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Bao H, Sun Y, Deng N, Zhang L, Jia Y, Li G, Gao Y, Li X, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Wang H, Deng W, Kong S. PR-SET7 epigenetically restrains uterine interferon response and cell death governing proper postnatal stromal development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4920. [PMID: 38858353 PMCID: PMC11164956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of the stroma is a hallmark event during postnatal uterine development. However, the spatiotemporal changes that occur during this process and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we comprehensively delineated the dynamic development of the neonatal uterus at single-cell resolution and characterized two distinct stromal subpopulations, inner and outer stroma. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that uterine ablation of Pr-set7, the sole methyltransferase catalyzing H4K20me1, led to a reduced proportion of the inner stroma due to massive cell death, thus impeding uterine development. By combining RNA sequencing and epigenetic profiling of H4K20me1, we demonstrated that PR-SET7-H4K20me1 either directly repressed the transcription of interferon stimulated genes or indirectly restricted the interferon response via silencing endogenous retroviruses. Declined H4K20me1 level caused viral mimicry responses and ZBP1-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis in stromal cells. Collectively, our study provides insight into the epigenetic machinery governing postnatal uterine stromal development mediated by PR-SET7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Gaizhen Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
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Jia S, Zhao F. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the neonatal oviduct and uterus reveals new insights into upper Müllerian duct regionalization. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23632. [PMID: 38686936 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400303r] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The upper Müllerian duct (MD) is patterned and specified into two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, the oviduct and uterus. It is known that this regionalization process is instructed by inductive signals from the adjacent mesenchyme. However, the interaction landscape between epithelium and mesenchyme during upper MD development remains largely unknown. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse neonatal oviducts and uteri at the initiation of MD epithelial differentiation (postnatal day 3). We identified major cell types including epithelium, mesenchyme, pericytes, mesothelium, endothelium, and immune cells in both organs with established markers. Moreover, we uncovered region-specific epithelial and mesenchymal subpopulations and then deduced region-specific ligand-receptor pairs mediating mesenchymal-epithelial interactions along the craniocaudal axis. Unexpectedly, we discovered a mesenchymal subpopulation marked by neurofilaments with specific localizations at the mesometrial pole of both the neonatal oviduct and uterus. Lastly, we analyzed and revealed organ-specific signature genes of pericytes and mesothelial cells. Taken together, our study enriches our knowledge of upper MD development, and provides a manageable list of potential genes, pathways, and region-specific cell subtypes for future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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Kowsar R, Sadeghi K, Hashemzadeh F, Miyamoto A. Ovarian sex steroid and epithelial control of immune responses in the uterus and oviduct: human and animal models†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:230-245. [PMID: 38038990 PMCID: PMC10873282 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad166] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT), including the uterus and oviduct (Fallopian tube), is responsible for maintaining an optimal microenvironment for reproductive processes, such as gamete activation and transportation, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic and fetal development. The mucosal surface of the FRT may be exposed to pathogens and sexually transmitted microorganisms due to the opening of the cervix during mating. Pathogens and endotoxins may also reach the oviduct through the peritoneal fluid. To maintain an optimum reproductive environment while recognizing and killing pathogenic bacterial and viral agents, the oviduct and uterus should be equipped with an efficient and rigorously controlled immune system. Ovarian sex steroids can affect epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells, which have been shown to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. This, in turn, protects against potential infections while maintaining an optimal milieu for reproductive events, highlighting the homeostatic involvement of ovarian sex steroids and reproductive epithelial cells. This article will discuss how ovarian sex steroids affect the immune reactions elicited by the epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus and oviduct in the bovine, murine, and human species. Finally, we propose that there are regional and species-specific differences in the immune responses in FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Hashemzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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4
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Jia S, Zhao F. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the neonatal oviduct and uterus reveals new insights into upper Müllerian duct regionalization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572607. [PMID: 38187777 PMCID: PMC10769252 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The upper Müllerian duct (MD) is patterned and specified into two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, the oviduct and uterus. It is known that this regionalization process is instructed by inductive signals from the adjacent mesenchyme. However, the interaction landscape between epithelium and mesenchyme during upper MD development remains largely unknown. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse neonatal oviducts and uteri at the initiation of MD epithelial differentiation (postnatal day 3). We identified major cell types including epithelium, mesenchyme, pericytes, mesothelium, endothelium, and immune cells in both organs with established markers. Moreover, we uncovered region-specific epithelial and mesenchymal subpopulations and then deduced region-specific ligand-receptor pairs mediating mesenchymal-epithelial interactions along the craniocaudal axis. Unexpectedly, we discovered a mesenchymal subpopulation marked by neurofilaments with specific localizations at the mesometrial pole of both the neonatal oviduct and uterus. Lastly, we analyzed and revealed organ-specific signature genes of pericytes and mesothelial cells. Taken together, our study enriches our knowledge of upper Müllerian duct development, and provides a manageable list of potential genes, pathways, and region-specific cell subtypes for future functional studies.
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5
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Rizo JA, Davenport KM, Winuthayanon W, Spencer TE, Kelleher AM. Estrogen receptor alpha regulates uterine epithelial lineage specification and homeostasis. iScience 2023; 26:107568. [PMID: 37622003 PMCID: PMC10445454 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Postnatal development of the uterus involves specification of undifferentiated epithelium into uterine-type epithelium. That specification is regulated by stromal-epithelial interactions as well as intrinsic cell-specific transcription factors and gene regulatory networks. This study utilized mouse genetic models of Esr1 deletion, endometrial epithelial organoids (EEO), and organoid-stromal co-cultures to decipher the role of Esr1 in uterine epithelial development. Organoids derived from wild-type (WT) mice developed a normal single layer of columnar epithelium. In contrast, EEO from Esr1 null mice developed a multilayered stratified squamous type of epithelium with basal cells. Co-culturing Esr1 null epithelium with WT uterine stromal fibroblasts inhibited basal cell development. Of note, estrogen treatment of EEO-stromal co-cultures and Esr1 conditional knockout mice increased basal epithelial cell markers. Collectively, these findings suggest that Esr1 regulates uterine epithelium lineage plasticity and homeostasis and loss of ESR1 promotes altered luminal-to-basal differentiation driven by ESR1-mediated paracrine factors from the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A. Rizo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Popli P, Tang S, Chadchan SB, Talwar C, Rucker EB, Guan X, Monsivais D, Lydon JP, Stallings CL, Moley KH, Kommagani R. Beclin-1-dependent autophagy, but not apoptosis, is critical for stem-cell-mediated endometrial programming and the establishment of pregnancy. Dev Cell 2023; 58:885-897.e4. [PMID: 37040770 PMCID: PMC10289806 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.013] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The human endometrium shows a remarkable regenerative capacity that enables cyclical regeneration and remodeling throughout a woman's reproductive life. Although early postnatal uterine developmental cues direct this regeneration, the vital factors that govern early endometrial programming are largely unknown. We report that Beclin-1, an essential autophagy-associated protein, plays an integral role in uterine morphogenesis during the early postnatal period. We show that conditional depletion of Beclin-1 in the uterus triggers apoptosis and causes progressive loss of Lgr5+/Aldh1a1+ endometrial progenitor stem cells, with concomitant loss of Wnt signaling, which is crucial for stem cell renewal and epithelial gland development. Beclin-1 knockin (Becn1 KI) mice with disabled apoptosis exhibit normal uterine development. Importantly, the restoration of Beclin-1-driven autophagy, but not apoptosis, promotes normal uterine adenogenesis and morphogenesis. Together, the data suggest that Beclin-1-mediated autophagy acts as a molecular switch that governs the early uterine morphogenetic program by maintaining the endometrial progenitor stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Popli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chandni Talwar
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Edmund B Rucker
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christina L Stallings
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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7
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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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8
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Kitamura A, Jiayue C, Suwa T, Kato Y, Wada T, Watanabe H. Neonatal administration of synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol to mice up-regulates inflammatory Cxclchemokines located in the 5qE1 region in the vaginal epithelium. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280421. [PMID: 36928065 PMCID: PMC10019738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), is known to cause adult vaginal carcinoma by neonatal administration of DES to mice. However, the carcinogenic process remains unclear. By Cap Analysis of Gene Expression method, we found that neonatal DES exposure up-regulated inflammatory Cxcl chemokines 2, 3, 5, and 7 located in the 5qE1 region in the vaginal epithelium of mice 70 days after birth. When we examined the gene expressions of these genes much earlier stages, we found that neonatal DES exposure increased these Cxcl chemokine genes expression even after 17 days after birth. It implies the DES-mediated persistent activation of inflammatory genes. Intriguingly, we also detected DES-induced non-coding RNAs from a region approximately 100 kb far from the Cxcl5 gene. The non-coding RNA up-regulation by DES exposure was confirmed on the 17-day vagina and continued throughout life, which may responsible for the activation of Cxcl chemokines located in the same region, 5qE1. This study shows that neonatal administration of DES to mice causes long-lasting up-regulation of inflammatory Cxcl chemokines in the vaginal epithelium. DES-mediated inflammation may be associated with the carcinogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kitamura
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
- Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chen Jiayue
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Suwa
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kato
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadashi Wada
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
- Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hajime Watanabe
- Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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9
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Development and characterization of human fetal female reproductive tract organoids to understand Müllerian duct anomalies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118054119. [PMID: 35858415 PMCID: PMC9335258 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118054119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Müllerian ducts are paired tubular structures that give rise to most of the female reproductive organs. Any abnormalities in the development and differentiation of these ducts lead to anatomical defects in the female reproductive tract organs categorized as Müllerian duct anomalies. Due to the limited access to fetal tissues, little is understood of human reproductive tract development and the associated anomalies. Although organoids represent a powerful model to decipher human development and disease, such organoids from fetal reproductive organs are not available. Here, we developed organoids from human fetal fallopian tubes and uteri and compared them with their adult counterparts. Our results demonstrate that human fetal reproductive tract epithelia do not express some of the typical markers of adult reproductive tract epithelia. Furthermore, fetal organoids are grossly, histologically, and proteomically different from adult organoids. While external supplementation of WNT ligands or activators in culture medium is an absolute requirement for the adult reproductive tract organoids, fetal organoids are able to grow in WNT-deficient conditions. We also developed decellularized tissue scaffolds from adult human fallopian tubes and uteri. Transplantation of fetal organoids onto these scaffolds led to the regeneration of the adult fallopian tube and uterine epithelia. Importantly, suppression of Wnt signaling, which is altered in patients with Müllerian duct anomalies, inhibits the regenerative ability of human fetal organoids and causes severe anatomical defects in the mouse reproductive tract. Thus, our fetal organoids represent an important platform to study the underlying basis of human female reproductive tract development and diseases.
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Heidari-Khoei H, Esfandiari F, Moini A, Yari S, Saber M, Novin MG, Piryaei A, Baharvand H. Derivation of hormone-responsive human endometrial organoids and stromal cells from cryopreserved biopsies. Exp Cell Res 2022; 417:113205. [PMID: 35568073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113205] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cyclic changes in response to sex steroid hormones to provide a receptive status for embryo implantation. Disruptions in this behavior may lead to implantation failure and infertility; therefore, it is essential to develop an appropriate in vitro model to study endometrial changes in response to sex hormones. In this regard, the first choice would be human endometrial cells isolated from biopsies that could be used as monolayer cell sheets or to generate endometrial organoids. However, the need for fresh samples and short-time viability of harvested endometrial biopsy limits these approaches. In order to overcome these limitations, we sought to develop an efficient, simple, robust and reproducible method to cryopreserve human endometrial biopsies that could be stored and/or shipped frozen and later thawed to generate endometrial organoids and endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). These cryopreserved biopsies could be thawed and used to generate simple endometrial organoids or organoids for co-culture with matched stromal cells that are functionally responsive to sex hormones as similar as the organoids generated from fresh biopsy. An optimal endometrial tissue cryopreservation method would allow the possibility for endometrial tissue biobanking to enable future organoid generation from both healthy tissues and pathological conditions, and open new venues for generate endometrial assembloids, consisting of epithelial organoids and primary stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Heidari-Khoei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Breast Disease Research Center (BDRS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Yari
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Saber
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Guerrero Schimpf M, Milesi MM, Zanardi MV, Varayoud J. Disruption of developmental programming with long-term consequences after exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide in a rat model. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 159:112695. [PMID: 34813928 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) have been associated with endocrine disrupting effects on reproductive organs. We examined whether postnatal exposure to GBH affects developmental programming of the uterus with long-term consequences. Female Wistar pups received vehicle (control) or GBH (2 mg of glyphosate/kg/day) from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND7, where the developing uterus is highly sensitive to endocrine disruption. Short-, mid- and long-term effects were evaluated on PND8, PND120 and PND600, respectively. GBH induced hyperplasia and epigenetic alterations in the uterus of neonatal females (PND8). DNA hypermethylation, enrichment of H3K9me3 and reductions of H3K27me3 at regulatory regions of the morphoregulatory gene Hoxa10 resulted in gene downregulation. In young adult females (PND120), GBH increased 17β-estradiol (E2) and decreased progesterone (P4) serum levels, altering estrous cyclicity. Aged females (PND600) exposed to GBH developed leiomyoma and pre-neoplastic glandular lesions in the uterus. Vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma and intrahepatic bile duct adenoma were also observed. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to GBH altered the expression and induced hypermethylation of the Hoxa10 gene in uterine tissue at early life, and increased E2/P4 ratio serum level at middle-age. We propose that epigenetic reprogramming of Hoxa10 in association with hormonal imbalance could be among the possible mechanisms underlying the long-term adverse effects detected in GBH-exposed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlise Guerrero Schimpf
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente Del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María M Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente Del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Zanardi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente Del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente Del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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12
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Santana González L, Artibani M, Ahmed AA. Studying Müllerian duct anomalies - from cataloguing phenotypes to discovering causation. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:269240. [PMID: 34160006 PMCID: PMC8246269 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are developmental disorders of the Müllerian duct, the embryonic anlage of most of the female reproductive tract. The prevalence of MDAs is 6.7% in the general female population and 16.7% in women who exhibit recurrent miscarriages. Individuals affected by these anomalies suffer from high rates of infertility, first-trimester pregnancy losses, premature labour, placental retention, foetal growth retardation and foetal malpresentations. The aetiology of MDAs is complex and heterogeneous, displaying a range of clinical pictures that generally lack a direct genotype-phenotype correlation. De novo and familial cases sharing the same genomic lesions have been reported. The familial cases follow an autosomal-dominant inheritance, with reduced penetrance and variable expressivity. Furthermore, few genetic factors and molecular pathways underpinning Müllerian development and dysregulations causing MDAs have been identified. The current knowledge in this field predominantly derives from loss-of-function experiments in mouse and chicken models, as well as from human genetic association studies using traditional approaches, such as microarrays and Sanger sequencing, limiting the discovery of causal factors to few genetic entities from the coding genome. In this Review, we summarise the current state of the field, discuss limitations in the number of studies and patient samples that have stalled progress, and review how the development of new technologies provides a unique opportunity to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, we discuss how these new technologies can improve functional validation of potential causative alterations in MDAs. Summary: Here, we review the current knowledge about Müllerian duct anomalies in the context of new high-throughput technologies and model systems and their implications in the prevention of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santana González
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Mara Artibani
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Ahmed Ashour Ahmed
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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13
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Functional similarity between TGF-beta type 2 and type 1 receptors in the female reproductive tract. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9294. [PMID: 33927274 PMCID: PMC8084965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling plays critical roles in reproductive development and function. TGFβ ligands signal through the TGFβ receptor type 2 (TGFBR2)/TGFBR1 complex. As TGFBR2 and TGFBR1 form a signaling complex upon ligand stimulation, they are expected to be equally important for propagating TGFβ signaling that elicits cellular responses. However, several genetic studies challenge this concept and indicate that disruption of TGFBR2 or TGFBR1 may lead to contrasting phenotypic outcomes. We have shown that conditional deletion of Tgfbr1 using anti-Mullerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre causes oviductal and myometrial defects. To determine the functional requirement of TGFBR2 in the female reproductive tract and the potential phenotypic divergence/similarity resulting from conditional ablation of either receptor, we generated mice harboring Tgfbr2 deletion using the same Cre driver that was previously employed to target Tgfbr1. Herein, we found that conditional deletion of Tgfbr2 led to a similar phenotype to that of Tgfbr1 deletion in the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, genetic removal of Tgfbr1 in the Tgfbr2-deleted uterus had minimal impact on the phenotype of Tgfbr2 conditional knockout mice. In summary, our results reveal the functional similarity between TGFBR2 and TGFBR1 in maintaining the structural integrity of the female reproductive tract.
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14
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Evaluation of Development of the Rat Uterus as a Toxicity Biomarker. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33423230 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1091-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The developing uterus is highly sensitive to a brief exposure to different substances, in particular those with endocrine-disrupting activity. Thus, exposure to environmental, nutritional, chemical, and other xenobiotic factors affecting signaling events during critical organizational periods can alter the normal course of uterine development with lasting consequences. In this chapter, we provide an experimental protocol to evaluate the development of the rat uterus as a toxicity biomarker at two different developmental time points: (1) the neonatal period, on postnatal day (PND) 8, and (2) the prepubertal period, on PND21. In this experimental approach, we propose to assess: (1) uterine morphology and cytodifferentiation, (2) uterine cell proliferation, and (3) the expression of proteins involved in uterine organogenetic differentiation. All these morphological and molecular markers are useful tools to determine the consequences of exposure to toxicants with the potential to disrupt the uterine development.
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15
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Santana Gonzalez L, Rota IA, Artibani M, Morotti M, Hu Z, Wietek N, Alsaadi A, Albukhari A, Sauka-Spengler T, Ahmed AA. Mechanistic Drivers of Müllerian Duct Development and Differentiation Into the Oviduct. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:605301. [PMID: 33763415 PMCID: PMC7982813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.605301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The conduits of life; the animal oviducts and human fallopian tubes are of paramount importance for reproduction in amniotes. They connect the ovary with the uterus and are essential for fertility. They provide the appropriate environment for gamete maintenance, fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development. However, serious pathologies, such as ectopic pregnancy, malignancy and severe infections, occur in the oviducts. They can have drastic effects on fertility, and some are life-threatening. Despite the crucial importance of the oviducts in life, relatively little is known about the molecular drivers underpinning the embryonic development of their precursor structures, the Müllerian ducts, and their successive differentiation and maturation. The Müllerian ducts are simple rudimentary tubes comprised of an epithelial lumen surrounded by a mesenchymal layer. They differentiate into most of the adult female reproductive tract (FRT). The earliest sign of Müllerian duct formation is the thickening of the anterior mesonephric coelomic epithelium to form a placode of two distinct progenitor cells. It is proposed that one subset of progenitor cells undergoes partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT), differentiating into immature Müllerian luminal cells, and another subset undergoes complete EMT to become Müllerian mesenchymal cells. These cells invaginate and proliferate forming the Müllerian ducts. Subsequently, pEMT would be reversed to generate differentiated epithelial cells lining the fully formed Müllerian lumen. The anterior Müllerian epithelial cells further specialize into the oviduct epithelial subtypes. This review highlights the key established molecular and genetic determinants of the processes involved in Müllerian duct development and the differentiation of its upper segment into oviducts. Furthermore, an extensive genome-wide survey of mouse knockout lines displaying Müllerian or oviduct phenotypes was undertaken. In addition to widely established genetic determinants of Müllerian duct development, our search has identified surprising associations between loss-of-function of several genes and high-penetrance abnormalities in the Müllerian duct and/or oviducts. Remarkably, these associations have not been investigated in any detail. Finally, we discuss future directions for research on Müllerian duct development and oviducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santana Gonzalez
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna A Rota
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Developmental Immunology Research Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Artibani
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Morotti
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Wietek
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashwag Albukhari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tatjana Sauka-Spengler
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed A Ahmed
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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16
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Nakajima T, Kozuma M, Hirasawa T, Matsunaga YT, Tomooka Y. Extracellular matrix components and elasticity regulate mouse vaginal epithelial differentiation induced by mesenchymal cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1239-1248. [PMID: 33693507 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab041] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oviduct, uterus, and vagina are derived from Müllerian ducts. But only in the vagina, the epithelium differentiates into stratified layers. Organ-specific secreted factors derived from the stroma of a neonatal mouse induce epithelial differentiation in the female reproductive tracts. However, the effects of the components and mechanical property of extracellular matrix (ECM) on the regulation of gene expression in the mesenchymal cells of neonatal stroma and differentiation of epithelium in the female reproductive tracts have been overlooked. In the present study, we have developed a simple 3D neonatal vaginal model using clonal cell lines to study the effect of ECM's components and stiffness on the epithelial stratification. Transcriptome analysis was performed by DNA-microarray to identify the components of ECM involved in the differentiation of vaginal epithelial stratification. The knockdown experiment of the candidate genes relating to vaginal epithelial stratification was focused on fibromodulin (Fmod), a collagen cross-linking protein. FMOD was essential for the expression of Bmp4, which encodes secreted factors to induce the epithelial stratification of vaginal mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, stiffer ECM as a scaffold for epithelial cells is necessary for vaginal epithelial stratification. Therefore, the components and stiffness of ECM are both crucial for the epithelial stratification in the neonatal vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadaaki Nakajima
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyabi Kozuma
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hirasawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuhiro Tomooka
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Fritsch H, Auer R, Hörmann R, Pechriggl E, Regauer S, Reich O. The development of the human vaginal fornix and the portio cervicis. Clin Anat 2021; 34:1059-1067. [PMID: 33580897 PMCID: PMC8518543 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction One of the transitional zones of the human body is situated in the cervix uteri. The developmental differentiation of epithelial and stromal characteristics in such a region is of high clinical interest. However, few studies have focused on the development of this region, and information in anatomical and clinical textbooks is limited. We therefore examined the development of the human vaginal fornix and the cervix uteri during prenatal development. Materials and Methods We examined 29 female embryos and fetuses between 20 and 34 weeks and two newborns using histology and immunohistochemistry. Results The characteristic shape of the portiocervicis and the vaginal fornix first became visible in mid‐term fetuses because of the different muscular coats and of an uncategorized Müllerian‐derived epithelium, which was rapidly replaced by a multilayered squamous epithelium. Only thereafter, in older fetuses, were there organogenetic differentiation of the epithelia and the underlying stroma of the cervical canal. UGS‐derived p63/CK17‐positive cells could be identified as precursor cells for the squamous epithelium, and Müllerian‐derived CK7‐positive cells for the columnar‐type epithelium. Both cell types and different stromal zones were already present in a prenatal transformation zone. Initial functional differentiation could be observed in perinatal stages. Conclusions Our results on prenatal human development strongly support the view that two different cell lineages meet at the transitional zone of the cervix uteri and that these lineages depend on alternative signals from the underlying stromal compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Fritsch
- Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Department Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ramona Auer
- Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Department Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Romed Hörmann
- Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Department Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pechriggl
- University Hospital for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sigrid Regauer
- Diagnostic and Research Institute for Pathology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Olaf Reich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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18
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Vue Z, Behringer RR. Epithelial morphogenesis in the perinatal mouse uterus. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1377-1386. [PMID: 32767478 PMCID: PMC8142688 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The uterus is the location where multiple events occur that are required for the start of new life in mammals. The adult uterus contains endometrial or uterine glands that are essential for female fertility. In the mouse, uterine glands are located in the lateral and antimesometrial regions of the uterine horn. Previous three-dimensional (3D)-imaging of the adult uterus, its glands, and implanting embryos has been performed by multiple groups, using fluorescent microscopy. Adenogenesis, the formation of uterine glands, initiates after birth. Recently, we created a 3D-staging system of mouse uterine gland development at postnatal time points, using light sheet fluorescent microscopy. Here, using a similar approach, we examine the morphological changes in the epithelium of the perinatal mouse uterus. RESULTS The uterine epithelium exhibits dorsoventral (mesometrial-antimesometrial) patterning as early as 3 days after birth (P3), marked by the presence of the dorsally positioned developing uterine rail. Uterine gland buds are present beginning at P4. Novel morphological epithelial structures, including a ventral ridge and uterine segments were identified. CONCLUSIONS The perinatal mouse uterine luminal epithelium develops dorsal-ventral morphologies at 3 to 4 days postpartum. Between 5 and 6 days postpartum uterine epithelial folds form, defining alternating left-right segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Richard R. Behringer
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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19
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Habiba M, Heyn R, Bianchi P, Brosens I, Benagiano G. The development of the human uterus: morphogenesis to menarche. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:1-26. [PMID: 33395479 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that early uterine development in humans is an important determinant of conditions such as ontogenetic progesterone resistance, menstrual preconditioning, defective deep placentation and pre-eclampsia in young adolescents. A key observation is the relative infrequency of neonatal uterine bleeding and hormone withdrawal at birth. The origin of the uterus from the fusion of the two paramesonephric, or Müllerian, ducts was described almost 200 years ago. The uterus forms around the 10th week of foetal life. The uterine corpus and the cervix react differently to the circulating steroid hormones during pregnancy. Adult uterine proportions are not attained until after puberty. It is unclear if the endometrial microbiome and immune response-which are areas of growing interest in the adult-play a role in the early stages of uterine development. The aim is to review the phases of uterine development up until the onset of puberty in order to trace the origin of abnormal development and to assess current knowledge for features that may be linked to conditions encountered later in life. The narrative review incorporates literature searches of Medline, PubMed and Scopus using the broad terms individually and then in combination: uterus, development, anatomy, microscopy, embryology, foetus, (pre)-puberty, menarche, microbiome and immune cells. Identified articles were assessed manually for relevance, any linked articles and historical textbooks. We included some animal studies of molecular mechanisms. There are competing theories about the contributions of the Müllerian and Wolffian ducts to the developing uterus. Endometrium features are suggestive of an oestrogen effect at 16-20 weeks gestation. The discrepancy in the reported expression of oestrogen receptor is likely to be related to the higher sensitivity of more recent techniques. Primitive endometrial glands appear around 20 weeks. Features of progestogen action are expressed late in the third trimester. Interestingly, progesterone receptor expression is higher at mid-gestation than at birth when features of endometrial maturation are rare. Neonatal uterine bleeding occurs in around 5% of neonates. Myometrial differentiation progresses from the mesenchyme surrounding the endometrium at the level of the cervix. During infancy, the uterus and endometrium remain inactive. The beginning of uterine growth precedes the onset of puberty and continues for several years after menarche. Uterine anomalies may result from fusion defects or atresia of one or both Müllerian ducts. Organogenetic differentiation of Müllerian epithelium to form the endometrial and endocervical epithelium may be independent of circulating steroids. A number of genes have been identified that are involved in endometrial and myometrial differentiation although gene mutations have not been demonstrated to be common in cases of uterine malformation. The role, if any, of the microbiome in relation to uterine development remains speculative. Modern molecular techniques applied to rodent models have enhanced our understanding of uterine molecular mechanisms and their interactions. However, little is known about functional correlates or features with relevance to adult onset of uterine disease in humans. Prepubertal growth and development lends itself to non-invasive diagnostics such as ultrasound and MRI. Increased awareness of the occurrence of neonatal uterine bleeding and of the potential impact on adult onset disease may stimulate renewed research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Rosemarie Heyn
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bianchi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Brosens
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gynaecology and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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SIX1 cooperates with RUNX1 and SMAD4 in cell fate commitment of Müllerian duct epithelium. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3307-3320. [PMID: 32572167 PMCID: PMC7852590 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During female mammal reproductive tract development, epithelial cells of the lower Müllerian duct are committed to become stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina and ectocervix, when the expression of ΔNp63 transcription factor is induced by mesenchymal cells. The absence of ΔNp63 expression leads to adenosis, the putative precursor of vaginal adenocarcinoma. Our previous studies with genetically engineered mouse models have established that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD, and activin A/runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) signaling pathways are independently required for ΔNp63 expression in Müllerian duct epithelium (MDE). Here, we report that sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) plays a critical role in the activation of ΔNp63 locus in MDE as a downstream transcription factor of mesenchymal signals. In the developing mouse reproductive tract, SIX1 expression was restricted to MDE within the future cervix and vagina. SIX1 expression was totally absent in SMAD4 null MDE and was reduced in RUNX1 null and FGFR2 null MDE, indicating that SIX1 is under the control of vaginal mesenchymal factors: BMP4, activin A and FGF7/10. Furthermore, Six1, Runx1, and Smad4 gene-dose-dependently activated ΔNp63 expression in MDE within the vaginal fornix. Using a mouse model of diethylstilbestrol (DES)-associated vaginal adenosis, we found DES action through epithelial estrogen receptor α (ESR1) inhibits activation of ΔNp63 locus in MDE by transcriptionally repressing SIX1 and RUNX1 in the vaginal fornix.
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21
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Cheon YP. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) and Uterine Histological Characteristics. Dev Reprod 2020; 24:1-17. [PMID: 32411914 PMCID: PMC7201063 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates have a long industrial history. It is suspected that phthalates and their metabolites have detrimental effects on reproduction and development. They are well-known for their anti-androgenic effects. Several studies have indicated that phthalates and their metabolites are reprotoxic in males and endocrine disruptors. Reproduction and embryogenesis occur in the uterus of female eutherian mammals. A horizontal analytical method is preferred to elucidate the toxic effects of phthalates on human reproduction. Nevertheless, there are vast numbers of known phthalates and not all of their modes of action have been clarified. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer and has been the subject of numerous toxicological studies. However, few of these have reported on the toxic effects of DEHP, its metabolites, other phthalates, or mixtures on female reproduction. Acute and high doses of DEHP adversely affect uterine histology. Recently, it was disclosed that chronic exposures to low doses of DEHP have endocrine disruption efficacy. DEHP induces various cellular responses including modulation of the expression and regulation of steroid hormone receptors and transcription and paracrine factors. Uteri do not respond uniformly to DEHP exposure. The phenotypic manifestations and effects on fertility in response to DEHP and its metabolites may vary with species, developmental stage, and generation. Hence, DEHP exposure may histological alter the uterus and induce endometriosis, endometriosis, hyperplasia, myoma, and developmental and reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Dept. of
Biotechnology, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844,
Korea
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22
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Jefferson WN, Padilla-Banks E, Suen AA, Royer LJ, Zeldin SM, Arora R, Williams CJ. Uterine Patterning, Endometrial Gland Development, and Implantation Failure in Mice Exposed Neonatally to Genistein. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:37001. [PMID: 32186404 PMCID: PMC7138129 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryo implantation relies on precise hormonal regulation, associated gene expression changes, and appropriate female reproductive tract tissue architecture. Female mice exposed neonatally to the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) at doses similar to those in infants consuming soy-based infant formulas are infertile due in part to uterine implantation defects. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to determine the mechanisms by which neonatal GEN exposure causes implantation defects. METHODS Female mice were exposed to GEN on postnatal days (PND)1-5 and uterine tissues collected on PND5, PND22-26, and during pregnancy. Analysis of tissue weights, morphology, and gene expression was performed using standard histology, confocal imaging with three-dimensional analysis, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR), and microarrays. The response of ovariectomized adults to 17 β -estradiol (E2) and artificial decidualization were measured. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) injections were given intraperitoneally and implantation sites visualized. Gene expression patterns were compared with curated data sets to identify upstream regulators. RESULTS GEN-exposed mice exhibited reduced uterine weight gain in response to E2 treatment or artificial decidualization compared with controls; however, expression of select hormone responsive genes remained similar between the two groups. Uteri from pregnant GEN-exposed mice were posteriorized and had reduced glandular epithelium. Implantation failure was not rescued by LIF administration. Microarray analysis of GEN-exposed uteri during early pregnancy revealed significant overlap with several conditional uterine knockout mouse models, including Foxa2, Wnt4, and Sox17. These models exhibit reduced endometrial glands, features of posteriorization and implantation failure. Expression of Foxa2, Wnt4, and Sox17, as well as genes important for neonatal uterine differentiation (Wnt7a, Hoxa10, and Msx2), were severely disrupted on PND5 in GEN-exposed mice. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that neonatal GEN exposure in mice disrupts expression of genes important for uterine development, causing posteriorization and diminished gland function during pregnancy that contribute to implantation failure. These findings could have implications for women who consumed soy-based formulas as infants. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N. Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alisa A. Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsey J. Royer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sharon M. Zeldin
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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23
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Cunha GR, Sinclair A, Ricke WA, Robboy SJ, Cao M, Baskin LS. Reproductive tract biology: Of mice and men. Differentiation 2019; 110:49-63. [PMID: 31622789 PMCID: PMC7339118 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The study of male and female reproductive tract development requires expertise in two separate disciplines, developmental biology and endocrinology. For ease of experimentation and economy, the mouse has been used extensively as a model for human development and pathogenesis, and for the most part similarities in developmental processes and hormone action provide ample justification for the relevance of mouse models for human reproductive tract development. Indeed, there are many examples describing the phenotype of human genetic disorders that have a reasonably comparable phenotype in mice, attesting to the congruence between mouse and human development. However, anatomic, developmental and endocrinologic differences exist between mice and humans that (1) must be appreciated and (2) considered with caution when extrapolating information between all animal models and humans. It is critical that the investigator be aware of both the similarities and differences in organogenesis and hormone action within male and female reproductive tracts so as to focus on those features of mouse models with clear relevance to human development/pathology. This review, written by a team with extensive expertise in the anatomy, developmental biology and endocrinology of both mouse and human urogenital tracts, focusses upon the significant human/mouse differences, and when appropriate voices a cautionary note regarding extrapolation of mouse models for understanding development of human male and female reproductive tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; George M. O'Brien Center of Research Excellence, Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 93705, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University, Davison Building, Box 3712, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Adriane Sinclair
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Will A Ricke
- George M. O'Brien Center of Research Excellence, Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 93705, USA
| | - Stanley J Robboy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Davison Building, Box 3712, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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24
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Kelleher AM, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Uterine Glands: Developmental Biology and Functional Roles in Pregnancy. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1424-1445. [PMID: 31074826 PMCID: PMC6749889 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. Gland development or adenogenesis in the postnatal uterus is intrinsically regulated by proliferation, cell-cell interactions, growth factors and their inhibitors, as well as transcription factors, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1). Extrinsic factors regulating adenogenesis originate from other organs, including the ovary, pituitary, and mammary gland. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in uterine gland knockout sheep and mouse models support a primary role for secretions and products of the glands in pregnancy success. Recent studies in mice revealed that uterine glandular epithelia govern postimplantation pregnancy establishment through effects on stromal cell decidualization and placental development. In humans, uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions and products are hypothesized to be critical for blastocyst survival and implantation as well as embryo and placental development during the first trimester before the onset of fetal-maternal circulation. A variety of hormones and other factors from the ovary, placenta, and stromal cells impact secretory function of the uterine glands during pregnancy. This review summarizes new information related to the developmental biology of uterine glands and discusses novel perspectives on their functional roles in pregnancy establishment and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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25
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Hirano YU, Suzuki K, Iguchi T, Yamada G, Miyagawa S. The Role of Fgf Signaling on Epithelial Cell Differentiation in Mouse Vagina. In Vivo 2019; 33:1499-1505. [PMID: 31471398 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The mouse vagina exhibits stratified squamous epithelium, which is comprised of multiple cell layers. We previously showed that erbB signaling, induced by epithelial estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), is required for the initial differentiation of the epithelium. However, the downstream effector that mediates terminal differentiation in the apical layers remains elusive. The contribution of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to vaginal epithelial cell differentiation was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Vaginas from wild-type or epithelium-specific Esr1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Of the FGF ligands examined, Fgf22 mRNA was significantly induced following estrogen treatment. Furthermore, FGF downstream signaling, phosphorylated FRS2 and ERK1/2 were exclusively expressed in the apical layers of the vaginal epithelium. No changes in such expression were observed in the Esr1 cKO mice. CONCLUSION FGF-ERK/MAPK pathway may be a main inducer of terminal differentiation in the mouse vaginal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y U Hirano
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Zhao F, Yao HHC. A tale of two tracts: history, current advances, and future directions of research on sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:602-616. [PMID: 31058957 PMCID: PMC6791057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alfred Jost's work in the 1940s laid the foundation of the current paradigm of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts, which contends that testicular hormones drive the male patterning of reproductive tract system whereas the female phenotype arises by default. Once established, the sex-specific reproductive tracts undergo morphogenesis, giving rise to anatomically and functionally distinct tubular organs along the rostral-caudal axis. Impairment of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts by genetic alteration and environmental exposure are the main causes of disorders of sex development, and infertility at adulthood. This review covers past and present work on sexual differentiation and morphogenesis of reproductive tracts, associated human disorders, and emerging technologies that have made impacts or could radically expand our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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27
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Hapangama DK, Drury J, Da Silva L, Al-Lamee H, Earp A, Valentijn AJ, Edirisinghe DP, Murray PA, Fazleabas AT, Gargett CE. Abnormally located SSEA1+/SOX9+ endometrial epithelial cells with a basalis-like phenotype in the eutopic functionalis layer may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:56-68. [PMID: 30496412 PMCID: PMC6295963 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is endometriosis associated with abnormally located endometrial basalis-like (SSEA1+/SOX9+) cells in the secretory phase functionalis and could they contribute to ectopic endometriotic lesion formation? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with endometriosis had an abnormally higher number of basalis-like SSEA1+/SOX9+ epithelial cells present in the stratum functionalis and, since these cells formed 3D structures in vitro with phenotypic similarities to ectopic endometriotic lesions, they may generate ectopic lesions following retrograde menstruation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometrial basalis cells with progenitor potential are postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and SSEA1 and nuclear SOX9 (nSOX9) mark basalis epithelial cells that also have some adenogenic properties in vitro. Induction of ectopic endometriotic lesions in a baboon model of endometriosis produces characteristic changes in the eutopic endometrium. Retrograde menstruation of endometrial basalis cells is proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective study included endometrial samples from 102 women with and without endometriosis undergoing gynaecological surgery and from six baboons before and after induction of endometriosis, with in vitro assays examining the differentiation potential of human basalis-like cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study was conducted at a University Research Institute. SSEA1 and SOX9 expression levels were examined in human endometrial samples from women aged 18-55 years (by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qPCR) and from baboons (IHC). The differential gene expression and differentiation potential was assessed in freshly isolated SSEA1+ endometrial epithelial cells from women with and without endometriosis (n = 8/group) in vitro. In silico analysis of selected published microarray datasets identified differential regulation of genes of interest for the mid-secretory phase endometrium of women with endometriosis relative to that of healthy women without endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Women with endometriosis demonstrated higher number of basalis-like cells (SSEA1+, nSOX9+) in the functionalis layer of the eutopic endometrium compared with the healthy women without endometriosis in the secretory phase of the cycle (P < 0.05). Induction of endometriosis resulted in a similar increase in basalis-like epithelial cells in the eutopic baboon endometrium. The isolated SSEA1+ epithelial cells from the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis had higher expression of OCT4, NANOG, FUT4 mRNA (P = 0.05, P = 0.007, P = 0.018, respectively) and they differentiated into ectopic endometriotic gland-like structures in 3D culture, but not into mesodermal lineages (adipose or bone cells). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size. Bioinformatics analysis and results depends on the quality of published microarray datasets and the stringency of patient selection criteria employed. Differentiation of SSEA-1+ cells was only examined for two mesodermal lineages (adipogenic and osteogenic). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Since endometrial epithelial cells with SSEA1+/nSOX9+ basalis-like phenotype generate endometriotic gland-like structures in vitro, they may potentially be a therapeutic target for endometriosis. An in depth analysis of the function of basalis-like eutopic endometrial epithelial cells might provide insights into their potential deregulation in other disorders of the endometrium including heavy menstrual bleeding and endometrial cancer where their function may be aberrant. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) We acknowledge the support by Wellbeing of Women project grant RG1073 (D.K.H., C.E.G.) and R01 HD083273 from the National Institutes of Health (A.T.F.). We also acknowledge the support of Liverpool Women's Hospital Foundation Trust (J.D.), Institute of Translational Medicine (L.D.S., H.A.L., A.J.V., D.K.H.), University of Liverpool, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia ID 1042298 (C.E.G.) and the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Support Fund. All authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Hapangama
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Drury
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Da Silva
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - H Al-Lamee
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Earp
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A J Valentijn
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D P Edirisinghe
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - P A Murray
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - C E Gargett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
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28
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Gastiazoro MP, Guerrero-Schimpf M, Durando M, Lazzarino GP, Andreoli MF, Zierau O, Luque EH, Ramos JG, Varayoud J. Induction of uterine hyperplasia after cafeteria diet exposure. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 477:112-120. [PMID: 29908751 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate whether chronic administration of CAF affects the uterus and induces the morphological and molecular changes associated with endometrial hyperplasia. Female Wistar rats exposed to CAF from weaning for 20 weeks displayed increased energy intake, body weight and fat depots, but did not develop metabolic syndrome. The adult uteri showed an increase in glandular volume fraction and stromal area. The epithelial proliferation rate and protein expression of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) were also increased. The CAF diet enhanced leptin serum levels and the long form of leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) mRNA expression in the uterus. No changes were detected in either insulin serum levels or those of insulin growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA expression. However the levels of IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA were lower in CAF-fed animals. Overall, the results indicate that our rat model of the CAF diet produces morphological and molecular changes associated with uterine hyperplasia and could predispose to endometrial carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paula Gastiazoro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Marlise Guerrero-Schimpf
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Milena Durando
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gisela Paola Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Andreoli
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Oliver Zierau
- Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Institute for Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
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29
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Endometrial Stem Cell Markers: Current Concepts and Unresolved Questions. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103240. [PMID: 30347708 PMCID: PMC6214006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a highly regenerative organ undergoing over 400 cycles of shedding and regeneration over a woman’s lifetime. Menstrual shedding and the subsequent repair of the functional layer of the endometrium is a process unique to humans and higher-order primates. This massive regenerative capacity is thought to have a stem cell basis, with human endometrial stromal stem cells having already been extensively studied. Studies on endometrial epithelial stem cells are sparse, and the current belief is that the endometrial epithelial stem cells reside in the terminal ends of the basalis glands at the endometrial/myometrial interface. Since almost all endometrial pathologies are thought to originate from aberrations in stem cells that regularly regenerate the functionalis layer, expansion of our current understanding of stem cells is necessary in order for curative treatment strategies to be developed. This review critically appraises the postulated markers in order to identify endometrial stem cells. It also examines the current evidence supporting the existence of epithelial stem cells in the human endometrium that are likely to be involved both in glandular regeneration and in the pathogenesis of endometrial proliferative diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
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30
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Cunha GR, Robboy SJ, Kurita T, Isaacson D, Shen J, Cao M, Baskin LS. Development of the human female reproductive tract. Differentiation 2018; 103:46-65. [PMID: 30236463 PMCID: PMC6234064 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Development of the human female reproductive tract is reviewed from the ambisexual stage to advanced development of the uterine tube, uterine corpus, uterine cervix and vagina at 22 weeks. Historically this topic has been under-represented in the literature, and for the most part is based upon hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Recent immunohistochemical studies for PAX2 (reactive with Müllerian epithelium) and FOXA1 (reactive with urogenital sinus epithelium and its known pelvic derivatives) shed light on an age-old debate on the derivation of vaginal epithelium supporting the idea that human vaginal epithelium derives solely from urogenital sinus epithelium. Aside for the vagina, most of the female reproductive tract is derived from the Müllerian ducts, which fuse in the midline to form the uterovaginal canal, the precursor of uterine corpus and uterine cervix an important player in vaginal development as well. Epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation markers are described during human female reproductive tract development (keratins, homeobox proteins (HOXA11 and ISL1), steroid receptors (estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor), transcription factors and signaling molecules (TP63 and RUNX1), which are expressed in a temporally and spatially dynamic fashion. The utility of xenografts and epithelial-mesenchymal tissue recombination studies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Stanley J Robboy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3712, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Chronic Inflammation May Enhance Leiomyoma Development by the Involvement of Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:1716246. [PMID: 29861738 PMCID: PMC5971255 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1716246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology of leiomyoma is unclear, a progenitor/undifferentiated cell population has been described whose dysregulation may be involved in the onset of uterine conditions. Moreover, inflammation is involved in the development of several tumors. The aim of this work was to understand if progenitor cells sustain a chronic inflammatory microenvironment that enhances leiomyoma development. Cells from 12 human leiomyoma and 12 normal myometrium samples of the same patients were in vitro isolated and exhaustively characterized (morphology, proliferation, cytofluorometry, differentiation, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting assays). Selected cytokines (ELISA) and inflammation-related genes (RT-PCR) were analyzed to identify healthy myometrium progenitor cells (MPCs) and leiomyoma progenitor cells (LPCs). Results show that (i) MPCs and LPCs share stemness features, such as immunophenotype and multidifferentiation assay, (ii) LPCs have a significantly shorter doubling time and a significantly higher expression of stemness genes (p < 0.05), and (iii) LPCs secreted significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of cytokines related to chronic inflammation and significantly lower amounts (p < 0.05) of cytokines related to acute inflammation. Despite the limited sample size, comparisons between leiomyoma and normal myometrium tissue from each patient allowed normalization of patient-specific differences. The evidenced cytokine expression pattern related to chronic inflammation in LPCs may play a role in the increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes (infertility, spontaneous miscarriage, and preterm birth) in women affected by leiomyomas. These women should be recognized as “high risk” and subjected to specialized management both before and during pregnancy.
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32
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Cunha GR, Kurita T, Cao M, Shen J, Cooke PS, Robboy SJ, Baskin LS. Tissue interactions and estrogenic response during human female fetal reproductive tract development. Differentiation 2018; 101:39-45. [PMID: 29684808 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of tissue interactions was explored to determine whether epithelial differentiation within the developing human reproductive tract is induced and specified by mesenchyme in tissue recombinants composed of mouse vaginal mesenchyme + human uterine tubal epithelium (mVgM+hTubE). The tissue recombinants were grown in DES-treated ovariectomized athymic mice. After 2-4 weeks of in vivo growth, several vaginal specific features were expressed in the human tubal epithelium. The mesenchyme-induced effects included morphological change as well as expression of several immunohistochemical markers. Although the mesenchyme-induced shift in vaginal differentiation in the human tubal epithelium was not complete, the partial induction of vaginal markers in human tubal epithelium verifies the importance of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in development of the human female reproductive tract. In a separate experiment, DES-induction of uterine epithelial progesterone receptor (PGR) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) was explored in tissue recombinants composed of wild-type or Esr1KO mouse uterine mesenchyme + human fetal uterine epithelium (wt UtM+hUtE and Esr1KO UtM+hUtE). The rationale of this experiment was to determine whether DES-induction of PGR and ESR1 is mediated directly via epithelial ESR1 or indirectly (paracrine mechanism) via mesenchymal ESR1. DES-induction of uterine epithelial ESR1 and PGR in Esr1KO UtM+hUtE tissue recombinants (devoid of mesenchymal ESR1) formally eliminates the paracrine mechanism and demonstrates that DES induction of human uterine epithelial ESR1 and PGR is directly mediated via epithelial ESR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Stanley J Robboy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3712, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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33
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Wang P, Wu SP, Brooks KE, Kelleher AM, Milano-Foster JJ, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Generation of Mouse for Conditional Expression of Forkhead Box A2. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1897-1909. [PMID: 29546371 PMCID: PMC6018745 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is a pioneer transcription factor involved in organ development, function, and cancer. In the uterus, FOXA2 is essential for pregnancy and expressed specifically in the glands of the endometrium. Loss of FOXA2 function occurs during development of endometrial cancer in humans. The current study describes the development of a mouse model for conditional expression of mouse FOXA2. Using a system consisting of a minigene located at the Rosa26 locus, we generated a CAG-S-mFOXA2 allele in embryonic stem cells and subsequently in mice; before activation, the minigene is silent because of a floxed stop cassette inserted between the promoter and the transgene. To validate functionality, mice with the CAG-S-mFOXA2 allele were crossed with progesterone receptor (Pgr)-Cre mice and lactotransferrin (Ltf)-iCre mice that express Cre in the immature and adult uterus, respectively. In immature Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice, FOXA2 protein was expressed in the luminal epithelium (LE), glandular epithelium (GE), stroma, and inner layer of the myometrium. Interestingly, FOXA2 protein was not observed in most of the LE of uteri from adult Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice, although FOXA2 was maintained in the stroma, GE, and myometrium. The adult Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 females were completely infertile. In contrast, Ltf-iCre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice were fertile with no detectable histological differences in the uterus. The adult uterus of Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice was smaller, contained few endometrial glands, and displayed areas of partially stratified LE and GE. This transgenic mouse line is a valuable resource to elucidating and exploring FOXA2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle, North Carolina
| | - Kelsey E Brooks
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle, North Carolina
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Expression of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor in Tumor Stroma Predicts Favorable Prognosis of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018; 27:1247-1255. [PMID: 28472813 PMCID: PMC5499963 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor B (PRB) in the stroma and carcinoma tissues of cervical cancer and their relationship to clinical characteristics and the status of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. METHODS Expressional levels of ERα and PRB in tissue blocks of 95 cervical carcinomas were independently scored by 2 pathologists. Human papillomavirus DNA, viral load, and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Clinical characteristics were reviewed from chart and cancer registry. RESULTS Estrogen receptor α and PRB were mainly expressed in the stroma but not in the carcinoma tissues of the cervical cancer, and their expressions were highly correlated. More stromal ERαs were found in early-stage tumors than in advanced-stage tumors. Greater stromal expressions of ERα and PRB were associated with a more favorable prognosis (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). The expressions were not related to the differentiation of cancer, the status of HPV infection, the HPV load, or the genotype. In multivariate analysis, stromal ERα and PRB expressions were independently associated with a lower risk of mortality. The adjusted hazard ratios of mortality for low and high expressions of ERα were 0.19 (95% confidential interval [95% CI], 0.04-0.87) and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.03-0.81), respectively, whereas for low and high expressions of PRB hazard ratios were 0.46 (95% CI, 0.19-1.16) and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.06-0.96), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that stromal ERα and PRB expressions are independent prognostic indicators of cervical squamous cell carcinoma.
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Chang HJ, Shin HS, Kim TH, Yoo JY, Teasley HE, Zhao JJ, Ha UH, Jeong JW. Pik3ca is required for mouse uterine gland development and pregnancy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191433. [PMID: 29346447 PMCID: PMC5773209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a critical role in the maintenance of equilibrium between cell survival and apoptosis. The Pik3ca gene is mutated in a range of human cancers. It has been found to be oncogenic, and mutations lead to constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. The expression patterns of PIK3CA proteins in the uterus of mice during early pregnancy indicate that it may play a role in the regulation of glandular epithelial cells, which is required to support uterine receptivity. To further investigate the role of Pik3ca in uterine function, Pik3ca was conditionally ablated only in the PGR-positive cells (Pgrcre/+Pik3caf/f; Pik3cad/d). A defect of uterine gland development and decidualization led to subfertility observed in Pik3cad/d mice. Pik3cad/d mice showed significantly decreased uterine weight compared to Pik3caf/f mice. Interestingly, a significant decrease of gland numbers were detected in Pik3cad/d mice compared to control mice. In addition, we found a decrease of Foxa2 expression, which is a known uterine gland marker in Pik3cad/d mice. Furthermore, the excessive proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells was observed in Pik3cad/d mice. Our studies suggest that Pik3ca has a critical role in uterine gland development and female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- Health Promotion Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Sung Shin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| | - Jung-Yoon Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanna E. Teasley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, United States of America
| | - Jean J. Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Un-Hwan Ha
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JWJ); (UHH)
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JWJ); (UHH)
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Wu NY, Huang HS, Chao TH, Chou HM, Fang C, Qin CZ, Lin CY, Chu TY, Zhou HH. Progesterone Prevents High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer by Inducing Necroptosis of p53-Defective Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 18:2557-2565. [PMID: 28297660 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) originates mainly from the fallopian tube (FT) epithelium and always carries early TP53 mutations. We previously reported that tumors initiate in the FT fimbria epithelium because of apoptotic failure and the expansion of cells with DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) caused by bathing of the FT epithelial cells in reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and hemoglobin-rich follicular fluid (FF) after ovulation. Because ovulation is frequent and HGSOC is rare, we hypothesized that luteal-phase progesterone (P4) could eliminate p53-defective FT cells. Here we show that P4, via P4 receptors (PRs), induces necroptosis in Trp53-/- mouse oviduct epithelium and in immortalized human p53-defective fimbrial epithelium through the TNF-α/RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway. Necroptosis occurs specifically at diestrus, recovers at the proestrus phase of the estrus cycle, and can be augmented with P4 supplementation. These results reveal the mechanism of the well-known ability of progesterone to prevent ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Yiyuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China; Department of Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, Hunan 410078, People's Republic of China; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsuan-Shun Huang
- Department of Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tung Hui Chao
- Department of Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsien Ming Chou
- Department of Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, Hunan 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong-Zhen Qin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, Hunan 410078, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chueh-Yu Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tang-Yuan Chu
- Department of Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Hong Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People's Republic of China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, Hunan 410078, People's Republic of China.
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Nanjappa MK, Medrano TI, Prins GS, Chen H, Zirkin BR, Cooke PS. Transdifferentiation of adult rat stem Leydig cells into prostatic and uterine epithelium, but not epidermis. Andrology 2017; 5:1165-1173. [PMID: 29073338 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Stem Leydig cells (SLCs), precursors of testicular Leydig cells that secrete testosterone required for male sexual differentiation, spermatogenesis, and fertility, were recently identified in rat testes. Various types of stem cells have shown the ability to differentiate into other tissues, but there is no information on the plasticity of adult rat SLCs (rSLCs). This study investigated the ability of rSLCs to transdifferentiate into cell types from all three germ layers-prostatic epithelium (endoderm), uterine epithelium (mesoderm), and epidermis (ectoderm)-under the influence of inductive mesenchyme from fetal and neonatal tissues. To differentiate rSLCs into cells of other lineages, mesenchyme from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing mice was used. Tissue recombinants of urogenital sinus mesenchyme (a potent prostate inducer) and rSLCs grafted into adult male hosts formed ductal structures resembling prostate after 5 weeks. Prostate epithelium was of rSLC origin as determined by absence of GFP expression, and expressed characteristic markers of prostatic epithelium. Similarly, uterine mesenchyme + rSLCs tissue recombinants contained a simple columnar epithelium that was histologically similar to normal uterine epithelium and expressed typical uterine epithelial markers, but was of rSLC origin. In contrast, epidermal tissue was absent in fetal dermis + rSLCs recombinants, suggesting rSLCs did not form skin epithelium. Thus, rSLCs can transdifferentiate into uterine and prostatic epithelium, mesodermal, and endodermal derivatives, respectively, but they may have a limited transdifferentiation potential, as shown by their inability to form epidermis, an ectodermal derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - T I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - G S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - B R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - P S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Spurgeon ME, den Boon JA, Horswill M, Barthakur S, Forouzan O, Rader JS, Beebe DJ, Roopra A, Ahlquist P, Lambert PF. Human papillomavirus oncogenes reprogram the cervical cancer microenvironment independently of and synergistically with estrogen. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E9076-E9085. [PMID: 29073104 PMCID: PMC5664542 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1712018114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect epithelial cells and are causally associated with cervical cancer, but HPV infection is not sufficient for carcinogenesis. Previously, we reported that estrogen signaling in the stromal tumor microenvironment is associated with cervical cancer maintenance and progression. We have now determined how HPV oncogenes and estrogen treatment affect genome-wide host gene expression in laser-captured regions of the cervical epithelium and stroma of untreated or estrogen-treated nontransgenic and HPV-transgenic mice. HPV oncogene expression in the cervical epithelium elicited significant gene-expression changes in the proximal stromal compartment, and estrogen treatment uniquely affected gene expression in the cervical microenvironment of HPV-transgenic mice compared with nontransgenic mice. Several potential estrogen-induced paracrine-acting factors were identified in the expression profile of the cervical tumor microenvironment. The microenvironment of estrogen-treated HPV-transgenic mice was significantly enriched for chemokine/cytokine activity and inflammatory and immune functions associated with carcinogenesis. This inflammatory signature included several proangiogenic CXCR2 receptor ligands. A subset of the same CXCR2 ligands was likewise increased in cocultures of early-passage cells from human cervical samples, with levels highest in cocultures of cervical fibroblasts and cancer-derived epithelial cells. Our studies demonstrate that high-risk HPV oncogenes profoundly reprogram the tumor microenvironment independently of and synergistically with estrogen. These observations illuminate important means by which HPVs can cause cancer through alterations in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Johan A den Boon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715
| | - Mark Horswill
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715
| | - Sonalee Barthakur
- Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Janet S Rader
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Avtar Roopra
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Paul Ahlquist
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706;
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Paul F Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706;
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Cunha GR, Kurita T, Cao M, Shen J, Robboy SJ, Baskin L. Response of xenografts of developing human female reproductive tracts to the synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol. Differentiation 2017; 98:35-54. [PMID: 29102757 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human female fetal reproductive tracts 9.5-22 weeks of gestation were grown for 1 month in ovariectomized athymic adult female mouse hosts that were either untreated or treated continuously with diethylstilbestrol (DES) via subcutaneous pellet. Normal morphogenesis and normal patterns of differentiation marker expression (KRT6, KRT7, KRT8, KRT10, KRT14, KRT19, ESR1, PGR, TP63, RUNX1, ISL1, HOXA11 and α-ACT2) were observed in xenografts grown in untreated hosts and mimicked observations of previously reported (Cunha et al., 2017) non-grafted specimens of comparable age. DES elicited several notable morphological affects: (a) induction of endometrial/cervical glands, (b) increased plication (folding) of tubal epithelium, (c) stratified squamous maturation of vaginal epithelium and (d) vaginal adenosis. DES also induced ESR1 in epithelia of the uterine corpus, cervix and globally induced PGR in most cells of the developing human female reproductive tract. Keratin expression (KRT6, KRT7, KRT8, KRT14 and KRT19) was minimally affected by DES. Simple columnar adenotic epithelium was devoid of TP63 and RUNX1, while DES-induced mature vaginal epithelium was positive for both transcription factors. Another striking effect of DES was observed in grafts of human uterine tube, in which DES perturbed smooth muscle patterning. These results define for the first time IHC protein markers of DES action on the developing human reproductive tract, which provide bio-endpoints of estrogen-induced teratogenesis in the developing human female reproductive tract for future testing of estrogenic endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Stanley J Robboy
- Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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Robboy SJ, Kurita T, Baskin L, Cunha GR. New insights into human female reproductive tract development. Differentiation 2017; 97:9-22. [PMID: 28918284 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We present a detailed review of the embryonic and fetal development of the human female reproductive tract utilizing specimens from the 5th through the 22nd gestational week. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) as well as immunohistochemical stains were used to study the development of the human uterine tube, endometrium, myometrium, uterine cervix and vagina. Our study revisits and updates the classical reports of Koff (1933) and Bulmer (1957) and presents new data on development of human vaginal epithelium. Koff proposed that the upper 4/5ths of the vagina is derived from Müllerian epithelium and the lower 1/5th derived from urogenital sinus epithelium, while Bulmer proposed that vaginal epithelium derives solely from urogenital sinus epithelium. These conclusions were based entirely upon H&E stained sections. A central player in human vaginal epithelial development is the solid vaginal plate, which arises from the uterovaginal canal (fused Müllerian ducts) cranially and squamous epithelium of urogenital sinus caudally. Since Müllerian and urogenital sinus epithelium cannot be unequivocally identified in H&E stained sections, we used immunostaining for PAX2 (reactive with Müllerian epithelium) and FOXA1 (reactive with urogenital sinus epithelium). By this technique, the PAX2/FOXA1 boundary was located at the extreme caudal aspect of the vaginal plate at 12 weeks. During the ensuing weeks, the PAX2/FOXA1 boundary progressively extended cranially such that by 21 weeks the entire vaginal epithelium was FOXA1-reactive and PAX2-negative. This observation supports Bulmer's proposal that human vaginal epithelium derives solely from urogenital sinus epithelium. Clearly, the development of the human vagina is far more complex than previously envisioned and appears to be distinctly different in many respects from mouse vaginal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley J Robboy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Davison Building, Box 3712, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, 460 W. 12th Avenue, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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Human Papillomavirus and the Stroma: Bidirectional Crosstalk during the Virus Life Cycle and Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2017; 9:v9080219. [PMID: 28792475 PMCID: PMC5580476 DOI: 10.3390/v9080219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) tumor viruses that are causally associated with human cancers of the anogenital tract, skin, and oral cavity. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, HPVs remain a major global health issue due to inadequate vaccine availability and vaccination coverage. The HPV life cycle is established and completed in the terminally differentiating stratified epithelia, and decades of research using in vitro organotypic raft cultures and in vivo genetically engineered mouse models have contributed to our understanding of the interactions between HPVs and the epithelium. More recently, important and emerging roles for the underlying stroma, or microenvironment, during the HPV life cycle and HPV-induced disease have become clear. This review discusses the current understanding of the bidirectional communication and relationship between HPV-infected epithelia and the surrounding microenvironment. As is the case with other human cancers, evidence suggests that the stroma functions as a significant partner in tumorigenesis and helps facilitate the oncogenic potential of HPVs in the stratified epithelium.
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Molecular mechanisms of development of the human fetal female reproductive tract. Differentiation 2017; 97:54-72. [PMID: 29053991 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Human female reproductive tract development rests mostly upon hematoxilyn and eosin stained sections despite recent advances on molecular mechanisms in mouse studies. We report application of immunohistochemical methods to explore the ontogeny of epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation markers (keratins, homobox proteins, steroid receptors), transcription factors and signaling molecules (TP63 and RUNX1) during human female reproductive tract development. Keratins 6, 7, 8, 10, 14 and 19 (KRT6, KRT7, KRT8, KRT10, KRT14, KRT19) were expressed in a temporally and spatially dynamic fashion. The undifferentiated Müllerian duct and uterovaginal canal, lined by simple columnar epithelia, expressed KRT7, KRT8 and KRT19. Glandular derivatives of the Müllerian duct (uterine tube, uterine corpus and endocervix) maintained expression of these keratins, while tissues that undergo stratified squamous differentiation (exocervix and vagina) expressed KRT6, KRT14 and KRT10 during development in an age-dependent fashion. TP63 and RUNX1 were expressed prior to KRT14, as these two transcription factors are known to be upstream from KRT14 in developing Müllerian epithelium. In the vagina, KRT10, a marker of terminal differentiation, appeared after endogenous estrogens transformed the epithelium to a thick glycogenated squamous epithelium. Uroplakin, a protein unique to urothelium, was expressed only in the bladder, urethra and vaginal introitus, but not in the female reproductive tract itself. Mesenchymal differentiation was examined through immunostaining for HOXA11 (expressed in uterine mesenchyme) and ISL1 (expressed in vaginal mesenchyme). A detailed ontogeny of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), progesterone receptor (PGR) and the androgen receptor (AR) provides the mechanistic underpinning for the teratogenicity of estrogens, progestins and androgens on female reproductive tract development. Immunohistochemical analysis of differentiation markers and signaling molecules advance our understanding of normal development of the human female reproductive tract. These observations demonstrate remarkable similarities in mouse and human female reproductive tract development, but also highlight some key differences.
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Patterson AL, Pirochta J, Tufano SY, Teixeira JM. Gain-of-function β-catenin in the uterine mesenchyme leads to impaired implantation and decidualization. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:119-130. [PMID: 28183999 PMCID: PMC5436143 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and endometrial decidualization are critical events that occur during early pregnancy in humans and mice, and perturbation in either can result in infertility. WNT signaling through the canonical β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in embryonic Müllerian duct development, postnatal uterine maturation and establishment of pregnancy. Loss of β-catenin in the Müllerian duct mesenchyme (MDM)-derived stroma and myometrium results in impaired decidualization and infertility, whereas gain-of-function (GOF) results in the formation of mesenchymal tumors and sub-fertility attributed to malformed oviducts. We hypothesized that GOF β-catenin further contributes to sub-fertility through improper stromal and epithelial cell signaling during embryo implantation and decidualization. We show that mice with GOF β-catenin in MDM-derived stroma and myometrium have reduced implantation sites after embryo transfer and decreased decidualization. On day 4.5 of pseudopregnancy or in mice treated with progesterone and estrogen to mimic early pregnancy, the estrogen-LIF-ERK and progesterone-IHH pathways remain predominantly intact in GOF β-catenin mice; however, JAK/STAT signaling is altered. pSTAT3 is significantly reduced in GOF β-catenin mice and expression of downstream epithelial junctional complex factors, Ctnna1 and Cldn1, is increased. We also show that purified stromal cells from GOF β-catenin uteri, when removed from epithelial cell influence and provided with the appropriate hormonal stimuli, are able to decidualize in vitro indicating that the cells are intrinsically capable of decidualization. Taken together, these results suggest that dysregulated β-catenin activity in the stroma affects epithelial cell STAT3 signaling and ultimately embryo implantation and stromal decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patterson
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jamieson Pirochta
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Tufano
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Mehta FF, Son J, Hewitt SC, Jang E, Lydon JP, Korach KS, Chung SH. Distinct functions and regulation of epithelial progesterone receptor in the mouse cervix, vagina, and uterus. Oncotarget 2017; 7:17455-67. [PMID: 27007157 PMCID: PMC4951225 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While the function of progesterone receptor (PR) has been studied in the mouse vagina and uterus, its regulation and function in the cervix has not been described. We selectively deleted epithelial PR in the female reproductive tracts using the Cre/LoxP recombination system. We found that epithelial PR was required for induction of apoptosis and suppression of cell proliferation by progesterone (P4) in the cervical and vaginal epithelium. We also found that epithelial PR was dispensable for P4 to suppress apoptosis and proliferation in the uterine epithelium. PR is encoded by the Pgr gene, which is regulated by estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the female reproductive tracts. Using knock-in mouse models expressing ERα mutants, we determined that the DNA-binding domain (DBD) and AF2 domain of ERα were required for upregulation of Pgr in the cervix and vagina as well as the uterine stroma. The ERα AF1 domain was required for upregulation of Pgr in the vaginal stroma and epithelium and cervical epithelium, but not in the uterine and cervical stroma. ERα DBD, AF1, and AF2 were required for suppression of Pgr in the uterine epithelium, which was mediated by stromal ERα. Epithelial ERα was responsible for upregulation of epithelial Pgr in the cervix and vagina. Our results indicate that regulation and functions of epithelial PR are different in the cervix, vagina, and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola F Mehta
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jieun Son
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Eunjung Jang
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sang-Hyuk Chung
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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A Report of Two Cases of Age-Related Changes in Cervical Morphology in Postmenopausal Women with Vaginal Adenosis. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2017; 2017:9523853. [PMID: 28316850 PMCID: PMC5339519 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9523853] [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: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents two cases of women who had extensive vaginal adenosis from prenatal DES exposure, extending almost halfway down the vaginal canal. Both women were followed for decades with annual exams and Pap smears until after menopause. Clinical examination in both cases initially showed an absent pars vaginalis of the cervix, vaginal adenosis, and shallowness of the fornices. Several decades of annual exams showed these stigmata of DES exposure gradually disappear as the upper vagina progressively contracted. After menopause the upper vagina in both cases transformed into what appeared to be a normal cervix with all adenosis involuted into a normal endocervical canal. A timeline was created to show the morphological changes that were observed over time. This timeline illustrates how severe vaginal stenosis above the level of the squamocolumnar junction developed in middle age and was followed in the postmenopause by fusion of the upper vaginal walls in the midline resulting in the appearance of a normal, but prolapsed, cervix.
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Galoppo GH, Stoker C, Canesini G, Schierano-Marotti G, Durando M, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro M. Postnatal development and histofunctional differentiation of the oviduct in the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 236:42-53. [PMID: 27388661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Caiman latirostris is a South American crocodilian species characterized as a sentinel of the presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). Evaluating developmental events in hormone-dependent organs, such as the oviduct, is crucial to understand physiological postnatal development, to identify putative periods of exposure sensitive to EDCs, and/or to identify biomarkers useful to evaluate the effects of EDC exposure. In this study, we describe the histomorphological features of C. latirostris oviducts by establishing the ontogeny of changes at cellular, tissue and molecular levels from the neonatal to the pre-pubertal juvenile stages. Since the histological diagnosis of the adenogenic oviduct lies on a group of features, here we defined a histofunctional score system and a cut-off value to distinguish between preadenogenic and adenogenic oviducts. Our results showed that the maturation of the C. latirostris oviduct is completed postnatally and characterized by changes that mimic the pattern of histological modifications described for the mammalian uterus. Ontogenic changes in the oviductal epithelium parallel changes at subepithelial level, and include collagen remodeling and characteristic spatial-temporal patterns of α-actin and desmin. The expression pattern of estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor evidenced that, even at early postnatal developmental stages, the oviduct of C. latirostris is a target organ of endogenous and environmental hormones. Besides, oviductal adenogenesis seems to be an estrogen-dependent process. Results presented here provide not only insights into the histophysiological aspect of caiman female reproductive ducts but also new tools to better characterize caimans as sentinels of endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - C Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Schierano-Marotti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Durando
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Ho SM, Cheong A, Adgent MA, Veevers J, Suen AA, Tam NNC, Leung YK, Jefferson WN, Williams CJ. Environmental factors, epigenetics, and developmental origin of reproductive disorders. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 68:85-104. [PMID: 27421580 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sex-specific differentiation, development, and function of the reproductive system are largely dependent on steroid hormones. For this reason, developmental exposure to estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with reproductive dysfunction in adulthood. Human data in support of "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) comes from multigenerational studies on offspring of diethylstilbestrol-exposed mothers/grandmothers. Animal data indicate that ovarian reserve, female cycling, adult uterine abnormalities, sperm quality, prostate disease, and mating behavior are susceptible to DOHaD effects induced by EDCs such as bisphenol A, genistein, diethylstilbestrol, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, phthalates, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Mechanisms underlying these EDC effects include direct mimicry of sex steroids or morphogens and interference with epigenomic sculpting during cell and tissue differentiation. Exposure to EDCs is associated with abnormal DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications, as well as altered expression of genes important for development and function of reproductive tissues. Here we review the literature exploring the connections between developmental exposure to EDCs and adult reproductive dysfunction, and the mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Ana Cheong
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Margaret A Adgent
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer Veevers
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alisa A Suen
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Curriculum in Toxicology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Neville N C Tam
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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Terakawa J, Rocchi A, Serna VA, Bottinger EP, Graff JM, Kurita T. FGFR2IIIb-MAPK Activity Is Required for Epithelial Cell Fate Decision in the Lower Müllerian Duct. Mol Endocrinol 2016; 30:783-95. [PMID: 27164167 DOI: 10.1210/me.2016-1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fate of lower Müllerian duct epithelium (MDE), to become uterine or vaginal epithelium, is determined by the absence or presence of ΔNp63 expression, respectively. Previously, we showed that SMAD4 and runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) were independently required for MDE to express ΔNp63. Here, we report that vaginal mesenchyme directs vaginal epithelial cell fate in MDE through paracrine activation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor-MAPK pathway. In the developing reproductive tract, FGF7 and FGF10 were enriched in vaginal mesenchyme, whereas FGF receptor 2IIIb was expressed in epithelia of both the uterus and vagina. When Fgfr2 was inactivated, vaginal MDE underwent uterine cell fate, and this differentiation defect was corrected by activation of MEK-ERK pathway. In vitro, FGF10 in combination with bone morphogenetic protein 4 and activin A (ActA) was sufficient to induce ΔNp63 in MDE, and ActA was essential for induction of RUNX1 through SMAD-independent pathways. Accordingly, inhibition of type 1 receptors for activin in neonatal mice induced uterine differentiation in vaginal epithelium by down-regulating RUNX1, whereas conditional deletion of Smad2 and Smad3 had no effect on vaginal epithelial differentiation. In conclusion, vaginal epithelial cell fate in MDE is induced by FGF7/10-MAPK, bone morphogenetic protein 4-SMAD, and ActA-RUNX1 pathway activities, and the disruption in any one of these pathways results in conversion from vaginal to uterine epithelial cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Terakawa
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Altea Rocchi
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Vanida A Serna
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Erwin P Bottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Jonathan M Graff
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics (J.T., V.A.S., T.K.), The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (A.R.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine (E.P.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, New York 10029; and Developmental Biology (J.M.G.), Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
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Cunha GR, Baskin L. Mesenchymal-epithelial interaction techniques. Differentiation 2016; 91:20-7. [PMID: 26610327 PMCID: PMC4874915 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the importance of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in development and gives detailed technical protocols for investigating these interactions. Successful analysis of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions requires knowing the ages in which embryonic, neonatal and adult organs can be separated into mesenchymal and epithelial tissues. Methods for separation of mesenchymal and epithelial tissues and preparation of tissue recombinants are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, Box 0738, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Lawrence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, Box 0738, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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50
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Zama AM, Bhurke A, Uzumcu M. Effects of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals on Female Reproductive Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2174/1874070701610010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment and the evidence demonstrates that they affect reproductive health, has been accumulating for the last few decades. In this review of recent literature, we present evidence of the effects of estrogen-mimicking EDCs on female reproductive health especially the ovaries and uteri. As representative EDCs, data from studies with a pharmaceutical estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), an organochlorine pesticide methoxychlor (MXC), a phytoestrogen (genistein), and a chemical used in plastics, bisphenol a (BPA) have been presented. We also discuss the effects of a commonly found plasticizer in the environment, a phthalate (DEHP), even though it is not a typical estrogenic EDC. Collectively, these studies show that exposures during fetal and neonatal periods cause developmental reprogramming leading to adult reproductive disease. Puberty, estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicular development, and uterine functions are all affected by exposure to these EDCs. Evidence that epigenetic modifications are involved in the progression to adult disease is also presented.
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