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Pei J, Liao Y, Bai X, Li M, Wang J, Li X, Zhang H, Sui L, Kong Y. Dysregulated GLUT1 results in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by impairing the function of trophoblast cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23761. [PMID: 39390043 PMCID: PMC11467397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74489-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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common placental-origin complication of pregnancy and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and fetuses. However, its pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Effective strategies for prevention, screening, and treatment are still lacking. Studies have indicated that dysfunction of placental trophoblast cells, such as impaired syncytialization, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes, plays a crucial role in the development of PE. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is a key protein regulating glucose transport in placental tissues. However, the effect of GLUT1 on the function of trophoblast cells in PE is not well understood. In this study, we found that GLUT1 expression is reduced in PE placental tissues. GLUT1 promotes the syncytialization process by increasing the glucose uptake ability of BeWo cells. Additionally, GLUT1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Overall, these findings provide a new insight into understanding the biological functions of GLUT1, clarifying the pathogenesis of PE, and identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Pei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yangyou Liao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaoxian Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hongshuo Zhang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Linlin Sui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China.
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2
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Li F, Guo L, Zhou M, Han L, Wu S, Wu L, Yang J. Cryptochrome 2 Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Promoting Trophoblastic Ferroptosis in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1197-1217. [PMID: 38537935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a serious reproductive issue that affects women of childbearing age. Studies have shown a close association between disrupted circadian rhythm and impaired epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in trophoblasts during URSA, although the underlying mechanism is not known. The current study investigated the regulatory relationship between circadian rhythm gene cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) and ferroptosis on the migratory ability of trophoblast cells. Cell proliferation experiments, wound-healing assays, and expression of related markers were conducted to study EMT. Trophoblastic ferroptosis was confirmed by the expressions of malondialdehyde, glutathione, mitochondrial membrane potential, divalent iron ions, and related genes. The results showed significant increased expression of CRY2 and decreased expression of brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (BMAL1) in the URSA villous tissues, accompanied by iron-dependent oxidative changes and abnormal expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. CRY2 and BMAL1 were co-localized and functioned as a feedback loop, which regulated the dynamic changes of EMT-related markers in trophoblast cells. CRY2 promoted trophoblastic ferroptosis, whereas BMAL1 had the opposite effect. Particularly, the ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) effectively reversed the trophoblastic ferroptosis and EMT inhibition caused by CRY2 overexpression. Collectively, these results suggest that CRY2 regulates trophoblastic ferroptosis and hinders cellular EMT and migratory ability by suppressing BMAL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faminzi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Liantao Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Han
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujuan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianzhi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Hua R, Mo Y, Lin X, Zhang B, He M, Huang C, Huang Y, Li J, Wan J, Qin H, Xie Q, Zeng D, Sun Y. EGR1 modulates EPHB4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:476-489. [PMID: 38091979 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion, defined as at least three unexplained abortions occurring before the 20-24 week of pregnancy, has a great impact on women's quality of life. Ephrin receptor B4 has been associated with trophoblast function in preeclampsia. The present study aimed to verify the hypothesis that ephrin receptor B4 regulates the biological functions of trophoblasts in recurrent spontaneous abortion and to explore the upstream mechanism. Ephrin receptor B4 was overexpressed in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Moreover, ephrin receptor B4 inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Downregulation of early growth response protein 1 expression in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion led to ephrin receptor B4 overexpression. Poor expression of WT1-associated protein in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion reduced the modification of early growth response protein 1 mRNA methylation, resulting in decreased early growth response protein 1 mRNA stability and expression. Overexpression of WT1-associated protein reduced the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion in mice by controlling the phenotype of trophoblasts, which was reversed by early growth response protein 1 knockdown. All in all, our findings demonstrate that dysregulation of WT1-associated protein contributes to the instability of early growth response protein 1, thereby activating ephrin receptor B4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Our study provides novel insights into understanding the molecular pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hua
- Department of Science and Education, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yi Mo
- Department of Science and Education, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Xiu Lin
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Min He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Chun Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfan Wan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Huamei Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Qinshan Xie
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Donggui Zeng
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sun
- Administrative Office, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
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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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5
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Liao W, Deng X, Chen G, Yang J, Li Y, Li L, Zhong L, Tao G, Hou J, Li M, Ding C. MiR-150-5p contributes to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion by targeting VEGFA and downregulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:63-77. [PMID: 37921969 PMCID: PMC10789717 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02959-w] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate the function of miR-150-5p in URSA. METHOD Twenty-six chorionic villous tissues were collected to examine the expression of miR-150-5p and VEGFA by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot assay, respectively. Transwell assay was conducted to assess the migration and invasion ability of trophoblast cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to determine the relationship between miR-150-5p and VEGFA in vitro. Relevant signaling pathway protein expression level was measured via western blot assay. Signaling transduction inhibitor LY294002 was used to block PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, in vivo the effect of miR-150-5p on embryonic absorption rate was evaluated in mice. RESULTS Clinical samples revealed that miR-150-5p expression was significantly elevated in the villous tissues and serum of URSA patients. Moreover, the overexpressing of miR-150-5p could inhibit both HTR-8/SVneo cell and JAR cell migration, invasion, and restrained PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting VEGFA in vitro. This inhibitory effect of miR-150-5p could be reversed by overexpressing the gene of vascular epithelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In contrary, inhibition of miR-150-5p significantly enhanced migration, invasion ability of both HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells, and also could stimulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This promoting effect of miR-150-5p could be ameliorated by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). Finally, after miR-150-5p overexpression in vivo, the embryo resorption rate in pregnant mice was increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings imply that miR-150-5p is among the key factors that regulate the pathogenesis of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Liao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No. 69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No. 69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Juanli Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Li Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Lili Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Guangwei Tao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No. 69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jiafeng Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No. 69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Mujun Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Chengming Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No. 69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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Brugger BA, Neuper L, Guettler J, Forstner D, Wernitznig S, Kummer D, Lyssy F, Feichtinger J, Krappinger J, El-Heliebi A, Bonstingl L, Moser G, Rodriguez-Blanco G, Bachkönig OA, Gottschalk B, Gruber M, Nonn O, Herse F, Verlohren S, Frank HG, Barapatre N, Kampfer C, Fluhr H, Desoye G, Gauster M. Fluid shear stress induces a shift from glycolytic to amino acid pathway in human trophoblasts. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:163. [PMID: 37684702 PMCID: PMC10492287 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human placenta, a tissue with a lifespan limited to the period of pregnancy, is exposed to varying shear rates by maternal blood perfusion depending on the stage of development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluidic shear stress on the human trophoblast transcriptome and metabolism. RESULTS Based on a trophoblast cell line cultured in a fluidic flow system, changes caused by shear stress were analyzed and compared to static conditions. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed an altered transcriptome and enriched gene ontology terms associated with amino acid and mitochondrial metabolism. A decreased GLUT1 expression and reduced glucose uptake, together with downregulated expression of key glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes, hexokinase 2 and phosphofructokinase 1 was observed. Altered mitochondrial ATP levels and mass spectrometry data, suggested a shift in energy production from glycolysis towards mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This shift in energy production could be supported by increased expression of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase variants in response to shear stress as well as under low glucose availability or after silencing of GLUT1. The shift towards amino acid metabolic pathways could be supported by significantly altered amino acid levels, like glutamic acid, cysteine and serine. Downregulation of GLUT1 and glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes, with concomitant upregulation of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 was confirmed in first trimester placental explants cultured under fluidic flow. In contrast, high fluid shear stress decreased glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 expression in term placental explants when compared to low flow rates. Placental tissue from pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction are exposed to high shear rates and showed also decreased glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2, while GLUT1 was unchanged and glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes showed a trend to be upregulated. The results were generated by using qPCR, immunoblots, quantification of immunofluorescent pictures, padlock probe hybridization, mass spectrometry and FRET-based measurement. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that onset of uteroplacental blood flow is accompanied by a shift from a predominant glycolytic- to an alternative amino acid converting metabolism in the villous trophoblast. Rheological changes with excessive fluidic shear stress at the placental surface, may disrupt this alternative amino acid pathway in the syncytiotrophoblast and could contribute to intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Anna Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Lena Neuper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Kummer
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Freya Lyssy
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Julian Krappinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Lilli Bonstingl
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Giovanny Rodriguez-Blanco
- Clinical Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Olaf A Bachkönig
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Benjamin Gottschalk
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Gruber
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Verlohren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Herbert Fluhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, OST V, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Zhu P, Dou C, Song Z, Bi X, Wu X, Miao Y. ELF1/PRR11/ARP2/3 promoted trophoblast cells proliferation and motility in early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13758. [PMID: 37641376 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13758] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is a common adverse pregnancy outcome with an incidence of approximately 10-30%. There are many factors that cause EPL, among which the lack of proliferation and invasive properties of trophoblast cells can lead to embryonic development. Therefore, in this study, the molecular biology of trophoblast cells was investigated. METHODS Placental villous tissues from EPL patients were collected to explore ELF1 and PRR11 gene expression. The proliferation and migration of trophoblast cells were assessed by MTT, crystalline violet staining, and traswell assays, respectively. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to investigate the relationship between ELF1, PRR11, and ARP2/3. F-actin polymerization and FAK activation were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Ultimately, ELF1/PRR11/ARP2/3 expression was verified in the EPL mice model RESULTS: ELF1 and PRR11 were lowly expressed in placental villous tissues from EPL. The overexpression of ELF1 and PRR11 promoted proliferation and migration of trophoblast cells. Moreover, while ELF1 bound to the PRR11 promoter and promoted transcriptional activation. Finally, ELF1/PRR11/ARP2/3 showed low expression in the placental tissue of EPL mice. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that PRR11 promoted the motility of trophoblast cells by binding to the ARP2/3 complex to promote F-actin polymerization and FAK activation. In addition, ELF1 bound to the initiation site of PRR11 to promote its transcription. ELF1/PRR11/ARP2/3 may play an important role in EPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chengli Dou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijiao Song
- Department of Health Care, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xingyu Bi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xueqing Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yiliang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Huppertz B. Placental physioxia is based on spatial and temporal variations of placental oxygenation throughout pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103985. [PMID: 37406413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103985] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
For obvious reasons, in vivo measurements of placental oxygenation are extremely rare and hence, scientists need to focus on the few studies that revealed at least some data on the topic. The scarcity of real in vivo data resulted in the development of hypotheses on placental oxygenation that blocked an objective view on the topic for decades. Only now, new hypotheses are emerging adding new views and ideas on the topic. Especially in the field of preeclampsia, hypotheses on placental oxygenation have mislead a whole generation of scientists. This review article displays the available in vivo placental oxygen data from 8 to 40 weeks of gestation. It also compares these physiological oxygen concentrations, called physioxia, with the situation in pre-placental hypoxia, i.e. pregnancies at high altitude. Finally, it summarizes what we know today about oxygen measurements in cases with preeclampsia. In early-onset preeclampsia cases, all in vivo data available today point to increased oxygen values in the intervillous space of the placenta. This is due to a reduced oxygen transfer of the placental barrier from maternal to fetal blood, resulting in hypoxia of fetal blood and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Herghelegiu CG, Veduta A, Stefan MF, Magda SL, Ionascu I, Radoi VE, Oprescu DN, Calin AM. Hyperglycosylated-hCG: Its Role in Trophoblast Invasion and Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Cells 2023; 12:1647. [PMID: 37371117 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta and its roles have been studied for over a century, being the first known pregnancy-related protein. Although its main role is to stimulate the production of progesterone by corpus luteal cells, hCG does not represent just one biologically active molecule, but a group of at least five variants, produced by different cells and each with different functions. The hyperglycosylated variant of hCG (H-hCG) plays a key role in trophoblast invasion, placental development and fetal growth. During trophoblast invasion, H-hCG promotes extravillous cytotrophoblast cells to infiltrate the decidua, and also to colonize and remodel the spiral arteries in to low resistance, larger-diameter vessels. As fetal growth is heavily reliant on nutrient availability, impaired trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the uterine arteries, leads to a defective perfusion of the placenta and fetal growth restriction. Understanding the function of H-hCG in the evolution of the placenta might unveil new ways to manage and treat fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Gabriel Herghelegiu
- Institutul National pentru Sanatatea Mamei si a Copilului "Alessandrescu Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Miruna Florina Stefan
- Department of Cardiology, University and Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefania Lucia Magda
- Department of Cardiology, University and Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Ionascu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorica Elena Radoi
- Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Nuti Oprescu
- Institutul National pentru Sanatatea Mamei si a Copilului "Alessandrescu Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Mihaela Calin
- Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
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Wang J, Zhang P, Liu M, Huang Z, Yang X, Ding Y, Liu J, Cheng X, Xu S, He M, Zhang F, Wang G, Li R, Yang X. Alpha-2-macroglobulin is involved in the occurrence of early-onset pre-eclampsia via its negative impact on uterine spiral artery remodeling and placental angiogenesis. BMC Med 2023; 21:90. [PMID: 36894970 PMCID: PMC9999529 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02807-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity/mortality during pregnancy, and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) is associated with inflammatory signaling; however, the pathophysiological mechanism by which A2M is involved in PE development is not yet understood. METHODS Human placenta samples, serum, and corresponding clinical data of the participants were collected to study the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying PE. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously injected with an adenovirus vector carrying A2M via the tail vein on gestational day (GD) 8.5. Human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with A2M-expressing adenovirus vectors. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that A2M levels were significantly increased in PE patient serum, uterine spiral arteries, and feto-placental vasculature. The A2M-overexpression rat model closely mimicked the characteristics of PE (i.e., hypertension in mid-to-late gestation, histological and ultrastructural signs of renal damage, proteinuria, and fetal growth restriction). Compared to the normal group, A2M overexpression significantly enhanced uterine artery vascular resistance and impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling in both pregnant women with early-onset PE and in pregnant rats. We found that A2M overexpression was positively associated with HUASMC proliferation and negatively correlated with cell apoptosis. In addition, the results demonstrated that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling regulated the effects of A2M on vascular muscle cell proliferation described above. Meanwhile, A2M overexpression regressed rat placental vascularization and reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related genes. In addition, A2M overexpression reduced HUVEC migration, filopodia number/length, and tube formation. Furthermore, HIF-1α expression was positively related to A2M, and the secretion of sFLT-1 and PIGF of placental origin was closely related to PE during pregnancy or A2M overexpression in rats. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that gestational A2M overexpression can be considered a contributing factor leading to PE, causing detective uterine spiral artery remodeling and aberrant placental vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology/Pneumology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhengrui Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuzhen Ding
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shujie Xu
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Meiyao He
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guang Wang
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Ruiman Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, No.613 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xuesong Yang
- International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Ravn K, Hatt L, Singh R, Schelde P, Hansen ES, Vogel I, Uldbjerg N, Niemann I, Sunde L. Diagnosis of hydatidiform moles using circulating gestational trophoblasts isolated from maternal blood. Placenta 2023; 135:7-15. [PMID: 36889013 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying hydatidiform moles (HMs) is crucial due to the risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. When a HM is suspected on clinical findings, surgical termination is recommended. However, in a substantial fraction of the cases, the conceptus is actually a non-molar miscarriage. If distinction between molar and non-molar gestations could be obtained before termination, surgical intervention could be minimized. METHODS Circulating gestational trophoblasts (cGTs) were isolated from blood from 15 consecutive women suspected of molar pregnancies in gestational week 6-13. The trophoblasts were individually sorted using fluorescence activated cell sorting. STR analysis targeting 24 loci was performed on DNA isolated from maternal and paternal leukocytes, chorionic villi, cGTs, and cfDNA. RESULTS With a gestational age above 10 weeks, cGTs were isolated in 87% of the cases. Two androgenetic HMs, three triploid diandric HMs, and six conceptuses with diploid biparental genome were diagnosed using cGTs. The STR profiles in cGTs were identical to the profiles in DNA from chorionic villi. Eight of the 15 women suspected to have a HM prior to termination had a conceptus with a diploid biparental genome, and thus most likely a non-molar miscarriage. DISCUSSION Genetic analysis of cGTs is superior to identify HMs, compared to analysis of cfDNA, as it is not hampered by the presence of maternal DNA. cGTs provide information about the full genome in single cells, facilitating estimation of ploidy. This may be a step towards differentiating HMs from non-HMs before termination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lotte Hatt
- ARCEDI Biotech, Tabletvej 1, Vejle, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Ida Vogel
- Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Women's Disease and Birth, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Isa Niemann
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lone Sunde
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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12
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Rusidzé M, Gargaros A, Fébrissy C, Dubucs C, Weyl A, Ousselin J, Aziza J, Arnal JF, Lenfant F. Estrogen Actions in Placental Vascular Morphogenesis and Spiral Artery Remodeling: A Comparative View between Humans and Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040620. [PMID: 36831287 PMCID: PMC9954071 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens, mainly 17β-estradiol (E2), play a critical role in reproductive organogenesis, ovulation, and fertility via estrogen receptors. E2 is also a well-known regulator of utero-placental vascular development and blood-flow dynamics throughout gestation. Mouse and human placentas possess strikingly different morphological configurations that confer important reproductive advantages. However, the functional interplay between fetal and maternal vasculature remains similar in both species. In this review, we briefly describe the structural and functional characteristics, as well as the development, of mouse and human placentas. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge regarding estrogen actions during utero-placental vascular morphogenesis, which includes uterine angiogenesis, the control of trophoblast behavior, spiral artery remodeling, and hemodynamic adaptation throughout pregnancy, in both mice and humans. Finally, the estrogens that are present in abnormal placentation are also mentioned. Overall, this review highlights the importance of the actions of estrogens in the physiology and pathophysiology of placental vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Rusidzé
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Adrien Gargaros
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Chanaëlle Fébrissy
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Charlotte Dubucs
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Ariane Weyl
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jessie Ousselin
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jacqueline Aziza
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-François Arnal
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Lenfant
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence:
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Maternal Smoking in the First Trimester and its Consequence on the Early Placenta. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100059. [PMID: 36801640 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth and fetal growth restriction. This suggests impaired placental function and restricted nutrient and oxygen supply. Studies investigating placental tissue at the end of pregnancy have revealed increased DNA damage as a potential underlying cause, which is driven by various toxic smoke ingredients and oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, in the first trimester, the placenta develops and differentiates, and many pregnancy pathologies associated with reduced placental function originate here. Therefore, we determined DNA damage in a cohort of first-trimester placental samples of verified smokers and nonsmokers. In fact, we observed an 80% increase in DNA breaks (P < .001) and shortened telomeres by 5.8% (P = .04) in placentas exposed to maternal smoking. Surprisingly, there was a decrease in ROS-mediated DNA damage, ie, 8-oxo-guanidine modifications, in placentas of the smoking group (-41%; P = .021), which paralleled the reduced expression of base excision DNA repair machinery, which restores oxidative DNA damage. Moreover, we observed that the increase in placental oxidant defense machinery expression, which usually occurs at the end of the first trimester in a healthy pregnancy as a result of the full onset of uteroplacental blood flow, was absent in the smoking group. Therefore, in early pregnancy, maternal smoking causes placental DNA damage, contributing to placental malfunction and increased risk of stillbirth and fetal growth restriction in pregnant women. Additionally, reduced ROS-mediated DNA damage along with no increase in antioxidant enzymes suggests a delay in the establishment of physiological uteroplacental blood flow at the end of the first trimester, which may further add to a disturbed placental development and function as a result of smoking in pregnancy.
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Duan Y, Fu H, Huang J, Yin N, Liu L, Liu X. TOP2A deficiency leads to human recurrent spontaneous abortion and growth retardation of mouse pre-implantation embryos. Mol Med 2022; 28:165. [PMID: 36585615 PMCID: PMC9805267 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), is a dangerous pregnancy-related condition and is a subject of debate in the gynaecology and obstetrics communities. The objective of this study was to determine the function of DNA Topoisomerase II Alpha (TOP2A) in RSA and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS In vitro models of TOP2A-knockdown and -overexpression were generated by transfecting specific sh-RNA lentivirus and overexpression plasmid, respectively. An in vitro TOP2A inhibition model was established by culturing mouse embryos at the two-cell stage in a medium containing PluriSIn2, a TOP2A inhibitor. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyse expression of TOP2A in villi tissues of patients with RSA. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyse the expression of TOP2A and proteins involved in trophoblast functions, the FOXO signalling pathway, and the development of pre-implantation embryos. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to further evaluate the effect of TOP2A on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to evaluate migration and invasion. Moreover, the effect of TOP2A inhibitor on embryos was determined by immunofluorescence and mitochondrial-related dyes. RESULTS Evaluation of clinical samples revealed that the villi tissues of patients that have experienced RSA had lower TOP2A expression compared with that from women who have experienced normal pregnancy (P < 0.01). In vitro, TOP2A knockdown decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cell lines, and increased apoptosis and activation of the FOXO signalling pathway (P < 0.05). Conversely, TOP2A overexpression reversed these effects. Moreover, in vivo experiments confirmed that inhibition of TOP2A impairs trophectoderm differentiation, embryonic mitochondrial function as well as the developmental rate; however, no differences were noted in the expression of zygotic genome activation-related genes. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that lower TOP2A expression is related to RSA as it inhibits trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activation of the FOXO signalling pathway. Additionally, TOP2A inhibition resulted in impaired development of pre-implantation embryos in mice, which could be attributed to excessive oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Duan
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China ,grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Huijia Fu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayu Huang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Nanlin Yin
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Linhong Liu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China ,grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Xiru Liu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XReproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016 Chongqing, China
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Gyselaers W. Origins of abnormal placentation: why maternal veins must not be forgotten. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022:S0002-9378(22)02292-X. [PMID: 36539026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The importance of uterine microvascular adaptations during placentation in pregnancy has been well established for decades. Inadequate dilatation of spiral arteries is associated with gestational complications, such as preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction. More recently, it has become clear that trophoblast cells invade and adapt decidual veins and lymphatic vessels 1 month before spiral arteries become patent and before intervillous space perfusion starts. Normal intervillous space hemodynamics is characterized by high volume flow at low velocity and pressure in the interseptal compartments surrounding the chorionic villi, hereby facilitating efficient maternal-fetal exchange. In case of shallow decidual vein dilatation, intervillous arterial supply exceeds venous drainage. This will cause congestion in the interseptal compartments with subsequently reduced perfusion and increased pressure. An efficient mechanism to counteract venous congestion and safeguard the viability of the conceptus is by reducing arterial inflow via shallow dilatation of the spiral arteries. This review made the case for intervillous space congestion as an unexplored trigger for inadequate spiral artery dilatation during the placentation process, eventually leading to abnormal systemic circulatory dysfunctions. An abnormal maternal venous function can result from an abnormal maternal immune response to paternal antigens with an imbalanced release of vasoactive mediators or can exist before conception. To get the full picture of abnormal placentation, maternal veins must not be forgotten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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16
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Castel G, David L. Induction of human trophoblast stem cells. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2760-2783. [PMID: 36241723 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming has allowed unprecedented access to human development, from virtually any genome. However, reprogramming yields pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into all cells that form a fetus, but not extraembryonic annexes. Therefore, a cellular model allowing study of placental development from a broad genomic repertoire is lacking. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to reprogram somatic cells into human induced trophoblast stem cells (hiTSCs) and convert pluripotent stem cells into human converted TSCs (hcTSCs). This protocol enables much-needed genome-specific placental disease modeling. We also detail extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast differentiation protocols from hiTSCs and hcTSCs, a necessary step to validate these cells. In total, this protocol takes 4 months and requires advanced cell culture skills, comparable to those necessary for somatic cell reprogramming into human induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Castel
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, BioCore, Nantes, France.
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17
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Karvas RM, David L, Theunissen TW. Accessing the human trophoblast stem cell state from pluripotent and somatic cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:604. [PMID: 36434136 PMCID: PMC9702929 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts are specialized epithelial cells that perform critical functions during blastocyst implantation and mediate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy. However, our understanding of human trophoblast biology remains limited since access to first-trimester placental tissue is scarce, especially between the first and fourth weeks of development. Moreover, animal models inadequately recapitulate unique aspects of human placental physiology. In the mouse system, the isolation of self-renewing trophoblast stem cells has provided a valuable in vitro model system of placental development, but the derivation of analogous human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) has remained elusive until recently. Building on a landmark study reporting the isolation of bona fide hTSCs from blastocysts and first-trimester placental tissues in 2018, several groups have developed methods to derive hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cell sources. Here we review the biological and molecular properties that define authentic hTSCs, the trophoblast potential of distinct pluripotent states, and methods for inducing hTSCs in somatic cells by direct reprogramming. The generation of hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cells presents exciting opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human placental development and the etiology of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Biocore, US 016, UAR 3556, 44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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18
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Ashar Y, Teng Q, Wurpel JND, Chen ZS, Reznik SE. Palmitic Acid Impedes Extravillous Trophoblast Activity by Increasing MRP1 Expression and Function. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1162. [PMID: 36009056 PMCID: PMC9406058 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal function of placental extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), which are responsible for uteroplacental vascular remodeling, is critical for adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus and normal fetal programming. Proliferation and invasion of spiral arteries by EVTs depends upon adequate levels of folate. Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), which is an efflux transporter, is known to remove folate from these cells. We hypothesized that palmitic acid increases MRP1-mediated folate removal from EVTs, thereby interfering with EVTs' role in early placental vascular remodeling. HTR-8/SVneo and Swan-71 cells, first trimester human EVTs, were grown in the absence or presence of 0.5 mM and 0.7 mM palmitic acid, respectively, for 72 h. Palmitic acid increased ABCC1 gene expression and MRP1 protein expression in both cell lines. The rate of folate efflux from the cells into the media increased with a decrease in migration and invasion functions in the cultured cells. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented the palmitic acid-mediated upregulation of MRP1 and restored invasion and migration in the EVTs. Finally, in an ABCC1 knockout subline of Swan-71 cells, there was a significant increase in invasion and migration functions. The novel finding in this study that palmitic acid increases MRP1-mediated folate efflux provides a missing link that helps to explain how maternal consumption of saturated fatty acids compromises the in utero environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunali Ashar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Qiuxu Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - John N. D. Wurpel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Sandra E. Reznik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Dunk CE, Bucher M, Zhang J, Hayder H, Geraghty DE, Lye SJ, Myatt L, Hackmon R. Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA-C, HLA-G, HLA-F and HLA-E placental profiles are altered in Early Severe Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:641.e1-641.e13. [PMID: 35863458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extravillous trophoblast expresses each of the non-classical MHC class I antigens - HLA-E, F, and G and a single classical class I antigen HLA-C. We recently demonstrated dynamic expression patterns of HLA-C, G and F during early EVT invasion and placentation. OBJECTIVE In this study we investigate the hypothesis that the immune inflammatory mediated complications of pregnancy such as early preeclampsia and preterm labor, may show altered expression profiles of non-classical HLA. STUDY DESIGN Real time q-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed on placental villous tissues and basal plate sections from term non-laboring deliveries, preterm deliveries and severe early onset preeclampsia both with and without small for gestational age neonates. RESULTS HLA-G is strongly and exclusively expressed by the EVT within the placental basal plate and its levels increase in pregnancies complicated by severe early onset PE with SGA neonates as compared to healthy term controls. HLA-C shows a similar profile in the EVT of PE pregnancies, but significantly decreases in the villous placenta. HLA-F protein levels are decreased in both EVT and villous placenta of severe early onset PE pregnancies both with and without SGA babies as compared to Term and PTB deliveries. HLA-E decreases in blood vessels in placentas from PE pregnancies as compared to Term and PTB deliveries. HLA-F and HLA-C are increased in the placenta of PTBs with chorioamnionitis as compared to idiopathic PTB. CONCLUSION Dysregulation of placental HLA expression at the maternal fetal interface may contribute to the compromised maternal tolerance in PTB with chorioamnionitis and excessive maternal systemic inflammation associated with severe early onset PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Dunk
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Bucher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jianhong Zhang
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Heyam Hayder
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rinat Hackmon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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Transforming growth factor-β signaling governs the differentiation program of extravillous trophoblasts in the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120667119. [PMID: 35867736 PMCID: PMC9282384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120667119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal placentation has been noticed in a variety of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, early-onset preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Defects in the developmental program of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), migrating from placental anchoring villi into the maternal decidua and its vessels, is thought to be an underlying cause. Yet, key regulatory mechanisms controlling commitment and differentiation of the invasive trophoblast lineage remain largely elusive. Herein, comparative gene expression analyses of HLA-G-purified EVTs, isolated from donor-matched placenta, decidua, and trophoblast organoids (TB-ORGs), revealed biological processes and signaling pathways governing EVT development. In particular, bioinformatics analyses and manipulations in different versatile trophoblast cell models unraveled transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling as a crucial pathway driving differentiation of placental EVTs into decidual EVTs, the latter showing enrichment of a secretory gene signature. Removal of Wingless signaling and subsequent activation of the TGF-β pathway were required for the formation of human leukocyte antigen-G+ (HLA-G+) EVTs in TB-ORGs that resemble in situ EVTs at the level of global gene expression. Accordingly, TGF-β-treated EVTs secreted enzymes, such as DAO and PAPPA2, which were predominantly expressed by decidual EVTs. Their genes were controlled by EVT-specific induction and genomic binding of the TGF-β downstream effector SMAD3. In summary, TGF-β signaling plays a key role in human placental development governing the differentiation program of EVTs.
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21
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Gupta MB, Biggar KK, Li C, Nathanielsz PW, Jansson T. Increased Colocalization and Interaction Between Decidual Protein Kinase A and Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-1 in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:515-530. [PMID: 35801847 DOI: 10.1369/00221554221112702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased phosphorylation of decidual insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) can contribute to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by decreasing the bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, the molecular mechanisms regulating IGFBP-1 phosphorylation at the maternal-fetal interface are poorly understood. Protein kinase A (PKA) is required for normal decidualization. Consensus sequences for PKA are present in IGFBP-1. We hypothesized that the expression/interaction of PKA with decidual IGFBP-1 is increased in IUGR. Parallel reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (PRM-MS) identified multiple PKA peptides (n=>30) co-immunoprecipitating with IGFBP-1 in decidualized primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESC). PRM-MS also detected active PKApThr197 and greater site-specific IGFBP-1 phosphorylation(pSer119), (pSer98+pSer101) (pSer169+pSer174) in response to hypoxia. Hypoxia promoted colocalization [dual immunofluorescence (IF)] of PKA with IGFBP-1 in decidualized HESC. Colocalization (IF) and interaction (proximity ligation assay) of PKA and IGFBP-1 were increased in decidua collected from placenta of human IUGR pregnancies (n=8) compared with decidua from pregnancies with normal fetal growth. Similar changes were detected in decidual PKA/IGFBP-1 using placenta from baboons subjected to maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) vs controls (n=3 each). In baboons, these effects were evident in MNR at gestational day 120 prior to IUGR onset. Increased PKA-mediated phosphorylation of decidual IGFBP-1 may contribute to decreased IGF-1 bioavailability in the maternal-fetal interface in IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhulika B Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle K Biggar
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cun Li
- University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | | | - Thomas Jansson
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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22
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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23
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Opa interacting protein 5 promotes proliferation and migration of trophoblast cells via activating STAT3 pathway. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Krstic J, Deutsch A, Fuchs J, Gauster M, Gorsek Sparovec T, Hiden U, Krappinger JC, Moser G, Pansy K, Szmyra M, Gold D, Feichtinger J, Huppertz B. (Dis)similarities between the Decidual and Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1065. [PMID: 35625802 PMCID: PMC9138511 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta-specific trophoblast and tumor cells exhibit many common characteristics. Trophoblast cells invade maternal tissues while being tolerated by the maternal immune system. Similarly, tumor cells can invade surrounding tissues and escape the immune system. Importantly, both trophoblast and tumor cells are supported by an abetting microenvironment, which influences invasion, angiogenesis, and immune tolerance/evasion, among others. However, in contrast to tumor cells, the metabolic, proliferative, migrative, and invasive states of trophoblast cells are under tight regulatory control. In this review, we provide an overview of similarities and dissimilarities in regulatory processes that drive trophoblast and tumor cell fate, particularly focusing on the role of the abetting microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Krstic
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Alexander Deutsch
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Tina Gorsek Sparovec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julian Christopher Krappinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Katrin Pansy
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Marta Szmyra
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Stiftingtalstrasse 24, 8010 Graz, Austria; (A.D.); (K.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Gold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria; (T.G.S.); (U.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Julia Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.K.); (J.F.); (M.G.); (J.C.K.); (G.M.); (B.H.)
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Choi S, Khan T, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Leveraging Optimized Transcriptomic and Personalized Stem Cell Technologies to Better Understand Syncytialization Defects in Preeclampsia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872818. [PMID: 35432469 PMCID: PMC9006100 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the process of human placentation is important to the development of strategies for treatment of pregnancy complications. Several animal and in vitro human model systems for the general study human placentation have been used. The field has expanded rapidly over the past decades to include stem cell-derived approaches that mimic preclinical placental development, and these stem cell-based models have allowed us to better address the physiology and pathophysiology of normal and compromised trophoblast (TB) sublineage development. The application of transcriptomic approaches to these models has uncovered limitations that arise when studying the distinctive characteristics of the large and fragile multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which plays a key role in fetal-maternal communication during pregnancy. The extension of these technologies to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is just now being reported and will allow, for the first time, a reproducible and robust approach to the study of the developmental underpinnings of late-manifesting diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation in a manner that is patient- and disease-specific. Here, we will first focus on the application of various RNA-seq technologies to TB, prior limitations in fully accessing the STB transcriptome, and recent leveraging of single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) technology to improve our understanding of the STB transcriptome. Next, we will discuss new stem-cell derived models that allow for disease- and patient-specific study of pregnancy disorders, with a focus on the study of STB developmental abnormalities in PE that combine snRNA-seq approaches and these new in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Danny J. Schust,
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26
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Liu H, Wang LL, Xu QH, Wang J, Zhang YJ, Luo J, Liao AH. UHRF1 shapes both the trophoblast invasion and decidual macrophage differentiation in early pregnancy. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22247. [PMID: 35262949 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101647rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts play critical roles in establishment and maintenance of a normal pregnancy. Their dysfunction in early pregnancy is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases, including recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Epigenetic modifications dynamically change during pregnancy; however, the role of the epigenetic modifier UHRF1 in trophoblast regulation remains unknown. This is the first study to show that UHRF1 expression was localized in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and villi columns, and decreased in the villi of patients with RPL. The invasion and cell viability in a UHRF1 knockdown trophoblast cell line were significantly decreased. In addition, the mRNA expression profiles of Swan71 cells were partially altered by UHRF1 knockdown. The altered immune-related genes were screened out and the pro-inflammatory TH1-type chemokine/cytokines CXCL2 and IL-1β were identified as the most promising targets of UHRF1 in the trophoblasts, which were significantly increased in the UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells, villi, and serum from patients with RPL. The macrophages treated with the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells were polarized to the M1 phenotype and secreted high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might be driven by the activated MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and mediated by the increased expression of CXCR2 and IL-1R1 (CXCL2 and IL-1β receptors, respectively). In addition, the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells showed stronger chemotaxis to macrophages than those from the controls. Our findings highlight the previously unknown roles of UHRF1 as one of the key regulators on the trophoblasts and their cross-talk with local immune cells, and demonstrate a potential approach for RPL intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Han Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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27
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Taghizadeh E, Tazik K, Taheri F, Shayankia G, Gheibihayat SM, Saberi A. Abnormal angiogenesis associated with HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in recurrent miscarriage along with therapeutic goals. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Failure of physiological transformation and spiral artery atherosis: their roles in preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S895-S906. [PMID: 32971013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Physiological transformation with remodeling of the uteroplacental spiral arteries is key to a successful placentation and normal placental function. It is an intricate process that involves, but is not restricted to, complex interactions between maternal decidual immune cells and invasive trophoblasts in the uterine wall. In normal pregnancy, the smooth muscle cells of the arterial tunica media of uteroplacental spiral arteries are replaced by invading trophoblasts and fibrinoid, and the arterial diameter increases 5- to 10-fold. Poor remodeling of the uteroplacental spiral arteries is linked to early-onset preeclampsia and several other major obstetrical syndromes, including fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and spontaneous preterm premature rupture of membranes. Extravillous endoglandular and endovenous trophoblast invasions have recently been put forth as potential contributors to these syndromes as well. The well-acknowledged disturbed extravillous invasion of maternal spiral arteries in preeclampsia is summarized, as are briefly novel concepts of disturbed extravillous endoglandular and endovenous trophoblast invasions. Acute atherosis is a foam cell lesion of the uteroplacental spiral arteries associated with poor remodeling. It shares some morphologic features with early stages of atherosclerosis, but several molecular differences between these lesions have also recently been revealed. Acute atherosis is most prevalent at the maternal-fetal interface, at the tip of the spiral arteries. The localization of acute atherosis downstream of poorly remodeled arteries suggests that alterations in blood flow may trigger inflammation and foam cell development. Acute atherosis within the decidua basalis is not, however, confined to unremodeled areas of spiral arteries or to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and may even be present in some clinically uneventful pregnancies. Given that foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions are known to arise from smooth muscle cells or macrophages activated by multiple types of inflammatory stimulation, we have proposed that multiple forms of decidual vascular inflammation may cause acute atherosis, with or without poor remodeling and/or preeclampsia. Furthermore, we propose that acute atherosis may develop at different gestational ages, depending on the type and degree of the inflammatory insult. This review summarizes the current knowledge of spiral artery remodeling defects and acute atherosis in preeclampsia. Some controversies will be presented, including endovascular and interstitial trophoblast invasion depths, the concept of 2-stage trophoblast invasion, and whether the replacement of maternal spiral artery endothelium by fetal endovascular trophoblasts is permanent. We will discuss the role of acute atherosis in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and short- and long-term health correlates. Finally, we suggest future opportunities for research on this intriguing uteroplacental interface between the mother and fetus.
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Dietrich B, Haider S, Meinhardt G, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. WNT and NOTCH signaling in human trophoblast development and differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:292. [PMID: 35562545 PMCID: PMC9106601 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Correct development of the human placenta and its differentiated epithelial cells, syncytial trophoblasts (STBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), is crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome. STBs develop by cell fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) in placental floating villi, whereas migratory EVTs originate from specialized villi anchoring to the maternal decidua. Defects in trophoblast differentiation have been associated with severe pregnancy disorders such as early-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, the evolutionary pathways underlying normal and adverse placentation are poorly understood. Herein, we discuss Wingless (WNT) and NOTCH signaling, two pathways that play pivotal roles in human placenta and trophoblast development. Whereas WNT is necessary for expansion of trophoblast progenitors and stem cells, NOTCH1 is required for proliferation and survival of EVT precursors. Differentiation of the latter is orchestrated by a switch in NOTCH receptor expression as well as by changes in WNT ligands and their downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Dietrich
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Intersection of regulatory pathways controlling hemostasis and hemochorial placentation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2111267118. [PMID: 34876522 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2111267118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemochorial placentation is characterized by the development of trophoblast cells specialized to interact with the uterine vascular bed. We utilized trophoblast stem (TS) cell and mutant rat models to investigate regulatory mechanisms controlling trophoblast cell development. TS cell differentiation was characterized by acquisition of transcript signatures indicative of an endothelial cell-like phenotype, which was highlighted by the expression of anticoagulation factors including tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). TFPI localized to invasive endovascular trophoblast cells of the rat placentation site. Disruption of TFPI in rat TS cells interfered with development of the endothelial cell-like endovascular trophoblast cell phenotype. Similarly, TFPI was expressed in human invasive/extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells situated within first-trimester human placental tissues and following differentiation of human TS cells. TFPI was required for human TS cell differentiation to EVT cells. We next investigated the physiological relevance of TFPI at the placentation site. Genome-edited global TFPI loss-of-function rat models revealed critical roles for TFPI in embryonic development, resulting in homogeneous midgestation lethality prohibiting analysis of the role of TFPI as a regulator of the late-gestation wave of intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion. In vivo trophoblast-specific TFPI knockdown was compatible with pregnancy but had profound effects at the uterine-placental interface, including restriction of the depth of intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion while leading to the accumulation of natural killer cells and increased fibrin deposition. Collectively, the experimentation implicates TFPI as a conserved regulator of invasive/EVT cell development, uterine spiral artery remodeling, and hemostasis at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Stern C, Schwarz S, Moser G, Cvitic S, Jantscher-Krenn E, Gauster M, Hiden U. Placental Endocrine Activity: Adaptation and Disruption of Maternal Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy and the Influence of Fetal Sex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312722. [PMID: 34884524 PMCID: PMC8657775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an endocrine fetal organ, which secretes a plethora of steroid- and proteo-hormones, metabolic proteins, growth factors, and cytokines in order to adapt maternal physiology to pregnancy. Central to the growth of the fetus is the supply with nutrients, foremost with glucose. Therefore, during pregnancy, maternal insulin resistance arises, which elevates maternal blood glucose levels, and consequently ensures an adequate glucose supply for the developing fetus. At the same time, maternal β-cell mass and function increase to compensate for the higher insulin demand. These adaptations are also regulated by the endocrine function of the placenta. Excessive insulin resistance or the inability to increase insulin production accordingly disrupts physiological modulation of pregnancy mediated glucose metabolism and may cause maternal gestational diabetes (GDM). A growing body of evidence suggests that this adaptation of maternal glucose metabolism differs between pregnancies carrying a girl vs. pregnancies carrying a boy. Moreover, the risk of developing GDM differs depending on the sex of the fetus. Sex differences in placenta derived hormones and bioactive proteins, which adapt and modulate maternal glucose metabolism, are likely to contribute to this sexual dimorphism. This review provides an overview on the adaptation and maladaptation of maternal glucose metabolism by placenta-derived factors, and highlights sex differences in this regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Sarah Schwarz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Evelyn Jantscher-Krenn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
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Ding J, Zhang Y, Cai X, Diao L, Yang C, Yang J. Crosstalk Between Trophoblast and Macrophage at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2021; 12:758281. [PMID: 34745133 PMCID: PMC8566971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.758281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune tolerance microenvironment is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface. The maternal-fetal interface is a complex system containing various cells, including lymphocytes, decidual stromal cells, and trophoblasts. Macrophages are the second-largest leukocytes at the maternal-fetal interface, which has been demonstrated to play essential roles in remodeling spiral arteries, maintaining maternal-fetal immune tolerance, and regulating trophoblast's biological behaviors. Many researchers, including us, have conducted a series of studies on the crosstalk between macrophages and trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface: on the one hand, macrophages can affect the invasion and migration of trophoblasts; on the other hand, trophoblasts can regulate macrophage polarization and influence the state of the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment. In this review, we systemically introduce the functions of macrophages and trophoblasts and the cell-cell interaction between them for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Advances in this area will further accelerate the basic research and clinical translation of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Periimplantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chaogang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
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Gao Y, Zhang X, Meng T. Overexpression of let-7b exerts beneficial effects on the functions of human placental trophoblasts by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 89:39-53. [PMID: 34549851 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to explore let-7b's molecular mechanisms that regulate the functions of placental trophoblasts and to examine placental let-7b expression in human pre-eclampsia (PE). Human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells underwent transduction with control and let-7b overexpressing lentiviruses, respectively. Cell proliferation assessment utilized cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and ERK1/2 signaling-associated proteins were assessed by immunoblot. Placental tissue samples were collected from women with normal pregnancy (n = 20) and PE patients (n = 14). Let-7b overexpression in HTR-8/SVneo cells remarkably induced cell proliferation and invasion, suppressed apoptosis and autophagy, and resulted in decreased tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) expression and increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression in trophoblasts. Notably, the beneficial effects of let-7b overexpression, including cell invasion and EMT, were largely reversed by treatment with U0126, an indirect ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor, in these cells. TGF-β receptor type-1 (TGFBR1) overexpression weakened let-7b's functions in ERK pathway activation and invasion in trophoblasts. Placental tissue specimens from PE cases demonstrated significantly lower let-7b expression compared with normal controls. Overexpression of let-7b exerts beneficial effects on the functions of human placental trophoblasts via ERK1/2 signaling, and placental let-7b is downregulated in human PE. These findings suggest let-7b is a promising biomarker for the prospective diagnosis and targeted therapy of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shen Yang Red Cross Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Lamptey J, Li F, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Chen XM, Czika A, Otoo A, Liu TH, Wang YX, Ding YB. Downregulation of fascin in the first trimester placental villi is associated with early recurrent miscarriage. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112597. [PMID: 33862100 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate trophoblast proliferation, shallow invasion and exaggerated rate of trophoblast apoptosis are implicated in early recurrent miscarriage (ERM). However, the mechanistic bases of this association have not been fully established. We aimed at investigating the involvement of fascin, an actin-bundling protein, in trophoblast activities and ERM. We found that fascin was downregulated in the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and distal cytotrophoblasts (DCTs) of ERM placentae. Knockdown of fascin altered cellular and nucleolar morphology, and inhibited the proliferation but increased apoptosis of trophoblastic HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, fascin knockdown decreased the expression of transcription factors such as Snail1/2, Twist and Zeb1/2, mesenchymal molecules such as Vimentin and N-cadherin, and the protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylates signal transducer and activator of transcript 3 (STAT3). Exposure of HTR-8/SVneo cells to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) decreased fascin expression to affect the cells' invasion. Our results indicate for the first time that the downregulation of fascin is involved in the pathogenesis of early recurrent miscarriage; and hence a potential therapeutic target against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Fangfang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
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Oliveira FC, Silva RJ, Ribeiro M, Guirelli PM, Castro AS, Gomes AO, Franco PS, Teixeira SC, Mineo JR, Barbosa BF, Ferro EAV. ERK1/2 phosphorylation and IL-6 production are involved in the differential susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii infection in three types of human (cyto/ syncytio/ extravillous) trophoblast cells. Tissue Cell 2021; 72:101544. [PMID: 33892398 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, Toxoplasma gondii can triggers serious manifestations and potentially affect the fetal development. In this scenario, differences in susceptibility of trophoblast cells to T. gondii infection might be evaluated in order to establish new therapeutic approaches capable of interfering in the control of fetal infection by T. gondii. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells to T. gondii infection. Our data demonstrate that HTR-8/SVneo cells (extravillous trophoblast cells) present higher susceptibility to T. gondii infection when compared to syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells, whereas syncytiotrophoblast was the cell type more resistant to the parasite infection. Also, cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells produced significantly more IL-6 than HTR-8/SVneo cells. On the other hand, HTR-8/SVneo cells showed higher ERK1/2 phosphorylation than cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells. ERK1/2 inhibition reduced T. gondii infection and increased IL-6 production in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Thus, it is plausible to conclude that the greater susceptibility of HTR-8/SVneo cells to infection by T. gondii is related to a higher ERK1/2 phosphorylation and lower levels of IL-6 in these cells compared to other cells, suggesting that these mediators may be important to favor the parasite infection in this type of trophoblastic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela J Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Pamela M Guirelli
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Andressa S Castro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica O Gomes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila S Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel C Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - José R Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa F Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa A V Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38405-320, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Examination of FERMT1 expression in placental chorionic villi and its role in HTR8-SVneo cell invasion. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:669-681. [PMID: 33683437 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-01977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane integrin receptors mediate cell-extracellular matrix as well as cell-cell adhesion. As placental trophoblast cells undergo differentiation they display changes in integrin expression or switching, but the mechanism(s) of integrin activation that supports this differentiation is still unknown. The Fermitin family of adapter proteins (FERMT 1-3) are integrin activators that mediate integrin-mediated signaling. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal pattern of expression of FERMT1 in human chorionic villi throughout gestation and its role in HTR8-SVneo substrate adhesion and invasion. Placental villous tissue was obtained from patients undergoing elective terminations at weeks 8-14, as well as from term deliveries at weeks 37-40 and analyzed by immunofluorescence. Additionally, HTR8-SVneo trophoblast cells were transfected with FERMT1-specific siRNA or non-targeting siRNA (control) and used in cell-substrate adhesion as well as invasion assays. FERMT1 was primarily localized to membrane-associated regions at the base or around the periphery of the villous cytotrophoblast and proximal as well as distal cell column trophoblast. FERMT1 was also localized to endothelial cells of blood vessels in chorionic villi. siRNA-mediated depletion of FERMT1 in HTR8-SVneo cells did not markedly alter HTR8-SVneo cell-substrate adhesion but did significantly decrease invasion (P < 0.05) compared to control cells. These novel findings identify the presence of the integrin activator FERMT1 in trophoblast cells and that FERMT1 can regulate HTR8-SVneo cell invasion. FERMT1 may directly influence integrin activation and the subsequent integrin-mediated signaling and differentiation that underlies the acquisition of the invasive trophoblast phenotype in vivo.
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Guettler J, Forstner D, Cvirn G, Maninger S, Brugger BA, Nonn O, Kupper N, Pritz E, Wernitznig S, Dohr G, Hutter H, Juch H, Isermann B, Kohli S, Gauster M. Maternal platelets pass interstices of trophoblast columns and are not activated by HLA-G in early human pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 144:103280. [PMID: 33530024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In early human gestation, maternal arterial blood flow into the intervillous space of the developing placenta is obstructed by invaded trophoblasts, which form cellular plugs in uterine spiral arteries. These trophoblast plugs have recently been described to be loosely cohesive with clear capillary-sized channels into the intervillous space by 7 weeks of gestation. Here, we analysed localisation of maternal platelets at the maternal-foetal interface of human first trimester pregnancy, and tested the hypothesis whether HLA-G, which is primarily expressed by extravillous trophoblasts, affects aggregation and adhesion of isolated platelets. Immunohistochemistry of first trimester placental sections localised maternal platelets in vessel-like channels and adjacent intercellular gaps of extravillous trophoblasts in distal parts of columns. Furthermore, this localisation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Neither co-incubation of HLA-G overexpressing JAR cells with isolated platelets, nor incubation with cell-derived soluble HLA-G or recombinant HLA-G affected platelet adhesion and aggregation. Our study suggests that maternal platelets flow through vessel-like channels of distal trophoblast columns and spread into adjacent lateral intercellular gaps, where platelet-derived factors could contribute to trophoblast differentiation into the invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Cvirn
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Maninger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Beatrice A Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pritz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gottfried Dohr
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Heinz Hutter
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Herbert Juch
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shrey Kohli
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Silini AR, Di Pietro R, Lang-Olip I, Alviano F, Banerjee A, Basile M, Borutinskaite V, Eissner G, Gellhaus A, Giebel B, Huang YC, Janev A, Kreft ME, Kupper N, Abadía-Molina AC, Olivares EG, Pandolfi A, Papait A, Pozzobon M, Ruiz-Ruiz C, Soritau O, Susman S, Szukiewicz D, Weidinger A, Wolbank S, Huppertz B, Parolini O. Perinatal Derivatives: Where Do We Stand? A Roadmap of the Human Placenta and Consensus for Tissue and Cell Nomenclature. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:610544. [PMID: 33392174 PMCID: PMC7773933 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.610544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the biology of perinatal tissues has contributed to the breakthrough revelation of the therapeutic effects of perinatal derivatives (PnD), namely birth-associated tissues, cells, and secreted factors. The significant knowledge acquired in the past two decades, along with the increasing interest in perinatal derivatives, fuels an urgent need for the precise identification of PnD and the establishment of updated consensus criteria policies for their characterization. The aim of this review is not to go into detail on preclinical or clinical trials, but rather we address specific issues that are relevant for the definition/characterization of perinatal cells, starting from an understanding of the development of the human placenta, its structure, and the different cell populations that can be isolated from the different perinatal tissues. We describe where the cells are located within the placenta and their cell morphology and phenotype. We also propose nomenclature for the cell populations and derivatives discussed herein. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116), which broadly aims at approaching consensus for different aspects of PnD research, such as providing inputs for future standards for the processing and in vitro characterization and clinical application of PnD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza-Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ingrid Lang-Olip
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Francesco Alviano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Asmita Banerjee
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mariangela Basile
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Veronika Borutinskaite
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Günther Eissner
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yong-Can Huang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Orthopaedic Regenerative Technologies, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aleksandar Janev
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Erdani Kreft
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ana Clara Abadía-Molina
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Enrique G. Olivares
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Laboratorios, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Vascular and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, CAST (Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, ex CeSI-MeT), Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Papait
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza-Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Pozzobon
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Carmen Ruiz-Ruiz
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Soritau
- The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Susman
- Department of Morphological Sciences-Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, IMOGEN Research Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of General and Experimental Pathology with Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adelheid Weidinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Sunde L, Singh R, Ravn K, Schelde P, Hansen ES, Uldbjerg N, Niemann I, Hatt L. Hydatidiform mole diagnostics using circulating gestational trophoblasts isolated from maternal blood. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 9:e1565. [PMID: 33306861 PMCID: PMC7963416 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In gestational trophoblastic disease, the prognosis is related to the genetic constitution. In some cases, taking a biopsy is contraindicated. Methods In a pregnant woman, ultrasound scanning suggested hydatidiform mole. To explore if the genetic constitution can be established without taking a biopsy (or terminating the pregnancy), cell‐free DNA and circulating gestational trophoblasts were isolated from maternal blood before evacuation of the uterus. The evacuated tissue showed the morphology of a complete hydatidiform mole. Without prior whole‐genome amplification, short tandem repeat analysis of 24 DNA markers was performed on the samples, and on DNA isolated from evacuated tissue, and from the blood of the patient and her partner. Results Identical genetic results were obtained in each of three circulating gestational trophoblasts and the evacuated tissue, showing that this conceptus had a diploid androgenetic nuclear genome. In contrast, analysis of cell‐free DNA was less informative and less specific due to the inherent presence of cell‐free DNA from the patient. Conclusion Our results show that it is possible to isolate and analyze circulating gestational trophoblasts originating in a pregnancy without maternal nuclear genome. For diagnosing gestational trophoblastic diseases, genotyping circulating gestational trophoblasts appears to be superior to analysis of cell‐free DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lone Sunde
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Women's Disease and Birth, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Isa Niemann
- Department of Women's Disease and Birth, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Castillo MM, Yang Q, Sigala AS, McKinney DT, Zhan M, Chen KL, Jarzembowski JA, Sood R. The endothelial protein C receptor plays an essential role in the maintenance of pregnancy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/45/eabb6196. [PMID: 33158859 PMCID: PMC7673707 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb6196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications are a major challenge in the management of maternal-fetal health. Maternal thrombophilia is a suspected risk factor, but the role of thrombotic processes in these complications has remained unclear. Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is an anticoagulant protein highly expressed in the placenta. EPCR autoantibodies and gene variants are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. In mice, fetal EPCR deficiency results in placental failure and in utero death. We show that inhibition of molecules involved in thrombin generation or in the activation of maternal platelets allows placental development and embryonic survival. Nonetheless, placentae exhibit venous thrombosis in uteroplacental circulation associated with neonatal death. In contrast, maternal EPCR deficiency results in clinical and histological features of placental abruption and is ameliorated with concomitant Par4 deficiency. Our findings unveil a causal link between maternal thrombophilia, uterine hemorrhage, and placental abruption and identify Par4 as a potential target of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Castillo
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Qiuhui Yang
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Abril Solis Sigala
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dosia T McKinney
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Min Zhan
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kristen L Chen
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jason A Jarzembowski
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rashmi Sood
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Windsperger K, Vondra S, Lackner AI, Kunihs V, Haslinger P, Meinhardt G, Dietrich B, Dekan S, Fiala C, Knöfler M, Saleh L, Pollheimer J. Densities of decidual high endothelial venules correlate with T-cell influx in healthy pregnancies and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy losses. Hum Reprod 2020; 35:2467-2477. [PMID: 32940686 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do high endothelial venules (HEVs) appear in the uterus of healthy and pathological pregnancies? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study reveals that HEVs are present in the non-pregnant endometrium and decidua parietalis (decP) but decline upon placentation in decidua basalis (decB) and are less abundant in decidual tissues from idiopathic, recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY RPL is associated with a compromised decidual vascular phenotype. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Endometrial (n = 29) and first trimester decidual (n = 86, 6-12th week of gestation) tissue samples obtained from endometrial biopsies or elective pregnancy terminations were used to determine the number of HEVs and T cells. In addition, quantification of HEVs and immune cells was performed in a cohort of decidual tissues from RPL (n = 25). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Position and frequency of HEVs were determined in non-pregnant endometrial as well as decidual tissue sections using immunofluorescence (IF) staining with antibodies against E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, ephrin receptor B4, CD34 and a carbohydrate epitope specific to HEVs (MECA-79). Immune cell distribution and characterization was determined by antibodies recognizing CD45 and CD3 by IF staining- and flow cytometry-based analyses. Antibodies against c-c motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and lymphotoxin-beta were used in IF staining and Western blot analyses of decidual tissues. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Functional HEVs are found in high numbers in the secretory endometrium and decP but decline in numbers upon placentation in decB (P ≤ 0.001). Decidua parietalis tissues contain higher levels of the HEV-maintaining factor lymphotoxin beta and decP-associated HEVs also express CCL21 (P ≤ 0.05), a potent T-cell chemoattractant. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the numbers of decidual HEVs and the abundance of CD3+ cells in decidual tissue sections (P ≤ 0.001). In-depth analysis of a RPL tissue collection revealed a decreased decB (P ≤ 0.01) and decP (P ≤ 0.01) HEV density as well as reduced numbers of T cells in decB (P ≤ 0.05) and decP (P ≤ .001) sections when compared with age-matched healthy control samples. Using receiver-operating characteristics analyses, we found significant predictive values for the ratios of CD3/CD45 (P < 0.001) and HEVs/total vessels (P < 0.001) for the occurrence of RPL. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Analyses were performed in first trimester decidual tissues from elective terminations of pregnancy or non-pregnant endometrium samples from patients diagnosed with non-endometrial pathologies including cervical polyps, ovarian cysts and myomas. First trimester decidual tissues may include pregnancies which potentially would have developed placental disorders later in gestation. In addition, our cohort of non-pregnant endometrium may not reflect the endometrial vascular phenotype of healthy women. Finally, determination of immune cell distributions in the patient cohorts studied may be influenced by the different modes of tissue derivation. Pregnancy terminations were performed by surgical aspiration, endometrial tissues were obtained by biopsies and RPL tissues were collected after spontaneous loss of pregnancy. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In this study, we propose an inherent mechanism by which the endometrium and in particular the decidua control T-cell recruitment. By demonstrating reduced HEV densities and numbers of T cells in decB and decP tissues of RPL samples we further support previous findings reporting an altered vascular phenotype in early pregnancy loss. Altogether, the findings provide important information to further decipher the etiologies of unexplained RPL. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Austrian Science Fund (P31470 B30 to M.K.) and by the Austrian National Bank (17613ONB to J.P.). There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Windsperger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Vondra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Ian Lackner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Kunihs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca Dietrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Dekan
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Saleh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Lin F, Yang C, Feng T, Yang S, Zhou R, Li H. The Maternal-Fetal Interface in Small-for-Gestational-Age Pregnancies Is Associated With a Reduced Quantity of Human Decidual NK Cells With Weaker Functional Ability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:633. [PMID: 33015028 PMCID: PMC7509437 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to a birth weight that is less than the 10th percentile of the mean weight of infants at the same gestational age. This condition is associated with a variety of complications, and a high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in adulthood. Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells at the maternal–fetal interface have received significant research attention in terms of normal pregnancy or miscarriage; however, data relating to SGA are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics and regulatory role of dNK cells at the maternal–fetal interface in SGA. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found that dNK cells maintained close contact with extra-villous trophoblasts, and the proportion of dNK cells in SGA decreased more than in appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Flow cytometry also showed that there was a significantly lower percentage of dNK cells in SGA (25.01 ± 2.43%) than in AGA (34.25 ± 2.30%) (p = 0.0103). The expression of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A on dNK cells and the secretion levels of both perforin and TGF-β1 from dNK cells were significantly higher in SGA than in AGA, while the cytotoxicity of dNK cells in SGA against K562 cells was attenuated. Compared to AGA, the functional ability of dNK cells in SGA showed significant functional impairment in promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in trophoblast cells or vascular endothelial cells. The abnormal function of dNK cells may affect fetal growth and development, and could therefore participate in the pathogenesis of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Aplin JD, Myers JE, Timms K, Westwood M. Tracking placental development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:479-494. [PMID: 32601352 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction arise from disorders of placental development and have some shared mechanistic features. Initiation is often rooted in the maldevelopment of a maternal-placental blood supply capable of providing for the growth requirements of the fetus in later pregnancy, without exerting undue stress on maternal body systems. Here, we review normal development of a placental bed with a safe and adequate blood supply and a villous placenta-blood interface from which nutrients and oxygen can be extracted for the growing fetus. We consider disease mechanisms that are intrinsic to the maternal environment, the placenta or the interaction between the two. Systemic signalling from the endocrine placenta targets the maternal endothelium and multiple organs to adjust metabolism for an optimal pregnancy and later lactation. This signalling capacity is skewed when placental damage occurs and can deliver a dangerous pathogenic stimulus. We discuss the placental secretome including glycoproteins, microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers of disease. Angiomodulatory mediators, currently the only effective biomarkers, are discussed alongside non-invasive imaging approaches to the prediction of disease risk. Identifying the signs of impending pathology early enough to intervene and ameliorate disease in later pregnancy remains a complex and challenging objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Timms
- Lydia Becker Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Brugger BA, Guettler J, Gauster M. Go with the Flow-Trophoblasts in Flow Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134666. [PMID: 32630006 PMCID: PMC7369846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
With establishment of uteroplacental blood flow, the perfused fetal chorionic tissue has to deal with fluid shear stress that is produced by hemodynamic forces across different trophoblast subtypes. Amongst many other cell types, trophoblasts are able to sense fluid shear stress through mechanotransduction. Failure in the adaption of trophoblasts to fluid shear stress is suggested to contribute to pregnancy disorders. Thus, in the past twenty years, a significant body of work has been devoted to human- and animal-derived trophoblast culture under microfluidic conditions, using a rather broad range of different fluid shear stress values as well as various different flow systems, ranging from commercially 2D to customized 3D flow culture systems. The great variations in the experimental setup reflect the general heterogeneity in blood flow through different segments of the uteroplacental circulation. While fluid shear stress is moderate in invaded uterine spiral arteries, it drastically declines after entrance of the maternal blood into the wide cavity of the intervillous space. Here, we provide an overview of the increasing body of evidence that substantiates an important influence of maternal blood flow on several aspects of trophoblast physiology, including cellular turnover and differentiation, trophoblast metabolism, as well as endocrine activity, and motility. Future trends in trophoblast flow culture will incorporate the physiological low oxygen conditions in human placental tissue and pulsatile blood flow in the experimental setup. Investigation of trophoblast mechanotransduction and development of mechanosome modulators will be another intriguing future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Gauster
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-71896; Fax: +43-316-385-79612
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Ravn K, Singh R, Hatt L, Kølvraa M, Schelde P, Vogel I, Uldbjerg N, Hindkjær J. The Number of Circulating Fetal Extravillous Trophoblasts Varies from Gestational Week 6 to 20. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:2170-2174. [PMID: 32602048 PMCID: PMC7593292 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based non-invasive prenatal testing (cbNIPT) based on circulating fetal extravillous trophoblasts (fEVTs) has shown to be possible in gestational week (GW) 10–13. Prenatal testing is relevant for a wider time period than GW 10–13, but it is unclear if fEVTs are present in sufficient numbers for cbNIPT at other time points during pregnancy. We present the first longitudinal study where the number of circulating fEVTs was determined from the mid first trimester to the mid second, specifically GW 6–8, 12–13, and 19–20. Blood samples from 13 women opting for assisted reproduction were collected at GW 6–8, 12–13, and 19–20. fEVTs were enriched using a magnetic-activated cell sorting system, stained with anti-cytokeratin antibodies, and fEVTs were identified with the use of a MetaSystem fluorescence microscope scanner. Blood samples drawn at GW 6–8 yielded an average of 5.5 fEVTs per 30 mL of blood. This increased significantly to an average of 11.8 in GW 12–13 (P value: 0.0070, Mann-Whitney test), and decreased significantly to an average of 5.3 in GW 19–20 (P value: 0.0063, Mann-Whitney test). In 9 out of 13 cases, the number of fEVTs peaked in GW 12–13 compared to GW 6–8 and GW 19–20. For the majority of cases, fEVTs can be identified at GW 6–8 and GW 19–20, but the highest number of fEVTs is observed at GW 12–13 indicating this is the optimal time point for cbNIPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Ravn
- ARCEDI Biotech ApS, Tabletvej 1, 7100, Vejle, Denmark.
| | | | - Lotte Hatt
- ARCEDI Biotech ApS, Tabletvej 1, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | | | - Palle Schelde
- ARCEDI Biotech ApS, Tabletvej 1, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ida Vogel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Acuña F, Barbeito CG, Portiansky EL, Ranea G, Nishida F, Miglino MA, Flamini MA. Early and natural embryonic death in
Lagostomus maximus
: Association with the uterine glands, vasculature, and musculature. J Morphol 2020; 281:710-724. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEC‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT La Plata Argentina
| | - Claudio G. Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEC‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT La Plata Argentina
| | - Enrique L. Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT La Plata Argentina
- Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Cátedra de Patología General Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LAI‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Ranea
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEC‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
| | - Fabian Nishida
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT La Plata Argentina
- Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Cátedra de Patología General Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LAI‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
| | - María A. Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y ZootecniaUniversidad de San Paulo San Pablo Brazil
| | - Mirta A. Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEC‐FCV‐UNLP) La Plata Argentina
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Hoch D, Bachbauer M, Pöchlauer C, Algaba-Chueca F, Tandl V, Novakovic B, Megia A, Gauster M, Saffery R, Glasner A, Desoye G, Majali-Martinez A. Maternal Obesity Alters Placental Cell Cycle Regulators in the First Trimester of Human Pregnancy: New Insights for BRCA1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E468. [PMID: 31940810 PMCID: PMC7014057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first trimester of pregnancy, placental development involves a wide range of cellular processes. These include trophoblast proliferation, fusion, and differentiation, which are dependent on tight cell cycle control. The intrauterine environment affects placental development, which also includes the trophoblast cell cycle. In this work, we focus on maternal obesity to assess whether an altered intrauterine milieu modulates expression and protein levels of placental cell cycle regulators in early human pregnancy. For this purpose, we use first trimester placental tissue from lean and obese women (gestational week 5+0-11+6, n = 58). Using a PCR panel, a cell cycle protein array, and STRING database analysis, we identify a network of cell cycle regulators increased by maternal obesity in which breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) is a central player. Immunostaining localizes BRCA1 predominantly to the villous and the extravillous cytotrophoblast. Obesity-driven BRCA1 upregulation is not able to be explained by DNA methylation (EPIC array) or by short-term treatment of chorionic villous explants at 2.5% oxygen with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (50 mg/mL), leptin (100 mg/mL), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (100 mg/mL), or high glucose (25 nM). Oxygen tension rises during the first trimester, but this change in vitro has no effect on BRCA1 (2.5% and 6.5% O2). We conclude that maternal obesity affects placental cell cycle regulation and speculate this may alter placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Hoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Martina Bachbauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Caroline Pöchlauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Francisco Algaba-Chueca
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Research Unit, University Hospital of Tarragona Joan XXIII-Institut d´Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Tarragona, Spain; (F.A.-C.); (A.M.)
| | - Veronika Tandl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, 3052 Melbourne, Australia; (B.N.); (R.S.)
| | - Ana Megia
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition Research Unit, University Hospital of Tarragona Joan XXIII-Institut d´Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Tarragona, Spain; (F.A.-C.); (A.M.)
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Centre for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Ageing, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, 3052 Melbourne, Australia; (B.N.); (R.S.)
| | | | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Alejandro Majali-Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.H.); (M.B.); (C.P.); (V.T.); (A.M.-M.)
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Wu L, Cheng B, Liu Q, Jiang P, Yang J. CRY2 suppresses trophoblast migration and invasion in recurrent spontaneous abortion. J Biochem 2020; 167:79-87. [PMID: 31536114 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvz076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of circadian rhythms is associated with aberrant trophoblast migration and invasion in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This study aims to explore the functional role and the mechanisms of cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), a fundamental component of the circadian clock, in regulating trophoblast migration and invasion. Human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was used as a cell model. Cell migration and invasion were examined using wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were performed to explore the interaction between c-Myc to the brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) promoter. CRY2 was highly expressed in human villous specimens of RSA. Furthermore, CRY2 overexpression impaired migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas CRY2 knockdown yielded the opposite results. Mechanistically, c-Myc bound to the BMAL1 promoter and induced BMAL1 transcription, both of which further activated matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP2/9) and facilitated migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. CRY2 inhibited c-Myc-BMAL1 pathway and impaired migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CRY2 suppresses trophoblast migration and invasion via inhibiting c-Myc-BMAL1-MMP2/9 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianzhi Wu
- Department of Obstetric, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Biheng Cheng
- Department of Obstetric, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Obstetric, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Obstetric, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Traditional and New Routes of Trophoblast Invasion and Their Implications for Pregnancy Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010289. [PMID: 31906245 PMCID: PMC6981830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, invasion of placental trophoblasts was thought to be extremely specific, only invading into the connective tissues of the maternal uterus and finally reaching and transforming the uterine spiral arteries. Only recently, identification of new routes of trophoblast invasion into different structures of the maternal uterus has been achieved. Thorough morphological analysis has resulted in the identification of trophoblasts invading into glands, veins, and lymph vessels of the uterine wall. These new routes pave the way for a re-evaluation of trophoblast invasion during normal placental development. Of course, such new routes of trophoblast invasion may well be altered, especially in pregnancy pathologies such as intra-uterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, early and recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and spontaneous abortion. Maybe one or more of these pregnancy pathologies show alterations in different pathways of trophoblast invasion, and, thus, etiologies may need to be redefined, and new therapies may be developed.
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