 21196344 DOI: 10.2741/e279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The placenta and its myriad functions are central to successful reproductive outcomes. These functions can be influenced by the environment encountered throughout pregnancy, thereby altering the appropriate genetic programming needed to allow for sustained pregnancy and appropriate fetal development. This altered programming may result from epigenetic alterations related to environmental exposures. Epigenetic alterations are now being linked to several important reproductive outcomes, including early pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital syndromes, preterm birth, and preeclampsia. The diversity of environmental exposures linked to adverse reproductive effects continues to grow. Much attention has focused on the role of endocrine disruptors in infertility, but recent work suggests that these chemicals may also have adverse effects in pregnancy and development. Environmental oxygen is also critical in pregnancy success. There are clear links between altered oxygen levels and placentation amongst other effects. As research continues to enhance our understanding of the molecular processes including epigenetic regulation that influence pregnancy, it will be critical to specifically examine how the environment, broadly defined, may play a role in altering these critical functions.
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Chaaban H, Shin M, Sirya E, Lim YP, Caplan M, Padbury JF. Inter-alpha inhibitor protein level in neonates predicts necrotizing enterocolitis. J Pediatr 2010; 157:757-61. [PMID: 20955849 PMCID: PMC2958175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare inter-alpha inhibitor protein (IaIp) levels in neonates with proven necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and neonates with other, nonspecific abdominal disorders. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective observational study of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. NEC was diagnosed according to Bell's staging criteria. The nNeonates in the control group had a nonspecific abdominal disorder, but no radiographic evidence of NEC and no disease progression. All neonates with radiographically confirmed NEC were included. Plasma IaIp levels were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Seventeen neonates had confirmed NEC, and 34 neonates had nonspecific abdominal disorders that improved rapidly. Gestational age, postnatal age, weight, sex, maternal obstetric variables, rupture of membranes, and mode of delivery did not differ between the two groups. Mean IaIp level was significantly lower in the NEC group compared with the control group (137 ± 38 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 118-157 mg/L vs 258 ± 53 mg/L; 95% CI, 238-277 mg/L; P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS The finding of significantly lower IaIp levels in neonates with NEC suggests that IaIp might be a useful, sensitive biomarker, allowing initiation of appropriate therapy and reducing antibiotic overuse in neonates with suspected but unproven NEC. Administration of IaIp may significantly reduce the severity of systemic inflammation and associated tissue injury.
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Kim CR, Sadowska GB, Newton SA, Merino M, Petersson KH, Padbury JF, Stonestreet BS. Na+,K+-ATPase activity and subunit protein expression: ontogeny and effects of exogenous and endogenous steroids on the cerebral cortex and renal cortex of sheep. Reprod Sci 2010; 18:359-73. [PMID: 20959645 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110385137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effects of development, exogenous, and endogenous glucocorticoids on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and subunit protein expression in ovine cerebral cortices and renal cortices. Ewes at 60%, 80%, and 90% gestation, newborns, and adults received 4 dexamethasone or placebo injections. Cerebral cortex Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was higher (P < .05) in placebo-treated newborns than fetuses of placebo-treated ewes and adults, α(1)-expression was higher at 90% gestation than the other ages; α(2)-expression was higher in newborns than fetuses; α(3)-expression was higher in newborns than 60% gestation; β(1)-expression was higher in newborns than the other ages, and β(2)-expression higher at 60% than 80% and 90% gestation, and in adults. Renal cortex Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was higher in placebo-treated adults and newborns than fetuses. Cerebral cortex Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was higher in dexamethasone- than placebo-treated adults, and α(1)-expression higher in fetuses of dexamethasone- than placebo-treated ewes at 60% and 80% gestation. Renal cortex Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and α(1)-expression were higher in fetuses of dexamethasone- than placebo-treated ewes at each gestational age, and β(1)-expression was higher in fetuses of dexamethasone- than placebo-treated ewes at 90% gestation and in dexamethasone- than placebo-treated adults. Cerebral cortex Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, α(1)-expression, β(1)-expression, and renal cortex α(1)-expression correlated directly with increases in fetal cortisol. In conclusion, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and subunit expression exhibit specific developmental patterns in brain and kidney; exogenous glucocorticoids regulate activity and subunit expression in brain and kidney at some ages; endogenous increases in fetal cortisol regulate cerebral Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, but exogenous glucocorticoids have a greater effect on renal than cerebral Na(+),K(+)-ATPase.
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