151
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Amack JD. Structures and functions of cilia during vertebrate embryo development. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:579-596. [PMID: 36367893 PMCID: PMC9805515 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like structures that project from the surface of cells. In vertebrates, most cells have an immotile primary cilium that mediates cell signaling, and some specialized cells assemble one or multiple cilia that are motile and beat synchronously to move fluids in one direction. Gene mutations that alter cilia structure or function cause a broad spectrum of disorders termed ciliopathies that impact virtually every system in the body. A wide range of birth defects associated with ciliopathies underscores critical functions for cilia during embryonic development. In many cases, the mechanisms underlying cilia functions during development and disease remain poorly understood. This review describes different types of cilia in vertebrate embryos and discusses recent research results from diverse model systems that provide novel insights into how cilia form and function during embryo development. The work discussed here not only expands our understanding of in vivo cilia biology, but also opens new questions about cilia and their roles in establishing healthy embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Amack
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA,,BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse, New York, USA
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152
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Human Maternal-Fetal Interface Cellular Models to Assess Antiviral Drug Toxicity during Pregnancy. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of elevated risk for viral disease severity, resulting in serious health consequences for both the mother and the fetus; yet antiviral drugs lack comprehensive safety and efficacy data for use among pregnant women. In fact, pregnant women are systematically excluded from therapeutic clinical trials to prevent potential fetal harm. Current FDA-recommended reproductive toxicity assessments are studied using small animals which often do not accurately predict the human toxicological profiles of drug candidates. Here, we review the potential of human maternal-fetal interface cellular models in reproductive toxicity assessment of antiviral drugs. We specifically focus on the 2- and 3-dimensional maternal placental models of different gestational stages and those of fetal embryogenesis and organ development. Screening of drug candidates in physiologically relevant human maternal-fetal cellular models will be beneficial to prioritize selection of safe antiviral therapeutics for clinical trials in pregnant women.
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153
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Tan JP, Liu X, Polo JM. Establishment of human induced trophoblast stem cells via reprogramming of fibroblasts. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2739-2759. [PMID: 36241724 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00742-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, trophoblast cells play an essential role in establishing cell-cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface to ensure a successful pregnancy. In a recent study, we showed that human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced trophoblast stem (iTS) cells by transcription factor-mediated nuclear reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors OCT4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC (OKSM) and a selection of TS cell culture conditions. The derivation of TS cells from human blastocysts or first-trimester placenta can be limited by difficulties in obtaining adequate material as well as ethical implications. By contrast, the described approach allows the generation of iTS cells from the adult cells of individuals with diverse genetic backgrounds, which are readily accessible to many laboratories around the world. Here we describe a step-by-step protocol for the generation and establishment of human iTS cells directly from dermal fibroblasts using a non-integrative reprogramming method. The protocol consists of four main sections: (1) recovery of cryopreserved human dermal fibroblasts, (2) somatic cell reprogramming, (3) passaging of reprogramming intermediates and (4) derivation of iTS cell cultures followed by routine maintenance of iTS cells. These iTS cell lines can be established in 2-3 weeks and cultured long term over 50 passages. We also discuss several characterization methods that can be performed to validate the iTS cells derived using this approach. Our protocol allows researchers to generate patient-specific iTS cells to interrogate the trophoblast and placenta biology as well as their interactions with embryonic cells in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ping Tan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jose M Polo
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- The South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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154
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding, single-stranded RNAs (ribonucleic acids) that play important roles in many vital processes through their impact on gene expression. One such miRNA, miR210, represents a hypoxia-induced cellular miRNA group that hold a variety of functions. This review article highlights the importance of miR-210 in the development of pre-eclampsia.KEY MESSAGEmiR-210 is a promising biomarker for monitoring pregnancy with pre-eclampsia. Overexpression of miR-210 had a negative impact on the process of cell migration and trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Jaszczuk
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Koczkodaj
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrianna Kondracka
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Kwaśniewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Winkler
- Second Department of Gynecological Oncology, St. John's Center of Oncology of the Lublin Region, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Filip
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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155
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Karvas RM, David L, Theunissen TW. Accessing the human trophoblast stem cell state from pluripotent and somatic cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:604. [PMID: 36434136 PMCID: PMC9702929 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts are specialized epithelial cells that perform critical functions during blastocyst implantation and mediate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy. However, our understanding of human trophoblast biology remains limited since access to first-trimester placental tissue is scarce, especially between the first and fourth weeks of development. Moreover, animal models inadequately recapitulate unique aspects of human placental physiology. In the mouse system, the isolation of self-renewing trophoblast stem cells has provided a valuable in vitro model system of placental development, but the derivation of analogous human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) has remained elusive until recently. Building on a landmark study reporting the isolation of bona fide hTSCs from blastocysts and first-trimester placental tissues in 2018, several groups have developed methods to derive hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cell sources. Here we review the biological and molecular properties that define authentic hTSCs, the trophoblast potential of distinct pluripotent states, and methods for inducing hTSCs in somatic cells by direct reprogramming. The generation of hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cells presents exciting opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human placental development and the etiology of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Biocore, US 016, UAR 3556, 44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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156
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Ruan D, Ye ZW, Yuan S, Li Z, Zhang W, Ong CP, Tang K, Ka Ki Tam TT, Guo J, Xuan Y, Huang Y, Zhang Q, Lee CL, Lu L, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Liu F, Jin DY, Liu P. Human early syncytiotrophoblasts are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100849. [PMID: 36495872 PMCID: PMC9671691 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Direct in vivo investigation of human placenta trophoblast's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is challenging. Here we report that human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and their derivatives are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, which reveals heterogeneity in hTSC cultures. Early syncytiotrophoblasts (eSTBs) generated from hTSCs have enriched transcriptomic features of peri-implantation trophoblasts, express high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and are productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta and Omicron variants to produce virions. Antiviral drugs suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in eSTBs and antagonize the virus-induced blockage of STB maturation. Although less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, trophoblast organoids originating from hTSCs show detectable viral replication reminiscent of the uncommon placental infection. These findings implicate possible risk of COVID-19 infection in peri-implantation embryos, which may go unnoticed. Stem cell-derived human trophoblasts such as eSTBs can potentially provide unlimited amounts of normal and genome-edited cells and facilitate coronavirus research and antiviral discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degong Ruan
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zi-Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Li
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chon Phin Ong
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kaiming Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Timothy Theodore Ka Ki Tam
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jilong Guo
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yiyi Xuan
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yunying Huang
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Foshan Stomatology Hospital, School of Medicine, Foshan University, No. 5 Hebing Road, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Pentao Liu
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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157
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Viukov S, Shani T, Bayerl J, Aguilera-Castrejon A, Oldak B, Sheban D, Tarazi S, Stelzer Y, Hanna JH, Novershtern N. Human primed and naïve PSCs are both able to differentiate into trophoblast stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2484-2500. [PMID: 36270280 PMCID: PMC9669397 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent derivation of human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) from placental cytotrophoblasts and blastocysts opened opportunities for studying the development and function of the human placenta. Recent reports have suggested that human naïve, but not primed, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) retain an exclusive potential to generate TSCs. Here we report that, in the absence of WNT stimulation, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway inhibition leads to direct and robust conversion of primed human PSCs into TSCs. The resulting primed PSC-derived TSC lines exhibit self-renewal, can differentiate into the main trophoblast lineages, and present RNA and epigenetic profiles that are indistinguishable from recently established TSC lines derived from human placenta, blastocysts, or isogenic human naïve PSCs expanded under human enhanced naïve stem cell medium (HENSM) conditions. Activation of nuclear Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling is sufficient for this conversion and necessary for human TSC maintenance. Our findings underscore a residual plasticity in primed human PSCs that allows their in vitro conversion into extra-embryonic trophoblast lineages. Primed human PSCs readily convert into TSCs upon inhibition of TGF-β pathway Human primed PSC-derived TSCs are similar to embryo- or naïve PSC-derived TSCs WNT activation inhibits conversion to TSC in primed but not in naïve hPSCs YAP is sufficient for TSC induction from hPSCs and necessary for TSC maintenance
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Viukov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tom Shani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jonathan Bayerl
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | | | - Bernardo Oldak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Daoud Sheban
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shadi Tarazi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yonatan Stelzer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Noa Novershtern
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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158
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Cindrova-Davies T, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Human placental development and function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:66-77. [PMID: 35393235 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient fetal organ that plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of both the fetus and its mother. Functionally, the placenta sustains the growth of the fetus as it facilitates delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Not surprisingly, defective early placental development is the primary cause of common disorders of pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. Adverse pregnancy conditions will also affect the life-long health of the fetus via developmental programming[1]. Despite its critical importance in reproductive success and life-long health, our understanding of placental development is not extensive, largely due to ethical limitations to studying early or chronological placental development, lack of long-term in vitro models, or comparative animal models. In this review, we examine current knowledge of early human placental development, discuss the critical role of the maternal endometrium and of the fetal-maternal dialogue in pregnancy success, and we explore the latest models of trophoblast and endometrial stem cells. In addition, we discuss the role of oxygen in placental formation and function, how nutrient delivery is mediated during the periods of histotrophic nutrition (uptake of uterine secretions) and haemotrophic nutrition (exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations), and how placental endocrine function facilitates fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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159
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Abstract
The complex process by which a single-celled zygote develops into a viable embryo is nothing short of a miraculous wonder of the natural world. Elucidating how this process is orchestrated in humans has long eluded the grasp of scientists due to ethical and practical limitations. Thankfully, pluripotent stem cells that resemble early developmental cell types possess the ability to mimic specific embryonic events. As such, murine and human stem cells have been leveraged by scientists to create in vitro models that aim to recapitulate different stages of early mammalian development. Here, we examine the wide variety of stem cell-based embryo models that have been developed to recapitulate and study embryonic events, from pre-implantation development through to early organogenesis. We discuss the applications of these models, key considerations regarding their importance within the field, and how such models are expected to grow and evolve to achieve exciting new milestones in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan H. Terhune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeyoon Bok
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shiyu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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160
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Munger C, Kohler TN, Slatery E, Ellermann AL, Bergmann S, Penfold C, Ampartzidis I, Chen Y, Hollfelder F, Boroviak TE. Microgel culture and spatial identity mapping elucidate the signalling requirements for primate epiblast and amnion formation. Development 2022; 149:276630. [PMID: 36125063 PMCID: PMC7614365 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The early specification and rapid growth of extraembryonic membranes are distinctive hallmarks of primate embryogenesis. These complex tasks are resolved through an intricate combination of signals controlling the induction of extraembryonic lineages and, at the same time, safeguarding the pluripotent epiblast. Here, we delineate the signals orchestrating primate epiblast and amnion identity. We encapsulated marmoset pluripotent stem cells into agarose microgels and identified culture conditions for the development of epiblast- and amnion-spheroids. Spatial identity mapping authenticated spheroids generated in vitro by comparison with marmoset embryos in vivo. We leveraged the microgel system to functionally interrogate the signalling environment of the post-implantation primate embryo. Single-cell profiling of the resulting spheroids demonstrated that activin/nodal signalling is required for embryonic lineage identity. BMP4 promoted amnion formation and maturation, which was counteracted by FGF signalling. Our combination of microgel culture, single-cell profiling and spatial identity mapping provides a powerful approach to decipher the essential cues for embryonic and extraembryonic lineage formation in primate embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Munger
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Timo N. Kohler
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Slatery
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Ellermann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Ioakeim Ampartzidis
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Yutong Chen
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: T.E.B. (), F.H. ()
| | - Thorsten E. Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: T.E.B. (), F.H. ()
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161
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Dunphy L, Polkampali M, Simmons W, Fowler G. Maternal sepsis caused by Listeria monocytogenes with a fatal fetal outcome. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e249989. [PMID: 36192031 PMCID: PMC9535136 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving maternal and child health is a global priority. Although infection with Listeria monocytogenes (LM), a small facultative anaerobic, gram-positive motile bacillus is rare, when it infects the maternal-fetoplacental unit, it can result in adverse fetal sequelae such as chorioamnionitis, preterm labour, neonatal sepsis, meningitis and neonatal death. Pregnancy-associated listeriosis may present with a plethora of diverse, non-specific symptoms such as fever, influenza-like or gastrointestinal symptoms, premature contractions and preterm labour. It has a predilection for the second and third trimester of pregnancy, occurring sporadically or as part of an outbreak, most of which have involved unpasteurised dairy products, long shelf life products, contaminated ready-to-eat food, deli meats and soft cheeses. Strains belonging to the clonal complexes 1, 4 and 6 are hypervigilant and are commonly associated with maternal-neonatal infections. Maternal listeriosis occurs as a direct consequence of LM-specific placental tropism, which is mediated by the conjugated action of internalin A and internalin B at the placental barrier. The diagnosis is established from placental culture. Penicillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin are the antimicrobials of choice. It has a high fetal morbidity of up to 30%. The authors present the case of a multiparous woman in her early 20s presenting with sepsis and preterm premature rupture of her membranes at 21 weeks gestation. A live baby was delivered spontaneously and died shortly after birth. Placental cultures and postmortem examination were consistent with the diagnosis of disseminated Listeria infection. Due to the increased susceptibility of pregnant women for LM, a high index of clinical suspicion is required to establish the diagnosis and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy to reduce adverse fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Dunphy
- Department of Obstetrics, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
| | | | - William Simmons
- Department of Pathology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Grace Fowler
- Department of Obstetrics, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
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162
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Moffett A, Shreeve N. Local immune recognition of trophoblast in early human pregnancy: controversies and questions. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 23:222-235. [PMID: 36192648 PMCID: PMC9527719 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The role of the maternal immune system in reproductive success in humans remains controversial. Here we focus on the events that occur in the maternal decidua during the first few weeks of human pregnancy, because this is the site at which maternal leukocytes initially interact with and can recognize fetal trophoblast cells, potentially involving allorecognition by both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are the dominant leukocyte population in first-trimester decidua, and genetic studies point to a role of allorecognition by uterine NK cells in establishing a boundary between the mother and the fetus. By contrast, definitive evidence that allorecognition by decidual T cells occurs during the first trimester is lacking. Thus, our view is that during the crucial period when the placenta is established, damaging T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses towards placental trophoblast are minimized, whereas NK cell allorecognition contributes to successful implantation and healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moffett
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Norman Shreeve
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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163
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Mao Q, Chen X. An update on placental drug transport and its relevance to fetal drug exposure. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2022; 2:501-511. [PMID: 37724167 PMCID: PMC10388746 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women are often complicated with diseases that require treatment with medication. Most drugs administered to pregnant women are off-label without the necessary dose, efficacy, and safety information. Knowledge concerning drug transfer across the placental barrier is essential for understanding fetal drug exposure and hence drug safety and efficacy to the fetus. Transporters expressed in the placenta, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette efflux transporters and solute carrier uptake transporters, play important roles in determining drug transfer across the placental barrier, leading to fetal exposure to the drugs. In this review, we provide an update on placental drug transport, including in vitro cell/tissue, ex vivo human placenta perfusion, and in vivo animal studies that can be used to determine the expression and function of drug transporters in the placenta as well as placental drug transfer and fetal drug exposure. We also describe how the knowledge of placental drug transfer through passive diffusion or active transport can be combined with physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation to predict systemic fetal drug exposure. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps in studying placental drug transport and predicting fetal drug exposure and discuss future research directions to fill these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcheng Mao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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164
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Wen L, Tang F. Organoid research on human early development and beyond. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:512-523. [PMID: 37724162 PMCID: PMC10471100 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The organoid field has been developing rapidly during the last decade. Organoids for human pre-, peri- and post-implantation development have opened an avenue to study these biological processes in vitro, which have been hampered by lack of accessible research models for long term. The technologies of four fields, single cell omics sequencing, genome editing and lineage tracing, microfluidics and tissue engineering, have fueled the rapid development of the organoid field. In this review, we will discuss the organoid research on human early development as well as future directions of the organoid field combining with other powerful technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
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165
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Oyen ML. Biomaterials science and engineering to address unmet needs in women's health. MRS BULLETIN 2022; 47:864-871. [PMID: 36196217 PMCID: PMC9521852 DOI: 10.1557/s43577-022-00389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Medical conditions that primarily or disproportionately affect women have historically been poorly studied. In contrast to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, there is no lengthy record of biomaterials research addressing women's health needs. In this article, the historical reasons for this discrepancy are examined. The anatomy of both the nonpregnant and pregnant reproductive tissues is reviewed, including the ovaries, uterus, and (fetal) placenta. Examples of biomaterials-related women's health research are described, including tissue engineering, organoids, and microphysiological systems. The future of the field is considered with dual focuses. First, there is a significant need for novel approaches to advance women's health through materials and biomaterials, particularly in complex biomimetic hydrogels. Second, there is an exciting opportunity to enlarge the community of biomaterials scientists and engineers working in women's health to encourage more contributions to its rapidly emerging product development pipeline. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
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166
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhang Z, Wang J, Shen Y, Hu Y, Wu X. NINJ1 triggers extravillous trophoblast cell dysfunction through blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1385-1397. [PMID: 36166142 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trophoblasts are the most important parts of the placenta in early pregnancy. Trophoblast cell dysfunction can induce embryo implantation insufficiency, thereby resulting in multiple diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). A previous study indicates higher nerve injury-induced protein 1 (NINJ1) RNA levels in the villi tissues of RSA patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of NINJ1 on trophoblast behaviors and pregnancy loss. METHODS Fresh villi tissues were obtained from with RSA patients and patients with artificial selective abortion for personal reasons, and NINJ1 expression in these tissues was detected. Extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was transfected with small-interfering RNA targeting NINJ1 or NINJ1 overexpression vector to perform loss-/gain-of-function experiments. Spontaneous abortion (SA) was induced by mating CBA/J females with DBA/2 males and the pregnant females were intraperitoneally injected with adenovirus vector carrying NINJ1 short hairpin RNA. RESULTS NINJ1 mRNA and protein levels were higher in the villi tissues of RSA patients than those of artificial selective abortion patients. NINJ1 knockdown promoted trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion but inhibited cell apoptosis. Moreover, conditioned medium from NINJ1-depleted trophoblasts promoted the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. NINJ1 knockdown also promoted activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in trophoblasts, and STAT3 inhibitor reversed NINJ1 knockdown-induced effects on trophoblast behaviors. Furthermore, pregnancy loss was attenuated by NINJ1 inhibition. CONCLUSION NINJ1 contributes to the development of SA and triggers trophoblast cell dysfunction through inhibiting the STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueluo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical School of Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xianping Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Tisco (Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanjing Hu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical School of Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueqing Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women's Health Center of Shanxi, 13 Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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167
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Braun AE, Mitchel OR, Gonzalez TL, Sun T, Flowers AE, Pisarska MD, Winn VD. Sex at the interface: the origin and impact of sex differences in the developing human placenta. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:50. [PMID: 36114567 PMCID: PMC9482177 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal placenta is a source of hormones and immune factors that play a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and facilitating fetal growth. Cells in this extraembryonic compartment match the chromosomal sex of the embryo itself. Sex differences have been observed in common gestational pathologies, highlighting the importance of maternal immune tolerance to the fetal compartment. Over the past decade, several studies examining placentas from term pregnancies have revealed widespread sex differences in hormone signaling, immune signaling, and metabolic functions. Given the rapid and dynamic development of the human placenta, sex differences that exist at term (37–42 weeks gestation) are unlikely to align precisely with those present at earlier stages when the fetal–maternal interface is being formed and the foundations of a healthy or diseased pregnancy are established. While fetal sex as a variable is often left unreported in studies performing transcriptomic profiling of the first-trimester human placenta, four recent studies have specifically examined fetal sex in early human placental development. In this review, we discuss the findings from these publications and consider the evidence for the genetic, hormonal, and immune mechanisms that are theorized to account for sex differences in early human placenta. We also highlight the cellular and molecular processes that are most likely to be impacted by fetal sex and the evolutionary pressures that may have given rise to these differences. With growing recognition of the fetal origins of health and disease, it is important to shed light on sex differences in early prenatal development, as these observations may unlock insight into the foundations of sex-biased pathologies that emerge later in life. Placental sex differences exist from early prenatal development, and may help explain sex differences in pregnancy outcomes. Transcriptome profiling of early to mid-gestation placenta reveals that immune signaling is a hub of early prenatal sex differences. Differentially expressed genes between male and female placenta fall into the following functional associations: chromatin modification, transcription, splicing, translation, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, cell death and autophagy regulation, ubiquitination, cell adhesion and cell–cell interaction. Placental sex differences likely reflect the interaction of cell-intrinsic chromosome complement with extrinsic endocrine signals from the fetal compartment that accompany gonadal differentiation. Understanding the mechanisms behind sex differences in placental development and function will provide key insight into molecular targets that can be modulated to improve sex-biased obstetrical complications.
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168
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Trophoblast Exosomal UCA1 Induces Endothelial Injury through the PFN1-RhoA/ROCK Pathway in Preeclampsia: A Human-Specific Adaptive Pathogenic Mechanism. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2198923. [PMID: 36160709 PMCID: PMC9499815 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2198923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is regarded as an evolution-related disease that has only been observed in humans and our closest relatives, and the important factor contributing to its pathogenesis is endothelial dysregulation secondary to a stressed placenta. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α), a highly conserved molecule in virtually all mammals, is regarded as a crucial regulator of the hypoxia adaptation and evolution. Persistent high expression of HIF1α in the placenta is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of preeclampsia. Therefore, human-specific molecules should link increased HIF1α to preeclampsia. We reported that urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) is a potential mediator because it is a human-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is upregulated in placental tissues and maternal serum from women with preeclampsia and is regulated by HIF1α. The cellular HIF1α-UCA1 pathway promoted the adaptation of trophoblasts to hypoxia by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and changes in the levels of key enzymes in glycolysis. On the other hand, circulating exosomal UCA1 secreted from stressed trophoblasts induced vascular endothelial dysfunction, especially excess ROS production, as measured by exosome extraction and a coculture system. At the molecular level, UCA1 physically bound to ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14), which is a deubiquitinating enzyme, and UCA1 functioned as a scaffold to recruit USP14 to profilin 1 (PFN1), an actin-binding protein contributing to endothelial abnormalities and vascular diseases. This ternary complex inhibited the ubiquitination-dependent degradation of PFN1 and prolonged its half-life, further activating the RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway to induce ROS production in endothelial cells. Taken together, these observations suggest a role for the evolution-related UCA1 in the HIF1α-induced adaptive pathogenic mechanism of preeclampsia, promoting the survival of hypoxic trophoblasts and injuring maternal endothelial cells.
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169
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Stojanovska V, Arnold S, Bauer M, Voss H, Fest S, Zenclussen AC. Characterization of Three-Dimensional Trophoblast Spheroids: An Alternative Model to Study the Physiological Properties of the Placental Unit. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182884. [PMID: 36139458 PMCID: PMC9497053 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It was postulated that 3D cell culture models more accurately reflect the complex tissue physiology and morphology in comparison to 2D cell monolayers. Currently, there is a shortage of well-characterized and easily maintainable high-throughput experimental models of the human placenta. Here, we characterized three different 3D cultures (e.g., spheroids) derived from trophoblast cell lines and studied their functionality in comparison to primary fetal trophoblasts and placental tissue. The spheroid growth rates of JEG3, BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cell lines were similar among each other and were significantly larger in comparison to primary trophoblast spheroids. All spheroids exhibited migratory properties and shortest distances were registered for JEG3 spheroids. Even though all spheroids displayed invasive capabilities, only the invasive features of HTR8/SVneo spheroids resulted in specific branching. This was in agreement with the invasive properties of the spheroids obtained from primary trophoblasts. Human chorionic gonadotropin production was highest in JEG3 spheroids and only increased when stimulated with cAMP and forskolin in BeWo, but not HTR8/SVneo spheroids. The gene expression analysis confirmed that 3D trophoblast cell cultures and especially HTR8/SVneo spheroids showed considerable similarities with the gene expression profile of primary placental tissue. This study offers a broad characterization of 3D trophoblast spheroids that, in turn, can help in selecting the best model depending on the scientific question that needs to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanne Arnold
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hermann Voss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Academic Hospital of University Brandenburg, 06847 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Stefan Fest
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Academic Hospital of University Brandenburg, 06847 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Saxonian Incubator for Translational Research, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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170
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Ray S, Saha A, Ghosh A, Roy N, Kumar RP, Meinhardt G, Mukerjee A, Gunewardena S, Kumar R, Knöfler M, Paul S. Hippo signaling cofactor, WWTR1, at the crossroads of human trophoblast progenitor self-renewal and differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204069119. [PMID: 36037374 PMCID: PMC9457323 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204069119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy progression of human pregnancy relies on cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor self-renewal and its differentiation toward multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that fine-tune CTB self-renewal or direct its differentiation toward STBs or EVTs during human placentation are poorly defined. Here, we show that Hippo signaling cofactor WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1) is a master regulator of trophoblast fate choice during human placentation. Using human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs), primary CTBs, and human placental explants, we demonstrate that WWTR1 promotes self-renewal in human CTBs and is essential for their differentiation to EVTs. In contrast, WWTR1 prevents induction of the STB fate in undifferentiated CTBs. Our single-cell RNA sequencing analyses in first-trimester human placenta, along with mechanistic analyses in human TSCs revealed that WWTR1 fine-tunes trophoblast fate by directly regulating WNT signaling components. Importantly, our analyses of placentae from pathological pregnancies show that extreme preterm births (gestational time ≤28 wk) are often associated with loss of WWTR1 expression in CTBs. In summary, our findings establish the critical importance of WWTR1 at the crossroads of human trophoblast progenitor self-renewal versus differentiation. It plays positive instructive roles in promoting CTB self-renewal and EVT differentiation and safeguards undifferentiated CTBs from attaining the STB fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Namrata Roy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ram P. Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Abhirup Mukerjee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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171
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Non-invasive monitoring of blood oxygenation in human placentas via concurrent diffuse optical spectroscopy and ultrasound imaging. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:1017-1030. [PMID: 35970929 PMCID: PMC9944515 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Direct assessment of blood oxygenation in the human placenta can provide information about placental function. However, the monitoring of placental oxygenation involves invasive sampling or imaging techniques that are poorly suited for bedside use. Here we show that placental oxygen haemodynamics can be non-invasively probed in real time and up to 4.2 cm below the body surface via concurrent frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy and ultrasound imaging. We developed a multimodal instrument to facilitate the assessment of the properties of the anterior placenta by leveraging image-reconstruction algorithms that integrate ultrasound information about the morphology of tissue layers with optical information on haemodynamics. In a pilot investigation involving placentas with normal function (15 women) or abnormal function (9 women) from pregnancies in the third trimester, we found no significant differences in baseline haemoglobin properties, but statistically significant differences in the haemodynamic responses to maternal hyperoxia. Our findings suggest that the non-invasive monitoring of placental oxygenation may aid the early detection of placenta-related adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal vascular malperfusion.
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172
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Yang L, Semmes EC, Ovies C, Megli C, Permar S, Gilner JB, Coyne CB. Innate immune signaling in trophoblast and decidua organoids defines differential antiviral defenses at the maternal-fetal interface. eLife 2022; 11:e79794. [PMID: 35975985 PMCID: PMC9470165 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections at the maternal-fetal interface can directly harm the fetus and induce complications that adversely impact pregnancy outcomes. Innate immune signaling by both fetal-derived placental trophoblasts and the maternal decidua must provide antimicrobial defenses at this critical interface without compromising its integrity. Here, we developed matched trophoblast (TO) and decidua organoids (DO) from human placentas to define the relative contributions of these cells to antiviral defenses at the maternal-fetal interface. We demonstrate that TO and DO basally secrete distinct immunomodulatory factors, including the constitutive release of the antiviral type III interferon IFN-λ2 from TOs, and differentially respond to viral infections through the induction of organoid-specific factors. Finally, we define the differential susceptibility and innate immune signaling of TO and DO to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and develop a co-culture model of TO and DO which showed that trophoblast-derived factors protect decidual cells from HCMV infection. Our findings establish matched TO and DO as ex vivo models to study vertically transmitted infections and highlight differences in innate immune signaling by fetal-derived trophoblasts and the maternal decidua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Yang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
| | - Eleanor C Semmes
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Cristian Ovies
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
| | - Christina Megli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Reproductive Infectious Disease, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)PittsburghUnited States
- Magee Womens Research InstitutePittsburghUnited States
| | - Sallie Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical Center, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Jennifer B Gilner
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
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173
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Li X, Kodithuwakku SP, Chan RWS, Yeung WSB, Yao Y, Ng EHY, Chiu PCN, Lee CL. Three-dimensional culture models of human endometrium for studying trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:120. [PMID: 35964080 PMCID: PMC9375428 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During implantation, a symphony of interaction between the trophoblast originated from the trophectoderm of the implanting blastocyst and the endometrium leads to a successful pregnancy. Defective interaction between the trophoblast and endometrium often results in implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and a number of pregnancy complications. Owing to ethical concerns of using in vivo approaches to study human embryo implantation, various in vitro culture models of endometrium were established in the past decade ranging from two-dimensional cell-based to three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM)/tissue-based culture systems. Advanced organoid systems have also been established for recapitulation of different cellular components of the maternal-fetal interface, including the endometrial glandular organoids, trophoblast organoids and blastoids. However, there is no single ideal model to study the whole implantation process leaving more research to be done pursuing the establishment of a comprehensive in vitro model that can recapitulate the biology of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during early pregnancy. This would allow us to have better understanding of the physiological and pathological process of trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Suranga P Kodithuwakku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Rachel W S Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Kojima J, Ono M, Kuji N, Nishi H. Human Chorionic Villous Differentiation and Placental Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8003. [PMID: 35887349 PMCID: PMC9325306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the placenta provides the only fetomaternal connection and is essential for establishing a pregnancy as well as fetal well-being. Additionally, it allows maternal physiological adaptation and embryonic immunological acceptance, support, and nutrition. The placenta is derived from extra-embryonic tissues that develop rapidly and dynamically in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is primarily composed of trophoblasts that differentiate into villi, stromal cells, macrophages, and fetal endothelial cells (FEC). Placental differentiation may be closely related to perinatal diseases, including fetal growth retardation (FGR) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and miscarriage. There are limited findings regarding human chorionic villous differentiation and placental development because conducting in vivo studies is extremely difficult. Placental tissue varies widely among species. Thus, experimental animal findings are difficult to apply to humans. Early villous differentiation is difficult to study due to the small tissue size; however, a detailed analysis can potentially elucidate perinatal disease causes or help develop novel therapies. Artificial induction of early villous differentiation using human embryonic stem (ES) cells/induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was attempted, producing normally differentiated villi that can be used for interventional/invasive research. Here, we summarized and correlated early villous differentiation findings and discussed clinical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (J.K.); (N.K.); (H.N.)
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175
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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176
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Azevedo Portilho N, Pastor WA, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineered models for placental toxicology: Emerging approaches based on tissue decellularization. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:148-159. [PMID: 35840119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in prescriptions and illegal drug use as well as exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy have highlighted the critical importance of placental toxicology in understanding and identifying risks to both mother and fetus. Although advantageous for basic science, current in vitro models often fail to capture the complexity of placental response, likely due to their inability to recreate and monitor aspects of the microenvironment including physical properties, mechanical forces and stiffness, protein composition, cell-cell interactions, soluble and physicochemical factors, and other exogenous cues. Tissue engineering holds great promise in addressing these challenges and provides an avenue to better understand basic biology, effects of toxic compounds and potential therapeutics. The key to success lies in effectively recreating the microenvironment. One strategy to do this would be to recreate individual components and then combine them. However, this becomes challenging due to variables present according to conditions such as tissue location, age, health status and lifestyle. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to influence cellular fate by working as a storage of factors. Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a recent tool that allows usage of the original ECM in a refurbished form, providing a relatively reliable representation of the microenvironment. This review focuses on using dECM in modified forms such as whole organs, scaffold sheets, electrospun nanofibers, hydrogels, 3D printing, and combinations as building blocks to recreate aspects of the microenvironment to address general tissue engineering and toxicology challenges, thus illustrating their potential as tools for future placental toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalia Azevedo Portilho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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177
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Transforming growth factor-β signaling governs the differentiation program of extravillous trophoblasts in the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120667119. [PMID: 35867736 PMCID: PMC9282384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120667119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal placentation has been noticed in a variety of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, early-onset preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Defects in the developmental program of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), migrating from placental anchoring villi into the maternal decidua and its vessels, is thought to be an underlying cause. Yet, key regulatory mechanisms controlling commitment and differentiation of the invasive trophoblast lineage remain largely elusive. Herein, comparative gene expression analyses of HLA-G-purified EVTs, isolated from donor-matched placenta, decidua, and trophoblast organoids (TB-ORGs), revealed biological processes and signaling pathways governing EVT development. In particular, bioinformatics analyses and manipulations in different versatile trophoblast cell models unraveled transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling as a crucial pathway driving differentiation of placental EVTs into decidual EVTs, the latter showing enrichment of a secretory gene signature. Removal of Wingless signaling and subsequent activation of the TGF-β pathway were required for the formation of human leukocyte antigen-G+ (HLA-G+) EVTs in TB-ORGs that resemble in situ EVTs at the level of global gene expression. Accordingly, TGF-β-treated EVTs secreted enzymes, such as DAO and PAPPA2, which were predominantly expressed by decidual EVTs. Their genes were controlled by EVT-specific induction and genomic binding of the TGF-β downstream effector SMAD3. In summary, TGF-β signaling plays a key role in human placental development governing the differentiation program of EVTs.
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178
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Richardson L, Menon R. Fetal membrane at the feto-maternal interface: An underappreciated and understudied intrauterine tissue. PLACENTA AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022; 1:10.54844/prm.2022.0104. [PMID: 37502422 PMCID: PMC10373051 DOI: 10.54844/prm.2022.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
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179
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Beyond fusion: A novel role for ERVW-1 in trophoblast proliferation and type I interferon receptor expression. Placenta 2022; 126:150-159. [PMID: 35816776 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Throughout human pregnancy there is a delicate balance between the maintenance of a proliferative, trophoblast stem cell pool (TSC) and the differentiation from TSC to placental cell sub-lineages like the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The STB is comprised of multinucleated cells that come into direct contact with maternal blood and provides the first line of defense to protect the fetus from maternal infections. The differentiation of TSC towards STB is primarily driven by human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), specifically Syncytin-1 (ERVW-1) and Syncytin-2 (ERVFRD-1). Beyond cell fusion, there is also evidence to suggest they can regulate cell proliferation and an antiviral response in other cell types. Therefore, we hypothesized that HERV can regulate cell proliferation as well as an antiviral response in TSCs. METHOD shRNA was used to knockdown ERVW-1 in TSCs and revealed reduction in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell fusion. RT-qPCR and flow cytometry was used to measure other HERV and the presence of Type I and Type II interferon receptors. RESULTS ERVW-1 knockdown (KD) TSCs had a significantly longer cell doubling time and reduced expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. ERVW-1 KD cells also demonstrated a marked deficiency in the ability to differentiate. Interestingly, ERVFRD-1 was upregulated in both ERVW-1 KD TSC and STB cells compared to controls. Finally, we found that the Type I interferon receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were significantly increased in ERVW-1 KD STB cells. DISCUSSION These findings uncover critical HERV functions in the trophoblasts and a novel role for ERVW-1 during early human placental development.
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180
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Chen Y, Siriwardena D, Penfold C, Pavlinek A, Boroviak TE. An integrated atlas of human placental development delineates essential regulators of trophoblast stem cells. Development 2022; 149:275917. [PMID: 35792865 PMCID: PMC9340556 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The trophoblast lineage safeguards fetal development by mediating embryo implantation, immune tolerance, nutritional supply and gas exchange. Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) provide a platform to study lineage specification of placental tissues; however, the regulatory network controlling self-renewal remains elusive. Here, we present a single-cell atlas of human trophoblast development from zygote to mid-gestation together with single-cell profiling of hTSCs. We determine the transcriptional networks of trophoblast lineages in vivo and leverage probabilistic modelling to identify a role for MAPK signalling in trophoblast differentiation. Placenta- and blastoid-derived hTSCs consistently map between late trophectoderm and early cytotrophoblast, in contrast to blastoid-trophoblast, which correspond to trophectoderm. We functionally assess the requirement of the predicted cytotrophoblast network in an siRNA-screen and reveal 15 essential regulators for hTSC self-renewal, including MAZ, NFE2L3, TFAP2C, NR2F2 and CTNNB1. Our human trophoblast atlas provides a powerful analytical resource to delineate trophoblast cell fate acquisition, to elucidate transcription factors required for hTSC self-renewal and to gauge the developmental stage of in vitro cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Chen
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Dylan Siriwardena
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Christopher Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | | | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
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181
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Deng P, Cui K, Shi Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Shao X, Qin J. Fluidic Flow Enhances the Differentiation of Placental Trophoblast-Like 3D Tissue from hiPSCs in a Perfused Macrofluidic Device. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907104. [PMID: 35845423 PMCID: PMC9280037 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta serves as a multifunctional organ to maintain the proper development of a fetus. However, our knowledge of the human placenta is limited due to the lack of appropriate experimental models. In this work, we created an in vitro placental trophoblast-like model via self-organization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in a perfused 3D culture macrofluidic device. This device allowed cell seeding, in situ trophoblast lineage differentiation, and formation of trophoblast-like tissues from hiPSCs in a biomimetic microenvironment. It incorporated extracellular matrix (ECM) and fluid flow in a single device. After trophoblast lineage differentiation, we were able to generate the 3D clusters with major cell types of the human placenta, including trophoblast progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) under long-term 3D culture (∼23 days). Moreover, the formed tissues exhibited enhanced expressions of CTB-, STB-, and EVT-related markers at the level of genes and proteins under a dynamic culture compared with static conditions. RNA-seq analysis revealed the higher expression of trophoblast-specific genes in 3D tissues, indicating the essential role of fluid flow to promote the trophoblast differentiation of hiPSCs. The established placental 3D model combined a bioengineering strategy with developmental principles, providing a promising platform for the study of placental biology in a biomimetic microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Deng
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kangli Cui
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoguang Shao
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Qin,
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182
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James JL, Lissaman A, Nursalim YNS, Chamley LW. Modelling human placental villous development: designing cultures that reflect anatomy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:384. [PMID: 35753002 PMCID: PMC9234034 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The use of in vitro tools to study trophoblast differentiation and function is essential to improve understanding of normal and abnormal placental development. The relative accessibility of human placentae enables the use of primary trophoblasts and placental explants in a range of in vitro systems. Recent advances in stem cell models, three-dimensional organoid cultures, and organ-on-a-chip systems have further shed light on the complex microenvironment and cell-cell crosstalk involved in placental development. However, understanding each model's strengths and limitations, and which in vivo aspects of human placentation in vitro data acquired does, or does not, accurately reflect, is key to interpret findings appropriately. To help researchers use and design anatomically accurate culture models, this review both outlines our current understanding of placental development, and critically considers the range of established and emerging culture models used to study this, with a focus on those derived from primary tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Abbey Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yohanes N S Nursalim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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183
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Wu X, Yang X, Geng X, Ji X, Zhang X, Yue H, Li G, Sang N. Bisphenol A Analogs Induce Cellular Dysfunction in Human Trophoblast Cells in a Thyroid Hormone Receptor-Dependent Manner: In Silico and In Vitro Analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8384-8394. [PMID: 35666658 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs are frequently detected in human daily necessities and environmental media. Placental thyroid hormone plays an important role in fetal development. Herein, we followed the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) to explore the toxic mechanisms of BPA and its analogs toward placental thyroid hormone receptor (TR). First, the TOX21 database was used, and the interactions between BPA analogs and the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of two subtypes of TR (TRα and TRβ) were subjected to in silico screening using molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) showed that BPA and its analogs interfere with TRs as a molecular initiation event (MIE), including static fluorescence quenching and secondary structural content changes in TR-LBDs. Key events (KEs) of the AOP, including the toxicity induced in placental chorionic trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo) by an inverted U-shaped dose effect and changes in ROS levels, were tested in vitro. BPA, BPB, and BPAF significantly changed the expression level of TRβ, and only BPAF significantly downregulated the expression level of TRα. In conclusion, our study contributes to the health risk assessment of BPA and its analogs regarding placental adverse outcomes (AOs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wu
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Yang
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
| | - Xilin Geng
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaotong Ji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaozheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, P. R. China
| | - Huifeng Yue
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
| | - Guangke Li
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
| | - Nan Sang
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, P. R. China
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184
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Thompson RE, Meyers MA, Veeramachaneni DNR, Pukazhenthi BS, Hollinshead FK. Equine Oviductal Organoid Generation and Cryopreservation. Methods Protoc 2022; 5:mps5030051. [PMID: 35736552 PMCID: PMC9230449 DOI: 10.3390/mps5030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids are a type of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture that more closely mimic the in vivo environment and can be maintained in the long term. To date, oviductal organoids have only been reported in laboratory mice, women, and cattle. Equine oviductal organoids were generated and cultured for 42 days (including 3 passages and freeze-thawing at passage 1). Consistent with the reports in mouse and human oviductal organoids, the equine oviductal organoids revealed round cell clusters with a central lumen. Developing a 3D model of the mare oviduct may allow for an increased understanding of their normal physiology, including hormonal regulation. These organoids may provide an environment that mimics the in vivo equine oviduct and facilitate improved in vitro embryo production in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley E. Thompson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (M.A.M.); (F.K.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mindy A. Meyers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (M.A.M.); (F.K.H.)
| | | | - Budhan S. Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;
| | - Fiona K. Hollinshead
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (M.A.M.); (F.K.H.)
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185
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Nikitina TV, Lebedev IN. Stem Cell-Based Trophoblast Models to Unravel the Genetic Causes of Human Miscarriages. Cells 2022; 11:1923. [PMID: 35741051 PMCID: PMC9221414 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage affects approximately 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies, and 1-3% of couples experience pregnancy loss recurrently. Approximately 50-60% of miscarriages result from chromosomal abnormalities, whereas up to 60% of euploid recurrent abortions harbor variants in candidate genes. The growing number of detected genetic variants requires an investigation into their role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since placental defects are the main cause of first-trimester miscarriages, the purpose of this review is to provide a survey of state-of-the-art human in vitro trophoblast models that can be used for the functional assessment of specific abnormalities/variants implicated in pregnancy loss. Since 2018, when primary human trophoblast stem cells were first derived, there has been rapid growth in models of trophoblast lineage. It has been found that a proper balance between self-renewal and differentiation in trophoblast progenitors is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy. Different responses to aneuploidy have been shown in human embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. Stem cell-based models provide a powerful tool to explore the effect of a specific aneuploidy/variant on the fetus through placental development, which is important, from a clinical point of view, for deciding on the suitability of embryos for transfer after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Nikitina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
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186
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Gonçalves BM, Graceli JB, da Rocha PB, Tilli HP, Vieira EM, de Sibio MT, Peghinelli VV, Deprá IC, Mathias LS, Olímpio RMC, Belik VC, Nogueira CR. Placental model as an important tool to study maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:7-13. [PMID: 35714933 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that plays critical roles at the maternal-fetal interface. Normal development and function of the placenta is dependent on hormonal signaling pathways that make the placenta a target of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) action. Studies showing association between prenatal exposure, hormone disruption, and reproductive damage indicate that EDCs are developmentally toxic and can impact future generations. In this context, new placental models (trophoblast-derived cell lines, organotypic or 3D cell models, and physiologically based kinetic models) have been developed in order to create new approach methodology (NAM) to assess and even prevent such disastrous toxic harm in future generations. With the widespread discouragement of conducting animal studies, it has become irrefutable to develop in vitro models that can serve as a substitute for in vivo models. The goal of this review is to discuss the newest in vitro models to understand the maternal-fetal interface and predict placental development, physiology, and dysfunction generated by failures in molecular hormone control mechanisms, which, consequently, may change epigenetic programming to increase susceptibility to metabolic and other disorders in the offspring. We summarize the latest placental models for developmental toxicology studies, focusing mainly on three-dimensional (3D) culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Paula B da Rocha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena P Tilli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ester M Vieira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria T de Sibio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius V Peghinelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor C Deprá
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Mathias
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Regiane M C Olímpio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Virgínia C Belik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Célia R Nogueira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Soncin F, Morey R, Bui T, Requena DF, Cheung VC, Kallol S, Kittle R, Jackson MG, Farah O, Chousal J, Meads M, Pizzo D, Horii M, Fisch KM, Parast MM. Derivation of functional trophoblast stem cells from primed human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1303-1317. [PMID: 35594858 PMCID: PMC9214048 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) have recently been derived from human embryos and early-first-trimester placenta; however, aside from ethical challenges, the unknown disease potential of these cells limits their scientific utility. We have previously established a bone morphogetic protein 4 (BMP4)-based two-step protocol for differentiation of primed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into functional trophoblasts; however, those trophoblasts could not be maintained in a self-renewing TSC-like state. Here, we use the first step from this protocol, followed by a switch to newly developed TSC medium, to derive bona fide TSCs. We show that these cells resemble placenta- and naive hPSC-derived TSCs, based on their transcriptome as well as their in vitro and in vivo differentiation potential. We conclude that primed hPSCs can be used to generate functional TSCs through a simple protocol, which can be applied to a widely available set of existing hPSCs, including induced pluripotent stem cells, derived from patients with known birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Robert Morey
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Virginia Chu Cheung
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Madeline G Jackson
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer Chousal
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Donald Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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189
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Transcription factor networks in trophoblast development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:337. [PMID: 35657505 PMCID: PMC9166831 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04363-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The placenta sustains embryonic development and is critical for a successful pregnancy outcome. It provides the site of exchange between the mother and the embryo, has immunological functions and is a vital endocrine organ. To perform these diverse roles, the placenta comprises highly specialized trophoblast cell types, including syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast. The coordinated actions of transcription factors (TFs) regulate their emergence during development, subsequent specialization, and identity. These TFs integrate diverse signaling cues, form TF networks, associate with chromatin remodeling and modifying factors, and collectively determine the cell type-specific characteristics. Here, we summarize the general properties of TFs, provide an overview of TFs involved in the development and function of the human trophoblast, and address similarities and differences to their murine orthologs. In addition, we discuss how the recent establishment of human in vitro models combined with -omics approaches propel our knowledge and transform the human trophoblast field.
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190
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Simunovic M, Siggia ED, Brivanlou AH. In vitro attachment and symmetry breaking of a human embryo model assembled from primed embryonic stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:962-972.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Friemel A, Solbach C, Yuan J. BCL6, a key oncogene, in the placenta, pre-eclampsia and endometriosis. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:890-909. [PMID: 35640966 PMCID: PMC9629482 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key oncogene B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) drives malignant progression by promoting proliferation, overriding DNA damage checkpoints and blocking cell terminal differentiation. However, its functions in the placenta and the endometrium remain to be defined. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent studies provide evidence that BCL6 may play various roles in the human placenta and the endometrium. Deregulated BCL6 might be related to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE) as well as endometriosis. In this narrative review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the pathophysiological role of BCL6 in these two reproductive organs, discuss related molecular mechanisms, and underline associated research perspectives. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed for human, animal and cellular studies published until October 2021 in the following areas: BCL6 in the placenta, in PE and in endometriosis, in combination with its functions in proliferation, fusion, migration, invasion, differentiation, stem/progenitor cell maintenance and lineage commitment. OUTCOMES The data demonstrate that BCL6 is important in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration and invasion of trophoblastic cells. BCL6 may have critical roles in stem/progenitor cell survival and differentiation in the placenta and the endometrium. BCL6 is aberrantly upregulated in pre-eclamptic placentas and endometriotic lesions through various mechanisms, including changes in gene transcription and mRNA translation as well as post-transcriptional/translational modifications. Importantly, increased endometrial BCL6 is considered to be a non-invasive diagnostic marker for endometriosis and a predictor for poor outcomes of IVF. These data highlight that BCL6 is crucial for placental development and endometrium homeostasis, and its upregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of PE, endometriosis and infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The lesson learned from studies of the key oncogene BCL6 reinforces the notion that numerous signaling pathways and regulators are shared by tumors and reproductive organs. Their alteration may promote the progression of malignancies as well as the development of gestational and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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192
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Eikmans M, van der Keur C, Anholts JDH, Drabbels JJM, van Beelen E, de Sousa Lopes SMC, van der Hoorn ML. Primary Trophoblast Cultures: Characterization of HLA Profiles and Immune Cell Interactions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:814019. [PMID: 35634345 PMCID: PMC9136060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.814019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trophoblasts are essential in fetal-maternal interaction during pregnancy. The goal was to study HLA profiles of primary trophoblasts derived from placentas, and to investigate their usefulness in studying interaction with immune cells. Methods After enzymatic digestion of first-trimester placental tissue from seven donors (6-9 weeks gestation) and trophoblast enrichment we cultured cytotrophoblasts (CTB) in stem cell medium. CTB were differentiated into EVT in a Matrigel-containing medium. A subset of CTB/EVT was profiled for microRNA levels. Expression of classical HLA molecules and of HLA-G was studied by flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA. Secondary trophoblast cell lines JAR and JEG-3 were studied as controls. Lymphocytes were investigated during co-culturing with EVT. Results The trophoblasts could be easily maintained for several passages, upregulated classical trophoblast markers (GATA3, TFAP2C, chromosome-19 microRNAs), and upon differentiation to EVT they were selective in expressing HLA-C. EVT showed increasing expression of total HLA-G, an increasing proportion of HLA-G1 over G2- and G3 isoforms, and elevated excretion of soluble HLA-G. These features were distinct from those of the secondary trophoblast cell lines. TNF-α and IL-8 represented the most abundantly secreted cytokines by CTB, but their levels were minimal in EVT cultures. As proof of principle, we showed that EVT affect lymphocytes in three-day co-cultures (n=4) by decreasing activation marker HLA-DR. Conclusion We verified the possibility culturing trophoblasts from first-term placentas, and their capability of differentiating to HLA-G expressing EVT. This culture model better represents the in-vivo situation than previously studied secondary trophoblast cell lines and enables mechanistic studies of fetal-maternal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Michael Eikmans,
| | - Carin van der Keur
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Jos J. M. Drabbels
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Els van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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194
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Marečková M, Massalha H, Lorenzi V, Vento-Tormo R. Mapping Human Reproduction with Single-Cell Genomics. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:523-547. [PMID: 35567278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120121-114415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The trillions of cells in the human body develop as a result of the fusion of two extremely specialized cells: an oocyte and a sperm. This process is essential for the continuation of our species, as it ensures that parental genetic information is mixed and passed on from generation to generation. In addition to producing oocytes, the female reproductive system must provide the environment for the appropriate development of the fetus until birth. New genomic and computational tools offer unique opportunities to study the tight spatiotemporal regulatory mechanisms that are required for the cycle of human reproduction. This review explores how single-cell technologies have been used to build cellular atlases of the human reproductive system across the life span and how these maps have proven useful to better understand reproductive pathologies and dissect the heterogeneity of in vitro model systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
| | - Hassan Massalha
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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195
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The Role of Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells in Recurrent Reproductive Failure. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050775. [PMID: 35629197 PMCID: PMC9143189 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), collectively referred to as recurrent reproductive failure (RRF), are both challenging conditions with many unanswered questions relating to causes and management options. Both conditions are proposed to be related to an aberrant endometrial microenvironment, with different proposed aetiologies related to a restrictive or permissive endometrium for an invading embryo. The impressive regenerative capacity of the human endometrium has been well-established and has led to the isolation and characterisation of several subtypes of endometrial stem/progenitor cells (eSPCs). eSPCs are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrium-related disorders (such as endometriosis) and have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of RRF. This review appraises the current knowledge of eSPCs, and their involvement in RRF, highlighting the considerable unknown aspects in this field, and providing avenues for future research to facilitate much-needed advances in the diagnosis and management of millions of women suffering with RRF.
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196
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Long P, Shi Y, Sun F, Wei Y, Wu B, Li Q, Jie Q, Ma Y. Establishment of a non‐integrated induced pluripotent stem cell line derived from human chorionic villi cells. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24464. [PMID: 35527669 PMCID: PMC9169189 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human primary chorionic villi (CV) cells. The present study aimed to explore an optimal electroporation (EP) condition for generating non‐integrated iPSCs from CV cells (CV‐iPSCs). Methods The EGFP plasmid was transfected into CV cells under different EP conditions to evaluate cell adherence and the rate of EGFP positive cells. Subsequently, CV cells were transfected with the pEP4‐E02S‐ET2K and pCEP4‐miR‐302–367 plasmids under optimal EP conditions. Finally, CV‐iPSC pluripotency, karyotype analysis, and differentiation ability were investigated. Results Following EP for 48 h under different conditions, different confluency, and transfection efficiency were observed in CV cells. Higher cell density was observed in CV cells exposed to 200 V for 100 s, while higher transfection efficiency was obtained in cells electroporated at a pulse of 300 V for 300 s. To generate typical primitive iPSCs, CV cells were transfected with pEP4‐E02S‐ET2K and pCEP4‐miR‐302–367 plasmids using EP and were then cultured in induction medium for 20 days under selected conditions. Subsequently, monoclonal iPSCs were isolated and were evaluated pluripotency with AP positive staining, the expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG in vitro and the formation of three germ layer teratomas in vivo. Conclusion CV‐iPSCs were successfully established under the conditions of 100 μl shock cup and EP pulse of 200 V for 300 s for two times. This may provide a novel strategy for investigating the pathogenesis of several diseases and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Long
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Guizhou Qiannan People's Hospital Guizhou China
| | - Yuechuan Shi
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
| | - Fei Sun
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Yunjian Wei
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
| | - Bangyong Wu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
| | - Qi Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
| | - Qiuling Jie
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
| | - Yanlin Ma
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou Haikou Hainan China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Haikou Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Resources Preservation of First Affiliated Hospital Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
- Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China
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197
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Karvas RM, Khan SA, Verma S, Yin Y, Kulkarni D, Dong C, Park KM, Chew B, Sane E, Fischer LA, Kumar D, Ma L, Boon ACM, Dietmann S, Mysorekar IU, Theunissen TW. Stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids model human placental development and susceptibility to emerging pathogens. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:810-825.e8. [PMID: 35523141 PMCID: PMC9136997 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast organoids derived from placental villi provide a 3D model system of human placental development, but access to first-trimester tissues is limited. Here, we report that trophoblast stem cells isolated from naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can efficiently self-organize into 3D stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids (SC-TOs) with a villous architecture similar to primary trophoblast organoids. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals the presence of distinct cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast clusters and a small cluster of extravillous trophoblasts, which closely correspond to trophoblast identities in the post-implantation embryo. These organoid cultures display clonal X chromosome inactivation patterns previously described in the human placenta. We further demonstrate that SC-TOs exhibit selective vulnerability to emerging pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus), which correlates with expression levels of their respective entry factors. The generation of trophoblast organoids from naive hPSCs provides an accessible 3D model system of the developing placenta and its susceptibility to emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sonam Verma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Devesha Kulkarni
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kyoung-Mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eshan Sane
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Adrianus C M Boon
- Division of Infection Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Nephrology and Institute for Informatics (I(2)), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Chen Y, Meng Y, Yu Y, Li W, Shen Y, Li S, Chang Y, Sun W. LMO2 plays differential roles in trophoblast subtypes and is associated with preeclampsia. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 604:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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199
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Xu C, Ma H, Gao F, Zhang C, Hu W, Jia Y, Xu J, Hu J. Screening of Organophosphate Flame Retardants with Placentation-Disrupting Effects in Human Trophoblast Organoid Model and Characterization of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:57002. [PMID: 35503735 PMCID: PMC9064024 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal placental development may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes and metabolic diseases in adulthood; however, it remains unknown whether and how xenobiotics affect human placentation. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to screen and identify placentation-disrupting chemicals in commonly used organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and, if identified, to investigate potential adverse effects on placentation in relation to adverse pregnancy outcomes and metabolic disorder in offspring in mice. METHODS We devised a high-throughput immunofluorescence screening assay based on human trophoblast organoids and used it to screen OPFRs that inhibit the proliferation of organoids. One identified chemical was assessed for its effects on placentation by evaluating villous cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts using immunofluorescence and a mitochondrial stress test after 2 d of exposure. A 10-d exposure study was further performed to observe the dynamic effect of the OPFR on the structure of the organoids. RNA-sequencing and western blotting experiments were performed to explore the associated pathways, and a potential binding protein was identified by immunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase activity assays. Animal studies were performed to determine whether the findings in organoids could be replicated in mice and to observe adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The proliferation of organoids exposed to three aryl-OPFRs was significantly lower than the proliferation of control organoids. Further analysis demonstrated that one such chemical, 2-ethylhexyl-diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), disrupted placentation in organoids. Mechanistically, EHDPP interfered with insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) to inhibit aerobic respiration. Mice exposed to EHDPP at a physiological human concentrations exhibited immature and mature placental disorders, which correlated with fetal growth restriction, implantation failure, stillbirth, and impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS The human trophoblast organoid model showed that the commonly used OPFRs disrupted placentation via IGF1R, indicating that its use may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and metabolic disorders in offspring. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10273.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenke Xu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haojia Ma
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fumei Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenhao Zhang
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxin Hu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingting Jia
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Kobia FM, Maiti K, Obimbo MM, Smith R, Gitaka J. Potential pharmacologic interventions targeting TLR signaling in placental malaria. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:513-524. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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