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Cooley A, Madhukaran S, Stroebele E, Colon Caraballo M, Wang L, Akgul Y, Hon GC, Mahendroo M. Dynamic states of cervical epithelia during pregnancy and epithelial barrier disruption. iScience 2023; 26:105953. [PMID: 36718364 PMCID: PMC9883190 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cervical epithelium undergoes changes in proliferation, differentiation, and function that are critical to ensure fertility and maintain pregnancy. Here, we identify cervical epithelial subtypes in non-pregnant, pregnant, and in labor mice using single-cell transcriptome and spatial analysis. We identify heterogeneous subpopulations of epithelia displaying spatial and temporal specificity. Notably in pregnancy, two goblet cell subtypes are present in the most luminal layers with one goblet population expanding earlier in pregnancy than the other goblet population. The goblet populations express novel protective factors and distinct mucosal networks. Single-cell analysis in a model of cervical epithelial barrier disruption indicates untimely basal cell proliferation precedes the expansion of goblet cells with diminished mucosal integrity. These data demonstrate how the cervical epithelium undergoes continuous remodeling to maintain dynamic states of homeostasis in pregnancy and labor, and provide a framework to understand perturbations in epithelial health that increase the risk of premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cooley
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - ShanmugaPriyaa Madhukaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stroebele
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mariano Colon Caraballo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yucel Akgul
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gary C. Hon
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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3
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Proteome Mapping of Cervical Mucus and Its Potential as a Source of Biomarkers in Female Tract Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021038. [PMID: 36674559 PMCID: PMC9863546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical mucus (CM) is a viscous fluid that is produced by the cervical glands and functions as a uterine cervix plug. Its viscosity decreases during ovulation, providing a window for non-invasive sampling. This study focuses on proteomic characterization of CM to evaluate its potential as a non-invasively acquired source of biomarkers and in understanding of molecular (patho)physiology of the female genital tract. The first objective of this work was to optimize experimental workflow for CM processing and the second was to assess differences in the proteomic composition of CM during natural ovulatory cycles obtained from intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Proteomic analysis of CM samples revealed 4370 proteins involved in processes including neutrophil degranulation, cellular stress responses, and hemostasis. Differential expression analysis revealed 199 proteins enriched in IUI samples and 422 enriched in IVF. The proteins enriched in IUI were involved in phosphatidic acid synthesis, responses to external stimulus, and neutrophil degranulation, while those enriched in IVF samples were linked to neutrophil degranulation, formation of a cornified envelope and hemostasis. Subsequent analyses clarified the protein composition of the CM and how it is altered by hormonal stimulation of the uterus.
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Dong M, Dong Y, Bai J, Li H, Ma X, Li B, Wang C, Li H, Qi W, Wang Y, Fan A, Han C, Xue F. Interactions between microbiota and cervical epithelial, immune, and mucus barrier. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1124591. [PMID: 36909729 PMCID: PMC9998931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1124591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts of the female genital tract. It allows sperm and birth passage and hinders the upward movement of microorganisms into a relatively sterile uterus. It is also the predicted site for sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The healthy cervicovaginal microbiota maintains cervical epithelial barrier integrity and modulates the mucosal immune system. Perturbations of the microbiota composition accompany changes in microbial metabolites that induce local inflammation, damage the cervical epithelial and immune barrier, and increase susceptibility to STI infection and relative disease progression. This review examined the intimate interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota, relative metabolites, and the cervical epithelial-, immune-, and mucus barrier, and the potent effect of the host-microbiota interaction on specific STI infection. An improved understanding of cervicovaginal microbiota regulation on cervical microenvironment homeostasis might promote advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various STI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yalan Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaotong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bijun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhui Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Aiping Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cha Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
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Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Rocher M, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL. A porous cervical mucus plug leads to preterm birth induced by experimental vaginal infection in mice. iScience 2022; 25:104526. [PMID: 35754724 PMCID: PMC9218384 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During gestation, the cervical mucus plug (CMP) acts to seal the cervical canal. Pilot studies in humans have suggested that a porous CMP may increase the risk of uterine infection and preterm birth. We examined the gel-forming content of the mouse vagina and the CMP. We experimentally infected pregnant mice by intravaginal administration of pathogens related to preterm birth in humans. We found that the epithelium in both the vagina and cervical canal of pregnant mice produced the two gel-forming mucins Muc5b and Muc5ac. The CMP was porous in Muc5b-deficient mice for which intravaginal administration of Escherichia coli O 55 led to the activation of an inflammatory response in the uterus and 100% preterm births. The pathogen was found in the mucus plug and uterus. This study shows that Muc5b is essential for the in vivo barrier function and the prevention of uterine infections during gestation. Muc5b and Muc5ac are the main gel-forming mucins of the mouse vagina and cervical canal During pregnancy, a cervical mucus plug (CMP) is formed and seals the cervical canal Muc5b-deficient CMP is highly porous Inflammation following vaginal infection causes preterm birth in Muc5b-deficient mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lacroix
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - Infinite, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Valérie Gouyer
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - Infinite, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Mylène Rocher
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - Infinite, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Frédéric Gottrand
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - Infinite, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-Luc Desseyn
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - Infinite, 59000 Lille, France
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6
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Park D, Reddy AP, Wilmarth PA, Jensen JT, Han L. Mucus secretions from a conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cell culture. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:159-165. [PMID: 35560013 PMCID: PMC9947459 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if the secretions collected from a conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cell culture are suitable surrogates for mucus studies. DESIGN Experimental. SETTING University research center. ANIMAL(S) Female rhesus macaque (n = 2). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quantitative proteomic analysis using tandem mass tag mass spectrometry liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULT(S) We identified 3,047 proteins, common proteins present in both primary endocervical cell cultures and the mucus of rhesus macaques. We found a 71% overlap in the top 500 most prevalent proteins in the samples. Cell culture secretions contained many essential mucus proteins, including MUC5B, the primary mucin of the endocervix. CONCLUSION(S) Similarities in secreted proteins suggest that conditionally reprogrammed primary endocervical cells could be used to study mucus secretion in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daye Park
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, Athens, Georgia.
| | - Ashok P. Reddy
- Proteomic Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Phillip A. Wilmarth
- Proteomic Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey T. Jensen
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Portland, OR, USA,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Leo Han
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Portland, OR, USA,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Portland, OR, USA
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