1
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, McAllan BM. Uterine cellular changes during mammalian pregnancy and the evolution of placentation. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1381-1400. [PMID: 34514493 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab170] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many different forms of nutrient provision in viviparous (live bearing) species. The formation of a placenta is one method where the placenta functions to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus (placentotrophy), transfer waste from the fetus to the mother and respiratory gas exchange. Despite having the same overarching function, there are different types of placentation within placentotrophic vertebrates, and many morphological changes occur in the uterus during pregnancy to facilitate formation of the placenta. These changes are regulated in complex ways but are controlled by similar hormonal mechanisms across species. This review describes current knowledge of the morphological and molecular changes to the uterine epithelium preceding implantation among mammals. Our aim is to identify the commonalities and constraints of these cellular changes to understand the evolution of placentation in mammals and propose directions for future research. We compare and discuss the complex modifications to the ultrastructure of uterine epithelial cells and show that there are similarities in the changes to the cytoskeleton and gross morphology of the uterine epithelial cells, especially of the apical and lateral plasma membrane of the cells during the formation of a placenta in all eutherians and marsupials studied to date. We conclude that further research is needed to understand the evolution of placentation among viviparous mammals, particularly concerning the level of placental invasiveness, hormonal control and genetic underpinnings of pregnancy in marsupial taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Dudley
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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2
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Buck VU, Kohlen MT, Sternberg AK, Rösing B, Neulen J, Leube RE, Classen-Linke I. Steroid hormones and human choriogonadotropin influence the distribution of alpha6-integrin and desmoplakin 1 in gland-like endometrial epithelial spheroids. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:581-591. [PMID: 33502623 PMCID: PMC8134296 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In human glandular endometrial epithelial cells, desmosomal and adherens junction proteins have been shown to extend from a subapically restricted lateral position to the entire lateral membrane during the implantation window of the menstrual cycle. Similarly, a menstrual cycle stage-dependent redistribution of the extracellular matrix adhesion protein α6-integrin has been reported. These changes are believed to be important for endometrial receptiveness and successful embryo implantation. To prove the hypothesis that steroid hormones and human choriogonadotropin can induce the redistribution of these adhesion molecules, we used the human endometrial cell line Ishikawa in a 3D culture system. Gland-like spheroids were grown in reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel™). The lumen-bearing spheroids were treated for 2 or 4 days with ovarian steroids or human choriogonadotropin and then assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. In addition, human endometrial biopsies were obtained from patients, who were in therapy for assisted reproductive technology, and were examined in parallel. Lateral redistribution of the desmosomal plaque protein desmoplakin 1 was observed in the spheroids treated either with progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate or human choriogonadotropin. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix adhesion protein α6-integrin showed an increased lateral membrane localization upon gestagen stimulation in the 3D culture system. The results of this study demonstrate that the 3D endometrial Ishikawa cell culture might be suited as an experimental model system to prove the effect of hormonal changes like those occurring during the window of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V U Buck
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - M T Kohlen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - A K Sternberg
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - B Rösing
- Clinic for Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - J Neulen
- Clinic for Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - R E Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - I Classen-Linke
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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3
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Rab13 and Desmosome Redistribution in Uterine Epithelial Cells During Early Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1981-1988. [PMID: 33527312 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00478-6] [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: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The luminal uterine epithelial cells are the first point of contact with the implanting blastocyst. Dramatic changes occur in the structure and function of these cells at the time of receptivity including changes in the lateral junctional complex. While these morphological changes are important for uterine receptivity, currently there is no known mechanism of regulation of the lateral junctional complexes. Rab13, a member of the Rab (Ras-related in the brain) family of GTPases has a critical role in endosomal trafficking to the lateral plasma membrane and is involved in modulation of the tight junction in several cell types. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Rab13 in changes to the lateral junctional complex at the time of receptivity. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated no association between Rab13 and ZO-1 (a tight junction protein) or Rab13 and E-cadherin (an integral component of adherens junctions). Co-localisation was demonstrated between Rab 13 and desmoglein-2 at the time of fertilization and also at receptivity suggesting involvement of Rab13 in relocalisation of desmoglein-2 and formation of giant desmosomes in the apical part of the lateral plasma membrane at the time of uterine receptivity. We suggest that despite the loss of the adherens junction at the time of receptivity, the presently reported redistribution of desmosomes regulated by Rab13 allows the uterine epithelium to maintain structural integrity.
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4
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Laird MK, Hansen VL, McAllan BM, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Uterine epithelial remodelling during pregnancy in the marsupial Monodelphis domestica (Didelphidae): Implications for mammalian placental evolution. J Anat 2020; 236:1126-1136. [PMID: 32052440 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy involves remodelling of the uterine epithelium to enable placentation. In marsupials, such remodelling has probably played a key role in the transition from ancestral invasive placentation to non-invasive placentation. Identifying uterine alterations that are unique to marsupials with non-invasive placentation can thus elucidate mechanisms of marsupial placental evolution. We identified apical alterations to uterine epithelial cells prior to implantation in Monodelphis domestica, a member of the least derived living marsupial clade (Didelphidae) with invasive (endotheliochorial) placentation. We then compared these traits with those of Macropus eugenii (Macropodidae) and Trichosurus vulpecula (Phalangeridae), both with non-invasive placentation, to identify which alterations to the uterine epithelium are ancestral and which facilitate secondarily evolved non-invasive placentation. In M. domestica, remodelling of the uterine epithelium involves reduced cellular heterogeneity and development of uterodome-like cells, suggesting that similar alterations may also have occurred in the marsupial common ancestor. These alterations also overlap with those of both T. vulpecula and Ma. eugenii, suggesting that the placental shift from invasive to non-invasive placentation in marsupials involves essential, conserved characteristics, irrespective of placental mode. However, unique apical alterations of both T. vulpecula and Ma. eugenii, relative to M. domestica, imply that lineage-specific alterations underpin the evolutionary shift to non-invasive placentation in marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K Laird
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria L Hansen
- Animal BioScience and Biotechnology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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5
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, Lindsay LA, McAllan BM. Sex steroids influence the plasma membrane transformation in the uterus of the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata, Marsupialia). Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:633-644. [PMID: 30449299 DOI: 10.1071/rd18202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterine epithelium undergoes remodelling to become receptive to blastocyst implantation during pregnancy in a process known as the plasma membrane transformation. There are commonalities in ultrastructural changes to the epithelium, which, in eutherian, pregnancies are controlled by maternal hormones, progesterone and oestrogens. The aim of this study was to determine the effects that sex steroids have on the uterine epithelium in the fat-tailed dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata, the first such study in a marsupial. Females were exposed to exogenous hormones while they were reproductively quiescent, thus not producing physiological concentrations of ovarian hormones. We found that changes to the protein E-cadherin, which forms part of the adherens junction, are controlled by progesterone and that changes to the desmoglein-2 protein, which forms part of desmosomes, are controlled by 17β-oestradiol. Exposure to a combination of progesterone and 17β-oestradiol causes changes to the microvilli on the apical surface and to the ultrastructure of the uterine epithelium. There is a decrease in lateral adhesion when the uterus is exposed to progesterone and 17β-oestradiol that mimics the hormone environment of uterine receptivity. We conclude that uterine receptivity and the plasma membrane transformation in marsupial and eutherian pregnancies are under the same endocrine control and may be an ancestral feature of therian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Dudley
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Building (F13), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Building (F13), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Heydon-Laurence Building (A08), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Laura A Lindsay
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Building (F13), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Building (F13), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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6
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Buddle AL, Thompson MB, Lindsay LA, Murphy CR, Whittington CM, McAllan BM. Dynamic changes to claudins in the uterine epithelial cells of the marsupial
Sminthopsis crassicaudata
(Dasyuridae) during pregnancy. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:639-649. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice L. Buddle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Laura A. Lindsay
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Camilla M. Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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7
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, Carter T, McAllan BM. Uterine Epithelial Cells Undergo a Plasma Membrane Transformation During Early Pregnancy in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus
). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1497-1505. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Dudley
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Science; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tanya Carter
- Haberfield Veterinary Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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8
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Ultrastructural changes in endometrial desmosomes of desmoglein 2 mutant mice. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 374:317-327. [PMID: 29938327 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2869-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The intercellular binding of desmosomal junctions is mediated by cadherins of the desmoglein (Dsg) and desmocollin (Dsc) type. Dsg2 mutant mice with deletion of a substantial segment of the extracellular EC1-EC2 domain, which is believed to participate in homo- and heterophilic desmosomal cadherin interactions, develop cardiac fibrosis and ventricular dilation. Widening of the intercellular cleft and complete intercalated disc ruptures can be observed in the hearts of these mice. Since a reduced litter size of homozygous Dsg2 mutant mice was noted and a functional correlation between desmosomes and embryo implantation has been deduced from animal studies, we looked for an alteration of desmosomes in uterine endometrial epithelium. Shape and number of desmosomes as well as the expression of Dsg2 and the desmosomal plaque protein desmoplakin (Dsp) were investigated by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry in 12 oestrous-dated mice (7 wild type and 5 homozygous Dsg2 mutant mice) at the age of 9-17 weeks. The immunohistochemical detection of Dsg2 was diminished in the mutants and the number of desmosomes was significantly reduced as revealed by electron microscopy. In addition, the intercellular desmosomal space measured in electron micrographs was considerably widened in the Dsg2 mutants. The increased intercellular spacing can be explained by the partial deletion of the extracellular EC1-EC2 domain of Dsg2. Whether these changes explain the reduced number of offspring of homozygous Dsg2 mutant mice remains to be further investigated.
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9
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Laird MK, McShea H, Murphy CR, McAllan BM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Thompson MB. Non‐invasive placentation in the marsupials
Macropus eugenii
(Macropodidae) and
Trichosurus vulpecula
(Phalangeridae) involves redistribution of uterine Desmoglein‐2. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:72-82. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hanon McShea
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusetts
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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10
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, McAllan BM. Epithelial cadherin disassociates from the lateral plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells throughout pregnancy in a marsupial. J Anat 2017; 231:359-365. [PMID: 28670836 PMCID: PMC5554831 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine luminal epithelium is the first site of contact between fetal and maternal tissues during therian pregnancy and must undergo specialised changes for implantation of the blastocyst to be successful. These changes, collectively termed the plasma membrane transformation (PMT), allow the blastocyst to attach to the uterine epithelium preceding the formation of a placenta. There are similarities in the morphological and molecular changes occurring in live-bearing eutherian species during the PMT studied so far. Similar cellular remodelling occurs in a marsupial species, the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata), despite the divergence of marsupials from eutherian mammals over 130 mya, which resulted in the evolution of distinct reproductive strategies. Adhesion molecules along the lateral plasma membrane of uterine epithelium provide a barrier to invasion by the embryo. We thus characterised the presence and change in distribution of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) in uterine epithelium from non-pregnant fat-tailed dunnarts and compared it to dunnarts in early-, mid- and late-stage pregnancy. E-cadherin staining is localised to the lateral plasma membrane in uterine epithelium from non-pregnant and early-stage pregnant dunnarts. The E-cadherin staining is cytoplasmic in epithelium from uteri of mid- and late-stage pregnant dunnarts. This loss of localised staining suggests that the adherens junction dissociates from the lateral plasma membrane, allowing for invasion between the epithelial cells by the blastocyst. As the changes during pregnancy to cadherin were similar in the laboratory rat with highly invasive (haemochorial) placentation, a live-bearing lizard species with non-invasive (epitheliochorial) placentation and a marsupial, the fat-tailed dunnart, which has invasive (endotheliochorial) placentation, we suggest that the molecular mechanisms allowing for successful pregnancy are conserved among mammals during the early stages of pregnancy regardless of placental invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Dudley
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental ScienceUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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11
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Poon CE, Madawala RJ, Dowland SN, Murphy CR. Nectin-3 Is Increased in the Cell Junctions of the Uterine Epithelium at Implantation. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1580-1592. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116648216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Connie E. Poon
- Cell and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Romanthi J. Madawala
- Cell and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samson N. Dowland
- Cell and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- Cell and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, McAllan BM. Desmoglein-2 during pregnancy and its role in the evolution of viviparity in a marsupial (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Dasyuridae). J Morphol 2014; 276:261-72. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Dudley
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Biological Science (A08); University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
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13
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Caveolins redistribute in uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy in the rat: An epithelial polarisation strategy? Histochem Cell Biol 2014; 142:555-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-014-1236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Redistribution of adhering junctions in human endometrial epithelial cells during the implantation window of the menstrual cycle. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 137:777-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-0929-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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15
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Wu Q, Thompson MB, Murphy CR. Changing distribution of cadherins during gestation in the uterine epithelium of lizards. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2011; 316:440-50. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.21419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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16
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17
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Biazik JM, Thompson MB, Murphy CR. Desmosomes in the uterine epithelium of noninvasive skink placentae. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2010; 293:502-12. [PMID: 20169564 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Australian species of viviparous skinks have noninvasive epitheliochorial placentation where there is no breeching or interruption of the uterine epithelial cell barrier. This is contrary to some African and South American species of skinks which exhibit invading chorionic cells and a localized endotheliochorial placenta. The desmosomes, which maintain the adhesive properties of the junctional complex between uterine epithelial cells, were found to decrease as gestation progressed in the uterus of two highly placentotrophic Australian skinks, but no changes in desmosomal numbers were present in the uterus of two Australian oviparous skinks or viviparous skinks with a simple placenta. In mammals, desmosomes decrease in the uterine epithelium of species with invasive hemochorial placentation, where less chemical and mechanical adhesion between cells assists the invading trophoblast at the time of implantation. However, Australian viviparous skinks do not have an invasive trophoblast; yet, similarities in decreasing lateral cellular adhesion exist in the uterus of both invasive and noninvasive placental types. This similarity in cellular mechanisms suggests a conservation of plasma membrane changes across placentation irrespective of reptilian or mammalian origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Biazik
- Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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18
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Singh H, Aplin JD. Adhesion molecules in endometrial epithelium: tissue integrity and embryo implantation. J Anat 2009; 215:3-13. [PMID: 19453302 PMCID: PMC2714633 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion in endometrial epithelium is regulated to maintain the continuity and protectiveness of the luminal covering cell layer while permitting interstitial implantation of the embryo during a restricted period of about 4 days. Many apparently normal embryos fail to implant, and epithelial-embryo adhesion remains a poorly understood phenomenon. After menstruation, epithelial regeneration occurs by epiboly from the basal residues of glands, an activity that requires migration on extracellular matrix as well as cell-cell cohesion. Here we review current knowledge of adhesion molecules in the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmeet Singh
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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19
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Biazik JM, Thompson MB, Murphy CR. The tight junctional protein occludin is found in the uterine epithelium of squamate reptiles. J Comp Physiol B 2007; 177:935-43. [PMID: 17657493 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-007-0192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2007] [Revised: 07/05/2007] [Accepted: 07/07/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Occludin, an integral protein associated with the mammalian tight junction, has for the first time been identified in the uterus of squamate reptiles. The tight junction is made up of anastamosing strands and forms a selective barrier that regulates paracellular diffusion of solutes across uterine epithelium. Occludin exclusively labels tight junctional strands and is an excellent marker for tight junction permeability. Using western blotting and immunohistochemistry, occludin expression was examined in the uterine epithelium of five species of Australian skinks at different stages of gestation. More occludin was detected during late stage pregnancy/gravidity compared to the lower levels of occludin detected in vitellogenic and post-parturient females in three of the five species. We conclude that the paracellular permeability of the squamate uterine epithelium decreases as gestation progresses. As placental transport of ions and solutes to the embryo is highest during the last third of pregnancy in viviparous squamates, it is likely that a decrease in paracellular permeability is compensated by an upregulation of other transporting mechanisms such as histotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Biazik
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology) and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Anderson Stuart Building F13, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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20
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Preston AM, Lindsay LA, Murphy CR. Desmosomes in uterine epithelial cells decrease at the time of implantation: An ultrastructural and morphometric study. J Morphol 2005; 267:103-8. [PMID: 16258945 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Displacement of uterine epithelial cells is an important aspect of implantation in the rat and other species, allowing invasion of the blastocyst into the endometrial stroma. Desmosomes, which are part of the lateral junctional complex, function in cell-to-cell adhesion, and are therefore likely to be involved in displacement of uterine epithelial cells at the time of implantation. This study used transmission electron microscopy to study rat uterine epithelial cells during the peri-implantation period to investigate the change in the number of structural desmosomes along the lateral plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells. We found a significant decrease in the number of desmosomes along the entire lateral plasma membrane as pregnancy progressed. Furthermore, there were also significant decreases in the number of desmosomes on the apical portion of the lateral plasma membrane between all days of pregnancy examined. In addition, on day 6 of pregnancy, the time of attachment, desmosomes were larger and seen as "giant desmosomes." For the first time, this study has shown that there is a significant reduction in cell height and actual number of ultrastructurally observable desmosomes at the time of implantation in the rat. It is proposed that this reduction in desmosome number leads to a decrease in lateral adhesion between uterine epithelial cells at the time of implantation, and hence is involved in the loss of uterine epithelial cells to facilitate blastocyst invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Preston
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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