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Zhong J, Li J, Burton GJ, Koistinen H, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yao Y, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. The functional roles of protein glycosylation in human maternal-fetal crosstalk. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:81-108. [PMID: 37699855 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included. OUTCOMES The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Ma Z, Yang H, Kessler M, Sperandio M, Mahner S, Jeschke U, von Schönfeldt V. Targeting Aberrantly Elevated Sialyl Lewis A as a Potential Therapy for Impaired Endometrial Selection Ability in Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919193. [PMID: 35837404 PMCID: PMC9273867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carbohydrate Lewis antigens including sialyl Lewis A (sLeA), sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), Lewis X (LeX), and Lewis Y (LeY) are the commonest cell surface glycoconjugates that play pivotal roles in multiple biological processes, including cell adhesion and cell communication events during embryogenesis. SLeX, LeY, and associated glycosyltransferases ST3GAL3 and FUT4 have been reported to be involved in human embryo implantation. While the expression pattern of Lewis antigens in the decidua of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (uRM) patients remains unclear. Methods Paraffin-embedded placental tissue slides collected from patients experiencing early miscarriages (6–12 weeks) were analyzed using immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescent (IF) staining. An in vitro assay was developed using endometrial cell line RL95-2 and trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. Modulatory effect of potential glycosyltransferase on Lewis antigens expression was investigated by target-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown in RL95-2 cells. HTR-8/SVneo cells spheroids adhesion assay was applied to investigate the intrinsic role of Lewis antigens in the abnormal implantation process of uRM. The expression of Lewis antigens in RL95-2 cells in response to the treatment with pro-implantation cytokine IL-1β was further measured by flow cytometry and immunocytochemical (ICC) staining. Results IHC staining revealed that Lewis antigens are mainly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelium, IF staining further indicated the cellular localization at the apical membrane of the epithelial cells. FUTs, ST3GALs, and NEU1 located in both stromal and epithelial cells. We have found that the expression of sLeA, LeX, FUT3/4, and ST3GAL3/4 are significantly upregulated in the RM group, while FUT1 is downregulated. SLeX, LeY, ST3GAL6, and NEU1 showed no significant differences between groups. FUT3 knockdown in RL95-2 cells significantly decreased the expression of sLeA and the spheroids adhesion to endometrial monolayer. Anti-sLeA antibody can remarkably suppress both the basal and IL-1β induced adhesion of HTR-8/SVneo spheroids to RL95-2 cells monolayer. While further flow cytometry and ICC detection indicated that the treatment of RL95-2 cells with IL-1β significantly increases the surface expression of LeX, but not sLeA. Conclusions SLeA, LeX, and pertinent glycosyltransferase genes FUT1/3/4 and ST3GAL3/4 are notably dysregulated in the decidua of uRM patients. FUT3 accounts for the synthesis of sLeA in RL95-2 cells and affects the endometrial receptivity. Targeting aberrantly elevated sLeA may be a potential therapy for the inappropriate implantation in uRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirjana Kessler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center for Experimental Medicine (WBex), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo Jeschke,
| | - Viktoria von Schönfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
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Jiang H, Li JX. Interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo in human tubal pregnancy: Current knowledge and perspectives. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:4139-4147. [PMID: 34558156 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15033] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM More than 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tubes. As the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy remains largely unclear, the development of strategies to prevent and treat tubal pregnancy still represents a major clinical challenge. This review thoroughly summarizes the current data, aiming to determine the genes and signaling pathways that are involved in the pathophysiology of human tubal pregnancy. METHODS An electronic search from databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Chinese databases was carried out using key words pertaining to the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy from the perspectives of both the Fallopian tubes and the embryo. A review of the literatures including review articles, experimental, and observational studies and case reports published between 1999 and 2021 was conducted. RESULTS Tubal pregnancy results from the interaction networks between the Fallopian tube and the embryo rather than from simple tubal abnormality. Furthermore, the embryo-maternal communication is supposed to start from the preimplantation period to the implantation period. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of the interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo is of great significance for the prevention and medical treatment of tubal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen City, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen City, China
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Aziz F, Khan I, Shukla S, Dey DK, Yan Q, Chakraborty A, Yoshitomi H, Hwang SK, Sonwal S, Lee H, Haldorai Y, Xiao J, Huh YS, Bajpai VK, Han YK. Partners in crime: The Lewis Y antigen and fucosyltransferase IV in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 232:107994. [PMID: 34571111 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major causative agent of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a crucial role in the development of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is associated with glycosylation alterations in glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a significant role in the progression of gastric cancer through post-translation modification of fucosylation to develop gastric cancer. The involvement of a variety of sugar antigens in the progression and development of gastric cancer has been investigated, including type II blood group antigens. Lewis Y (LeY) is overexpressed on the tumor cell surface either as a glycoprotein or glycolipid. LeY is a difucosylated oligosaccharide, which is catalyzed by fucosyltransferases such as FUT4 (α1,3). FUT4/LeY overexpression may serve as potential correlative biomarkers for the prognosis of gastric cancer. We discuss the various aspects of H. pylori in relation to fucosyltransferases (FUT1-FUT9) and its fucosylated Lewis antigens (LeY, LeX, LeA, and LeB) and gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori CagA in association with LeY and its synthesis enzyme FUT4 in the development of gastric cancer as well as discuss its importance in the prognosis and its inhibition by combination therapy of anti-LeY antibody and celecoxib through MAPK signaling pathway preventing gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Aziz
- The Hormel Institute-University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, PR China.
| | - Imran Khan
- The Hormel Institute-University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Shruti Shukla
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, Haryana 122003, India
| | - Debasish Kumar Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Qiu Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | | | - Hisae Yoshitomi
- The Hormel Institute-University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Seung-Kyu Hwang
- Department of Biological Engineering, NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Sonam Sonwal
- Department of Biological Engineering, NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoomin Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuvaraj Haldorai
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu 641046, India
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; University of Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, E32004 Ourense, Spain.
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- Department of Biological Engineering, NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Vivek K Bajpai
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, 30 Pildong-ro 1-gil, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Kyu Han
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, 30 Pildong-ro 1-gil, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
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Bergmann S, Schindler M, Munger C, Penfold CA, Boroviak TE. Building a stem cell-based primate uterus. Commun Biol 2021; 4:749. [PMID: 34140619 PMCID: PMC8211708 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is the organ for embryo implantation and fetal development. Most current models of the uterus are centred around capturing its function during later stages of pregnancy to increase the survival in pre-term births. However, in vitro models focusing on the uterine tissue itself would allow modelling of pathologies including endometriosis and uterine cancers, and open new avenues to investigate embryo implantation and human development. Motivated by these key questions, we discuss how stem cell-based uteri may be engineered from constituent cell parts, either as advanced self-organising cultures, or by controlled assembly through microfluidic and print-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magdalena Schindler
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clara Munger
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher A Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK.
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Ma Z, Yang H, Peng L, Kuhn C, Chelariu-Raicu A, Mahner S, Jeschke U, von Schönfeldt V. Expression of the Carbohydrate Lewis Antigen, Sialyl Lewis A, Sialyl Lewis X, Lewis X, and Lewis Y in the Placental Villi of Patients With Unexplained Miscarriages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679424. [PMID: 34135905 PMCID: PMC8202085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lewis antigens such as Sialyl Lewis A (sLeA), Sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), Lewis X (LeX), and Lewis Y (LeY) are a class of carbohydrate molecules that are known to mediate adhesion between tumor cells and endothelium by interacting with its selectin ligands. However, their potential role in miscarriage remains enigmatic. This study aims to analyze the expression pattern of sLeA, sLeX, LeX, and LeY in the placental villi tissue of patients with a medical history of unexplained miscarriages. Methods Paraffin-embedded slides originating from placental tissue were collected from patients experiencing a miscarriage early in their pregnancy (6–13 weeks). Tissues collected from spontaneous (n = 20) and recurrent (n = 15) miscarriages were analyzed using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining. Specimens obtained from legally terminated normal pregnancies were considered as control group (n = 18). Assessment of villous vessel density was performed in another cohort (n = 10 each group) of gestation ages-paired placenta tissue. Protein expression was evaluated with Immunoreactive Score (IRS). Statistical analysis was performed by using Graphpad Prism 8. Results Expression of sLeA, sLeX, LeX, and LeY in the syncytiotrophoblast was significantly upregulated in the control group compared with spontaneous and recurrent miscarriage groups. However, no prominent differences between spontaneous and recurrent miscarriage groups were identified. Potential key modulators ST3GAL6 and NEU1 were found to be significantly downregulated in the recurrent miscarriage group and upregulated in the spontaneous group, respectively. Interestingly, LeX and LeY expression was also detected in the endothelial cells of villous vessels in the control group but no significant expression in miscarriage groups. Furthermore, assessment of villous vessel density using CD31 found significantly diminished vessels in all size groups of villi (small villi <200 µm, P = 0.0371; middle villi between 200 and 400 µm, P = 0.0010 and large villi >400 µm, P = 0.0003). Immunofluorescent double staining also indicated the co-localization of LeX/Y and CD31. Conclusions The expression of four mentioned carbohydrate Lewis antigens and their potential modulators, ST3GAL6 and NEU1, in the placenta of patients with miscarriages was significantly different from the normal pregnancy. For the first time, their expression pattern in the placenta was illustrated, which might shed light on a novel understanding of Lewis antigens’ role in the pathogenesis of miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anca Chelariu-Raicu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Francis LW, Yao SN, Powell LC, Griffiths S, Berquand A, Piasecki T, Howe W, Gazze AS, Farach-Carson MC, Constantinou P, Carson D, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Highly glycosylated MUC1 mediates high affinity L-selectin binding at the human endometrial surface. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:50. [PMID: 33596915 PMCID: PMC7890821 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sialyl-Lewis X/L-selectin high affinity binding interactions between transmembrane O-glycosylated mucins proteins and the embryo have been implicated in implantation processes within the human reproductive system. However, the adhesive properties of these mucins at the endometrial cell surface are difficult to resolve due to known discrepancies between in vivo models and the human reproductive system and a lack of sensitivity in current in vitro models. To overcome these limitations, an in vitro model of the human endometrial epithelial was interrogated with single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to delineate the molecular configurations of mucin proteins that mediate the high affinity L-selectin binding required for human embryo implantation. Results This study reveals that MUC1 contributes to both the intrinsic and extrinsic adhesive properties of the HEC-1 cellular surface. High expression of MUC1 on the cell surface led to a significantly increased intrinsic adhesion force (148 pN vs. 271 pN, p < 0.001), whereas this adhesion force was significantly reduced (271 pN vs. 118 pN, p < 0.001) following siRNA mediated MUC1 ablation. Whilst high expression of MUC1 displaying elevated glycosylation led to strong extrinsic (> 400 pN) L-selectin binding at the cell surface, low expression of MUC1 with reduced glycosylation resulted in significantly less (≤200 pN) binding events. Conclusions An optimal level of MUC1 together with highly glycosylated decoration of the protein is critical for high affinity L-selectin binding. This study demonstrates that MUC1 contributes to cellular adhesive properties which may function to facilitate trophoblast binding to the endometrial cell surface through the L-selectin/sialyl-Lewis x adhesion system subsequent to implantation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Seydou N Yao
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Lydia C Powell
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Sean Griffiths
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | | | - Thomas Piasecki
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - William Howe
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Andrea S Gazze
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, 77054, Texas, USA
| | - Pamela Constantinou
- Department of Biosciences, Wiess School of Natural Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77251, USA
| | - Daniel Carson
- Department of Biosciences, Wiess School of Natural Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77251, USA
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK
| | - Deya Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
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Yu M, Cui X, Wang H, Liu J, Qin H, Liu S, Yan Q. FUT8 drives the proliferation and invasion of trophoblastic cells via IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling pathway. Placenta 2018; 75:45-53. [PMID: 30712666 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trophoblast proliferation and invasion are essential for embryo implantation and placentation. Protein glycosylation is one of the most common and vital post-translational modifications, regulates protein physical and biochemical properties. FUT8 is the only known fucosyltransferase responsible for catalyzing α1,6-fucosylation in mammals, and α1,6-fucosylated glycoproteins are found to participate in various physiopathological processes. However, whether FUT8/α1,6-fucosylation modulates the functions of trophoblastic cells remains elusive. METHODS FUT8 in human placenta villi during 6-8 gestational weeks and trophoblastic cells were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. α1,6-fucosylation in tissues or cells were measured by Lectin LCA (Lens culinaris) fluorescent staining and Lectin blot. FUT8 expression was down-regulated by siRNA transfection in JAR and JEG-3 cells, and cell viability, motility and invasiveness ability were detected by the functional experiments. α1,6-fucosylation of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) was examined by immunoprecipitation, and the amount of phosphorylated IGF-1R was detected in FUT8 down-regulated JAR cells. RESULTS Human placenta villi and trophoblastic cells expressed FUT8/α1,6-fucosylation. Knockdown FUT8 by siRNA transfection suppressed the proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion of JAR and JEG-3 cells. Furthermore, we found that FUT8 modified the α1,6-fucosylation of IGF-1R, and regulated IGF-1 dependent activation of IGF-1R, MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in JAR cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results implicate a critical role for FUT8 in maintaining the normal functions of trophoblastic cells, suggesting manipulating FUT8 may be an effective approach in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyuan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huamin Qin
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116011, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiu Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
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Imakawa K, Bai R, Kusama K. Integration of molecules to construct the processes of conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:3009-3021. [PMID: 29554266 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During the peri-implantation period, ruminant conceptuses go through rapid elongation, followed by their attachment to the uterine endometrial epithelial cells, during which interferon-tau (IFNT), a trophectodermal cytokine required for the process of maternal recognition of pregnancy, is expressed in a temporal and spatial manner. On day 22 (day 0 = day of estrus), 2 to 3 d after the initiation of bovine conceptus attachment to the uterine epithelium, when IFNT production begins to subside, the expression of molecules related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1, snail family transcriptional repressor 2, N-cadherin, and vimentin was found in the trophectoderm. Through the use of in vitro coculture system with bovine trophoblast CT-1 and endometrial epithelial cells, a series of experiments have been conducted to elucidate mechanisms associated with the regulation of IFNT gene transcription and conceptus implantation, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. Expression of IFNT, both up- and downregulation, during the peri-implantation period is tightly controlled. Cytokines and cell adhesion molecules such as epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, activin A, L-selectin-podocalyxin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1-integrin α4 expressed in utero all contribute to the initiation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the trophectoderm. These results indicate that conceptus implantation to the uterine endometrium proceeds while elongated conceptuses and endometria express cell adhesion molecules and their receptors, and the trophectoderm experiences epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Data accumulated suggest that while the conceptus and the endometrial epithelium adhere, trophectodermal cells must gain more flexibility for binucleate and possibly trinucleate cell formation during the peri-implantation period, and that understanding and constructing the conditions throughout implantation processes is key to improving ruminants' fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Imakawa
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ago, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - R Bai
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ago, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - K Kusama
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ago, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
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Ogura A, Urano S, Tahara T, Nozaki S, Sibgatullina R, Vong K, Suzuki T, Dohmae N, Kurbangalieva A, Watanabe Y, Tanaka K. A viable strategy for screening the effects of glycan heterogeneity on target organ adhesion and biodistribution in live mice. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:8693-8696. [PMID: 29956701 DOI: 10.1039/c8cc01544a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This work represents the first broad study of testing diverse heterogenous glycoconjugates (7 different glycoalbumins) for their differential in vivo binding (11 different cancer cell types) in both cell- and animal-based studies. As a result, various changes in biodistribution, excretion, and even tumor adhesion were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ogura
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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11
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Glycans and glycosaminoglycans in neurobiology: key regulators of neuronal cell function and fate. Biochem J 2018; 475:2511-2545. [PMID: 30115748 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the roles of l-fucose and the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) keratan sulfate (KS) and chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) with selected functional molecules in neural tissues. Cell surface glycans and GAGs have evolved over millions of years to become cellular mediators which regulate fundamental aspects of cellular survival. The glycocalyx, which surrounds all cells, actuates responses to growth factors, cytokines and morphogens at the cellular boundary, silencing or activating downstream signaling pathways and gene expression. In this review, we have focused on interactions mediated by l-fucose, KS and CS/DS in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Fucose makes critical contributions in the area of molecular recognition and information transfer in the blood group substances, cytotoxic immunoglobulins, cell fate-mediated Notch-1 interactions, regulation of selectin-mediated neutrophil extravasation in innate immunity and CD-34-mediated new blood vessel development, and the targeting of neuroprogenitor cells to damaged neural tissue. Fucosylated glycoproteins regulate delivery of synaptic neurotransmitters and neural function. Neural KS proteoglycans (PGs) were examined in terms of cellular regulation and their interactive properties with neuroregulatory molecules. The paradoxical properties of CS/DS isomers decorating matrix and transmembrane PGs and the positive and negative regulatory cues they provide to neurons are also discussed.
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Yu M, Wang J, Liu S, Wang X, Yan Q. Novel function of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A: promotes endometrium receptivity by up-regulating N-fucosylation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5315. [PMID: 28706275 PMCID: PMC5509645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation of uterine endometrial cells plays important roles to determine their receptive function to blastocysts. Trophoblast-derived pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) is specifically elevated in pregnant women serum, and is known to promote trophoblast cell proliferation and adhesion. However, the relationship between PAPPA and endometrium receptivity, as well as the regulation of N-fucosylation remains unclear. We found that rhPAPPA and PAPPA in the serum samples from pregnant women or conditioned medium of trophoblast cells promoted endometrium receptivity in vitro. Moreover, rhPAPPA increased α1,2-, α1,3- and α1,6-fucosylation levels by up-regulating N-fucosyltransferases FUT1, FUT4 and FUT8 expression, respectively, through IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human endometrial cells. Additionally, α1,2-, α1,3- and α1,6-fucosylation of integrin αVβ3, a critical endometrium receptivity biomarker, was up-regulated by PAPPA, thereby enhanced its adhesive functions. Furthermore, PAPPA blockage with antibody inhibited embryo implantation in vivo, mouse embryo adhesion and spreading in vitro, as well as N-fucosylation level of the endometrium in pregnant mice. In summary, this study suggests that PAPPA is essential to maintain a receptive endometrium by up-regulating N-fucosylation, which is a potential useful biomarker to evaluate the receptive functions of the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Departmentof Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Departmentof Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Qiu Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Chen X, Zhang S, Cheng Z, Cooke JS, Werling D, Wathes DC, Pollott GE. Polymorphisms in the selectin gene cluster are associated with fertility and survival time in a population of Holstein Friesian cows. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175555. [PMID: 28419109 PMCID: PMC5395145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Selectins are adhesion molecules, which mediate attachment between leucocytes and endothelium. They aid extravasation of leucocytes from blood into inflamed tissue during the mammary gland’s response to infection. Selectins are also involved in attachment of the conceptus to the endometrium and subsequent placental development. Poor fertility and udder health are major causes for culling dairy cows. The three identified bovine selectin genes SELP, SELL and SELE are located in a gene cluster. SELP is the most polymorphic of these genes. Several SNP in SELP and SELE are associated with human vascular disease, while SELP SNP rs6127 has been associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in women. This study describes the results of a gene association study for SNP in SELP (n = 5), SELL (n = 2) and SELE (n = 1) with fertility, milk production and longevity traits in a population of 337 Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Blood samples for PCR-RFLP were collected at 6 months of age and animals were monitored until either culling or 2,340 days from birth. Three SNP in SELPEx4-6 formed a haplotype block containing a Glu/Ala substitution at rs42312260. This region was associated with poor fertility and reduced survival times. SELPEx8 (rs378218397) coded for a Val475Met variant locus in the linking region between consensus repeats 4 and 5, which may influence glycosylation. The synonymous SNP rs110045112 in SELEEx14 deviated from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. For both this SNP and rs378218397 there were too few AA homozygotes present in the population and AG heterozygotes had significantly worse fertility than GG homozygotes. Small changes in milk production associated with some SNP could not account for the reduced fertility and only SELPEx6 showed any association with somatic cell count. These results suggest that polymorphisms in SELP and SELE are associated with the likelihood of successful pregnancy, potentially through compromised implantation and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Zhangrui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica S. Cooke
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Werling
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - D. Claire Wathes
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Geoffrey E. Pollott
- Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Bai R, Kusama K, Sakurai T, Bai H, Wang C, Zhang J, Kuse M, Ideta A, Aoyagi Y, Okuda K, Imakawa K. The Role of Endometrial Selectins and Their Ligands on Bovine Conceptus Attachment to the Uterine Epithelium During Peri-Implantation Period1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:46. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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15
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Reprint of: In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo–endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:673-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Yucha RW, Jost M, Rothstein D, Robertson N, Marcolongo MS. Quantifying the biomechanics of conception: L-selectin-mediated blastocyst implantation mechanics with engineered "trophospheres". Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 20:189-96. [PMID: 23927766 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 12% of women in the United States suffer from some form of infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common treatment for infertility encompassing over 99% of all assisted reproductive technologies. However, IVF has a low success rate. Live birth rates using IVF can range from 40% in women younger than 35 years to 4% in women older than 42 years. Costs for a successful IVF outcome can be upward of $61,000. The low success rate of IVF has been attributed to the inability of the blastocyst to implant to the uterus. Blastocyst implantation is initiated by L-selectin expressing cells, trophoblasts, binding to L-selectin ligands, primarily sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), on the uterine surface endometrium. Legal and ethical considerations have limited the research on human subjects and tissues, whereas animal models are costly or do not properly mimic human implantation biochemistry. In this work, we describe a cellular model system for quantifying L-selectin adhesion mechanics. L-selectin expression was confirmed in Jeg-3, JAR, and BeWo cell lines, with only Jeg-3 cells exhibiting surface expression. Jeg-3 cells were cultured into three-dimensional spheres, termed "trophospheres," as a mimic to human blastocysts. Detachment assays using a custom-built parallel plate flow chamber show that trophospheres detach from sLeX functionalized slides with 2.75 × 10(-3) dyn of force and 7.5 × 10(-5) dyn-cm of torque. This work marks the first time a three-dimensional cell model has been utilized for quantifying L-selectin binding mechanics related to blastocyst implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Yucha
- 1 School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Weimar CHE, Post Uiterweer ED, Teklenburg G, Heijnen CJ, Macklon NS. In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo-endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:461-76. [PMID: 24055530 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying human embryo-endometrium signalling is a prerequisite for the further improvement of assisted reproduction outcomes and the development of effective interventions to prevent early pregnancy loss. Studying human embryo implantation is challenging since in-vivo experiments are impractical and unethical, and studies in animal models do not always translate well to humans. However, in recent years in-vitro models have been shown to provide a promising way forward. This review discusses the principal models used to study early human embryo development and initial stages of implantation in vitro. While each model has limitations, exploiting these models will improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms and embryo-endometrium cross-talk at the early implantation site. They provide valuable tools to study early embryo development and pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and have revealed novel disease mechanisms such as the role of epigenetic modifications in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Xiong T, Zhao Y, Hu D, Meng J, Wang R, Yang X, Ai J, Qian K, Zhang H. Administration of calcitonin promotes blastocyst implantation in mice by up-regulating integrin β3 expression in endometrial epithelial cells. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:3540-51. [PMID: 23001774 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does exogenous calcitonin improve the efficiency of implantation in mice by increasing uterine receptivity? SUMMARY ANSWER The administration of calcitonin could improve the efficiency of implantation by increasing the expression of several receptivity-related genes in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Calcitonin is one of the biomarkers of uterine receptivity, which is transiently produced in the uterine epithelia during the period of implantation both in humans and mouse. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Hormone-replaced mice were used for in vivo experiments. To evaluate the effect of calcitonin on uterine receptivity, the expression of endometrial genes was analyzed 36 h after i.p. injection of 0.5 IU calcitonin in a treatment group versus saline in the control. To evaluate the effect of calcitonin on implantation efficiency in vivo, two groups received 0.5 IU or 2 IU calcitonin (i.p.) 24 h before embryo transfer, and a control group received saline (i.p.) (n = 18 mice per group). Implantation sites were counted 7 days after embryo transfer. The RL95-2 human endometrial carcinoma cell line was used to study the mechanisms underlying the effect of calcitonin on gene expression in the endometria. Using an in vitro model of endometrium-trophoblast interaction, established with RL95-2 cells and JAR (human choriocarcinoma cell line) trophoblast, endometrial receptivity was evaluated by comparing attachment and outgrowth of JAR spheroids in control and treatment groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Uterine receptivity in ovariectomized mice was induced by injection of estradiol and progesterone. Expression of eight genes in murine endometrium and RL95-2 cells was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemical analysis, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We tested the effects of a protein kinase C inhibitor, matrigel and an antibody against integrin αvβ3 using RL95-2 cells and performed attachment and outgrowth assays using the in vitro model of endometrium-trophoblast interaction. Implantation efficiency was evaluated by counting the implantation sites after embryo transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Calcitonin up-regulated αvβ3 in RL95 cells, which in turn resulted in increased levels of the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) mRNA (both P < 0.01 versus control) and protein (both P < 0.05 versus control). The attachment and expansion of JAR spheroids was promoted by pretreatment of EECs with calcitonin (P < 0.05 versus control) together with significantly increased expression of αvβ3, LIF and HB-EGF. Moreover, the injection of calcitonin in the preimplantation phase increased the total number of implantation sites in treatment groups (55 in control versus 78 and 85 in 0.5 and 2 IU groups, respectively). Compared with the control group (3.11 ± 2.14), the average number of implantation sites in the 2 IU calcitonin treatment group increased (4.72 ± 1.87, P = 0.022). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Experiments were performed in mice and human cell lines but not in primary cultures of human endometrial cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings presented here have important implications, in that calcitonin administration (currently used for treatment of hypercalcemia or osteoporosis) may have clinical benefits in assisted reproduction programs, by facilitating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by National Science Foundation of China (No. 81170619). There are no financial or commercial conflicts in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, The People's Republic of China
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Sakurai T, Bai H, Bai R, Arai M, Iwazawa M, Zhang J, Konno T, Godkin JD, Okuda K, Imakawa K. Coculture System That Mimics In Vivo Attachment Processes in Bovine Trophoblast Cells1. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:60. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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