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El Zowalaty AE, Li R, Zheng Y, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Ye X. Deletion of RhoA in Progesterone Receptor-Expressing Cells Leads to Luteal Insufficiency and Infertility in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2168-2178. [PMID: 28498971 PMCID: PMC5505209 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) is widely expressed throughout the female reproductive system. To assess its role in progesterone receptor-expressing cells, we generated RhoA conditional knockout mice RhoAd/d (RhoAf/f-Pgr-Cre+/-). RhoAd/d female mice had comparable mating activity, serum luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and estradiol levels and ovulation with control but were infertile with progesterone insufficiency, indicating impaired steroidogenesis in RhoAd/d corpus luteum (CL). RhoA was highly expressed in wild-type luteal cells and conditionally deleted in RhoAd/d CL. Gestation day 3.5 (D3.5) RhoAd/d ovaries had reduced numbers of CL, less defined corpus luteal cord formation, and disorganized CL collagen IV staining. RhoAd/d CL had lipid droplet and free cholesterol accumulation, indicating the availability of cholesterol for steroidogenesis, but disorganized β-actin and vimentin staining, indicating disrupted cytoskeleton integrity. Cytoskeleton is important for cytoplasmic cholesterol movement to mitochondria and for regulating mitochondria. Dramatically reduced expression of mitochondrial markers heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), voltage-dependent anion channel, and StAR was detected in RhoAd/d CL. StAR carries out the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis. StAR messenger RNA expression was reduced in RU486-treated D3.5 wild-type CL and tended to be induced in progesterone-treated D3.5 RhoAd/d CL, with parallel changes of HSP60 expression. These data demonstrated the in vivo function of RhoA in CL luteal cell cytoskeleton integrity, cholesterol transport, StAR expression, and progesterone synthesis, and a positive feedback on StAR expression in CL by progesterone signaling. These findings provide insights into mechanisms of progesterone insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E. El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory/Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
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廖 晖, 田 鎏, 杨 慧, 马 妮, 张 昌, 刁 红. [Methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 promotes the migration and inhibits decidualization of mouse uterine stromal cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2017; 37:730-736. [PMID: 28669944 PMCID: PMC6744149 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2017.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of BIX01294 (BIX), a methyltransferase inhibitor, on the migration and decidualization of the stromal cells in mouse uterus. METHODS Mouse endometrial stromal cells were isolated and cultured from the uterus of pregnant mice on day 3.5 of gestation. The migration and decidualization of mouse endometrial stromal cells treated with BIX at different concentrations were observed with wound healing assay and real-time PCR. RESULTS The migration distance of mouse endometrial stromal cells increased as the BIX concentration increased within the range below 15 µmol/L. Compared with the control cells, the cells treated with BIX (15 µmol/L) showed significantly increased migration distances, but increasing BIX concentration to 20 µmol/L did not further increase the cell migration distance and began to cause cell death. Compared with the control cells, the BIX-treated stromal cells exhibited significantly down-regulated expression of Ehmt2 mRNA, and 15 µmol/L BIX caused inhibition of decidualization in the stromal cells. CONCLUSION Within a defined concentration range, BIX promotes the migration and inhibits decidualization of mouse uterine stromal cells by inhibiting the expression of Ehmt2 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- 晖淇 廖
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 鎏 田
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 慧 杨
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 妮 马
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 昌军 张
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 胚胎干细胞湖北省重点实验室,湖北 十堰 442000Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 红录 刁
- 湖北医药学院 附属人民医院生殖医学中心,湖北 十堰 442000Reproductive Medicine Center, People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 生物医学工程学院,湖北 十堰 442000School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- 湖北医药学院 胚胎干细胞湖北省重点实验室,湖北 十堰 442000Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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Yotova I, Hsu E, Do C, Gaba A, Sczabolcs M, Dekan S, Kenner L, Wenzl R, Tycko B. Epigenetic Alterations Affecting Transcription Factors and Signaling Pathways in Stromal Cells of Endometriosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170859. [PMID: 28125717 PMCID: PMC5268815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Since its pathogenesis may involve epigenetic changes, we used Illumina 450K Methylation Beadchips to profile CpG methylation in endometriosis stromal cells compared to stromal cells from normal endometrium. We validated and extended the Beadchip data using bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq), and analyzed differential methylation (DM) at the CpG-level and by an element-level classification for groups of CpGs in chromatin domains. Genes found to have DM included examples encoding transporters (SLC22A23), signaling components (BDNF, DAPK1, ROR1, and WNT5A) and transcription factors (GATA family, HAND2, HOXA cluster, NR5A1, OSR2, TBX3). Intriguingly, among the TF genes with DM we also found JAZF1, a proto-oncogene affected by chromosomal translocations in endometrial stromal tumors. Using RNA-Seq we identified a subset of the DM genes showing differential expression (DE), with the likelihood of DE increasing with the extent of the DM and its location in enhancer elements. Supporting functional relevance, treatment of stromal cells with the hypomethylating drug 5aza-dC led to activation of DAPK1 and SLC22A23 and repression of HAND2, JAZF1, OSR2, and ROR1 mRNA expression. We found that global 5hmC is decreased in endometriotic versus normal epithelial but not stroma cells, and for JAZF1 and BDNF examined by oxidative bis-seq, found that when 5hmC is detected, patterns of 5hmC paralleled those of 5mC. Together with prior studies, these results define a consistent epigenetic signature in endometriosis stromal cells and nominate specific transcriptional and signaling pathways as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Yotova
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Hsu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Catherine Do
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Aulona Gaba
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Sczabolcs
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sabine Dekan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Clinical Institute of Pathology, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Clinical Institute of Pathology, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Pathology Laboratory Animal Pathology University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rene Wenzl
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
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Ahn JI, Yoo JY, Kim TH, Kim YI, Ferguson SD, Fazleabas AT, Young SL, Lessey BA, Ahn JY, Lim JM, Jeong JW. cAMP-Response Element-Binding 3-Like Protein 1 (CREB3L1) is Required for Decidualization and its Expression is Decreased in Women with Endometriosis. Curr Mol Med 2016; 16:276-87. [PMID: 26917262 DOI: 10.2174/1566524016666160225153659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a major cause of infertility and pelvic pain, affecting more than 10% of reproductive-aged women. Progesterone resistance has been observed in the endometrium of women with this disease, as evidenced by alterations in progesterone-responsive gene and protein expression. cAMPResponse Element-Binding 3-like protein 1 (Creb3l1) has previously been identified as a progesterone receptor (PR) target gene in mouse uterus via high density DNA microarray analysis. However, CREB3L1 function has not been studied in the context of endometriosis and uterine biology. In this study, we validated progesterone (P4) regulation of Creb3l1 in the uteri of wild-type and progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mice. Furthermore, we observed that CREB3L1 expression was significantly higher in secretory phase human endometrium compared to proliferative phase and that CREB3L1 expression was significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Lastly, by transfecting CREB3L1 siRNA into cultured human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) prior to hormonal induction of in vitro decidualization, we showed that CREB3L1 is required for the decidualization process. Interestingly, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, critical factor for decidualization, was also significantly reduced in CREB3L1-silenced hESCs. It is known that hESCs from patients with endometriosis show impaired decidualization and that dysregulation of the P4-PR signaling axis is linked to a variety of endometrial diseases including infertility and endometriosis. Therefore, these results suggest that CREB3L1 is required for decidualization in mice and humans and may be linked to the pathogenesis of endometriosis in a P4-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - J M Lim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Bioevaluation, Major in Biomodulation, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea.
| | - J-W Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Suite 4024, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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Santulli P, Marcellin L, Chouzenoux S, Boulard V, Just PA, Nicco C, Chereau C, Tosti C, Chapron C, Batteux F. Role of the protein kinase BRAF in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1017-29. [PMID: 27087167 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1180367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in the proliferation and survival of endometriotic lesions. Vemurafenib (PLX4032) is a novel protein kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF, a member of the MAPK pathway. The present study tested the in vitro and in vivo effects of PLX4032 on endometriotic cells. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a laboratory study in a tertiary-care university hospital from January 2013 to September 2013. We enrolled a cohort of 40 patients: 20 with histologically proven endometriosis and 20 unaffected women. A thorough surgical examination of the abdominopelvic cavity was performed on all of the study participants. Ex vivo stromal and epithelial cells were extracted from endometrial and endometriotic biopsies from both sets of patients. Proliferation, apoptosis, pERK/ERK ratio, cell cycle regulation (Cyclin D1 and CDK4) and inflammation (PTGS2) were explored with and without PLX4032 treatment. Human endometriotic lesions were implanted into 40 nude mice that were separated into two groups according to PLX4032 or vehicle treatment, which they received for four weeks, before sacrifice and histological examination. RESULTS Treating endometriotic cells with PLX4032 abrogated the phosphorylation of ERK, significantly reducing the pERK/ERK ratio in both epithelial and stromal cells from endometriotic women compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In addition, treatment with PLX4032 significantly decreased proliferation in both stromal and epithelial cells with a concomitant decrease in Cyclin D1/CDK4 complex and PTGS2 levels. Using a murine model of endometriosis, we observed that PLX4032-treated mice displayed a significant decrease in implant volume compared to the initial size; a slight, but non-significant, increase in size was observed in the vehicle-treated mice. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that MAPKs and BRAF are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. PLX4032-induced inhibition of BRAF controlled endometriotic growth, both in vitro and in vivo, and could constitute a promising target for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Santulli
- a Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Louis Marcellin
- a Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Sandrine Chouzenoux
- b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Veronique Boulard
- b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | | | - Carole Nicco
- b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Christiane Chereau
- b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Claudia Tosti
- d Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Charles Chapron
- a Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- b Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France.,e Department of Immunology , Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP , Paris , France
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Xu HM, Deng HT, Liu CD, Chen YL, Zhang ZY. Phosphoproteomics Analysis of Endometrium in Women with or without Endometriosis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 128:2617-24. [PMID: 26415800 PMCID: PMC4736851 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.166022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular mechanisms underlying the endometriosis are still not completely understood. In order to test the hypothesis that the approaches in phosphoproteomics might contribute to the identification of key biomarkers to assess disease pathogenesis and drug targets, we carried out a phosphoproteomics analysis of human endometrium. Methods: A large-scale differential phosphoproteome analysis, using peptide enrichment of titanium dioxide purify and sequential elution from immobilized metal affinity chromatography with linear trap quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry, was performed in endometrium tissues from 8 women with or without endometriosis. Results: The phosphorylation profiling of endometrium from endometriosis patients had been obtained, and found that identified 516 proteins were modified at phosphorylation level during endometriosis. Gene ontology annotation analysis showed that these proteins were enriched in cellular processes of binding and catalytic activity. Further pathway analysis showed that ribosome pathway and focal adhesion pathway were the top two pathways, which might be deregulated during the development of endometriosis. Conclusions: That large-scale phosphoproteome quantification has been successfully identified in endometrium tissues of women with or without endometriosis will provide new insights to understand the molecular mechanisms of the development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhen-Yu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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McKinnon BD, Kocbek V, Nirgianakis K, Bersinger NA, Mueller MD. Kinase signalling pathways in endometriosis: potential targets for non-hormonal therapeutics. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:382-403. [PMID: 26740585 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, is associated with chronic pelvic pain, subfertility and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Current treatments include the surgical removal of the lesions or the induction of a hypoestrogenic state. However, a reappearance of the lesion after surgery is common and a hypoestrogenic state is less than optimal for women of reproductive age. Additional approaches are required. Endometriosis lesions exist in a unique microenvironment characterized by increased concentrations of hormones, inflammation, oxidative stress and iron. This environment influences cell survival through the binding of membrane receptors and a subsequent cascading activation of intracellular kinases that stimulate a cellular response. Many of these kinase signalling pathways are constitutively activated in endometriosis. These pathways are being investigated as therapeutic targets in other diseases and thus may also represent a target for endometriosis treatment. METHODS To identify relevant English language studies published up to 2015 on kinase signalling pathways in endometriosis, we searched the Pubmed database using the following search terms in various combinations; 'endometriosis', 'inflammation', 'oxidative stress', 'iron', 'kinase', 'NF kappa', 'mTOR', 'MAPK' 'p38', 'JNK', 'ERK' 'estrogen' and progesterone'. Further citing references were identified using the Scopus database and finally current clinical trials were searched on the clinicaltrials.gov trial registry. RESULTS The current literature on intracellular kinases activated by the endometriotic environment can be summarized into three main pathways that could be targeted for treatments: the canonical IKKβ/NFκB pathway, the MAPK pathways (ERK1/2, p38 and JNK) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. A number of pharmaceutical compounds that target these pathways have been successfully trialled in in vitro and animal models of endometriosis, although they have not yet proceeded to clinical trials. The current generation of kinase inhibitors carry a potential for adverse side effects. CONCLUSIONS Kinase signalling pathways represent viable targets for endometriosis treatment. At present, however, further improvements in clinical efficacy and the profile of adverse effects are required before these compounds can be useful for long-term endometriosis treatment. A better understanding of the molecular activity of these kinases, including the specific extracellular compounds that lead to their activation in endometriotic cells specifically should facilitate their improvement and could potentially lead to new, non-hormonal treatments of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett D McKinnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Vida Kocbek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Kostantinos Nirgianakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Nick A Bersinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Michael D Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
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Song Y, Fu J, Zhou M, Xiao L, Feng X, Chen H, Huang W. Activated Hippo/Yes-Associated Protein Pathway Promotes Cell Proliferation and Anti-apoptosis in Endometrial Stromal Cells of Endometriosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:1552-61. [PMID: 26977530 PMCID: PMC4880175 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The imbalance in cell proliferation and apoptosis is considered an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but the exact mechanisms remains unclear. A newly established signaling pathway–Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway plays a critical role in the proliferation and apoptosis processes. However, studies focusing on Hippo/YAP pathway and endometriosis are lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective was to explore the function of the Hippo/YAP pathway in endometriosis. SETTING AND DESIGN The expression of YAP was first investigated in endometrium of women with or without endometriosis. The role of YAP in cell proliferation and apoptosis is identified by transfection of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro, subsequent Verteporfin treatments in eutopic ESCs in vitro, and endometriosis animal model of nude mice in vivo. RESULTS Our results revealed that increased expression of YAP and decreased expression of p-YAP in ectopic and eutopic endometrium compared with normal endometrium. YAP knockdown in eutopic ESCs decreased cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis companied with decreased expression of TEAD1, CTGF, and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia (BCL)-2; whereas overexpression of YAP resulted in increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of normal ESCs with increased expression of TEAD1, CTGF, and BCL-2. By chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR CTGF and BCL-2 were identified as directly downstream target genes of YAP-TEAD1 active complex. Eutopic ESCs treated with Verteporfin revealed decreased proliferation and enhanced apoptosis whereas in endometriosis animal models of nude mice treated with Verteporfin, the size of endometriotic lesions was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the Hippo/YAP-signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and should present a novel therapeutic method against endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengxi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
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Zhan H, Ma J, Ruan F, Bedaiwy MA, Peng B, Wu R, Lin J. Elevated phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) promotes cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration and invasion in endometrial stromal cells from endometrioma. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:723-33. [PMID: 26874360 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) associated with increased motility of endometriotic cells from endometrioma? SUMMARY ANSWER Elevated PRL-3 promotes cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration and invasion of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from endometrioma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Overexpression of PRL-3 is associated with cancer cell migration, invasion and metastatic phenotype. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Primary human ESCs were isolated from eutopic endometrium of women without endometriosis (EuCo, n = 10), with histologically proven endometrioma (EuEM, n = 19) and from the cyst wall of ovarian endometriosis (OvEM, n = 26). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The expression of PRL-3 in ESCs derived from EuCo, EuEM and OvEM at different phases of menstrual cycle were compared. The protein and mRNA levels of PRL-3 were examined by western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. ESCs from OvEM were transfected with/without short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Additionally, a plasmid-mediated delivery system was used to achieve PRL-3 overexpression in ESCs from EuEM. The cellular distribution of F-actin and α-tubulin were examined by immunocytochemistry. Cell motility was evaluated by a transwell migration/invasion assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The protein and mRNA levels of PRL-3 are significantly elevated in ESCs from OvEM compared with EuCo and EuEM. The expression of PRL-3 was not altered between proliferative phase and secretory phase in ESCs from all groups. Knockdown of PRL-3 significantly modified the distribution of F-actin and α-tubulin cytoskeleton, inhibited cell migration and invasion. Endogenous inhibition of PRL-3 attenuated the expression of Ras homolog gene family members A and C (RhoA, RhoC), Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, but not MMP2 in ESCs from OvEM. Additionally, overexpression of PRL-3 in ESCs from EuEM up-regulates cell migration and invasion, and increases the expression of RhoA, RhoC, ROCK1 and MMP9. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Lack of in vivo animal studies is the major limitation of our report. Our results should be further confirmed in a larger cohort of patients and extended to include eutopic and ectopic endometrium from patients with peritoneal endometriosis at different stages of the disease. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study describes that elevated expression of PRL-3 contributes to the cell motility of ESCs from endometrioma. The results emphasize the importance of metastatic-related factor PRL-3 in the pathogenesis of endometrioma. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81170546) and Zhejiang Medicine Science and Technology Projects (No. Y13H040003). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310006, P.R. China
| | - Junyan Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310006, P.R. China
| | - Fei Ruan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310006, P.R. China
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Child & Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - Ruijin Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310006, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310006, P.R. China
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Gounaris I, Brenton JD. Molecular pathogenesis of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Future Oncol 2016; 11:1389-405. [PMID: 25952785 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma is a distinct subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, characterized by an association with endometriosis, glycogen accumulation and resistance to chemotherapy. Key driver events, including ARID1A mutations and HNF1B overexpression, have been recently identified and their functional characterization is ongoing. Additionally, the role of glycogen in promoting the malignant phenotype is coming under scrutiny. Appreciation of the notion that ovarian clear cell carcinoma is essentially an ectopic uterine cancer will hopefully lead to improved animal models of the disease, in turn paving the way for effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gounaris
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
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Silva RDCPDCE, Moura KKVDO, Ribeiro Júnior CL, Guillo LA. Estrogen signaling in the proliferative endometrium: implications in endometriosis. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2016; 62:72-7. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.62.01.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Even though the physiological role of estrogen in the female reproductive cycle and endometrial proliferative phase is well established, the signaling pathways by which estrogen exerts its action in the endometrial tissue are still little known. In this regard, advancements in cell culture techniques and maintenance of endometrial cells in cultures enabled the discovery of new signaling mechanisms activated by estrogen in the normal endometrium and in endometriosis. This review aims to present the recent findings in the genomic and non-genomic estrogen signaling pathways in the proliferative human endometrium specifically associated with the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis.
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Santulli P, Marcellin L, Tosti C, Chouzenoux S, Cerles O, Borghese B, Batteux F, Chapron C. MAP kinases and the inflammatory signaling cascade as targets for the treatment of endometriosis? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:1465-83. [PMID: 26389657 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1090974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of endometriosis, a common benign disease, remains ill-defined, although it is clear that chronic inflammation plays a crucial role through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. All current medical therapies for endometriosis are antigonadotropic, and therefore have a contraceptive effect. A concerted research effort is hence warranted with the aim of delivering novel therapeutics that reduces disease symptoms without blocking ovulation. AREAS COVERED The authors review the complex pathogenic mechanisms of chronic inflammation in endometriosis and their relationships with MAPK pathways. The authors conducted a literature search of descriptive and functional targeted validation of MAPK in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The effects of MAPK inhibitors, which constitute potential agents for future treatments, are also described. EXPERT OPINION Preliminary studies have highlighted a crucial role for MAPK in driving endometriosis-related inflammation. MAPK inhibitors exhibit potent activity in terms of controlling growth of endometriosis lesions both in vitro and in animal models. As MAPK inhibitors are known to have a multitude of undesirable side effects, their use in humans has to be approached with great care. Indeed, use of these drugs would probably be limited to short exposures prior to surgery in cases involving the most severe disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Santulli
- a 1 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP- HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , 75679 Paris, France +33 1 58 41 36 72 ; .,b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
| | - Louis Marcellin
- a 1 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP- HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , 75679 Paris, France +33 1 58 41 36 72 ; .,b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Tosti
- c 3 University of Siena, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Siena, Italy
| | - Sandrine Chouzenoux
- b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Cerles
- b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Borghese
- a 1 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP- HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , 75679 Paris, France +33 1 58 41 36 72 ; .,b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France.,d 4 Hôpital Cochin, Department of Immunology , AP-HP, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- a 1 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP- HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine , 75679 Paris, France +33 1 58 41 36 72 ; .,b 2 Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Department "Development, Reproduction and Cancer," Institut Cochin , INSERM U1016, Equipe Pr Batteux, Paris, France
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Wang S, Duan H, Zhang Y, Sun FQ. Abnormal Activation of RhoA/ROCK-I Signaling in Junctional Zone Smooth Muscle Cells of Patients With Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:333-41. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719115602764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - H. Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y. Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - F. Q. Sun
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Wang C, Jin A, Huang W, Tsang LL, Cai Z, Zhou X, Chen H, Chan HC. Up-regulation of Bcl-2 by CD147 Through ERK Activation Results in Abnormal Cell Survival in Human Endometriosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:E955-63. [PMID: 25996258 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human endometriosis (EMS) is characterized by insufficient apoptosis. Our previous studies have shown elevated CD147 expression in human endometriotic tissues and its involvement in endometrial cell apoptosis. However, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine the correlation of the highly expressed CD147 with anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in human endometriotic tissues and to determine the CD147-regulated apoptotic pathway in human endometrial epithelial cell line (HES). DESIGN This was a laboratory study using human tissue analysis and HES cell culture. SETTING The setting was an academic research center and hospital. PATIENTS Patients were 30 women with ovarian EMS and 12 women without EMS. INTERVENTIONS mRNA levels of CD147 and Bcl-2 were evaluated in endometriotic tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. HES cells were transfected with pcDNA3.0-CD147 overexpressing plasmid or immune-depleted by CD147 antibody. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcome measures were reverse transcription, quantitative real-time PCR, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, and Western blotting. RESULTS In human endometriotic tissues, Bcl-2 was up-regulated and positively correlated with CD147 expression, accompanied by activated ERK signaling. In HES cells, overexpression of CD147 increased viable cells and up-regulated Bcl-2 expression by activation of ERK signaling. Interference with CD147 function suppressed ERK signaling and decreased Bcl-2 expression, followed by accumulation of apoptotic factors, including cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase. CONCLUSIONS The presently found strong correlations between Bcl-2 and CD147, ERK, and CD147 in human endometriotic lesions and the demonstrated reduced cell apoptosis through CD147-ERK-Bcl-2 intrinsic apoptosis signaling axis suggest that this CD147-regulated signaling may contribute to the enhanced cell survival in the progression of human EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Aihong Jin
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wenqing Huang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lai Ling Tsang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaping Zhou
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hao Chen
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center (C.W., W.H., L.L.T., H.C., H.C.C.), Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Gynaecology (A.J., Z.C., X.Z., H.C.), The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, the People's Republic of China; and School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory (H.C.C.), Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Zhu H, Hou CC, Luo LF, Hu YJ, Yang WX. Endometrial stromal cells and decidualized stromal cells: origins, transformation and functions. Gene 2014; 551:1-14. [PMID: 25168894 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Decidualization of endometrium, which is characterized by endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization, vascular reconstruction, immune cell recruitment, and plentiful molecule production, is a crucial step for uterus to become receptive for embryo. When implantation takes place, ESCs surround and directly interact with embryo. Decidualized stromal cells (DSCs) are of great importance in endometrial decidualization, having a broad function in regulating immune activity and vascular remodeling of uterus. DSCs are shown to have a higher metabolic level and looser cytoskeleton than ESCs. What's the origin of ESCs and how ESCs successfully transform into DSCs had puzzled scientists in the last decades. Breakthrough had been achieved recently, and many studies had elucidated some of the characters and functions of DSCs. However, several questions still remain unclear. This paper reviews current understanding of where ESCs come from and how ESCs differentiate into DSCs, summarizes some characters and functions of DSCs, analyzes current studies and their limitations and points out research areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Zhu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling-Feng Luo
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Jun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Tan CW, Lee YH, Tan HH, Lau MSK, Choolani M, Griffith L, Chan JKY. CD26/DPPIV down-regulation in endometrial stromal cell migration in endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:167-177.e9. [PMID: 24825423 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in endometriosis exhibit increased cell motility under hypoxia. DESIGN Prospective case-control study. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Women with endometriosis (n = 18) or benign gynecological disease (n=19). INTERVENTION(S) Eutopic ESCs were cultured under normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (6.5% O2), and migration and invasion capacity assayed, with pathway-focused polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and ELISAs performed. CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) expression was determined by flow cytometric analysis and enzymatic activity assay. The ESCs supplemented with Diprotin A (CD26 inhibitor), stromal cell-derived factor-1α, or AMD3100 (C-X-C motif receptor 4; CXCR4 blocker) were assayed for their migratory potential. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Endometrial stromal cell migration and invasion under hypoxia. RESULT(S) Endometriotic ESCs showed significantly higher migration and invasion through collagen gels under hypoxia compared with nonendometriotic ESCs. The PCR array revealed down-regulation of the migration inhibitor CD26/DPPIV and up-regulation of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor A, C-X-C motif Ligand 6; CXCL6) in endometriotic ESCs under hypoxia. The CD26/DPPIV surface expression and activity as well as angiogenic protein secretions suggested that the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant migratory and angiogenic behavior in endometriotic ESCs. A combinatorial treatment with diprotin A and stromal cell-derived factor-1α effectively enhanced migration and invasion preferentially in endometriotic ESCs cultured hypoxically. CONCLUSION(S) Loss of CD26/DPPIV under hypoxia and the subsequent increase in migratory and angiogenic factors may favor conditions for lesion development in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Wen Tan
- BioSystems and Micromechanics, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- BioSystems and Micromechanics, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology, Singapore
| | - Heng Hao Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Matthew Sie Kuei Lau
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda Griffith
- BioSystems and Micromechanics, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology, Singapore; Department of Biological and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- BioSystems and Micromechanics, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
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AB S, Srivastava P, Shivaji S. Understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis through proteomics: Recent advances and future prospects. Proteomics Clin Appl 2013; 8:86-98. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siva AB
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research); Hyderabad India
| | - Priyanka Srivastava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research); Hyderabad India
| | - Sisinthy Shivaji
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research); Hyderabad India
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Lee CH, Kim TH, Lee JH, Oh SJ, Yoo JY, Kwon HS, Kim YI, Ferguson SD, Ahn JY, Ku BJ, Fazleabas AT, Lim JM, Jeong JW. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway is required for endometrial decidualization in mice and human. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75282. [PMID: 24086495 PMCID: PMC3782496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidualization is a crucial change required for successful embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. During this process, endometrial stromal cells differentiate into decidual cells in response to the ovarian steroid hormones of early pregnancy. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are known to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in multiple cell types, including uterine endometrial cells. Aberrant activation of ERK1/2 has recently been implicated in the pathological processes of endometriosis and endometrial cancer. However, the function of ERK1/2 signaling during implantation and decidualization is still unknown. To determine the role and regulation of ERK1/2 signaling during implantation and decidualization, we examine ERK1/2 signaling in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy using immunostaining and qPCR. Interestingly, levels of phospho-ERK1/2 were highest within decidual cells located at the implantation sites. Expression levels of ERK1/2 target genes were also significantly higher at implantation sites, when compared to either inter-implantation sites. To determine if ERK1/2 signaling is also important during human endometrial decidualization, we examined levels of phospho-ERK1/2 in cultured human endometrial stromal cells during in vitro decidualization. Following treatment with a well-established decidualization-inducing steroidogenic cocktail, levels of phospho-ERK1/2 were markedly increased. Treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, significantly decreased the expression of the known decidualization marker genes, IGFBP1 and PRL as well as inhibited the induction of known ERK1/2 target genes; FOS, MSK1, STAT1, and STAT3. Interestingly, the phosphorylation level of CCAAT/ enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a protein previously shown to be critical for decidualization, was significantly reduced in this model. These results suggest that ERK1/2 signaling is required for successful decidualization in mice as well as human endometrial stromal cells and implicates C/EBPβ as a downstream target of ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Hyun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Seo Jin Oh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yoon Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hyo Suk Kwon
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Im Kim
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Susan D. Ferguson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ji Yeon Ahn
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Mook Lim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- * E-mail: (JWJ); (JML)
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- WCU Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- * E-mail: (JWJ); (JML)
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Liu H, Jiang Y, Jin X, Zhu L, Shen X, Zhang Q, Wang B, Wang J, Hu Y, Yan G, Sun H. CAPN 7 promotes the migration and invasion of human endometrial stromal cell by regulating matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:64. [PMID: 23855590 PMCID: PMC3717291 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) has been reported to be an important regulator of cell migration and invasion through degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in many diseases, such as cancer and endometriosis. Here, we found calcium-activated neutral protease 7 (CAPN 7) expression was markedly upregulated in the eutopic endometrium and endometrial stromal cells of women diagnosed with endometriosis. Our studies were carried out to detect the effects of CAPN 7 on human endometrial stromal cell (hESC) migration and invasion. METHODS Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of CAPN 7 in endometriosis patients and normal fertile women. Scratch-wound-healing and invasion chamber assay were used to investigate the role of CAPN 7 in hESC migration and invasion. Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR and zymography were carried out to detect the effect of CAPN 7 on the expressions and activity of MMP-2. RESULTS CAPN 7 was markedly up-regulated in endometriosis, thereby promoting the migration and invasion of hESC. CAPN 7 overexpression led to increased expression of MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2); CAPN 7 knockdown reversed these changes. CAPN 7 increased MMP-2 activity by increasing the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2. We also found that OA-Hy (an MMP-2 inhibitor) decreased the effects of CAPN 7 overexpression on hESC migration and invasion by approximately 50% and 55%, respectively. Additionally, a coimmunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that CAPN 7 interacted with activator protein 2α (AP-2α): an important transcription factor of MMP-2. CONCLUSIONS CAPN 7 promotes hESC migration and invasion by increasing the activity of MMP-2 via an increased ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxia Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
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Weimar CHE, Macklon NS, Post Uiterweer ED, Brosens JJ, Gellersen B. The motile and invasive capacity of human endometrial stromal cells: implications for normal and impaired reproductive function. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:542-57. [PMID: 23827985 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms underlying early reproductive loss in the human are beginning to be elucidated. The migratory and invasive capacity of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is increasingly recognized to contribute to the intense tissue remodelling associated with embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion and endometrial regeneration. In this review, we examine the signals and mechanisms that control ESC migration and invasion and assess how deregulation of these cell functions contributes to common reproductive disorders. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for publications on motility and invasiveness of human ESCs in normal endometrial function and in reproductive disorders including implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), endometriosis and adenomyosis, covering the period 2000-2012. RESULTS Increasing evidence suggests that implantation failure and RPL involve abnormal migratory responses of decidualizing ESCs to embryo and trophoblast signals. Numerous reports indicate that endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis, is associated with increased basal and stimulated invasiveness of ESCs and their progenitor cells, suggesting a link between a heightened menstrual repair response and the formation of ectopic implants. Migration and invasiveness of ESCs are controlled by a complex array of hormones, growth factors, chemokines and inflammatory mediators, and involve signalling through Rho GTPases, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. CONCLUSIONS Novel concepts are extending our understanding of the key functions of ESCs in effecting tissue repair imposed by cyclic menstruation and parturition. Migration of decidualizing ESCs also serves to support blastocyst implantation and embryo selection through discriminate motile responses directed by embryo quality. Targeting regulatory molecules holds promise for developing new strategies for the treatment of reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage; and harnessing the migratory capacity of progenitor mesenchymal stem cells in the endometrium may offer new opportunities in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, The Netherlands
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Kim KH, Park JK, Choi YW, Kim YH, Lee EN, Lee JR, Kim HS, Baek SY, Kim BS, Lee KS, Yoon S. Hexane extract of aged black garlic reduces cell proliferation and attenuates the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM‑1 in TNF-α-activated human endometrial stromal cells. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:67-78. [PMID: 23619991 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates the potentially crucial roles of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the pathological process underlying endometriosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a hexane extract of aged black garlic (HEABG) on the proliferation and expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-activated human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) isolated from patients with endometriosis. HESCs were isolated from endometriotic tissues obtained from women with advanced endometriosis who underwent laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma (n=18). Cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis were assessed by WST-1 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was measured by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. The secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK was analyzed by immunoblotting. Cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were significantly suppressed by HEABG in the TNF-α-induced HESCs through the inhibition of the ERK and JNK signaling pathways. Remarkably, the treatment of the HESCs with HEABG potently suppressed the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 transcript and protein expression by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors. Our results suggest that HEABG may be effective in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan 602-739, Republic of Korea
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Mahankali M, Henkels KM, Gomez-Cambronero J. A GEF-to-phospholipase molecular switch caused by phosphatidic acid, Rac and JAK tyrosine kinase that explains leukocyte cell migration. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:1416-28. [PMID: 23378025 PMCID: PMC3644142 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.117960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) is a cell-signaling molecule that bears two activities: a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and a lipase that reside in the PX/PH domains and in two HKD domains, respectively. Upon cell stimulation, the GEF activity yields Rac2-GTP and the lipase activity yields phosphatidic acid (PA). In the present study, we show for the first time that these activities regulate one another. Upon cell stimulation, both GEF and lipase activities are quickly (within ∼3 min) elevated. As soon as it is produced, PA positively feeds back on the GEF and further activates it. Rac2-GTP, on the other hand, is inhibitory to the lipase activity. PLD2 would remain downregulated if it were not for the contribution of the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), which restores lipase action (by phosphorylation at Y415). Conversely, the GEF is inhibited upon phosphorylation by JAK3 and is effectively terminated by this action and by the increasing accumulation of PA at >15 min of cell stimulation. This PA interferes with the ability of the GEF to bind to its substrate (Rac2-GTP). Thus, both temporal inter-regulation and phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms are involved in determining a GEF-lipase switch within the same molecule. Human neutrophils stimulated by interleukin-8 follow a biphasic pattern of GEF and lipase activation that can be explained by such an intramolecular switch. This is the first report of a temporal inter-regulation of two enzymatic activities that reside in the same molecule with profound biological consequences in leukocyte cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julian Gomez-Cambronero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University School of Medicine, OH 45435, USA
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Streuli I, de Ziegler D, Santulli P, Marcellin L, Borghese B, Batteux F, Chapron C. An update on the pharmacological management of endometriosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2013; 14:291-305. [PMID: 23356536 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2013.767334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a common disease that causes pain symptoms and/or infertility in women in their reproductive years. The disease is characterised by the presence of endometrium-like tissue - glands and stroma - outside the uterine cavity. Different treatment options exist for endometriosis including medical and surgical treatments or a combination of the two approaches. The most commonly used medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, GnRH agonists, androgen derivatives such as danazol, combined oral contraceptive pills, progestogens and more recently the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. AREAS COVERED The authors review current medical treatments used for symptomatic endometriosis and also discuss new treatment approaches. The authors conducted a literature search for randomised controlled trials related to medical treatments of endometriosis in humans, searched the Cochrane library for reviews and also searched for registered trials that have not yet been published on ClinicalTrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION The medical treatment of endometriosis is effective at treating pain and preventing recurrence of disease after surgery. Remarkably, the oral contraceptive pill taken continuously is as effective as GnRH-a, while causing far less side-effects. Conversely, no treatment currently exists for enhancing fecundity in women whose infertility is associated with endometriosis. As all existing therapies of endometriosis are contraceptive, great efforts should be targeted at researching novel products that reduce the disease expression without shuttering ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Streuli
- Service de gynécologie, obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, Groupe hospitalier du centre Cochin -- Broca -- Hôtel-Dieu, CHU Cochin, Paris, France
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74
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Schwenke M, Knöfler M, Velicky P, Weimar CHE, Kruse M, Samalecos A, Wolf A, Macklon NS, Bamberger AM, Gellersen B. Control of human endometrial stromal cell motility by PDGF-BB, HB-EGF and trophoblast-secreted factors. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54336. [PMID: 23349855 PMCID: PMC3549986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human implantation involves extensive tissue remodeling at the fetal-maternal interface. It is becoming increasingly evident that not only trophoblast, but also decidualizing endometrial stromal cells are inherently motile and invasive, and likely contribute to the highly dynamic processes at the implantation site. The present study was undertaken to further characterize the mechanisms involved in the regulation of endometrial stromal cell motility and to identify trophoblast-derived factors that modulate migration. Among local growth factors known to be present at the time of implantation, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) triggered chemotaxis (directed locomotion), whereas platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB elicited both chemotaxis and chemokinesis (non-directed locomotion) of endometrial stromal cells. Supernatants of the trophoblast cell line AC-1M88 and of first trimester villous explant cultures stimulated chemotaxis but not chemokinesis. Proteome profiling for cytokines and angiogenesis factors revealed neither PDGF-BB nor HB-EGF in conditioned media from trophoblast cells or villous explants, while placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and PDGF-AA were identified as prominent secretory products. Among these, only PDGF-AA triggered endometrial stromal cell chemotaxis. Neutralization of PDGF-AA in trophoblast conditioned media, however, did not diminish chemoattractant activity, suggesting the presence of additional trophoblast-derived chemotactic factors. Pathway inhibitor studies revealed ERK1/2, PI3 kinase/Akt and p38 signaling as relevant for chemotactic motility, whereas chemokinesis depended primarily on PI3 kinase/Akt activation. Both chemotaxis and chemokinesis were stimulated upon inhibition of Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase. The chemotactic response to trophoblast secretions was not blunted by inhibition of isolated signaling cascades, indicating activation of overlapping pathways in trophoblast-endometrial communication. In conclusion, trophoblast signals attract endometrial stromal cells, while PDGF-BB and HB-EGF, although not identified as trophoblast-derived, are local growth factors that may serve to fine-tune directed and non-directed migration at the implantation site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Velicky
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte H. E. Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Anja Wolf
- Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nick S. Macklon
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ana-Maria Bamberger
- Endocrinology and Metabolism of Ageing, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Yotova I, Quan P, Gaba A, Leditznig N, Pateisky P, Kurz C, Tschugguel W. Raf-1 levels determine the migration rate of primary endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 16:2127-39. [PMID: 22225925 PMCID: PMC3822983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01520.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the localization of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The differences observed in migration of human endometrial stromal cells (hESC) obtained from patients with endometriosis versus healthy controls were proposed to correlate with the abnormal activation of Raf-1/ROCKII signalling pathway. To evaluate the mechanism by which Raf-1 regulates cytoskeleton reorganization and motility, we used primary eutopic (Eu-, n = 16) and ectopic (Ec-, n = 8; isolated from ovarian cysts) hESC of patients with endometriosis and endometriosis-free controls (Co-hESC, n = 14). Raf-1 siRNA knockdown in Co- and Eu-hESC resulted in contraction and decreased migration versus siRNA controls. This phenotype was reversed following the re-expression of Raf-1 in these cells. Lowest Raf-1 levels in Ec-hESC were associated with hyperactivated ROCKII and ezrin/radixin/moesin (E/R/M), impaired migration and a contracted phenotype similar to Raf-1 knockdown in Co- and Eu-hESC. We further show that the mechanism by which Raf-1 mediates migration in hESC includes direct myosin light chain phosphatase (MYPT1) phosphorylation and regulation of the levels of E/R/M, paxillin, MYPT1 and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation indirectly via the hyperactivation of ROCKII kinase. Furthermore, we suggest that in contrast to Co-and Eu-hESC, where the cellular Raf-1 levels regulate the rate of migration, the low cellular Raf-1 content in Ec-hESC, might ensure their restricted migration by preserving the contracted cellular phenotype. In conclusion, our findings suggest that cellular levels of Raf-1 adjust the threshold of hESC migration in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Yotova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Li X, Gong X, Zhu L, Leng J, Fan Q, Sun D, Lang J, Fan Y. Stretch magnitude- and frequency-dependent cyclooxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 up-regulation in human endometrial stromal cells: Possible implications in endometriosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:1350-8. [DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, with a prevalence rate ranging from 6% to 10%, is the major contributor to pelvic pain and subfertility, and considerably reduces the quality of life in affected women. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to uncover the role of hyperperistalsis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, by exploring the response of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to the cyclic stretch in vitro. ESCs isolated from 18 different endometrium biopsies undergoing hysterectomy for myoma were subjected to uniaxial cyclic stretches with different magnitude and frequency using the Uniaxial Tension System. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in stretched and unstretched ESCs were assessed by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cyclic stretch mimicking hyperperistalsis in endometriosis (5% elongation at 4 cycles/min) stimulated quick up-regulations of COX-2 and mPGES-1 simultaneously on both transcriptional and translational levels, and delayed PGE2 overproduction was also noted in ESCs. As the stretch magnitude or frequency increased, so did overexpression of COX-2 and PGE2 ( P < 0.05). By contrast, the cyclic stretch mimicking physiological peristalsis (3% elongation at 2 cycles/min) did not induce significant COX-2, mPGES-1 or PGE2production within 12 h. Both COX-2 and mPEGS-1 are PGE2 synthases, and the aberrant COX-2 and PGE2 production play important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, the present findings revealed that increased stretch stimuli from the hyperperistalsis of endometriosis were capable of causing the aberrant COX-2 and PGE2 expression in the endometrium by mechanotransduction, in a magnitude and frequency-dependent manner. It implied possible roles of hyperperistalsis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, particularly in the view of COX-2 and PGE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Xianghui Gong
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, XueYuan Road No. 37, Haidian District 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Qingbo Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Dawei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College,1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng 100730
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, XueYuan Road No. 37, Haidian District 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Mormile R, Vittori G. MAPK signaling pathway and endometriosis: what is the link? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 287:837-8. [PMID: 23053318 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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De La Garza EM, Binkley PA, Ganapathy M, Krishnegowda NK, Tekmal RR, Schenken RS, Kirma NB. Raf-1, a potential therapeutic target, mediates early steps in endometriosis lesion development by endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3911-21. [PMID: 22619359 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a hormone-sensitive gynecological disorder characterized by the benign growth of endometrial-like tissue in the pelvic cavity. Endometriotic lesions composed of endometrial stromal cells (ESC) and glandular epithelial cells (EEC) are thought to arise from menstrual endometrial tissue reaching the pelvic cavity via retrograde menstruation. The cause of endometriotic lesion formation is still not clear. Recent evidence suggest that cytokines may play a role in the early development of endometriosis lesions. Because cytokines and growth factors signal via the v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (Raf-1) kinase pathway, we have examined the role of Raf-1 in early steps of endometriosis lesion formation, specifically attachment of endometrial cells to peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC) and invasion of endometrial cells through PMC (trans-mesothelial invasion). Raf-1 antagonist GW5074 decreased attachment to PMC and trans-mesothelial invasion by primary EEC and ESC. Raf-1 also mediated TGFβ-induced trans-mesothelial invasion by the established, low-invasive EEC line EM42. TGFβ treatment of EEC resulted in Raf-1 phosphorylation at S338 and phosphorylation of ERK, suggesting that TGFβ activates Raf-1 signaling in these cells. GW5074 had little effect on ESC proliferation but inhibited EEC growth significantly under reduced serum conditions. Antagonizing Raf-1 activity and expression via GW5074 and specific Raf-1 small interfering RNA, respectively, did not alter EEC resistance to growth inhibition by TGFβ. Raf-1 inhibition blocked induction of EEC growth by epidermal growth factor. Our data suggest that Raf-1 may mediate pathologic steps involved in early endometriosis lesion formation and may be a mediator of TGFβ and epidermal growth factor actions in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M De La Garza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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Annunziata M, Luque RM, Durán-Prado M, Baragli A, Grande C, Volante M, Gahete MD, Deltetto F, Camanni M, Ghigo E, Castaño JP, Granata R. Somatostatin and somatostatin analogues reduce PDGF-induced endometrial cell proliferation and motility. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2117-29. [PMID: 22588000 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is characterized by ectopic implantation of endometrial cells, which show increased proliferation and migration. Somatostatin (SST) and its analogues inhibit normal and cancer cell growth and motility through the SST receptors, sst1-5. Cortistatin (CST), which displays high structural and functional homology with SST, binds all ssts, as well as MrgX2. Our objective was to investigate the gene expression of the SST/CST system and to determine the effect of SST and its analogues on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation and motility in telomerase-immortalized human endometrial stromal cell (T HESC) line and in primary endometrial stromal cell (ESCs) isolated from human endometriotic tissues. METHODS Ectopic endometrial tissues were collected from women (n= 23) undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis (Stage III/IV). Gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR, cell motility by wound healing assay, protein expression and β-actin rearrangement by immunofluorescence, cell proliferation by the Alamar blue assay and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation by western blot. RESULTS Human endometriotic tissues, primary ESCs and T HESCs expressed SST, CST and ssts. SST, its analogues SOM230 and octreotide, as well as CST, counteracted PDGF-induced proliferation and migration in both ESCs and T HESCs. SST also inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor and metalloprotease-2 mRNA expression, and reduced basal and PDGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the SST/CST system is expressed in endometriotic tissues and cells. The inhibitory effects of SST and its analogues on PDGF-induced proliferation and motility suggest that these peptides may represent promising tools in the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Annunziata
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Streuli I, de Ziegler D, Borghese B, Santulli P, Batteux F, Chapron C. New treatment strategies and emerging drugs in endometriosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2012; 17:83-104. [PMID: 22439891 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2012.668885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Endometriosis, histologically defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissue - glands and stroma - that develops outside of the uterine cavity, is still an enigmatic disease responsible for pelvic pain and infertility. The current treatments of endometriosis are surgery and hormonal therapies that act by suppressing ovulation and/or directly on steroid receptors located in endometriotic lesions. Areas covered: New hormonal and non-hormonal therapies are being developed for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain. The authors review the state of advancement and the results of novel treatments studied in registered trials ( www.ClinicalTrials.gov ). Cellular signaling pathways activated in endometriotic cells, which constitute potential targets for future treatments, are also described. Expert opinion: Therapeutic research efforts should focus on identifying and testing substances capable of acting locally on the lesions themselves, without interfering with ovulation, in order to be efficacious on both pain symptoms and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Streuli
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de médecine - Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Cochin, Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine , Paris , France
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Chen Q, Zhang C, Chen Y, Lou J, Wang D. Identification of endometriosis-related genes by representational difference analysis of cDNA. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 52:140-5. [PMID: 22276910 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2011.01405.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulated evidence reveals that abnormally expressed genes in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. AIMS Identification of endometriosis-related genes for further revealing the pathogenesis of endometriosis and offering the basis for developing the molecular-targeted diagnosis and therapy of endometriosis. METHODS Forty women with endometriosis and forty control women without endometriosis during their secretory phase were selected for this study. cDNA representational difference analysis (cDNA-RDA) was performed to screen the up-regulated genes in eutopic endometrium samples of endometriosis (n = 10) compared with the controls (n = 10). To validate the results, MAT2A, the most abundantly expressed gene, was selected to detect mRNA and protein levels between eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) using immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS Ten up-regulated genes were identified in eutopic endometria of endometriosis compared with controls. Among these genes, COX-2, BRAF, NRAS and CFL1 have already been reported to be associated with the endometriosis in previous studies. MAT2A, SEPT9, ATAD3A and CADM2 have been reported to be involved in other diseases but not in endometriosis. NAA15 and CCDC21 have not reported in any diseases. Further study showed that MAT2A protein was localised in both endometrial glandular and stromal cells. Compared with controls, the mRNA and protein levels of MAT2A were significantly higher in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS cDNA-RDA can be used to effectively identify the endometriosis-related genes, which can provide novel experimental data and further understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Gounaris I, Charnock-Jones DS, Brenton JD. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma--bad endometriosis or bad endometrium? J Pathol 2011; 225:157-60. [PMID: 21898874 DOI: 10.1002/path.2970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has become increasingly clear that the four main histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), high-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous, are entities with different epidemiologies, clinical presentations, responses to treatment, and ultimate outcomes. In fact, for all intents and purposes, they can be considered different diseases, their only common denominator being that they frequently involve the ovary and pelvic organs. However, clinical practice has not caught up with these insights and the treatment of EOC is that of a single disease entity. In part, this is because we lack detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of each disease, which is vital in order to develop therapeutic approaches against common driver events. In the last few years, mutations in ARID1A and PIK3CA have been described in a substantial fraction of cases of ovarian clear cell carcinoma, yet the paper by Yamamoto et al in this issue of The Journal of Pathology reveals that PIK3CA mutations can be detected in precursor endometriosis tissues. These and other recent observations underscore the importance of investigating whether mutations in the eutopic endometrium actually predispose to endometriosis and eventually to malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gounaris
- Functional Genomics of Ovarian Cancer Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
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