101
|
Elmore SA, Cochran RZ, Bolon B, Lubeck B, Mahler B, Sabio D, Ward JM. Histology Atlas of the Developing Mouse Placenta. Toxicol Pathol 2021; 50:60-117. [PMID: 34872401 PMCID: PMC8678285 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211042270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of the mouse as a model organism is common in translational research. This mouse-human similarity holds true for placental development as well. Proper formation of the placenta is vital for development and survival of the maturing embryo. Placentation involves sequential steps with both embryonic and maternal cell lineages playing important roles. The first step in placental development is formation of the blastocyst wall (approximate embryonic days [E] 3.0-3.5). After implantation (∼E4.5), extraembryonic endoderm progressively lines the inner surface of the blastocyst wall (∼E4.5-5.0), forming the yolk sac that provides histiotrophic support to the embryo; subsequently, formation of the umbilical vessels (∼E8.5) supports transition to the chorioallantoic placenta and hemotrophic nutrition. The fully mature ("definitive") placenta is established by ∼E12.5. Abnormal placental development often leads to embryonic mortality, with the timing of death depending on when placental insufficiency takes place and which cells are involved. This comprehensive macroscopic and microscopic atlas highlights the key features of normal and abnormal mouse placental development from E4.5 to E18.5. This in-depth overview of a transient (and thus seldom-analyzed) developmental tissue should serve as a useful reference to aid researchers in identifying and describing mouse placental changes in engineered, induced, and spontaneous disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Elmore
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert Z Cochran
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Beth Lubeck
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Beth Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David Sabio
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jerrold M Ward
- Global Vet Pathology, Montgomery Village, MD, USA *Co-first authors
| |
Collapse
|
102
|
Aghaei Z, Steeves KL, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. The impact of perfluoroalkyl substances on pregnancy, birth outcomes and offspring development: A review of data from mouse models1. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:397-407. [PMID: 34875017 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, potentially causing adverse health effects at all stages of life. Studies from human pregnancy have shown that exposure to these contaminants are associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction; however, studies in humans are confounded by genetic and environmental factors. Here, we synthesize the available results from mouse models of pregnancy to show the causal effects of prenatal exposure to PFOA and PFOS on placental and fetal development and on neurocognitive function and metabolic disorders in offspring. We also propose gaps in the present knowledge and provide suggestions for future research studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Aghaei
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
103
|
Placental and fetal characteristics of the Ohia mouse line recapitulate outcomes in human hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Placenta 2021; 117:131-138. [PMID: 34890862 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect worldwide. The morbidity and mortality associated with these defects is compounded by increased frequency of fetal growth abnormalities. In the Ohia mouse model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the double homozygous genotype is embryonically lethal at mid-pregnancy; a time in which optimal establishment of the placenta is crucial to fetal survival. We aimed to characterize placental and fetal growth and development in the double heterozygous genotype (Sap130m/+Pcdha9m/+). There was a shift in frequency of fetuses with reduced weight near term in the Sap130m/+Pcdha9m/+ fetuses compared to wildtype, driven by lower fetal weight in male fetuses compared to female. This shift in fetal weight distribution in the Sap130m/+Pcdha9m/+ fetuses was associated with reduced labyrinth region area (P < 0.001) and reduced fetal capillary density (P < 0.001) in the placentas, the latter being significantly lower in male Sap130m/+Pcdha9m/+ placentas compared to female. mRNA expression of several nutrient transporters was also lower in placentas from males compared to placentas from females, irrespective of genotype. Overall, this data shows that whilst the double heterozygous fetuses do not carry heart defects, placental development and function is impaired, particularly in males. Such differences are similar to findings in studies of human placentas and highlights the importance of this mouse model in continuing to understand the developmental links and disruptions to the heart-placenta axis.
Collapse
|
104
|
Lee JG, Kim G, Park SG, Yon JM, Yeom J, Song HE, Cheong SA, Lim JS, Sung YH, Kim K, Yoo HJ, Hong EJ, Nam KH, Seong JK, Kim CJ, Nam SY, Baek IJ. Lipid signatures reflect the function of the murine primary placentation. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:583-596. [PMID: 34850819 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta regulates maternal-fetal communication, and its defect leads to significant pregnancy complications. The maternal and embryonic circulations are primitively connected in early placentation, but the function of the placenta during this developmentally essential period is relatively unknown. We thus performed a comparative proteomic analysis of the placenta before and after primary placentation and found that the metabolism and transport of lipids were characteristically activated in this period. The placental fatty acid (FA) carriers in specific placental compartments were upregulated according to gestational age, and metabolomic analysis also showed that the placental transport of FAs increased in a time-dependent manner. Further analysis of two mutant mice models with embryonic lethality revealed that lipid-related signatures could reflect the functional state of the placenta. Our findings highlight the importance of the nutrient transport function of the primary placenta in the early gestational period and the role of lipids in embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Gi Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Yon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Yeom
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Eun Song
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hoan Nam
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
105
|
Gualdoni G, Gomez Castro G, Hernández R, Barbeito C, Cebral E. Comparative matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression and activity during endotheliochorial and hemochorial trophoblastic invasiveness. Tissue Cell 2021; 74:101698. [PMID: 34871824 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To establish a functional placenta, its development needs adequate trophoblastic invasiveness. The intricate and complex morphological and molecular aspects regulating trophoblastic invasion during endotheliochorial placentation of domestic carnivores and their similarities and differences with the hemochorial placenta are still poorly understood. During placentation processes, from the time of implantation, trophoblast cells invade the uterine endometrium where they achieve extensive degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix components; in this process, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and 9, have an essential role in rebuilding, cell migration, and invasiveness. This review provides an overview of comparative trophoblast invasive events and the expression and activity of MMP-2 and 9 during endotheliochorial and hemochorial placentation, emphasizing dog and mouse placental models. Understanding of trophoblastic invasiveness in two models of placentation, the intermediately invasive domestic carnivore endotheliochorial placenta, and the more highly invasive mouse hemochorial placenta, contributes to deepen knowledge of the trophoblast invasive processes and their diverse and complex human placental alterations, such as preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gualdoni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gimena Gomez Castro
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC). Cátedra de Histología y Embriología. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Rocío Hernández
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC). Cátedra de Histología y Embriología. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Claudio Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC). Cátedra de Histología y Embriología. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Elisa Cebral
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Hu H, Chen W, Tao Z, Li Z, He J, Peng Y, Ma J, Wen H, Li J, Wang X, Zhong M. Cyclosporin A alleviates trophoblast apoptosis and senescence by promoting autophagy in preeclampsia. Placenta 2021; 117:95-108. [PMID: 34785431 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abnormal extravillous trophoblast (EVT) function is closely related to preeclampsia (PE) and may be caused by inadequate autophagy, apoptosis, and senescence. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an effective immunosuppressant that has been reported to stimulate autophagy and exert benign biological effects on EVTs. Therefore, we hypothesized that CsA may display therapeutic efficacy against PE by activating autophagy. METHODS We established the nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced preeclamptic mice model and a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model in vitro. The effects of CsA on autophagy were evaluated by western blotting (WB). The effects of CsA on apoptosis were analyzed by Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, cell apoptosis assay and WB. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, RT-qPCR and WB were used to examine the senescence level. RT-qPCR were used to detect the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) level. DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were used to detect senescence-associated mitochondrial dysfunction (SAMD). RESULTS CsA alleviated PE-like symptoms and reduced placental necrosis and senescence in mice injected with l-NAME. CsA ameliorated placental SASP and SAMD level induced by l-NAME. CsA also upregulated the expression of autophagic proteins in mouse placentas disrupted using l-NAME. In vitro, we found that CsA reversed H/R-induced apoptosis and senescence, as well as decreasing SASP and SAMD levels and upregulating autophagic proteins levels. Notably, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an early phase inhibitor of autophagosome formation, abolished the protective effects of CsA against H/R. DISCUSSION CsA may display some therapeutic effects against PE by activating autophagy in vivo and in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixin Tao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiju Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiexing He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - You Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
107
|
Thomas KN, Zimmel KN, Roach AN, Basel A, Mehta NA, Bedi YS, Golding MC. Maternal background alters the penetrance of growth phenotypes and sex-specific placental adaptation of offspring sired by alcohol-exposed males. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22035. [PMID: 34748230 PMCID: PMC8713293 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101131r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms of paternal inheritance are an emerging area of interest in our efforts to understand fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In rodent models examining maternal alcohol exposures, different maternal genetic backgrounds protect or sensitize offspring to alcohol‐induced teratogenesis. However, whether maternal background can mitigate sperm‐inherited alterations in developmental programming and modify the penetrance of growth defects induced by preconception paternal alcohol exposures remains unaddressed. In our previous studies examining pure C57Bl/6J crosses, the offspring of alcohol‐exposed sires exhibited fetal growth restriction, enlarged placentas, and decreased placental efficiency. Here, we find that in contrast to our previous studies, the F1 offspring of alcohol‐exposed C57Bl/6J sires and CD‐1 dams do not exhibit fetal growth restriction, with male fetuses developing smaller placentas and increased placental efficiencies. However, in these hybrid offspring, preconception paternal alcohol exposure induces sex‐specific changes in placental morphology. Specifically, the female offspring of alcohol‐exposed sires displayed structural changes in the junctional and labyrinth zones, along with increased placental glycogen content. These changes in placental organization are accompanied by female‐specific alterations in the expression of imprinted genes Cdkn1c and H19. Although male placentae do not display overt changes in placental histology, using RNA‐sequencing, we identified programmed alterations in genes regulating oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, and Sirtuin signaling. Collectively, our data reveal that preconception paternal alcohol exposure transmits a stressor to developing offspring, that males and females exhibit distinct patterns of placental adaptation, and that maternal genetic background can modulate the effects of paternal alcohol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara N Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katherine N Zimmel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alexis N Roach
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alison Basel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole A Mehta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yudhishtar S Bedi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Michael C Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
108
|
Tran V, Weckman AM, Crowley VM, Cahill LS, Zhong K, Cabrera A, Elphinstone RE, Pearce V, Madanitsa M, Kalilani-Phiri L, Mwapasa V, Khairallah C, Conroy AL, Ter Kuile FO, Sled JG, Kain KC. The Angiopoietin-Tie2 axis contributes to placental vascular disruption and adverse birth outcomes in malaria in pregnancy. EBioMedicine 2021; 73:103683. [PMID: 34758414 PMCID: PMC8590041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria during pregnancy is a major contributor to the global burden of adverse birth outcomes including fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and fetal loss. Recent evidence supports a role for angiogenic dysregulation and perturbations to placental vascular development in the pathobiology of malaria in pregnancy. The Angiopoietin-Tie2 axis is critical for placental vascularization and remodeling. We hypothesized that disruption of this pathway would contribute to malaria-induced adverse birth outcomes. Methods Using samples from a previously conducted prospective cohort study of pregnant women in Malawi, we measured circulating levels of angiopoietin-1 (Angpt-1) and Angpt-2 by Luminex (n=1392). We used a preclinical model of malaria in pregnancy (Plasmodium berghei ANKA [PbA] in pregnant BALB/c mice), genetic disruption of Angpt-1 (Angpt1+/− mice), and micro-CT analysis of placental vasculature to test the hypothesis that disruptions to the Angpt-Tie2 axis by malaria during pregnancy would result in aberrant placental vasculature and adverse birth outcomes. Findings Decreased circulating levels of Angpt-1 and an increased ratio of Angpt-2/Angpt-1 across pregnancy were associated with malaria in pregnancy. In the preclinical model, PbA infection recapitulated disruptions to the Angiopoietin-Tie2 axis resulting in reduced fetal growth and viability. Malaria decreased placental Angpt-1 and Tie2 expression and acted synergistically with reduced Angpt-1 in heterozygous dams (Angpt1+/−), to worsen birth outcomes by impeding vascular remodeling required for placental function. Interpretation Collectively, these data support a mechanistic role for the Angpt-Tie2 axis in malaria in pregnancy, including a potential protective role for Angpt-1 in mitigating infection-associated adverse birth outcomes. Funding This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada Research Chair, and Toronto General Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship Award. The parent trial was supported by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership and the Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium, which was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funders had no role in design, analysis, or reporting of these studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Tran
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea M Weckman
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Valerie M Crowley
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathleen Zhong
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ana Cabrera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Robyn E Elphinstone
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Victoria Pearce
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mwayiwawo Madanitsa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Panja S, Paria BC. Development of the Mouse Placenta. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2021; 234:205-221. [PMID: 34694483 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77360-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Placenta forms as a momentary organ inside the uterus with a slew of activities only when the woman is pregnant. It is a discoid-shaped hybrid structure consisting of maternal and embryonic components. It develops in the mesometrial side of the uterus following blastocyst implantation to keep the two genetically different entities, the mother and embryo, separated but connected. The beginning and progression of placental formation and development following blastocyst implantation coincides with the chronological developmental stages of the embryo. It gradually acquires the ability to perform the vascular, respiratory, hepatic, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, and physical barrier functions synchronously that are vital for fetal development, growth, and safety inside the maternal environment. The uterus ejects the placenta when its embryonic growth and survival supportive roles are finished; that is usually the birth of the baby. Despite its irreplaceable role in fetal development and survival over the post-implantation progression of pregnancy, it still remains unclear how it forms, matures, performs all of its activities, and starts to fail functioning. Thus, a detailed understanding about normal developmental, structural, and functional aspects of the placenta may lead to avoid pregnancy problems that arise with the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Panja
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bibhash C Paria
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
110
|
Toschi P, Baratta M. Ruminant Placental Adaptation in Early Maternal Undernutrition: An Overview. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:755034. [PMID: 34746288 PMCID: PMC8565373 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.755034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct placental development during early gestation is considered the main determinant of fetal growth in late pregnancy. A reduction in maternal nourishment occurring across the early developmental window has been linked to a wide range of pregnancy disorders affecting placental transport capacity and consequently the fetal nutrient supply line, with long-term implications for offspring health and productivity. In livestock, ruminant species specifically experience maternal undernutrition in extensive systems due to seasonal changes in food availability, with significant economic losses for the farmer in some situations. In this review, we aim to discuss the effects of reduced maternal nutrition during early pregnancy on placental development with a specific focus on ruminant placenta physiology. Different types of placental adaptation strategies were examined, also considering the potential effects on the epigenetic landscape, which is known to undergo extensive reprogramming during early mammalian development. We also discussed the involvement of autophagy as a cellular degradation mechanism that may play a key role in the placental response to nutrient deficiency mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin, named the mTOR intracellular pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Toschi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Mario Baratta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Viale delle Scienze, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Mallery CS, Carrillo M, Mei A, Correia-Branco A, Kashpur O, Wallingford MC. Cellular Complexity of Hemochorial Placenta: Stem Cell Populations, Insights from scRNA-seq, and SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2021; 7:185-193. [PMID: 34697582 PMCID: PMC8527817 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-021-00194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The placenta is a transient organ that forms de novo and serves a critical role in supporting fetal growth and development. Placental oxygen, nutrients, and waste are transported through processes that depend on vascular structure and cell type-specific expression and localization of membrane transporters. Understanding how the placenta develops holds great significance for maternal-fetal medicine. The purpose of this review is to examine current information regarding placental progenitor populations. Recent Findings Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provide unprecedented depth for the investigation of cell type-specific gene expression patterns in the placenta. Thus far, several mouse placenta scRNA-seq studies have been conducted which produced and analyzed transcriptomes of placental progenitors and cells of the fully developed placenta between embryonic day (E) 7.0 and E12.5. Together with human placenta scRNA-seq data which, in part, has been produced through coordinated research campaigns in the scientific community to understand the potential for SARS-CoV-2 infection, these mammalian studies lend fundamental insight into the cellular and molecular composition of hemochorial placentae found in both mouse and human. Summary Single-cell placenta research has advanced understanding of tissue-resident stem cells and molecules that are poised to support maternal-fetal communication and nutrient transport. Herein, we provide context for these recent findings by reviewing placental anatomy and cell populations, and discuss recent scRNA-seq mouse placenta findings. Further research is needed to evaluate the utility of placental stem cells in the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of wound healing and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Mallery
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
- Texas A&M University - San Antonio, One University Way, San Antonio, 78224 USA
| | - Maira Carrillo
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
- Odessa College, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764 USA
| | - Ariel Mei
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
- Simmons University, 300 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ana Correia-Branco
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Olga Kashpur
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Mary C. Wallingford
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| |
Collapse
|
112
|
Yang Q, Ma Y, Liu Y, Shao X, Jia W, Yu X, Li YX, Yang L, Gu W, Wang H, Wang J, Wang YL. MNSFβ regulates placental development by conjugating IGF2BP2 to enhance trophoblast cell invasiveness. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13145. [PMID: 34668606 PMCID: PMC8666274 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Success in pregnancy in mammals predominantly depends on a well‐developed placenta. The differentiation of invasive trophoblasts is a fundamental process of placentation, the abnormalities of which are tightly associated with pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia (PE). Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFβ) is an immunosuppressive factor. Its conventional knockout in mice induced embryonic lethality, whereas the underlying mechanism of MNSFβ in regulating placentation and pregnancy maintenance remains to be elucidated. Methods Trophoblast‐specific knockout of MNSFβ was generated using Cyp19‐Cre mice. In situ hybridization (ISH), haematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) were performed to examine the distribution of MNSFβ and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) at the foeto‐maternal interface. The interaction and expression of MNSFβ, IGF2BP2 and invasion‐related molecules were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP), immunoblotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The cell invasion ability was measured by the Transwell insert assay. Results We found that deficiency of MNSFβ in trophoblasts led to embryonic growth retardation by mid‐gestation and subsequent foetal loss, primarily shown as apparently limited trophoblast invasion. In vitro experiments in human trophoblasts demonstrated that the conjugation of MNSFβ with IGF2BP2 and thus the stabilization of IGF2BP2 essentially mediated the invasion‐promoting effect of MNSFβ. In the placentas from MNSFβ‐deficient mice and severe preeclamptic (PE) patients, downregulation of MNSFβ was evidently associated with the repressed IGF2BP2 expression. Conclusions The findings reveal the crucial role of MNSFβ in governing the trophoblast invasion and therefore foetal development, and add novel hints to reveal the placental pathology of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yeling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wentong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Long Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Gu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
113
|
Bohm EK, Vangorder-Braid JT, Jaeger AS, Moriarty RV, Baczenas JJ, Bennett NC, O’Connor SL, Fritsch MK, Fuhler NA, Noguchi KK, Aliota MT. Zika Virus Infection of Pregnant Ifnar1-/- Mice Triggers Strain-Specific Differences in Fetal Outcomes. J Virol 2021; 95:e0081821. [PMID: 34379510 PMCID: PMC8513483 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00818-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that causes a constellation of adverse fetal outcomes collectively termed congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). However, not all pregnancies exposed to ZIKV result in an infant with apparent defects. During the 2015 to 2016 American outbreak of ZIKV, CZS rates varied by geographic location. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this heterogeneity in outcomes have not been well defined. Therefore, we sought to characterize and compare the pathogenic potential of multiple Asian-/American-lineage ZIKV strains in an established Ifnar1-/- pregnant mouse model. Here, we show significant differences in the rate of fetal demise following maternal inoculation with ZIKV strains from Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, Brazil, and Cambodia. Rates of fetal demise broadly correlated with maternal viremia but were independent of fetus and placenta virus titer, indicating that additional underlying factors contribute to fetal outcome. Our results, in concert with those from other studies, suggest that subtle differences in ZIKV strains may have important phenotypic impacts. With ZIKV now endemic in the Americas, greater emphasis needs to be placed on elucidating and understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to fetal outcome. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission has been reported in 87 countries and territories around the globe. ZIKV infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcomes, including birth defects, microcephaly, neurological complications, and even spontaneous abortion. Rates of adverse fetal outcomes vary between regions, and not every pregnancy exposed to ZIKV results in birth defects. Not much is known about how or if the infecting ZIKV strain is linked to fetal outcomes. Our research provides evidence of phenotypic heterogeneity between Asian-/American-lineage ZIKV strains and provides insight into the underlying causes of adverse fetal outcomes. Understanding ZIKV strain-dependent pathogenic potential during pregnancy and elucidating underlying causes of diverse clinical sequelae observed during human infections is critical to understanding ZIKV on a global scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellie K. Bohm
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer T. Vangorder-Braid
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anna S. Jaeger
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ryan V. Moriarty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John J. Baczenas
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Natalie C. Bennett
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shelby L. O’Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael K. Fritsch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicole A. Fuhler
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kevin K. Noguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew T. Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Shiura H, Ono R, Tachibana S, Kohda T, Kaneko-Ishino T, Ishino F. PEG10 viral aspartic protease domain is essential for the maintenance of fetal capillary structure in the mouse placenta. Development 2021; 148:272286. [PMID: 34559199 PMCID: PMC8497776 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The therian-specific gene paternally expressed 10 (Peg10) plays an essential role in placenta formation: Peg10 knockout mice exhibit early embryonic lethality as a result of severe placental defects. The PEG10 protein exhibits homology with long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon GAG and POL proteins; therefore, we generated mice harboring a mutation in the highly conserved viral aspartic protease motif in the POL-like region of PEG10 because this motif is essential for the life cycle of LTR retrotransposons/retroviruses. Intriguingly, frequent perinatal lethality, not early embryonic lethality, was observed with fetal and placental growth retardation starting mid-gestation. In the mutant placentas, severe defects were observed in the fetal vasculature, where PEG10 is expressed in the three trophoblast cell layers that surround fetal capillary endothelial cells. Thus, Peg10 has essential roles, not only in early placenta formation, but also in placental vasculature maintenance from mid- to late-gestation. This implies that along the feto-maternal placenta interface an interaction occurs between two retrovirus-derived genes, Peg10 and retrotransposon Gag like 1 (Rtl1, also called Peg11), that is essential for the maintenance of fetal capillary endothelial cells. Summary: Disruption of the highly conserved viral aspartic protease domain in PEG10 causes placental abnormality leading to perinatal lethality in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirosuke Shiura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.,Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Ono
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Saori Tachibana
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.,Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino
- Faculty of Nursing, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
115
|
Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Alter Trophoblast Differentiation in Mice by a Thrombo-Inflammatory Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189873. [PMID: 34576036 PMCID: PMC8466022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Procoagulant extracellular vesicles (EV) and platelet activation have been associated with gestational vascular complications. EV-induced platelet-mediated placental inflammasome activation has been shown to cause preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice. However, the effect of EV-mediated placental thrombo-inflammation on trophoblast differentiation remains unknown. Here, we identify that the EV-induced thrombo-inflammatory pathway modulates trophoblast morphology and differentiation. EVs and platelets reduce syncytiotrophoblast differentiation while increasing giant trophoblast and spongiotrophoblast including the glycogen-rich cells. These effects are platelet-dependent and mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. In humans, inflammasome activation was negatively correlated with trophoblast differentiation marker GCM1 and positively correlated with blood pressure. These data identify a crucial role of EV-induced placental thrombo-inflammation on altering trophoblast differentiation and suggest platelet activation or inflammasome activation as a therapeutic target in order to achieve successful placentation.
Collapse
|
116
|
Kopeć Z, Starzyński RR, Jończy A, Mazgaj R, Lipiński P. Role of Iron Metabolism-Related Genes in Prenatal Development: Insights from Mouse Transgenic Models. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1382. [PMID: 34573364 PMCID: PMC8465470 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential nutrient during all stages of mammalian development. Studies carried out over the last 20 years have provided important insights into cellular and systemic iron metabolism in adult organisms and led to the deciphering of many molecular details of its regulation. However, our knowledge of iron handling in prenatal development has remained remarkably under-appreciated, even though it is critical for the health of both the embryo/fetus and its mother, and has a far-reaching impact in postnatal life. Prenatal development requires a continuous, albeit quantitatively matched with the stage of development, supply of iron to support rapid cell division during embryogenesis in order to meet iron needs for erythropoiesis and to build up hepatic iron stores, (which are the major source of this microelement for the neonate). Here, we provide a concise overview of current knowledge of the role of iron metabolism-related genes in the maintenance of iron homeostasis in pre- and post-implantation development based on studies on transgenic (mainly knock-out) mouse models. Most studies on mice with globally deleted genes do not conclude whether underlying in utero iron disorders or lethality is due to defective placental iron transport or iron misregulation in the embryo/fetus proper (or due to both). Therefore, there is a need of animal models with tissue specific targeted deletion of genes to advance the understanding of prenatal iron metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paweł Lipiński
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzębiec, Poland; (Z.K.); (R.R.S.); (A.J.); (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
117
|
Liu G, Zhang C, Wang Y, Dai G, Liu SQ, Wang W, Pan YH, Ding J, Li H. New exon and accelerated evolution of placental gene Nrk occurred in the ancestral lineage of placental mammals. Placenta 2021; 114:14-21. [PMID: 34418750 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The chorioallantoic placenta is a specific organ for placental mammals. However, the adaptive events during its emergence are still poorly investigated. METHODS We scanned the chromosome X to detect the accelerated evolution in the ancestral lineage of placental mammals, and constructed 3D protein structure models of a candidate by homology modeling. RESULTS Eight branch-specific accelerated regions were identified. Five of these regions (P=5.61×10-11 ~ 9.03×10-8) are located in the five exons of Nik-related kinase (Nrk), which is essential in placenta development and fetoplacental induction of labor. Nrk belongs to the germinal center kinase-IV subfamily with the overall similar protein structure; however, a new exon emerged in ancestors of placental mammals and its sequence has been conserved since then. Structure modelling of NRK suggests that the accelerated exons and the placental-mammal-specific exon (as a new loop) could change the enzymatic activity and the structure of placental mammal NRK. DISCUSSION Since the new loop is surrounded by the accelerated protein regions, it is likely that the new loop occurred and shifted the function of NRK, and then the accelerated evolution of Nrk occurred to adapt the structure change caused by the new loop in the ancestral lineage of placental mammals. Overall, this work suggests that the fundamental process of placental development and fetoplacental induction of labor has been targeted by positive Darwinian selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guopeng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chunxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guangyi Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shu-Qun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenshuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yi-Hsuan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Jianping Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Haipeng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
118
|
James JL, Tongpob Y, Srinivasan V, Crew RC, Bappoo N, Doyle B, Gerneke D, Clark AR, Wyrwoll CS. Three-dimensional visualisation of the feto-placental vasculature in humans and rodents. Placenta 2021; 114:8-13. [PMID: 34418753 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adequate development of the feto-placental circulation is critical for placental exchange function and healthy fetal growth. Understanding the structure of this circulation and how it informs fetal outcomes is important both in the human placenta, and the rodent, a purported comparative experimental model. Vascular casting and micro-CT imaging approaches enable detailed quantification of the complex vascular relationships in the feto-circulation, and provide detailed data to parameterise in silico models. Here, to assist researchers to apply these technically challenging methods we provide detailed approaches to cast and image; 1) human placentas at the cotyledon-level, and 2) whole rodent placentas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Y Tongpob
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - V Srinivasan
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R C Crew
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - N Bappoo
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - B Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Gerneke
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C S Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
119
|
Rosenfeld CS. Placental serotonin signaling, pregnancy outcomes, and regulation of fetal brain development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:532-538. [PMID: 31711155 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ but essential for the survival of all mammalian species by allowing for the exchanges of gasses, nutrients, and waste between maternal and fetal placenta. In rodents and humans with a hemochorial placenta, fetal placenta cells are susceptible to pharmaceutical agents and other compounds, as they are bathed directly in maternal blood. The placenta of mice and humans produce high concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) that can induce autocrine and paracrine effects within this organ. Placental 5-HT is the primary source of this neurotransmitter for fetal brain development. Increasing number of pregnant women at risk of depression are being treated with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that bind to serotonin transporters (SERT), which prevents 5-HT binding and cellular internalization, allowing for accumulation of extracellular 5-HT available to bind to 5-HT(2A) receptor (5-HT(2A)R). In vitro and in vivo findings with SSRI or pharmacological blockage of the 5-HT(2A)R reveal disruptions of 5-HT signaling within the placenta can affect cell proliferation, division, and invasion. In SERT knockout mice, numerous apoptotic trophoblast cells are observed, as well as extensive pathological changes within the junctional zone. Collective data suggest a fine equilibrium in 5-HT signaling is essential for maintaining normal placental structure and function. Deficiencies in placental 5-HT may also result in neurobehavioral abnormalities. Evidence supporting 5-HT production and signaling within the placenta will be reviewed. We will consider whether placental hyposerotonemia or hyperserotonemia results in similar pathophysiological changes in the placenta and other organs. Lastly, open ended questions and future directions will be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| |
Collapse
|
120
|
Maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy with concurrent phthalate exposure leads to abnormal placentation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16602. [PMID: 34400704 PMCID: PMC8368193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a synthetic chemical commonly used for its plasticizing capabilities. Because of the extensive production and use of DEHP, humans are exposed to this chemical daily. Diet is a significant exposure pathway and fatty food contain the highest level of phthalates. The impact on pregnancy following DEHP exposure and the associated interaction of high fat (HF) diet remains unknown. Here we report that exposure of pregnant mice to an environmentally relevant level of DEHP did not affect pregnancy. In contrast, mice fed a HF diet during gestation and exposed to the same level of DEHP display marked impairment in placental development, resulting in poor pregnancy outcomes. Our study further reveals that DEHP exposure combined with a HF diet interfere with the signaling pathway controlled by nuclear receptor PPARγ to adversely affect differentiation of trophoblast cells, leading to compromised vascularization and glucose transport in the placenta. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that maternal diet during pregnancy is a critical factor that determines whether exposure to an environmental toxicant results in impaired placental and fetal development, causing intrauterine growth restriction, fetal morbidity, and mortality.
Collapse
|
121
|
Warner GR, Dettogni RS, Bagchi IC, Flaws JA, Graceli JB. Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:1-17. [PMID: 34015474 PMCID: PMC8260441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
122
|
Shafique S, Winn LM. Characterizing the effects of in utero valproic acid exposure on murine fetoplacental development. Placenta 2021; 112:141-152. [PMID: 34352490 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective anti-epileptic drug clinically used to treat seizures, bipolar disorders and neuropathic pain in women of reproductive age. Current approval of VPA for psychiatric conditions and migraine has increased the number of VPA exposed pregnancies. VPA crosses the placental barrier and induces birth defects in about 10% of exposed pregnancies. In addition, VPA exposure results in neurodevelopmental disorders in children without any overt birth defects. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of in utero VPA exposure on fetoplacental growth in a mouse model. METHODS Pregnant CD-1 dams were exposed to a single teratogenic dose of 400 mg/kg VPA or saline via subcutaneous injection on gestational day (GD) 9 and fetuses were harvested on GD 13, 15, 17 and 19, respectively. Resorptions, gross malformations, fetal weight, fetal head weight, fetal crown-rump length, fetal head transverse and anteroposterior diameters, placental weight and placental diameter were noted. RESULTS VPA exposure led to multiple external deformities including exencephaly, open eye defect, subcutaneous hemorrhage and underdevelopment of tail. All fetoplacental growth parameters fetal weight, fetal head weight, fetal crown-rump length, placental weight and placental diameter were significantly reduced in VPA-exposed fetuses with and without congenital malformations such as exencephaly, compared to control fetuses. DISCUSSION In conclusion, the effects of in utero VPA exposure on fetal and placental growth persisted throughout pregnancy and our results suggest that the effects of VPA on placental growth may play a role in VPA-induced toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Shafique
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Sun MA, Wolf G, Wang Y, Senft AD, Ralls S, Jin J, Dunn-Fletcher CE, Muglia LJ, Macfarlan TS. Endogenous retroviruses drive lineage-specific regulatory evolution across primate and rodent placentae. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4992-5004. [PMID: 34320657 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the placenta mediates maternal-fetal nutrient and waste exchange and acts in an immunomodulatory way to facilitate maternal-fetal tolerance. The placenta is highly diverse across mammalian species, yet the molecular mechanisms that distinguish the placenta of human from other mammals are not fully understood. Using an interspecies transcriptomic comparison of human, macaque, and mouse late-gestation placentae, we identified hundreds of genes with lineage-specific expression-including dozens that are placentally-enriched and potentially related to pregnancy. We further annotated the enhancers for different human tissues using epigenomic data and demonstrate that the placenta and chorion are unique in that their enhancers display the least conservation. We identified numerous lineage-specific human placental enhancers and found they highly overlap with specific families of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), including MER21A, MER41A/B and MER39B that were previously linked to immune response and placental function. Among these ERV families, we further demonstrate that MER41A/B insertions create dozens of lineage-specific Serum Response Factor (SRF) binding loci in human, including one adjacent to FBN2, a placenta-specific gene with increased expression in humans that produces the peptide hormone placensin to stimulate glucose secretion and trophoblast invasion. Overall, our results demonstrate the prevalence of lineage-specific placental enhancers which are frequently associated with ERV insertions and likely facilitate the lineage-specific evolution of the mammalian placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-An Sun
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gernot Wolf
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yejun Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sherry Ralls
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jinpu Jin
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Caitlin E Dunn-Fletcher
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Physician-Scientist Training Program in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
124
|
De novo generation of macrophage from placenta-derived hemogenic endothelium. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2121-2133.e6. [PMID: 34197725 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages play pivotal roles in immunity, hematopoiesis, and tissue homeostasis. In mammals, macrophages have been shown to originate from yolk-sac-derived erythro-myeloid progenitors and aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM)-derived hematopoietic stem cells. However, whether macrophages can arise from other embryonic sites remains unclear. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profile the transcriptional landscape of mouse fetal placental hematopoiesis. We uncover and experimentally validate that a CD44+ subpopulation of placental endothelial cells (ECs) exhibits hemogenic potential. Importantly, lineage tracing using the newly generated Hoxa13 reporter line shows that Hoxa13-labeled ECs can produce placental macrophages, named Hofbauer cell (HBC)-like cells. Furthermore, we identify two subtypes of HBC-like cells, and cell-cell interaction analysis identifies their potential roles in angiogenesis and antigen presentation, separately. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of placental hematopoiesis and highlights the placenta as a source of macrophages, which has important implications for both basic and translational research.
Collapse
|
125
|
Arcuri S, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Trophoblast-Like Cells From Hypomethylated Porcine Adult Dermal Fibroblasts. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:706106. [PMID: 34350230 PMCID: PMC8326560 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first differentiation event in mammalian embryos is the formation of the trophectoderm, which is the progenitor of the outer epithelial components of the placenta, and which supports the fetus during the intrauterine life. However, the epigenetic and paracrine controls at work in trophectoderm differentiation are still to be fully elucidated and the creation of dedicated in vitro models is desirable to increase our understanding. Here we propose a novel approach based on the epigenetic conversion of adult dermal fibroblasts into trophoblast-like cells. The method combines the use of epigenetic erasing with an ad hoc differentiation protocol. Dermal fibroblasts are erased with 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) that confers cells a transient high plasticity state. They are then readdressed toward the trophoblast (TR) phenotype, using MEF conditioned medium, supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and inhibitors of the Activin/Nodal and FGF2 signaling pathways in low O2 conditions. The method here described allows the generation of TR-like cells from easily accessible material, such as dermal fibroblasts, that are very simply propagated in vitro. Furthermore, the strategy proposed is free of genetic modifications that make cells prone to instability and transformation. The TR model obtained may also find useful application in order to better characterize embryo implantation mechanisms and developmental disorders based on TR defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
126
|
Marinello WP, Patisaul HB. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental function: Impact on fetal brain development. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:347-400. [PMID: 34452690 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical time of vulnerability for the development of the fetal brain. Exposure to environmental pollutants at any point in pregnancy can negatively impact many aspects of fetal development, especially the organization and differentiation of the brain. The placenta performs a variety of functions that can help protect the fetus and sustain brain development. However, disruption of any of these functions can have negative impacts on both the pregnancy outcome and fetal neurodevelopment. This review presents current understanding of how environmental exposures, specifically to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfere with placental function and, in turn, neurodevelopment. Some of the key differences in placental development between animal models are presented, as well as how placental functions such as serving as a xenobiotic barrier and exchange organ, immune interface, regulator of growth and fetal oxygenation, and a neuroendocrine organ, could be vulnerable to environmental exposure. This review illustrates the importance of the placenta as a modulator of fetal brain development and suggests critical unexplored areas and possible vulnerabilities to environmental exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P Marinello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
127
|
Zhou X, Xu Y, Ren S, Liu D, Yang N, Han Q, Kong S, Wang H, Deng W, Qi H, Lu J. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed diverse cell types in the mouse placenta at mid-gestation. Exp Cell Res 2021; 405:112715. [PMID: 34217714 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian placenta consists of a set of cells to ensure normal placental functions throughout gestation. Dysfunctional placentae are considered as the origin of a series of pregnancy complications. Therefore, it is urgent for detailed information about the molecular recipes of the cell types within the normal placenta. In the past years, gene expression analysis via single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) offers opportunities to identify new cell types in a variety of organs and tissues. In this study, scRNA-seq was used to explore the cell heterogeneity within the E10.5 mouse placenta and unravel their discrepancies in cell composition and communications. We identified sixteen cell clusters, including some cell clusters that originated from the maternal tissue. Moreover, we traced the developmental trajectories of trophoblasts and Hofbauer-like cells. Further analysis revealed cell connections between the endothelial cells and pericytes, syncytiotrophoblasts, as well as decidual cells. Besides, we highlighted several signaling pathways, such as the EGF, FGF, canonical, and non-canonical WNT signaling pathways, which mediated the potential crosstalk between different cell types within placenta. Our research provides an in-depth understanding of placental development, cellular composition, and communications at the maternal-fetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Shengnan Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ningjie Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Qian Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
128
|
Chen Z, Xiong L, Jin H, Yu J, Li X, Fu H, Wen L, Qi H, Tong C, Saffery R, Kilby MD, Baker PN. Advanced maternal age causes premature placental senescence and malformation via dysregulated α-Klotho expression in trophoblasts. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13417. [PMID: 34105233 PMCID: PMC8282245 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (AMA) pregnancy is associated with higher risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, which may result from premature senescence of the placenta. α-Klotho is a well-known antiaging protein; however, its expression and effect on the placenta in AMA pregnancies have not yet been fully elucidated. The expression patterns of α-Klotho in mouse and human placentas from AMA pregnancies were determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. α-Klotho expression in JAR cells was manipulated to investigate its role in trophoblastic senescence, and transwell assays were performed to assess trophoblast invasion. The downstream genes regulated by α-Klotho in JAR cells were first screened by mRNA sequencing in α-Klotho-knockdown and control JAR cells and then validated. α-Klotho-deficient mice were generated by injecting klotho-interfering adenovirus (Ad-Klotho) via the tail vein on GD8.5. Ablation of α-Klotho resulted in not only a senescent phenotype and loss of invasiveness in JAR cells but also a reduction in the transcription of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) genes. Overexpression of α-Klotho significantly improved invasion but did not alter the expression of senescence biomarkers. α-Klotho-deficient mice exhibited placental malformation and, consequently, lower placental and fetal weights. In conclusion, AMA results in reduced α-Klotho expression in placental trophoblasts, therefore leading to premature senescence and loss of invasion (possibly through the downregulation of CAMs), both of which ultimately result in placental malformation and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Liling Xiong
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Huili Jin
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jiaxiao Yu
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Xin Li
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Huijia Fu
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Li Wen
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Chao Tong
- Department of ObstetricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing MunicipalityChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Richard Saffery
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Cancer, Disease and Developmental epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Mark D. Kilby
- Centre for Women's and Newborn HealthInstitute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Philip N. Baker
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of EducationChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| |
Collapse
|
129
|
Unfer V, Tilotta M, Kaya C, Noventa M, Török P, Alkatout I, Gitas G, Bilotta G, Laganà AS. Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of hyaluronic acid during pregnancy: a matter of molecular weight. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:823-840. [PMID: 33999749 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1931682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For many years hyaluronic acid (HA) was mainly used for its hydrating properties. However, new applications have recently arisen, considering the biological properties of HA and its molecular weight. Clinical application of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) initially was supported by specific absorption data. The identification of high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) absorption pathways and the knowledge of its physiological role allowed to evaluate its clinical application. Based on the immunomodulatory properties of HMW-HA and its physiological involvement as signaling molecule, pregnancy represents an interesting context of application. AREA COVERED This expert opinion includes in-vitro, in-vivo, ex-vivo and clinical studies on gestational models. It provides an overview of the physiological and the therapeutic role of HMW-HA in pregnancy starting from its metabolism. Indeed, HMW-HA is widely involved in several physiological processes as implantation, immune response, uterine quiescence and cervical remodeling, and therefore is an essential molecule for a successful pregnancy. EXPERT OPINION Available evidence suggests that HMW-HA administration can support physiological pregnancy, favoring blastocyst adhesion and development, preventing miscarriage and pre-term birth. For this reason, supplementation in pregnancy should be evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cihan Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Health Sciences, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Péter Török
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Georgios Gitas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital,University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
130
|
Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
131
|
Argueta LB, Lacko LA, Bram Y, Tada T, Carrau L, Zhang T, Uhl S, Lubor BC, Chandar V, Gil C, Zhang W, Dodson B, Bastiaans J, Prabhu M, Salvatore CM, Yang YJ, Baergen RN, tenOever BR, Landau NR, Chen S, Schwartz RE, Stuhlmann H. SARS-CoV-2 Infects Syncytiotrophoblast and Activates Inflammatory Responses in the Placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.06.01.446676. [PMID: 34100019 PMCID: PMC8183016 DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.01.446676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although the placenta itself can be a target of virus infection, most neonates are virus free and are born healthy or recover quickly. Here, we investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the placenta from a cohort of women who were infected late during pregnancy and had tested nasal swab positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR at delivery. SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNA was detected in 23 out of 54 placentas. Two placentas with high virus content were obtained from mothers who presented with severe COVID-19 and whose pregnancies resulted in adverse outcomes for the fetuses, including intrauterine fetal demise and a preterm delivered baby still in newborn intensive care. Examination of the placental samples with high virus content showed efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection, using RNA in situ hybridization to detect genomic and replicating viral RNA, and immunohistochemistry to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Infection was restricted to syncytiotrophoblast cells that envelope the fetal chorionic villi and are in direct contact with maternal blood. The infected placentas displayed massive infiltration of maternal immune cells including macrophages into intervillous spaces, potentially contributing to inflammation of the tissue. Ex vivo infection of placental cultures with SARS-CoV-2 or with SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein pseudotyped lentivirus targeted mostly syncytiotrophoblast and in rare events endothelial cells. Infection was reduced by using blocking antibodies against ACE2 and against Neuropilin 1, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may utilize alternative receptors for entry into placental cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lissenya B. Argueta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | | | - Yaron Bram
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takuya Tada
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucia Carrau
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Skyler Uhl
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brienne C. Lubor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Vasuretha Chandar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cristianel Gil
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Genomics Resources Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brittany Dodson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeroen Bastiaans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Malavika Prabhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine M. Salvatore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yawei J. Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca N. Baergen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin R. tenOever
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathaniel R. Landau
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding Authors: Heidi Stuhlmann PhD (lead contact) , Robert Schwartz MD-PhD , Shuibing Chen PhD
| | - Robert E. Schwartz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding Authors: Heidi Stuhlmann PhD (lead contact) , Robert Schwartz MD-PhD , Shuibing Chen PhD
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York 10065, NY, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding Authors: Heidi Stuhlmann PhD (lead contact) , Robert Schwartz MD-PhD , Shuibing Chen PhD
| |
Collapse
|
132
|
Lee BK, Kim J. Integrating High-Throughput Approaches and in vitro Human Trophoblast Models to Decipher Mechanisms Underlying Early Human Placenta Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673065. [PMID: 34150768 PMCID: PMC8206641 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary but pivotal organ for human pregnancy. It consists of multiple specialized trophoblast cell types originating from the trophectoderm of the blastocyst stage of the embryo. While impaired trophoblast differentiation results in pregnancy disorders affecting both mother and fetus, the molecular mechanisms underlying early human placenta development have been poorly understood, partially due to the limited access to developing human placentas and the lack of suitable human in vitro trophoblast models. Recent success in establishing human trophoblast stem cells and other human in vitro trophoblast models with their differentiation protocols into more specialized cell types, such as syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast, has provided a tremendous opportunity to understand early human placenta development. Unfortunately, while high-throughput research methods and omics tools have addressed numerous molecular-level questions in various research fields, these tools have not been widely applied to the above-mentioned human trophoblast models. This review aims to provide an overview of various omics approaches that can be utilized in the study of human in vitro placenta models by exemplifying some important lessons obtained from omics studies of mouse model systems and introducing recently available human in vitro trophoblast model systems. We also highlight some key unknown questions that might be addressed by such techniques. Integrating high-throughput omics approaches and human in vitro model systems will facilitate our understanding of molecular-level regulatory mechanisms underlying early human placenta development as well as placenta-associated complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany-State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
133
|
Chen L, Wu H, Hong W, Aguilar ZP, Fu F, Xu H. The effect of reproductive toxicity induced by ZnO NPs in mice during early pregnancy through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:1143-1151. [PMID: 33599401 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxicity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to human beings has become a widespread concern. This study explored the reproductive toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity of ZnO NPs in early pregnant mice. The results showed that abnormal weight changes, induced inflammation, reduced level of serum sex hormones, damaged uterus, increased abortion, and abnormal development of fetus. In the uterus, the transcription levels of ZnT-1, HO-1, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2, JNK, and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated while Bcl-2, ER-1 and PR were significantly down-regulated. The TUNEL-positive cells increased that were exposed to high levels of ZnO NPs. In summary, those results indicated that Zn from high levels of exposure to ZnO NPs accumulated in the uterus that could have caused the formation of ROS that led to oxidative stress, which might have activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that could have caused the uterine injury which induced the observed reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haifang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wuding Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
134
|
The Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Treat and Model Alzheimer's Disease. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:5511630. [PMID: 34122554 PMCID: PMC8172295 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5511630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease that disrupts an individual's ability to function independently through the degeneration of key regions in the brain, including but not limited to the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, and the motor cortex. The cause of this degeneration is not known, but research has found two proteins that undergo posttranslational modifications: tau, a protein concentrated in the axons of neurons, and amyloid precursor protein (APP), a protein concentrated near the synapse. Through mechanisms that have yet to be elucidated, the accumulation of these two proteins in their abnormal aggregate forms leads to the neurodegeneration that is characteristic of AD. Until the invention of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, the bulk of research was carried out using transgenic animal models that offered little promise in their ability to translate well from benchtop to bedside, creating a bottleneck in the development of therapeutics. However, with iPSC, patient-specific cell cultures can be utilized to create models based on human cells. These human cells have the potential to avoid issues in translatability that have plagued animal models by providing researchers with a model that closely resembles and mimics the neurons found in humans. By using human iPSC technology, researchers can create more accurate models of AD ex vivo while also focusing on regenerative medicine using iPSC in vivo. The following review focuses on the current uses of iPSC and how they have the potential to regenerate damaged neuronal tissue, in the hopes that these technologies can assist in getting through the bottleneck of AD therapeutic research.
Collapse
|
135
|
Janiszewski A, Georgolopoulos G, Balli M, Athanasouli P, Lluis F, Pasque V. Keep the fate: how chromatin regulators safeguard embryonic stem cell identity. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108437. [PMID: 33998023 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Segregation of cells that form the embryo from those that produce the surrounding extra-embryonic tissues is critical for early mammalian development, but the regulatory layers governing these first cell fate decisions remain poorly understood. Recent work in The EMBO Journal identifies two chromatin regulators, Hdac3 and Dax1, that synergistically restrict the developmental potential of mouse embryonic stem cells and act as a lineage barrier to primitive endoderm formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Janiszewski
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Grigorios Georgolopoulos
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Balli
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paraskevi Athanasouli
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederic Lluis
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
136
|
Kusuyama J, Alves-Wagner AB, Conlin RH, Makarewicz NS, Albertson BG, Prince NB, Kobayashi S, Kozuka C, Møller M, Bjerre M, Fuglsang J, Miele E, Middelbeek RJW, Xiudong Y, Xia Y, Garneau L, Bhattacharjee J, Aguer C, Patti ME, Hirshman MF, Jessen N, Hatta T, Ovesen PG, Adamo KB, Nozik-Grayck E, Goodyear LJ. Placental superoxide dismutase 3 mediates benefits of maternal exercise on offspring health. Cell Metab 2021; 33:939-956.e8. [PMID: 33770509 PMCID: PMC8103776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Poor maternal diet increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in offspring, adding to the ever-increasing prevalence of these diseases. In contrast, we find that maternal exercise improves the metabolic health of offspring, and here, we demonstrate that this occurs through a vitamin D receptor-mediated increase in placental superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) expression and secretion. SOD3 activates an AMPK/TET signaling axis in fetal offspring liver, resulting in DNA demethylation at the promoters of glucose metabolic genes, enhancing liver function, and improving glucose tolerance. In humans, SOD3 is upregulated in serum and placenta from physically active pregnant women. The discovery of maternal exercise-induced cross talk between placenta-derived SOD3 and offspring liver provides a central mechanism for improved offspring metabolic health. These findings may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to limit the transmission of metabolic disease to the next generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joji Kusuyama
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Ana Barbara Alves-Wagner
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Royce H Conlin
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan S Makarewicz
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent G Albertson
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noah B Prince
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shio Kobayashi
- Section of Immunobiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chisayo Kozuka
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; YCI Laboratory for Metabolic Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Magnus Møller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Bjerre
- Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Fuglsang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Emily Miele
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roeland J W Middelbeek
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Xiudong
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Léa Garneau
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, recherche, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jayonta Bhattacharjee
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Science University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Céline Aguer
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, recherche, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Science University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Science University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mary Elizabeth Patti
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael F Hirshman
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niels Jessen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Toshihisa Hatta
- Department of Anatomy, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Per Glud Ovesen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristi B Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Science University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Eva Nozik-Grayck
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories and Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurie J Goodyear
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
137
|
Zeng L, Luo T, He L, Tan Y, Zhang Q. New insights into the roles of CUL1 in mouse placenta development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 559:70-77. [PMID: 33933992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CULLIN1 (CUL1) protein, as a scaffold protein in Skp1-CUL1-F box (SCF) E3 ligases complex, was reported involved in different cellular functions to regulate the early embryonic development. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that CUL1 promote trophoblast cell invasion at the maternal-fetal interface in human and the CUL1 protein significantly decreased in preeclampsia (PE) placenta, but how CUL1 involved in placentation is still obscure. Due to the embryo lethal in CUL1 knockout mice, the lentivirus mediated placenta-specific CUL1 knockdown mice model was constructed to uncover the potential role of CUL1 in placentation. In this study, CUL1 was first detected in mouse placenta. CUL1 mainly expressed in trophoblast giant cell at E9.5, and spongiotrophoblast at E11.5 and E13.5 by using immunohistochemistry and int situ hybridization. In lentivirus mediated placenta specific mouse model, the number of implanted embryos was reduced in CUL1 shRNA group at E13.5 and E18.5 compared to control group. Based on the morphological analysis of histologic staining, we observed that spongiotrophoblast layer is expanded, fetal angiogenesis in labyrinth was obstructed and fetus blood cells were accumulated in vessels. These results indicated that decreased expression of CUL1 affect placentation of mice, which give new insights into the cause of gestational diseases, but the exactly mechanism still needs further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tengling Luo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liwen He
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Mapping the expression of transient receptor potential channels across murine placental development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4993-5014. [PMID: 33884443 PMCID: PMC8233283 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play prominent roles in ion homeostasis by their ability to control cation influx. Mouse placentation is governed by the processes of trophoblast proliferation, invasion, differentiation, and fusion, all of which require calcium signaling. Although certain TRP channels have been shown to contribute to maternal–fetal transport of magnesium and calcium, a role for TRP channels in specific trophoblast functions has been disregarded. Using qRT-PCR and in situ hybridisation, the spatio-temporal expression pattern of TRP channels in the mouse placenta across gestation (E10.5–E18.5) was assessed. Prominent expression was observed for Trpv2, Trpm6, and Trpm7. Calcium microfluorimetry in primary trophoblast cells isolated at E14.5 of gestation further revealed the functional activity of TRPV2 and TRPM7. Finally, comparing TRP channels expression in mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) confirmed the specific expression of TRPV2 during placental development. Moreover, TRP channel expression was similar in mTSCs compared to primary trophoblasts and validate mTSC as a model to study TRP channels in placental development. Collectivity, our results identify a specific spatio-temporal TRP channel expression pattern in trophoblasts, suggesting a possible involvement in regulating the process of placentation.
Collapse
|
139
|
Dini P, Kalbfleisch T, Uribe-Salazar JM, Carossino M, Ali HES, Loux SC, Esteller-Vico A, Norris JK, Anand L, Scoggin KE, Rodriguez Lopez CM, Breen J, Bailey E, Daels P, Ball BA. Parental bias in expression and interaction of genes in the equine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2006474118. [PMID: 33853939 PMCID: PMC8072238 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006474118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most autosomal genes in the placenta show a biallelic expression pattern. However, some genes exhibit allele-specific transcription depending on the parental origin of the chromosomes on which the copy of the gene resides. Parentally expressed genes are involved in the reciprocal interaction between maternal and paternal genes, coordinating the allocation of resources between fetus and mother. One of the main challenges of studying parental-specific allelic expression (allele-specific expression [ASE]) in the placenta is the maternal cellular remnant at the fetomaternal interface. Horses (Equus caballus) have an epitheliochorial placenta in which both the endometrial epithelium and the epithelium of the chorionic villi are juxtaposed with minimal extension into the uterine mucosa, yet there is no information available on the allelic gene expression of equine chorioallantois (CA). In the current study, we present a dataset of 1,336 genes showing ASE in the equine CA (https://pouya-dini.github.io/equine-gene-db/) along with a workflow for analyzing ASE genes. We further identified 254 potentially imprinted genes among the parentally expressed genes in the equine CA and evaluated the expression pattern of these genes throughout gestation. Our gene ontology analysis implies that maternally expressed genes tend to decrease the length of gestation, while paternally expressed genes extend the length of gestation. This study provides fundamental information regarding parental gene expression during equine pregnancy, a species with a negligible amount of maternal cellular remnant in its placenta. This information will provide the basis for a better understanding of the role of parental gene expression in the placenta during gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Dini
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
| | - José M Uribe-Salazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Genome Center, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Jamie K Norris
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Lakshay Anand
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Carlos M Rodriguez Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - James Breen
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Ernest Bailey
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Barry A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503;
| |
Collapse
|
140
|
Peng W, Liu Y, Qi H, Li Q. Alpha-actinin-4 is essential for maintaining normal trophoblast proliferation and differentiation during early pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:48. [PMID: 33757527 PMCID: PMC7986381 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper differentiation of trophoblasts in the human placenta is essential for a successful pregnancy, whereas abnormal regulation of this process may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially preeclampsia (PE). However, the underlying mechanism of trophoblast differentiation remains unclear. Previous studies have reported the involvement of alpha-actinin-4 (ACTN4) in the actin cytoskeleton dynamics and motility. Hence, we hypothesized that ACTN4 may act as an important regulator in the normal proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts during early pregnancy. METHOD To test this hypothesis, we collected villous tissues from women undergoing a legal pregnancy termination during 6-10 weeks of gestation and explanted them for cell culture and siRNA transfection. We also obtained placental tissues from PE patients and healthy pregnant women and isolated the primary cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells. The expression of ACTN4 in the CTBs of placental villi and during the differentiation of CTBs into STBs was detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and EdU proliferation assays. Besides, villous explant, Matrigel invasion, transwell migration assay, and Wound-healing assay were performed to identify the possible role of ACTN4 in the outgrowth of explants and the invasion, migration, and proliferation of cell column trophoblasts (CCTs). Western blot analysis was carried out to compare the protein expression level of AKT, Snail activities, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the villi or HTR8/SVneo cells with ACTN4 knockdown. RESULTS ACTN4 was highly expressed in CTB cells and interstitial extravillous trophoblast (iEVT) cells but not found in the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells in the first trimester villi. Downregulation of ACTN4 led to reduced trophoblast proliferation and explant outgrowth ex vivo, as well as iEVT invasion and migration in vitro due to disrupt of actin filaments organization. Such ACTN4 inhibition also decreased AKT and Snail activities and further impeded the EMT process. In addition, ACTN4 expression was found to be downregulated in the iEVTs from preeclamptic placentas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ACTN4 may act as an important regulator of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation during early pregnancy, and dysregulation of this protein may contribute to preeclampsia pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingshu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
141
|
Zika Virus Pathogenesis: A Battle for Immune Evasion. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030294. [PMID: 33810028 PMCID: PMC8005041 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and its associated congenital and other neurological disorders, particularly microcephaly and other fetal developmental abnormalities, constitute a World Health Organization (WHO) Zika Virus Research Agenda within the WHO’s R&D Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics, and continue to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) today. ZIKV pathogenicity is initiated by viral infection and propagation across multiple placental and fetal tissue barriers, and is critically strengthened by subverting host immunity. ZIKV immune evasion involves viral non-structural proteins, genomic and non-coding RNA and microRNA (miRNA) to modulate interferon (IFN) signaling and production, interfering with intracellular signal pathways and autophagy, and promoting cellular environment changes together with secretion of cellular components to escape innate and adaptive immunity and further infect privileged immune organs/tissues such as the placenta and eyes. This review includes a description of recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying ZIKV immune modulation and evasion that strongly condition viral pathogenesis, which would certainly contribute to the development of anti-ZIKV strategies, drugs, and vaccines.
Collapse
|
142
|
Teng C, Jiang C, Gao S, Liu X, Zhai S. Fetotoxicity of Nanoparticles: Causes and Mechanisms. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11030791. [PMID: 33808794 PMCID: PMC8003602 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The application of nanoparticles in consumer products and nanomedicines has increased dramatically in the last decade. Concerns for the nano-safety of susceptible populations are growing. Due to the small size, nanoparticles have the potential to cross the placental barrier and cause toxicity in the fetus. This review aims to identify factors associated with nanoparticle-induced fetotoxicity and the mechanisms involved, providing a better understanding of nanotoxicity at the maternal–fetal interface. The contribution of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs), maternal physiological, and pathological conditions to the fetotoxicity is highlighted. The underlying molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and autophagy are summarized. Finally, perspectives and challenges related to nanoparticle-induced fetotoxicity are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Teng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China;
| | - Cuijuan Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China;
| | - Sulian Gao
- Jinan Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Jinan 250101, China;
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China;
| | - Shumei Zhai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-531-8836-4464
| |
Collapse
|
143
|
Moisan MP. Sexual Dimorphism in Glucocorticoid Stress Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063139. [PMID: 33808655 PMCID: PMC8003420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is encountered in our everyday life and is thought to contribute to a number of diseases. Many of these stress-related disorders display a sex bias. Because glucocorticoid hormones are the main biological mediator of chronic stress, researchers have been interested in understanding the sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid stress response to better explain the sex bias in stress-related diseases. Although not yet demonstrated for glucocorticoid regulation, sex chromosomes do influence sex-specific biology as soon as conception. Then a transient rise in testosterone start to shape the male brain during the prenatal period differently to the female brain. These organizational effects are completed just before puberty. The cerebral regions implicated in glucocorticoid regulation at rest and after stress are thereby impacted in a sex-specific manner. After puberty, the high levels of all gonadal hormones will interact with glucocorticoid hormones in specific crosstalk through their respective nuclear receptors. In addition, stress occurring early in life, in particular during the prenatal period and in adolescence will prime in the long-term glucocorticoid stress response through epigenetic mechanisms, again in a sex-specific manner. Altogether, various molecular mechanisms explain sex-specific glucocorticoid stress responses that do not exclude important gender effects in humans.
Collapse
|
144
|
Abstract
Applications of nanomaterials cause a general concern on their toxicity when they intentionally (such as in medicine) or unintentionally (environment exposure) enter into the human body. As a special subpopulation, pregnant women are more susceptible to nanoparticle (NP)-induced toxicity. More importantly, prenatal exposures may affect the entire life of the fetus. Through blood circulation, NPs may cross placental barriers and enter into fetus. A cascade of events, such as damage in placental barriers, generation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered gene expression, may induce delayed or abnormal fetal development. The physicochemical properties of NPs, exposure time, and other factors directly affect nanotoxicity in pregnant populations. Even though results from animal studies cannot directly extrapolate to humans, compelling evidence has already shown that, for pregnant women, caution must be taken when dealing with nanomedicines or NP pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengjin Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
145
|
Dini P, Carossino M, Balasuriya UBR, El-Sheikh Ali H, Loux SC, Esteller-Vico A, Scoggin KE, Loynachan AT, Kalbfleisch T, De Spiegelaere W, Daels P, Ball BA. Paternally expressed retrotransposon Gag-like 1 gene, RTL1, is one of the crucial elements for placental angiogenesis in horses†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1386-1399. [PMID: 33693478 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RTL1 (retrotransposon Gag-like 1) is an essential gene in the development of the human and murine placenta. Several fetal and placental abnormalities such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and hydrops conditions have been associated with altered expression of this gene. However, the function of RTL1 has not been identified. RTL1 is located on a highly conserved region in eutherian mammals. Therefore, the genetic and molecular analysis in horses could hold important implications for other species, including humans. Here, we demonstrated that RTL1 is paternally expressed and is localized within the endothelial cells of the equine (Equus caballus) chorioallantois. We developed an equine placental microvasculature primary cell culture and demonstrated that RTL1 knockdown leads to loss of the sprouting ability of these endothelial cells. We further demonstrated an association between abnormal expression of RTL1 and development of hydrallantois. Our data suggest that RTL1 may be essential for placental angiogenesis, and its abnormal expression can lead to placental insufficiency. This placental insufficiency could be the reason for IUGR and hydrops conditions reported in other species, including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alan T Loynachan
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ward De Spiegelaere
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barry A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
146
|
Maternal Cripto is critical for proper development of the mouse placenta and the placental vasculature. Placenta 2021; 107:13-23. [PMID: 33730615 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The growth and survival of the mammalian fetus is highly dependent on the placenta. Several research groups have demonstrated the involvement of different transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily members and their related receptors in placentation. Cripto is a member of the epidermal growth factor-Cripto1/FRL1/Cryptic protein family and plays a critical role in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and tumor progression through TGFβ-dependent and independent pathways. Several studies have suggested that Cripto may also have a role in female reproduction and pregnancy maintenance, but its specific role remains elusive. METHODS We used a conditional knockout mouse model in which Cripto is deleted from the uterus using a loxP-Cre system. Cripto cKO females were mated with wildtype males and dissections were performed at different timepoints during pregnancy for assessment of the number and size of the implantation sites, resorption sites, fetal weight and placental development. Histology, IF staining and quantitative PCR were employed to analyze the placentation process. RESULTS We found that loss of maternal Cripto results in defective placentation, decreased vascularization within the placental labyrinth and leads to intrauterine growth restriction and fetal death. We further demonstrated that components of the VEGF and Notch signaling pathways are downregulated in Cripto cKO decidua and placenta potentially contributing to defects in the development of the vasculature at maternal-fetal interface. DISCUSSION These findings demonstrate that maternal Cripto is involved in the maternal-fetal communications required for proper development of the placenta and placental vasculature.
Collapse
|
147
|
Park SG, Kim EK, Nam KH, Lee JG, Baek IJ, Lee BJ, Nam SY. Heart defects and embryonic lethality in Asb2 knock out mice correlate with placental defects. Cells Dev 2021; 165:203663. [PMID: 33993984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Asb2, ankyrin repeat, and SOCS box protein 2 form an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Asb2 ubiquitin ligase activity drives the degradation of filamins, which have essential functions in humans. The placenta is a temporary organ that forms during pregnancy, and normal placentation is important for survival and growth of the fetus. Recent studies have shown that approximately 25-30% of knockout (KO) mice have non-viable offspring, and 68% of knockout lines exhibit placental dysmorphologies. There are very few studies on Asb2, with insufficient research on its role in placental development. Therefore, we generated Asb2 knockout mice and undertook to investigate Asb2 expression during organogenesis, and to identify its role in early embryonic and placental development. The external morphology of KO embryos revealed abnormal phenotypes including growth retardation, pericardial effusion, pale color, and especially heart beat defect from E 9.5. Furthermore, Asb2 expression was observed in the heart from E 9.5, indicating that it is specifically expressed during early heart formation, resulting in embryonic lethality. Histological analysis of E 10.5 KO heart showed malformations such as failure of chamber formation, reduction in trabeculated myocardium length, absence of mesenchymal cells, and destruction of myocardium wall. Moreover, the histological results of Asb2-deficient placenta showed abnormal phenotypes including small labyrinth and reduced vascular complexity, indicating that failure to establish mature circulatory pattern affects the embryonic development and results in early mortality. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Asb2 knockout mice have placental defects, that subsequently result in failure to form a normal cardiac septum, and thereby result in embryo mortality in utero at around E 9.5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seul Gi Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Kim
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hoan Nam
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Jun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
148
|
Eckmann M, Sheng Q, Baldwin H S, Lister RL. Maternal Hyperglycemia Induces Changes in Gene Expression and Morphology in Mouse Placentas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5. [PMID: 34250501 DOI: 10.33425/2639-9342.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Pregestational diabetes complicates one million pregnancies in the United States and is associated with placental dysfunction. Placental dysfunction can manifest as stillbirth, spontaneous abortions, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia in the mother. However, the underlying mechanisms of placental dysfunction are not well understood. Objective We hypothesize that maternal hyperglycemia disrupts cellular processes important for normal vascular development and function. Study Design Hyperglycemia, defined as a non-fasting glucose concentration of >250 mg/dL was induced in eight-week-old female CD1 mice by injecting a one-time intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/kg streptozotocin. Control mice received an equal volume of normal saline. Hyperglycemic and control females were mated with CD-1 males. At Embryonic Day 17.5, the pregnant mice were euthanized. Sixty-eight placentas were harvested from the six euglycemic dams and twenty-six placentas were harvested from three hyperglycemic dams. RNA was extracted from homogenized placental tissue (N=12/group; 2-4 placentas per litter of each group). Total RNA was prepared and sequenced. Differentially expressed genes that were >2-fold change was considered significant. Placentas (9-20/group) were fixed in paraffin wax and sectioned at 6 μm. Cross-sectional areas of placental zones were evaluated using slides stained for hematoxylin and eosin, glycogen, collagen, proliferation and apoptosis. Quantification of staining intensity and percent positive nuclei was done using Leica Image Hub Data software. Data were compared between the control and experimental group using t-tests. Values of p < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results The average maternal blood glucose concentrations for control and diabetic dams were 112+/-24 and 473+/-47 respectively (p<0.0001). A higher rate of resorptions was noted in the hyperglycemia exposed placentas compared to euglycemic exposed placentas (24% vs 7%; p=0.04). A total of 24 RNA libraries (12/group) were prepared. Placentas from hyperglycemic pregnancies exhibited 1374 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The 10 most significantly differentially expressed genes are Filip 1, Prom 2, Fam 78a, Pde4d, Pou3f1, Kcnk5, Dusp4, Cxcr4, Slc6a4 and D430019H16Rik. Their corresponding biologic functions are related to chemotaxis, ossification, cellular and vascular development. Histologically, we found that hyperglycemia exposed placentas demonstrated increased proliferation, apoptosis, and glycogen content and decreased collagen deposition. Conclusion There was a higher rate of resorptions in the pregnancies of hyperglycemic dams. Pregestational diabetes resulted in significant changes in placental morphology, including increased glycogen content in the spongiotrophoblast, decreased collagen deposition, increased apoptosis and proliferation in the junction zone. Maternal diabetes causes widespread disruption in multiple cellular processes important for normal vascular development and sets the platform for placenta dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Eckmann
- Vanderbilt University Medical School, 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Quanhu Sheng
- Department of Biostatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Scott Baldwin H
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Rolanda L Lister
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37080, United States
| |
Collapse
|
149
|
Functional Role of circRNAs in the Regulation of Fetal Development, Muscle Development, and Lactation in Livestock. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5383210. [PMID: 33688493 PMCID: PMC7914090 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5383210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
circRNAs are a class of endogenous noncoding RNA molecules with closed loop structures. They are mainly responsible for regulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells. With the emergence of high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and new types of bioinformatics tools, thousands of circRNAs have been discovered, making circRNA one of the research hotspots. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs play an important regulatory role in the growth, reproduction, and formation of livestock products. They can not only regulate mammalian fetal growth and development but also have important regulatory effects on livestock muscle development and lactation. In this review, we briefly introduce the putative biogenic pathways and regulatory functions of circRNA and highlight our understanding of circRNA and its latest advances in fetal development, muscle development, and lactation biogenesis as well as expression in livestock. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of related industries.
Collapse
|
150
|
Ma J, Hu H, Lin M, Chen L, Liu M, Li H, Quan S. ELABELA alleviates syncytiotrophoblast hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice by reducing apoptosis. Placenta 2021; 106:30-39. [PMID: 33610935 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with increased syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis. ELABELA (ELA) is a circulating hormone secreted by the placenta. Here, we investigated the involvement of ELA in the pathogenesis of PE. METHODS We measured ELA expression in the placental villi of patients with severe PE and healthy controls. A cellular model of hypoxia and reoxygenation was used to simulate PE hypoxia, and changes in the proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblasts in response to different ELA concentrations were measured. In addition, we used NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to generate a mouse model of pregnancy-induced hypertension and explore whether ELA can improve the symptoms of PE. RESULTS ELA expression was decreased in severe PE. ELA promoted the proliferation of BeWo cells and improved the decreased cell proliferation rate after hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. ELA reversed the phenotypes of l-NAME-induced PE mice and regulated the expression of mouse placental apoptosis factors. DISCUSSION ELA reduced apoptosis in BeWo cells and improved PE-like symptoms in mice, suggesting its value as a potential novel treatment for PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoyue Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaoling Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Song Quan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|