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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Ravelojaona M, Girouard J, Kana Tsapi ES, Chambers M, Vaillancourt C, Van Themsche C, Thornton CA, Reyes-Moreno C. Oncostatin M and STAT3 Signaling Pathways Support Human Trophoblast Differentiation by Inhibiting Inflammatory Stress in Response to IFNγ and GM-CSF. Cells 2024; 13:229. [PMID: 38334621 PMCID: PMC10854549 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030229] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) superfamily cytokines play critical roles during human pregnancy by promoting trophoblast differentiation, invasion, and endocrine function, and maintaining embryo immunotolerance and protection. In contrast, the unbalanced activity of pro-inflammatory factors such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at the maternal-fetal interface have detrimental effects on trophoblast function and differentiation. This study demonstrates how the IL-6 cytokine family member oncostatin M (OSM) and STAT3 activation regulate trophoblast fusion and endocrine function in response to pro-inflammatory stress induced by IFNγ and GM-CSF. Using human cytotrophoblast-like BeWo (CT/BW) cells, differentiated in villous syncytiotrophoblast (VST/BW) cells, we show that beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) production and cell fusion process are affected in response to IFNγ or GM-CSF. However, those effects are abrogated with OSM by modulating the activation of IFNγ-STAT1 and GM-CSF-STAT5 signaling pathways. OSM stimulation enhances the expression of STAT3, the phosphorylation of STAT3 and SMAD2, and the induction of negative regulators of inflammation (e.g., IL-10 and TGFβ1) and cytokine signaling (e.g., SOCS1 and SOCS3). Using STAT3-deficient VST/BW cells, we show that STAT3 expression is required for OSM to regulate the effects of IFNγ in βhCG and E-cadherin expression. In contrast, OSM retains its modulatory effect on GM-CSF-STAT5 pathway activation even in STAT3-deficient VST/BW cells, suggesting that OSM uses STAT3-dependent and -independent mechanisms to modulate the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways IFNγ-STAT1 and GM-CSF-STAT5. Moreover, STAT3 deficiency in VST/BW cells leads to the production of both a large amount of βhCG and an enhanced expression of activated STAT5 induced by GM-CSF, independently of OSM, suggesting a key role for STAT3 in βhCG production and trophoblast differentiation through STAT5 modulation. In conclusion, our study describes for the first time the critical role played by OSM and STAT3 signaling pathways to preserve and regulate trophoblast biological functions during inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ravelojaona
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | - Julie Girouard
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Stella Kana Tsapi
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | | | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Céline Van Themsche
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | | | - Carlos Reyes-Moreno
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
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Saboori-Darabi S, Carrera P, Akbari A, Amiri-Yekta A, Almadani N, Battista Pipitone G, Shahrokh-Tehraninejad E, Lotfi M, Mazaheri M, Totonchi M. A heterozygous missense variant in DLX3 leads to uterine leiomyomas and pregnancy losses in a consanguineous Iranian family. Gene 2023; 865:147292. [PMID: 36854347 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147292] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are benign solid tumors arising from the uterine myometrium. They are the most common pelvic tumors among females of reproductive age. Despite the universal prevalence of ULs and its huge impact on women's lives, the exact etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms have not been fully understood. Numerous studies indicate that genetic factors play a crucial role in ULs development. This study aims to identify the probable genetic causes of ULs in a consanguineous Iranian family. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) on five family members with ULs revealed a likely pathogenic missense variant encoding for Y88C in the transactivation (TA) domain of DLX3 gene (c.263A > G; p.Y88C). Sanger sequencing of a total of 9 affected and non-affected family members indicated a segregation with disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. Moreover, targeted Sanger sequencing on 32 additional non-related patients with ULs showed none was heterozygous for this variant. MutPred2 predicted the pathogenicity of candidate variant by both phosphorylation and sulfation loss as actionable hypotheses. Project HOPE revealed that the identified variant residue is smaller and more hydrophobic comparing to the wild-type residue. I-TASSER and UCSF Chimera were also used for modeling and visualizing the predicted variant, respectively. This WES analysis is the first to report a variant in DLX3 variation associated with ULs pathogenicity in Iranian population highlighting the effectiveness of WES as a strong diagnostic method. However, further functional studies on this variant are needed to confirm the potential pathogenicity of this mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Saboori-Darabi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Paola Carrera
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arvand Akbari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ensieh Shahrokh-Tehraninejad
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahta Mazaheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Mother & Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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Alfian I, Chakraborty A, Yong HEJ, Saini S, Lau RWK, Kalionis B, Dimitriadis E, Alfaidy N, Ricardo SD, Samuel CS, Murthi P. The Placental NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Downstream Targets, Caspase-1 and Interleukin-6, Are Increased in Human Fetal Growth Restriction: Implications for Aberrant Inflammation-Induced Trophoblast Dysfunction. Cells 2022; 11:1413. [PMID: 35563719 PMCID: PMC9102093 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is commonly associated with placental insufficiency and inflammation. Nonetheless, the role played by inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of FGR is poorly understood. We hypothesised that placental inflammasomes are differentially expressed and contribute to the aberrant trophoblast function. Inflammasome gene expression profiles were characterised by real-time PCR on human placental tissues collected from third trimester FGR and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n = 25/group). The functional significance of a candidate inflammasome was then investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models of inflammation in human trophoblast organoids, BeWo cells in vitro, and a murine model of FGR in vivo. Placental mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspases 1, 3, and 8, and interleukin 6 increased (>2-fold), while that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, decreased (<2-fold) in FGR compared with control pregnancies. LPS treatment increased NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression (>2-fold) in trophoblast organoids and BeWo cell cultures in vitro, and in the spongiotrophoblast and labyrinth in the murine model of FGR. However, the LPS-induced rise in NLRP3 was attenuated by its siRNA-induced down-regulation in BeWo cell cultures, which correlated with reduced activity of the apoptotic markers, caspase-3 and 8, compared to the control siRNA-treated cells. Our findings support the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammation-induced aberrant trophoblast function, which may contribute to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irvan Alfian
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta Pusat 10160, Indonesia
| | - Amlan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Hannah E. J. Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 117609, Singapore;
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Ricky W. K. Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1292, Biologie et Biotechnologie pour la Santé, 38043 Grenoble, France;
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Biosciences and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, 38054 Grenoble, France
- Service Obstétrique & Gynécologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble-Alpes, CEDEX 9, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Sharon D. Ricardo
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
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Rs868058 in the Homeobox Gene HLX Contributes to Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030447. [PMID: 35336820 PMCID: PMC8945724 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition that characterizes fetuses as too small for their gestational age, with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile and abnormal Doppler parameters and/or with EFW below the 3rd percentile. We designed our study to demonstrate the contribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from DLX3 (rs11656951, rs2278163, and rs10459948), HLX (rs2184658, and 868058), ANGPT2 (−35 G > C), and ITGAV (rs3911238, and rs3768777) genes in maternal blood in FGR. A cohort of 380 women with singleton pregnancies consisted of 190 pregnancies with FGR and 190 healthy full-term controls. A comparison of the pregnancies with an early-onset FGR and healthy subjects showed that the AT heterozygotes in HLX rs868058 were significantly associated with an approximately two-fold increase in disease risk (p ≤ 0.050). The AT heterozygotes in rs868058 were significantly more frequent in the cases with early-onset FGR than in late-onset FGR in the overdominant model (OR 2.08 95% CI 1.11−3.89, p = 0.022), and after being adjusted by anemia, in the codominant model (OR 2.45 95% CI 1.23−4.90, p = 0.034). In conclusion, the heterozygous AT genotype in HLX rs868058 can be considered a significant risk factor for the development of early-onset FGR, regardless of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women.
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Hou F, Jin H, Cao L, Jiao X, Wang B, Liu H, Cui B. The Imbalance Expression of DLX3 May Perform Critical Function in the Occurrence and Progression of Preeclampsia. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1457398. [PMID: 35096127 PMCID: PMC8799331 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1457398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present research focuses on preeclampsia (PE), a clinically relevant pregnancy disease. To date, the majority of research on PE was centered on placental insufficiency. However, the genes that regulate these processes, and the exact molecular mechanisms modulating these processes, are still unclear. METHODS We obtained placentae from a clinically well-specified group of patients with preeclampsia and gestationally matched control pregnancies in order to evaluate the expression of homeobox gene DLX3 by immunohistochemical staining, real-time PCR, and Western immunoblotting and determine the function of DLX3 utilizing lentivirus transfection in HTR-8/SVneo cells. RESULTS In the present study, we detected DLX3 expression in a clinically well defined cohort of preeclampsia-affected and gestation-matched control pregnancies. As opposed to the controls, DLX3 was overexpressed in preeclampsia-affected placentae. Moreover, we found that the in vitro cell growth and invasive ability of HTR8/SVneo cells was enhanced by the exogenous overexpression of DLX3 (P < 0.05). It can be seen that DLX3 influences the cell cycle of HTR-8/SVneo cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS DLX3 has been shown to be strongly related to normal placental growth as well as the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The imbalanced expression of DLX3 may perform an integral function in the occurrence and progression of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China
| | - Luquan Cao
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China
| | - Xinlin Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Baoxia Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China
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Wang H, Luo C, Wu X, Zhang J, Xu Z, Liu Y, Li B, Li J, Xie J. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0081343 promotes trophoblast cell migration and invasion and inhibits trophoblast apoptosis by regulating miR-210-5p/DLX3 axis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:123. [PMID: 34365964 PMCID: PMC8351162 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various circular RNAs (circRNAs) are dysregulated in the placenta of fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses, but their roles and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the role of hsa_circ_0081343 in regulating the migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human extravillous trophoblast HTR-8 cells. METHODS CircRNA and miRNA levels were examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Overexpression plasmid constructs and siRNAs were used to overexpress and knockdown hsa_circ_0081343, respectively. Transwell assays and flow cytometry analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of hsa_circ_0081343 or miR-210-5p on migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Protein levels were analyzed by western blotting. Dual luciferase activity and anti-AGO2 RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to identify the relationship between miR-210-5p and hsa_circ_0081343. RESULTS Hsa_circ_0081343 expression was significantly downregulated in 37 FGR placental tissues compared to healthy placental control tissues. Hsa_circ_0081343 overexpression may inhibit apoptosis by downregulating the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and caspase 9 and alleviating the migration and invasion of HTR-8 cells by inducing the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. The dual luciferase activity and anti-AGO2 RIP assay results showed that hsa_circ_0081343 binds to miR-210-5p. miR-210-5p overexpression eliminated the effect of hsa_circ_0081343 overexpression in HTR-8 cells. Finally, DLX3 was identified as a direct target of miR-210-5p. CONCLUSIONS hsa_circ_0081343 expression levels are significantly downregulated in FGR placental tissues. Hsa_circ_0081343 regulates the migration, invasion, and apoptosis of HTR-8 cells via the hsa-miR-210-5p/DLX3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiqun Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Institute of Maternal and Child Medicine, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyong Xu
- Medical genetic center, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Medical genetic center, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Bohong Li
- Medical genetic center, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
- Medical genetic center, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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Huang L, Ying H, Chen Z, Zhu YL, Gu Y, Hu L, Chen D, Zhong N. Down-regulation of DKK1 and Wnt1/β-catenin pathway by increased homeobox B7 resulted in cell differentiation suppression of intrauterine fetal growth retardation in human placenta. Placenta 2019; 80:27-35. [PMID: 31103063 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the influence of homeobox B7 (HoxB7) on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of human trophoblast cells and to reveal the down-regulation of HoxB7 on the transcriptional suppression of Dick Kopf-related protein1 (DKK1) and of Cysteine-rich glycosylated wingless protein 1 (Wnt1)/β-catenin in intrauterine fetal growth retardation (FGR). METHODS Quantitative measurement of HoxB7, DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin was performed in human placentas collected from normal pregnancies and from FGR with quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cultured HTR-8/SVneo cells, transfected with a lentiviral plasmid that in-frame expresses human HoxB7 gene, were applied to functional assessment to study the biological impact of HoxB7 gene on DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin. Counting Kit-8, Transwell invasion assays, and flow cytometry were applied for the functional measurements. RESULTS The expression of HoxB7 was significantly increased, and of DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin was decreased, in FGR placenta tissues and in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Function studies revealed that overexpression of HoxB7 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin were down-regulated in HTR-8/SVneo cells, inversely correlated with HoxB7 expression. Overexpression of HoxB7 showed a suppressive effect on proliferation, migration, and invasion in the HTR-8/SVneo cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that HoxB7 inhibited human trophoblast cell differentiation by down-regulating DKK1 expression and that it may affect transcription of Wnt1/β-catenin. The activation of HoxB7 might suppress the cell differentiation in HTR-8/SVneo cell cultures. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of FGR by regulating the invasion and proliferation of trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Hao Ying
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 536 Changle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Yun Long Zhu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Ying Gu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Lingqing Hu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China.
| | - Nanbert Zhong
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China; New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
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10
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Lappas M, McCracken S, McKelvey K, Lim R, James J, Roberts CT, Fournier T, Alfaidy N, Powell KL, Borg AJ, Morris JM, Leaw B, Singh H, Ebeling PR, Wallace EM, Parry LJ, Dimitriadis E, Murthi P. Formyl peptide receptor-2 is decreased in foetal growth restriction and contributes to placental dysfunction. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:94-109. [PMID: 29272530 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the association between placental formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) and trophoblast and endothelial functions in pregnancies affected by foetal growth restriction (FGR)? SUMMARY ANSWER Reduced FPR2 placental expression in idiopathic FGR results in significantly altered trophoblast differentiation and endothelial function in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FGR is associated with placental insufficiency, where defective trophoblast and endothelial functions contribute to reduced feto-placental growth. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The expression of FPR2 in placental tissues from human pregnancies complicated with FGR was compared to that in gestation-matched uncomplicated control pregnancies (n = 25 from each group). Fpr2 expression was also determined in placental tissues obtained from a murine model of FGR (n = 4). The functional role of FPR2 in primary trophoblasts and endothelial cells in vitro was assessed in diverse assays in a time-dependent manner. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Placentae from third-trimester pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR (n = 25) and those from gestation-matched pregnancies with appropriately grown infants as controls (n = 25) were collected at gestation 27-40 weeks. Placental tissues were also collected from a spontaneous CBA/CaH × DBA/2 J murine model of FGR. Placental FPR2/Fpr2 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR, while protein expression was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. siRNA transfection was used to silence FPR2 expression in primary trophoblasts and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and the quantitation of cytokines, chemokines and apoptosis was performed following a cDNA array analyses. Functional effects of trophoblast differentiation were measured using HCGB/β-hCG and syncytin-2 expression as well as markers of apoptosis, tumour protein 53 (TP53), caspase 8, B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and BCL associated X (BAX). Endothelial function was assessed by proliferation, network formation and permeability assays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Placental FPR2/Fpr2 expression was significantly decreased in FGR placentae (n = 25, P < 0.05) as well as in murine FGR placentae compared to controls (n = 4, P < 0.05). FPR2 siRNA (siFPR2) in term trophoblasts significantly increased differentiation markers, HCGB and syncytin-2; cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, CXCL8; and apoptotic markers, TP53, caspase 8 and BAX, but significantly reduced the expression of the chemokines CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7; CXCL16 and its receptor, CXCR6; and cytokine, IL-10, compared with control siRNA (siCONT). Treatment of HUVECs with siFPR2 significantly reduced proliferation and endothelial tube formation, but significantly increased permeability of HUVECs. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Reduced expression of placental FPR2/Fpr2 was observed in the third trimester at delivery after development of FGR, suggesting that FPR2 is associated with FGR pregnancies. However, there is a possibility that the decreased placental FPR2 observed in FGR may be a consequence rather than a cause of FGR, although our in vitro functional analyses using primary trophoblasts and endothelial cells suggest that FPR2 may have a direct or indirect regulatory role on trophoblast differentiation and endothelial function in FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study linking placental FPR2 expression with changes in the trophoblast and endothelial functions that may explain the placental insufficiency observed in FGR. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS P.M. and P.R.E. received funding from the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, Western Health, St. Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia. M.L. is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC; Grant no. 1047025). Monash Health is supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Programme. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in publishing this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Lappas
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria 3079, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3079, Australia
| | - Sharon McCracken
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School Northern, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kelly McKelvey
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School Northern, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Ratana Lim
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria 3079, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3079, Australia
| | - Joanna James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Thierry Fournier
- INSERM, UMR-S1139, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75006 France.,Fondation PremUp, Paris F-75006, France
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1036, Grenoble, France.,University Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.,Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), iRTSV- Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Katie L Powell
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School Northern, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony J Borg
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Morris
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School Northern, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Bryan Leaw
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Harmeet Singh
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Peter R Ebeling
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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11
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Chiu YH, Yang MR, Wang LJ, Chen MH, Chang GD, Chen H. New insights into the regulation of placental growth factor gene expression by the transcription factors GCM1 and DLX3 in human placenta. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9801-9811. [PMID: 29743241 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of placental growth factor (PGF) is closely associated with placental perfusion in early pregnancy. PGF is primarily expressed in placental trophoblasts, and its expression decreases in preeclampsia, associated with placental hypoxia. The transcription factors glial cells missing 1 (GCM1) and metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1) have been implicated in the regulation of PGF gene expression through regulatory elements upstream and downstream of the PGF transcription start site, respectively. Here, we clarified the mechanism underlying placenta-specific PGF expression. We demonstrate that GCM1 up-regulates PGF expression through three downstream GCM1-binding sites (GBSs) but not a previously reported upstream GBS. Interestingly, we also found that these downstream GBSs also harbor metal-response elements for MTF1. Surprisingly, however, we observed that MTF1 is unlikely to regulate PGF expression in the placenta because knockdown or overexpression of GCM1, but not MTF1, dramatically decreased PGF expression or reversed the suppression of PGF expression under hypoxia, respectively. We also demonstrate that another transcription factor, Distal-less homeobox 3 (DLX3), interacts with the DNA-binding domain and the first transactivation domain of GCM1 and that this interaction inhibits GCM1-mediated PGF expression. Moreover, the GCM1-DLX3 interaction interfered with CREB-binding protein-mediated GCM1 acetylation and activation. In summary, we have identified several GBSs in the PGF promoter that are highly responsive to GCM1, have demonstrated that MTF1 does not significantly regulate PGF expression in placental cells, and provide evidence that DLX3 inhibits GCM1-mediated PGF expression. Our findings revise the mechanism for GCM1- and DLX3-mediated regulation of PGF gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ho Chiu
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and
| | - Ming-Ren Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jie Wang
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and
| | - Ming-Hon Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Geen-Dong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hungwen Chen
- From the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan and .,Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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12
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Expression of Homeobox Gene HLX and its Downstream Target Genes are Altered in Placentae From Discordant Twin Pregnancies. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 21:42-50. [PMID: 29212571 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.66] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A discordant twin gestation, in which one fetus is significantly growth restricted, compared to the other normal twin, is a unique model that can be used to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the intrauterine environment affects fetal growth. In many model systems, placental transcription factor genes regulate fetal growth. Transcription factors regulate growth through their activation or repression of downstream target genes that mediate important cell functions. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of the placental HLX homeobox gene transcription factor and its downstream target genes in dizygotic twins with growth discordance. In this cross-sectional study, HLX and its downstream target genes' retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) and cyclin kinase D (CDKN1C) expression levels were determined in placentae obtained from dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies (n = 23) where one of the twins was growth restricted. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as small for gestational age with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices when compared with the normal control co-twin. Homeobox gene HLX expression was significantly decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with the normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Downstream target genes CDKN1C and RB1 were also significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Together, these observations suggest an important association between HLX transcription factor expression and abnormal human placental development in discordant twin pregnancies.
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13
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Increased methylation and decreased expression of homeobox genes TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5 in human placenta are associated with trophoblast differentiation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4523. [PMID: 28674422 PMCID: PMC5495813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04776-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes regulate embryonic and placental development, and are widely expressed in the human placenta, but their regulatory control by DNA methylation is unclear. DNA methylation analysis was performed on human placentae from first, second and third trimesters to determine methylation patterns of homeobox gene promoters across gestation. Most homeobox genes were hypo-methylated throughout gestation, suggesting that DNA methylation is not the primary mechanism involved in regulating HOX genes expression in the placenta. Nevertheless, several genes showed variable methylation patterns across gestation, with a general trend towards an increase in methylation over gestation. Three genes (TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5) showed inverse gains of methylation with decreasing mRNA expression throughout pregnancy, supporting a role for DNA methylation in their regulation. Proteins encoded by these genes were primarily localised to the syncytiotrophoblast layer, and showed decreased expression later in gestation. siRNA mediated downregulation of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 in primary term villous cytotrophoblast resulted in decreased proliferation and increased expression of differentiation markers, including ERVW-1. Our data suggest that loss of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 expression in late gestation is required for proper placental differentiation and function.
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14
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DLX3 interacts with GCM1 and inhibits its transactivation-stimulating activity in a homeodomain-dependent manner in human trophoblast-derived cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2009. [PMID: 28515447 PMCID: PMC5435702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental transcription factors Distal-less 3 (DLX3) and Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) have been shown to coordinate the specific regulation of PGF in human trophoblast cell lines. While both factors independently have a positive effect on PGF gene expression, when combined, DLX3 acts as an antagonist to GCM. Despite this understanding, potential mechanisms accounting for this regulatory interaction remain unexplored. We identify physical and functional interactions between specific domains of DLX3 and GCM1 in human trophoblast-derived cells by performing immunoprecipitation and mammalian one hybrid assays. Studies revealed that DLX3 binding reduced the transcriptional activity of GCM1, providing a mechanistic explanation of their functional antagonism in regulating PGF promoter activity. The DLX3 homeodomain (HD) was essential for DLX3-GCM1 interaction, and that the HD together with the DLX3 amino- or carboxyl-terminal domains was required for maximal inhibition of GCM1. Interestingly, a naturally occurring DLX3 mutant that disrupts the carboxyl-terminal domain leading to tricho-dento-osseous syndrome in humans displayed activities indistinguishable from wild type DLX3 in this system. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that DLX3 physically interacts with GCM1 and inhibits its transactivation activity, suggesting that DLX3 and GCM1 may form a complex to functionally regulate placental cell function through modulation of target gene expression.
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15
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Li S, Roberson MS. Dlx3 and GCM-1 functionally coordinate the regulation of placental growth factor in human trophoblast-derived cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2900-2914. [PMID: 27996093 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25752] [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: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PGF) is abundantly expressed by trophoblast cells within human placentae and is important for trophoblast development and placental vascularization. Circulating maternal serum levels of PGF are dynamically upregulated across gestation in normal pregnancies, whereas low circulating levels and placental production of PGF have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and other gestational diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of regulating PGF expression in the human placenta remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that transcription factors Distal-less 3 (DLX3) and Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) were both sufficient and required for PGF expression in human trophoblast-derived cells by overexpression and knockdown approaches. Surprisingly, while DLX3 and GCM1 were both positive regulators of PGF, co-overexpression of DLX3 and GCM1 led to an antagonist effect on PGF expression on the endogenous gene and a luciferase reporter. Further, deletion and site-directed mutagenesis studies identified a novel regulatory element on the PGF promoter mediating both DLX3- and GCM1-dependent PGF expression. This regulatory region was also found to be essential for the basal activity of the PGF promoter. Finally, Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed colocalization of DLX3 and GCM1 at the identified regulatory region on the PGF promoter. Taken together, our studies provide important insights into intrinsic regulation of human placental PGF expression through the functional coordination of DLX3 and GCM1, and are likely to further the understanding of pathogenesis of PGF dysregulation in preeclampsia and other disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Mark S Roberson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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16
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Murthi P, Brouillet S, Pratt A, Borg A, Kalionis B, Goffin F, Tsatsaris V, Munaut C, Feige JJ, Benharouga M, Fournier T, Alfaidy N. An EG-VEGF-Dependent Decrease in Homeobox Gene NKX3.1 Contributes to Cytotrophoblast Dysfunction: A Possible Mechanism in Human Fetal Growth Restriction. Mol Med 2015. [PMID: 26208047 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) is frequently associated with placental insufficiency. Previous reports have provided evidence that endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF), a placental secreted protein, is expressed during the first trimester of pregnancy, controls both trophoblast proliferation and invasion, and its increased expression is associated with human FGR. In this study, we hypothesize that EG-VEGF-dependent changes in placental homeobox gene expressions contribute to trophoblast dysfunction in idiopathic FGR. The changes in EG-VEGF-dependent homeobox gene expressions were determined using a homeobox gene cDNA array on placental explants of 8-12 wks gestation after stimulation with EG-VEGF in vitro for 24 h. The homeobox gene array identified a greater-than-five-fold increase in HOXA9, HOXC8, HOXC10, HOXD1, HOXD8, HOXD9 and HOXD11, while NKX 3.1 showed a greater-than-two-fold decrease in mRNA expression compared with untreated controls. Homeobox gene NKX3.1 was selected as a candidate because it is a downstream target of EG-VEGF and its expression and functional roles are largely unknown in control and idiopathic FGR-affected placentae. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting showed a significant decrease in NKX3.1 mRNA and protein levels, respectively, in placentae from FGR compared with control pregnancies. Gene inactivation in vitro using short-interference RNA specific for NKX3.1 demonstrated an increase in BeWo cell differentiation and a decrease in HTR-8/SVneo proliferation. We conclude that the decreased expression of homeobox gene NKX3.1 downstream of EG-VEGF may contribute to the trophoblast dysfunction associated with idiopathic FGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Brouillet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1036, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique (CEA), iRTSV-Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Clinique et Biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, La Tronche, France
| | - Anita Pratt
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Borg
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frederic Goffin
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Vassilis Tsatsaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Cochin, Maternité Port-Royal, Université Rene Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Carine Munaut
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Jacques Feige
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1036, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique (CEA), iRTSV-Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Mohamed Benharouga
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5249, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, Grenoble, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- INSERM, U1139; Universite Paris Descartes, UMR-S1139; and PremUp Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1036, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique (CEA), iRTSV-Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
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17
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Borg AJ, Yong HEJ, Lappas M, Degrelle SA, Keogh RJ, Da Silva-Costa F, Fournier T, Abumaree M, Keelan JA, Kalionis B, Murthi P. Decreased STAT3 in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction contributes to trophoblast dysfunction. Reproduction 2015; 149:523-32. [PMID: 25713425 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal trophoblast function is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). The JAK-STAT pathway is one of the principal signalling mechanisms by which cytokines and growth factors modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, cell migration and apoptosis. The expression of placental JAK-STAT genes in human idiopathic FGR is unknown. In this study, we propose the hypothesis that JAK-STAT pathway genes are differentially expressed in idiopathic FGR-affected pregnancies and contribute to abnormal feto-placental growth by modulating the expression of the amino acid transporter SNAT2, differentiation marker CGB/human chorionic gonadotrophin beta-subunit (β-hCG) and apoptosis markers caspases 3 and 8, and TP53. Expression profiling of FGR-affected placentae revealed that mRNA levels of STAT3, STAT2 and STAT5B decreased by 69, 52 and 50%, respectively, compared with gestational-age-matched controls. Further validation by real-time PCR and immunoblotting confirmed significantly lower STAT3 mRNA and STAT3 protein (total and phosphorylated) levels in FGR placentae. STAT3 protein was localised to the syncytiotrophoblast (ST) in both FGR and control placentae. ST differentiation was modelled by in vitro differentiation of primary villous trophoblast cells from first-trimester and term placentae, and by treating choriocarcinoma-derived BeWo cells with forskolin in cell culture. Differentiation in these models was associated with increased STAT3 mRNA and protein levels. In BeWo cells treated with siRNA targeting STAT3, the mRNA and protein levels of CGB/β-hCG, caspases 3 and 8, and TP53 were significantly increased, while that of SNAT2 was significantly decreased compared with the negative control siRNA. In conclusion, we report that decreased STAT3 expression in placentae may contribute to abnormal trophoblast function in idiopathic FGR-affected pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Borg
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - H E J Yong
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M Lappas
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - S A Degrelle
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesP
| | - R J Keogh
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - F Da Silva-Costa
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - T Fournier
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M Abumaree
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J A Keelan
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - B Kalionis
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - P Murthi
- Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia Department of Perinatal MedicinePregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, AustraliaINSERM-U767Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris F-75006, FranceUniversite Paris DescartesParis F-75006, FrancePremUp FoundationParis F-75006, FranceCollege of Science and Health ProfessionsKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSchool of Women's and Infants' HealthKing Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
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18
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Murthi P, Abumaree M, Kalionis B. Analysis of homeobox gene action may reveal novel angiogenic pathways in normal placental vasculature and in clinical pregnancy disorders associated with abnormal placental angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:133. [PMID: 24926269 PMCID: PMC4045154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are essential for both the development of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems, as well as for their maintenance in the adult. Homeobox genes comprise an important family of transcription factors, which are characterized by a well conserved DNA binding motif; the homeodomain. The specificity of the homeodomain allows the transcription factor to bind to the promoter regions of batteries of target genes and thereby regulates their expression. Target genes identified for homeodomain proteins have been shown to control fundamental cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We and others have reported that homeobox genes are expressed in the placental vasculature, but our knowledge of their downstream target genes is limited. This review highlights the importance of studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which homeobox genes and their downstream targets may regulate important vascular cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and endothelial tube formation, which are essential for placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. A better understanding of the molecular targets of homeobox genes may lead to new therapies for aberrant angiogenesis associated with clinically important pregnancy pathologies, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia ; NorthWest Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne St. Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abumaree
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
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19
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Murthi P. Review: placental homeobox genes and their role in regulating human fetal growth. Placenta 2013; 35 Suppl:S46-50. [PMID: 24321781 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of fetal growth is multifactorial and complex. Normal fetal growth is determined by the genetically predetermined growth potential and further modulated by maternal, fetal, placental, and environmental factors. The placenta provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during intrauterine development. Formation of this interface is controlled by several growth factors, cytokines and transcription factors including homeobox genes. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding homeobox genes in the human placenta and their differential expression and functions in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR). The review also describes the research strategies that were used for the identification of homeobox genes, their expression in FGR, functional role and target genes of homeobox genes in the trophoblasts and the hormonal regulators of homeobox gene expression in vitro. A better understanding of molecular pathways driven by placental homeobox genes and further elucidation of signaling pathways underlying the hormone-mediated homeobox gene developmental programs may offer novel strategies of targeted therapy for improving feto-placental growth in idiopathic FGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia.
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20
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Chui A, Kalionis B, Abumaree M, Cocquebert M, Fournier T, Evain-Brion D, Brennecke SP, Murthi P. Downstream targets of the homeobox gene DLX3 are differentially expressed in the placentae of pregnancies affected by human idiopathic fetal growth restriction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 377:75-83. [PMID: 23831639 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Human idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with placental insufficiency. Previously, we reported that the expression of homeobox gene Distal-less 3 (DLX3) is increased in idiopathic FGR placentae and is a regulator of villous trophoblast differentiation. Here, we identify the downstream targets of DLX3 in trophoblast-derived cell lines. We modelled the high levels of DLX3 in FGR using an over-expression plasmid construct and complemented this using short-interference RNA (siRNA) for inactivation in cultured cells. Using a real-time PCR-based gene profiling, candidate target genes of DLX3 over-expression and inactivation were identified as regulators of trophoblast differentiation; GATA2 and PPARγ. The expression of GATA2 and PPARγ were further assessed in placental tissues and showed increased mRNA and protein levels in FGR-affected tissues compared with gestation-matched controls. We conclude that DLX3 orchestrates the expression of multiple regulators of trophoblast differentiation and that expression of these regulatory genes is abnormal in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Chui
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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21
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Murthi P, Kalionis B, Cocquebert M, Rajaraman G, Chui A, Keogh RJ, Evain-Brion D, Fournier T. Homeobox genes and down-stream transcription factor PPARγ in normal and pathological human placental development. Placenta 2013; 34:299-309. [PMID: 23484914 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The placenta provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during intrauterine development. Formation of this interface is controlled by nuclear transcription factors including homeobox genes. Here we summarize current knowledge regarding the expression and function of homeobox genes in the placenta. We also describe the identification of target transcription factors including PPARγ, biological pathways regulated by homeobox genes and their role in placental development. The role of the nuclear receptor PPARγ, ligands and target genes in human placental development is also discussed. A better understanding of these pathways will improve our knowledge of placental cell biology and has the potential to reveal new molecular targets for the early detection and diagnosis of pregnancy complications including human fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Australia
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22
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Brouillet S, Murthi P, Hoffmann P, Salomon A, Sergent F, De Mazancourt P, Dakouane-Giudicelli M, Dieudonné MN, Rozenberg P, Vaiman D, Barbaux S, Benharouga M, Feige J, Alfaidy N. EG-VEGF controls placental growth and survival in normal and pathological pregnancies: case of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:511-25. [PMID: 22941044 PMCID: PMC11113665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identifiable causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) account for 30 % of cases, but the remainders are idiopathic and are frequently associated with placental dysfunction. We have shown that the angiogenic factor endocrine gland-derived VEGF (EG-VEGF) and its receptors, prokineticin receptor 1 (PROKR1) and 2, (1) are abundantly expressed in human placenta, (2) are up-regulated by hypoxia, (3) control trophoblast invasion, and that EG-VEGF circulating levels are the highest during the first trimester of pregnancy, the period of important placental growth. These findings suggest that EG-VEGF/PROKR1 and 2 might be involved in normal and FGR placental development. To test this hypothesis, we used placental explants, primary trophoblast cultures, and placental and serum samples collected from FGR and age-matched control women. Our results show that (1) EG-VEGF increases trophoblast proliferation ([(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and Ki67-staining) via the homeobox-gene, HLX (2) the proliferative effect involves PROKR1 but not PROKR2, (3) EG-VEGF does not affect syncytium formation (measurement of syncytin 1 and 2 and β hCG production) (4) EG-VEGF increases the vascularization of the placental villi and insures their survival, (5) EG-VEGF, PROKR1, and PROKR2 mRNA and protein levels are significantly elevated in FGR placentas, and (6) EG-VEGF circulating levels are significantly higher in FGR patients. Altogether, our results identify EG-VEGF as a new placental growth factor acting during the first trimester of pregnancy, established its mechanism of action, and provide evidence for its deregulation in FGR. We propose that EG-VEGF/PROKR1 and 2 increases occur in FGR as a compensatory mechanism to insure proper pregnancy progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Brouillet
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - P. Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - P. Hoffmann
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - A. Salomon
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - F. Sergent
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - P. De Mazancourt
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - M. Dakouane-Giudicelli
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - M. N. Dieudonné
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - P. Rozenberg
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - D. Vaiman
- Département Génétique et Développement, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - S. Barbaux
- Département Génétique et Développement, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - M. Benharouga
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5249, Grenoble, France
| | - J.–J. Feige
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - N. Alfaidy
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
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