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Togo A, Mitsuzuka K, Hanawa S, Nakajima R, Izumi K, Sato K, Ishimoto H. Downregulation of SPARC Expression Enhances the Fusion of BeWo Choriocarcinoma Cells. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2342-2353. [PMID: 38728000 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01563-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Syncytiotrophoblasts, which are formed by the fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts, play an essential role in maintaining a successful pregnancy. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a non-structural Ca2+-binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein involved in tissue remodeling and cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Previous studies have revealed that SPARC is expressed in villous and extravillous cytotrophoblasts in the first trimester and that RNA interference targeted at SPARC significantly inhibited invasion of human extravillous trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cells. However, the involvement of SPARC in cytotrophoblast fusion remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of SPARC in cytotrophoblast fusion, using the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line as a model of villous cytotrophoblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess SPARC expression in normal human placentas using placental tissues obtained during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. We investigated the effects of SPARC knockdown on trophoblast differentiation markers and cell fusion in BeWo cells using small interfering RNA. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SPARC expression was high in the early gestational chorionic villi and low in the late gestational chorionic villi. SPARC knockdown increased the expressions of human chorionic gonadotropin and Ovo-like transcriptional repressor 1; however, glial cells missing transcription factor 1, syncytin-1, and syncytin-2 showed no significant changes. The assessment revealed that SPARC knockdown significantly enhanced cell fusion compared to the non-silencing control. Our data suggest that SPARC plays a vital role in regulating trophoblast fusion and differentiation during placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Togo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan.
| | - Kanako Mitsuzuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Sachiko Hanawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Kenji Izumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Kenji Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
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2
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Zheng W, Zhang Y, Xu P, Wang Z, Shao X, Chen C, Cai H, Wang Y, Sun MA, Deng W, Liu F, Lu J, Zhang X, Cheng D, Mysorekar IU, Wang H, Wang YL, Hu X, Cao B. TFEB safeguards trophoblast syncytialization in humans and mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404062121. [PMID: 38968109 PMCID: PMC11253012 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404062121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutrient sensing and adaptation in the placenta are essential for pregnancy viability and proper fetal growth. Our recent study demonstrated that the placenta adapts to nutrient insufficiency through mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition-mediated trophoblast differentiation toward syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), a highly specialized multinucleated trophoblast subtype mediating extensive maternal-fetal interactions. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we unravel the indispensable role of the mTORC1 downstream transcriptional factor TFEB in STB formation both in vitro and in vivo. TFEB deficiency significantly impaired STB differentiation in human trophoblasts and placenta organoids. Consistently, systemic or trophoblast-specific deletion of Tfeb compromised STB formation and placental vascular construction, leading to severe embryonic lethality. Mechanistically, TFEB conferred direct transcriptional activation of the fusogen ERVFRD-1 in human trophoblasts and thereby promoted STB formation, independent of its canonical function as a master regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that TFEB directed the trophoblast syncytialization response driven by mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. TFEB expression positively correlated with the reinforced trophoblast syncytialization in human fetal growth-restricted placentas exhibiting suppressed mTORC1 activity. Our findings substantiate that the TFEB-fusogen axis ensures proper STB formation during placenta development and under nutrient stress, shedding light on TFEB as a mechanistic link between nutrient-sensing machinery and trophoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanshan Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Peiqun Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zexin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing100101, China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Dunjin Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510140, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Indira U. Mysorekar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston77030, TX
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston77030, TX
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing100101, China
| | - Xiaoqian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen361102, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
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3
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Egilmezer E, Hamilton ST, Lauw G, Follett J, Sonntag E, Schütz M, Marschall M, Rawlinson WD. Human Cytomegalovirus Dysregulates Cellular Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinases and Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in Neural Astrocyte and Placental Models. Viruses 2024; 16:918. [PMID: 38932210 PMCID: PMC11209403 DOI: 10.3390/v16060918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic cause of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal injury, and in some cases fetal death. The pathogenetic mechanisms through which this host-specific virus infects then damages both the placenta and the fetal brain are currently ill-defined. We investigated the CMV modulation of key signaling pathway proteins for these organs including dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRK) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway proteins using human first trimester placental trophoblast (TEV-1) cells, primary human astrocyte (NHA) brain cells, and CMV-infected human placental tissue. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the accumulation and re-localization of SHH proteins in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells with Gli2, Ulk3, and Shh re-localizing to the CMV cytoplasmic virion assembly complex (VAC). In CMV-infected NHA cells, DYRK1A re-localized to the VAC and DYRK1B re-localized to the CMV nuclear replication compartments, and the SHH proteins re-localized with a similar pattern as was observed in TEV-1 cells. Western blot analysis in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells showed the upregulated expression of Rb, Ulk3, and Shh, but not Gli2. In CMV-infected NHA cells, there was an upregulation of DYRK1A, DYRK1B, Gli2, Rb, Ulk3, and Shh. These in vitro monoculture findings are consistent with patterns of protein upregulation and re-localization observed in naturally infected placental tissue and CMV-infected ex vivo placental explant histocultures. This study reveals CMV-induced changes in proteins critical for fetal development, and identifies new potential targets for CMV therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Egilmezer
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart T. Hamilton
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Glen Lauw
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
| | - Jasmine Follett
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
| | - Eric Sonntag
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - Martin Schütz
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - William D. Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
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4
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Wang J, Liu W, Zhuang Y, Yang J, Zhao Y, Hong A, Du J, Kong H, Wang J, Jiang Y, Wang Y. Influenza A virus infection disrupts the function of syncytiotrophoblast cells and contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29687. [PMID: 38783821 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy heightens susceptibility to influenza A virus (IAV) infection, thereby increasing the risk of severe pneumonia and maternal mortality. It also raises the chances of adverse outcomes in offspring, such as fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth in offsprings. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these effects remain largely unknown. Syncytiotrophoblast cells, crucial in forming the placental barrier, nutrient exchange and hormone secretion, have not been extensively studied for their responses to IAV. In our experiment, we used Forskolin-treated BeWo cells to mimic syncytiotrophoblast cells in vitro, and infected them with H1N1, H5N1 and H7N9 virus stains. Our results showed that syncytiotrophoblast cells, with their higher intensity of sialic acid receptors, strongly support IAV infection and replication. Notably, high-dose viral infection and prolonged exposure resulted in a significant decrease in fusion index, as well as gene and protein expression levels associated with trophoblast differentiation, β-human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, estrogen and progesterone biosynthesis, and nutrient transport. In pregnant BALB/c mice infected with the H1N1 virus, we observed significant decreases in trophoblast differentiation and hormone secretion gene expression levels. IAV infection also resulted in preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, and increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Our findings indicate that IAV infection in syncytiotrophoblastic cells can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes by altering trophoblast differentiation, suppressing of β-hCG secretion, and disrupting placental barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Yichao Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Yetian Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Aihui Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingjing Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huihui Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Jingfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Yongping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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5
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Vasconcelos S, Moustakas I, Branco MR, Guimarães S, Caniçais C, van der Helm T, Ramalho C, Marques CJ, de Sousa Lopes SMC, Dória S. Syncytiotrophoblast Markers Are Downregulated in Placentas from Idiopathic Stillbirths. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5180. [PMID: 38791219 PMCID: PMC11121380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105180] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The trophoblast cells are responsible for the transfer of nutrients between the mother and the foetus and play a major role in placental endocrine function by producing and releasing large amounts of hormones and growth factors. Syncytiotrophoblast cells (STB), formed by the fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTB), constitute the interface between the foetus and the mother and are essential for all of these functions. We performed transcriptome analysis of human placental samples from two control groups-live births (LB), and stillbirths (SB) with a clinically recognised cause-and from our study group, idiopathic stillbirths (iSB). We identified 1172 DEGs in iSB, when comparing with the LB group; however, when we compared iSB with the SB group, only 15 and 12 genes were down- and upregulated in iSB, respectively. An assessment of these DEGs identified 15 commonly downregulated genes in iSB. Among these, several syncytiotrophoblast markers, like genes from the PSG and CSH families, as well as ALPP, KISS1, and CRH, were significantly downregulated in placental samples from iSB. The transcriptome analysis revealed underlying differences at a molecular level involving the syncytiotrophoblast. This suggests that defects in the syncytial layer may underlie unexplained stillbirths, therefore offering insights to improve clinical obstetrics practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel R. Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Susana Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Carla Ramalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Joana Marques
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Lee JG, Yon JM, Kim G, Lee SG, Kim CY, Cheong SA, Kim HY, Yu J, Kim K, Sung YH, Yoo HJ, Woo DC, Rho JK, Ha CH, Pack CG, Oh SH, Lim JS, Han YM, Hong EJ, Seong JK, Lee HW, Lee SW, Lee KU, Kim CJ, Nam SY, Cho YS, Baek IJ. PIBF1 regulates trophoblast syncytialization and promotes cardiovascular development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1487. [PMID: 38374152 PMCID: PMC10876648 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper placental development in early pregnancy ensures a positive outcome later on. The developmental relationship between the placenta and embryonic organs, such as the heart, is crucial for a normal pregnancy. However, the mechanism through which the placenta influences the development of embryonic organs remains unclear. Trophoblasts fuse to form multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (SynT), which primarily make up the placental materno-fetal interface. We discovered that endogenous progesterone immunomodulatory binding factor 1 (PIBF1) is vital for trophoblast differentiation and fusion into SynT in humans and mice. PIBF1 facilitates communication between SynT and adjacent vascular cells, promoting vascular network development in the primary placenta. This process affected the early development of the embryonic cardiovascular system in mice. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that PIBF1 promotes the development of cardiovascular characteristics in heart organoids. Our findings show how SynTs organize the barrier and imply their possible roles in supporting embryogenesis, including cardiovascular development. SynT-derived factors and SynT within the placenta may play critical roles in ensuring proper organogenesis of other organs in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju, 52834, Korea
| | - Jung-Min Yon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | | | - Jiyoung Yu
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Dong-Cheol Woo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chan-Gi Pack
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Seak Hee Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Yu Mi Han
- Research Institute of Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Han-Woong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Lee
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Ki-Up Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Korea
| | - You Sook Cho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea.
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
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7
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Zhu YN, Pan F, Gan XW, Liu Y, Wang WS, Sun K. The Role of DNMT1 and C/EBPα in the Regulation of CYP11A1 Expression During Syncytialization of Human Placental Trophoblasts. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad195. [PMID: 38146648 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone synthesized in the placenta is essential for pregnancy maintenance. CYP11A1 is a key enzyme in progesterone synthesis, and its expression increases greatly during trophoblast syncytialization. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that passive demethylation of CYP11A1 promoter accounted for the upregulation of CYP11A1 expression during syncytialization with the participation of the transcription factor C/EBPα. We found that the methylation rate of a CpG locus in the CYP11A1 promoter was significantly reduced along with decreased DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression and its enrichment at the CYP11A1 promoter during syncytialization. DNMT1 overexpression not only increased the methylation of this CpG locus in the CYP11A1 promoter, but also decreased CYP11A1 expression and progesterone production. In silico analysis disclosed multiple C/EBPα binding sites in both CYP11A1 and DNMT1 promoters. C/EBPα expression and its enrichments at both the DNMT1 and CYP11A1 promoters were significantly increased during syncytialization. Knocking-down C/EBPα expression increased DNMT1 while it decreased CYP11A1 expression during syncytialization. Conclusively, C/EBPα plays a dual role in the regulation of CYP11A1 during syncytialization. C/EBPα not only drives CYP11A1 expression directly, but also indirectly through downregulation of DNMT1, which leads to decreased methylation in the CpG locus of the CYP11A1 promoter, resulting in increased progesterone production during syncytialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Wen Gan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Yun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Wang-Sheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
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8
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Toudic C, Maurer M, St-Pierre G, Xiao Y, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 Modulates the Fusogenic Activity of Placental Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes. Viruses 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 38140682 PMCID: PMC10747188 DOI: 10.3390/v15122441] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2 are glycoproteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (hERV) that, through their fusogenic properties, are needed for the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previous studies suggested that these proteins, in addition to the EnvP(b) envelope protein, are also involved in other cell fusion events. Since galectin-1 is a β-galactoside-binding protein associated with cytotrophoblast fusion during placental development, we previously tested its effect on Syncytin-mediated cell fusion and showed that this protein differently modulates the fusogenic potential of Syncytin-1 and -2. Herein, we were interested in comparing the impact of galectin-1 on hERV envelope proteins in different cellular contexts. Using a syncytium assay, we first demonstrated that galectin-1 increased the fusion of Syncytin-2- and EnvP(b)-expressing cells. We then tested the infectivity of Syncytin-1 and -2 vs. VSV-G-pseudotyped viruses toward Cos-7 and various human cell lines. In the presence of galectin-1, infection of Syncytin-2-pseudotyped viruses augmented for all cell lines. In contrast, the impact of galectin-1 on the infectivity of Syncytin-1-pseudotyped viruses varied, being cell- and dose-dependent. In this study, we report the functional associations between three hERV envelope proteins and galectin-1, which should provide information on the fusogenic activity of these proteins in the placenta and other biological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Maike Maurer
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H2X 1E3, Canada
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9
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Lin Q, Cao J, Yu J, Zhu Y, Shen Y, Wang S, Wang Y, Liu Z, Chang Y. YAP-mediated trophoblast dysfunction: the common pathway underlying pregnancy complications. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:353. [PMID: 38098027 PMCID: PMC10722737 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01371-2] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a pivotal regulator in cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration, with significant roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and tumorigenesis. At the maternal-fetal interface, emerging evidence underscores the importance of precisely regulated YAP activity in ensuring successful pregnancy initiation and progression. However, despite the established association between YAP dysregulation and adverse pregnancy outcomes, insights into the impact of aberrant YAP levels in fetal-derived, particularly trophoblast cells, and the ensuing dysfunction at the maternal-fetal interface remain limited. This review comprehensively examines YAP expression and its regulatory mechanisms in trophoblast cells throughout pregnancy. We emphasize its integral role in placental development and maternal-fetal interactions and delve into the correlations between YAP dysregulation and pregnancy complications. A nuanced understanding of YAP's functions during pregnancy could illuminate intricate molecular mechanisms and pave the way for innovative prevention and treatment strategies for pregnancy complications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimei Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Jiasong Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yongmei Shen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Academy of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China.
- Academy of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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10
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Yuan X, Liu X, Zhu F, Huang B, Lin L, Huang J, Wen L, Kilby MD, Baker PN, Fu Y, Wu W, Qi H, Tang J, Tong C. Endoplasmic reticulum stress impairs trophoblast syncytialization through upregulation of HtrA4 and causes early-onset preeclampsia. J Hypertens 2023; 41:2095-2106. [PMID: 37728094 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Syncytiotrophoblasts form via mononuclear cytotrophoblast fusion during placentation and play a critical role in maternal-fetal communication. Impaired syncytialization inevitably leads to pregnancy-associated complications, including preeclampsia. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is reportedly linked with preeclampsia, but little is known about its association with syncytialization. High temperature requirement factor A4 (HtrA4), a placental-specific protease, is responsible for protein quality control and placental syncytialization. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among HtrA4, ERS, and trophoblast syncytialization in the development of early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE). METHODS HtrA4 expression and ERS in preeclamptic placentas and control placentas were analyzed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. HtrA4 and ERS localization in placentas was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. BeWo cells were used to stimulate the effects of HtrA4 and ERS on syncytialization. RESULTS HtrA4 expression was upregulated in EO-PE and positively correlated with ERS. HtrA4 activity was increased in preeclampsia. Under normoxia, HtrA4 overexpression in BeWo cells did not alter the ERS level. In addition, treatment with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or an ERS inducer increased HtrA4 expression. HtrA4 upregulation suppressed the levels of syncytin-2 and β-HCG in the presence of forskolin (FSK), and this change was exaggerated after ERS activation. In addition, treatment with an ERS inhibitor markedly suppressed FSK-treated cell fusion in a manner related to downregulation of HtrA4 expression. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ERS enables syncytialization of placental development by upregulating HtrA4, but that excessive HtrA4 expression and preexisting ERS impair syncytialization and cause EO-PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Xiyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Fangyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Biao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Li Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Jiayu Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Mark D Kilby
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Trust
- Institute of Metabolism & Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Philip N Baker
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Yong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi
| | - Hongbo Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Jing Tang
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University
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11
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Nashif SK, Mahr RM, Jena S, Jo S, Nelson AB, Sadowski D, Crawford PA, Puchalska P, Alejandro EU, Gearhart MD, Wernimont SA. Metformin impairs trophoblast metabolism and differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1167097. [PMID: 37250894 PMCID: PMC10213689 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1167097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widely prescribed medication whose mechanism of action is not completely defined and whose role in gestational diabetes management remains controversial. In addition to increasing the risk of fetal growth abnormalities and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes is associated with abnormalities in placental development including impairments in trophoblast differentiation. Given that metformin impacts cellular differentiation events in other systems, we assessed metformin's impact on trophoblast metabolism and differentiation. Using established cell culture models of trophoblast differentiation, oxygen consumption rates and relative metabolite abundance were determined following 200 µM (therapeutic range) and 2000 µM (supra-therapeutic range) metformin treatment using Seahorse and mass-spectrometry approaches. While no differences in oxygen consumption rates or relative metabolite abundance were detected between vehicle and 200 µM metformin-treated cells, 2000 µM metformin impaired oxidative metabolism and increased the abundance of lactate and TCA cycle intermediates, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and malate. Examining differentiation, treatment with 2000 μM, but not 200 µM metformin, impaired HCG production and expression of multiple trophoblast differentiation markers. Overall, this work suggests that supra-therapeutic concentrations of metformin impair trophoblast metabolism and differentiation whereas metformin concentrations in the therapeutic range do not strongly impact these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sereen K. Nashif
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Renee M. Mahr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Snehalata Jena
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Seokwon Jo
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alisa B. Nelson
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Danielle Sadowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Peter A. Crawford
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Patrycja Puchalska
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Emilyn U. Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Micah D. Gearhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sarah A. Wernimont
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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12
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Mahr RM, Jena S, Nashif SK, Nelson AB, Rauckhorst AJ, Rome FI, Sheldon RD, Hughey CC, Puchalska P, Gearhart MD, Taylor EB, Crawford PA, Wernimont SA. Mitochondrial citrate metabolism and efflux regulate BeWo differentiation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7387. [PMID: 37149697 PMCID: PMC10164164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotrophoblasts fuse to form and renew syncytiotrophoblasts necessary to maintain placental health throughout gestation. During cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, cells undergo regulated metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming. Mitochondria play a critical role in differentiation events in cellular systems, thus we hypothesized that mitochondrial metabolism played a central role in trophoblast differentiation. In this work, we employed static and stable isotope tracing untargeted metabolomics methods along with gene expression and histone acetylation studies in an established BeWo cell culture model of trophoblast differentiation. Differentiation was associated with increased abundance of the TCA cycle intermediates citrate and α-ketoglutarate. Citrate was preferentially exported from mitochondria in the undifferentiated state but was retained to a larger extent within mitochondria upon differentiation. Correspondingly, differentiation was associated with decreased expression of the mitochondrial citrate transporter (CIC). CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of the mitochondrial citrate carrier showed that CIC is required for biochemical differentiation of trophoblasts. Loss of CIC resulted in broad alterations in gene expression and histone acetylation. These gene expression changes were partially rescued through acetate supplementation. Taken together, these results highlight a central role for mitochondrial citrate metabolism in orchestrating histone acetylation and gene expression during trophoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M Mahr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Snehalata Jena
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sereen K Nashif
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Alisa B Nelson
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adam J Rauckhorst
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ferrol I Rome
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ryan D Sheldon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Curtis C Hughey
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patrycja Puchalska
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Micah D Gearhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eric B Taylor
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter A Crawford
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah A Wernimont
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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13
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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14
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Nashif SK, Mahr RM, Jena S, Jo S, Nelson AB, Sadowski D, Crawford PA, Puchalska P, Alejandro EU, Gearhart MD, Wernimont SA. Metformin impairs trophoblast metabolism and differentiation in dose dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.14.528531. [PMID: 36824783 PMCID: PMC9949099 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.14.528531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is a widely prescribed medication whose mechanism of action is not completely defined and whose role in gestational diabetes management remains controversial. In addition to increasing risks of fetal growth abnormalities and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes is associated with abnormalities in placental development including impairments in trophoblast differentiation. Given that metformin impacts cellular differentiation events in other systems, we assessed metformin's impact on trophoblast metabolism and differentiation. Using established cell culture models of trophoblast differentiation, oxygen consumption rates and relative metabolite abundance were determined following 200 μM (therapeutic range) and 2000 μM (supra-therapeutic range) metformin treatment using Seahorse and mass-spectrometry approaches. While no differences in oxygen consumption rates or relative metabolite abundance were detected between vehicle and 200 μM metformin treated cells, 2000 μM metformin impaired oxidative metabolism and increased abundance of lactate and TCA cycle intermediates, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and malate. Examining differentiation, treatment with 2000 μM, but not 200 μM metformin, impaired HCG production and expression of multiple trophoblast differentiation markers. Overall, this work suggests that supra-therapeutic concentrations of metformin impairs trophoblast metabolism and differentiation whereas metformin concentrations in the therapeutic range do not strongly impact these processes.
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15
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Mahr RM, Jena S, Nashif SK, Nelson AB, Rauckhorst AJ, Rome FI, Sheldon RD, Hughey CC, Puchalska P, Gearhart MD, Taylor EB, Crawford PA, Wernimont SA. Mitochondrial citrate metabolism and efflux regulates trophoblast differentiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.22.525071. [PMID: 36711862 PMCID: PMC9882289 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.22.525071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytotrophoblasts fuse to form and renew syncytiotrophoblasts necessary to maintain placental health throughout gestation. During cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, cells undergo regulated metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming. Mitochondria play a critical role in differentiation events in cellular systems, thus we hypothesized that mitochondrial metabolism played a central role in trophoblast differentiation. In this work, we employed static and stable isotope tracing untargeted metabolomics methods along with gene expression and histone acetylation studies in an established cell culture model of trophoblast differentiation. Trophoblast differentiation was associated with increased abundance of the TCA cycle intermediates citrate and α-ketoglutarate. Citrate was preferentially exported from mitochondria in the undifferentiated state but was retained to a larger extent within mitochondria upon differentiation. Correspondingly, differentiation was associated with decreased expression of the mitochondrial citrate transporter (CIC). CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of the mitochondrial citrate carrier showed that CIC is required for biochemical differentiation of trophoblasts. Loss of CIC resulted in broad alterations in gene expression and histone acetylation. These gene expression changes were partially rescued through acetate supplementation. Taken together, these results highlight a central role for mitochondrial citrate metabolism in orchestrating histone acetylation and gene expression during trophoblast differentiation.
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16
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Cáceres D, Ochoa M, González-Ortiz M, Bravo K, Eugenín J. Effects of Prenatal Cannabinoids Exposure upon Placenta and Development of Respiratory Neural Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:199-232. [PMID: 37466775 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dangerously during pregnancy in the face of incipient therapeutic use and a growing perception of safety. The main psychoactive compound of the Cannabis sativa plant is the phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A-9 THC), and its status as a teratogen is controversial. THC and its endogenous analogues, anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, exert their actions through specific receptors (eCBr) that activate intracellular signaling pathways. CB1r and CB2r, also called classic cannabinoid receptors, together with their endogenous ligands and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them, constitute the endocannabinoid system. This system is distributed ubiquitously in various central and peripheral tissues. Although the endocannabinoid system's most studied role is controlling the release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, the study of long-term exposure to cannabinoids on fetal development is not well known and is vital for understanding environmental or pathological embryo-fetal or postnatal conditions. Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids in animal models has induced changes in placental and embryo-fetal organs. Particularly, cannabinoids could influence both neural and nonneural tissues and induce embryo-fetal pathological conditions in critical processes such as neural respiratory control. This review aims at the acute and chronic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on placental function and the embryo-fetal neurodevelopment of the respiratory pattern. The information provided here will serve as a theoretical framework to critically evaluate the teratogen effects of the consumption of cannabis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martín Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karina Bravo
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Jaime Eugenín
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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Sakahashi Y, Higashisaka K, Isaka R, Izutani R, Seo J, Furuta A, Yamaki-Ushijima A, Tsujino H, Haga Y, Nakashima A, Tsutsumi Y. Silver nanoparticles suppress forskolin-induced syncytialization in BeWo cells. Nanotoxicology 2022; 16:883-894. [PMID: 36595448 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2022.2162994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Opportunities for the exposure of pregnant women to engineered nanoparticles have been increasing with the expanding use of these materials. Therefore, there are concerns that nanoparticles could have adverse effects on the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The effects of nanoparticles on the mother and fetus have been evaluated from this perspective, but there is still little knowledge about the effects on placentation and function acquisition, which are essential for the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Formation of the syncytiotrophoblast is indispensable for the acquisition of placental function, and impairment of syncytialization inevitably affects pregnancy outcomes. Here, we assessed the effect of nanoparticles on placental formation by using forskolin-treated BeWo cells, a typical in vitro model of trophoblast syncytialization. Immunofluorescence staining analysis revealed that silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nm (nAg10) (at 0.156 µg/mL) significantly decreased the proportion of syncytialized BeWo cells, but gold nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nm did not. Consistently, only nAg10 (at 0.156 µg/mL) significantly suppressed forskolin-induced elevation of CGB and SDC1 mRNA expression levels and human chorionic gonadotropin β production in a dose-dependent manner; these molecules are all markers of syncytialization. Besides, nAg10 significantly decreased the expression of ERVFRD-1, which encodes proteins associated with cell fusion. Moreover, nAg10 tended to suppress the expression of sFlt-1 e15a, a placental angiogenesis marker. Collectively, our data suggest that nAg10 could suppress formation of the syncytiotrophoblast and that induce placental dysfunction and the following poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Sakahashi
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Isaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rina Izutani
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Furuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akemi Yamaki-Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tsujino
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,The Museum of Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuya Haga
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Abostait A, Tyrrell J, Abdelkarim M, Shojaei S, Tse WH, El-Sherbiny IM, Keijzer R, Labouta HI. Placental Nanoparticle Uptake-On-a-Chip: The Impact of Trophoblast Syncytialization and Shear Stress. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3757-3769. [PMID: 36053057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic and complex organ that plays an essential role in the health and development of the fetus. Placental disorders can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. There is currently an unmet clinical need to develop nanoparticle-based therapies to target and treat placental disorders. However, little is known about the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with the human placenta under biomimetic conditions. Specifically, the impact of shear stress exerted on the trophoblasts (placental epithelial cells) by the maternal blood flow, the gradual fusion of the trophoblasts along the gestation period (syncytialization), and the impact of microvilli formation on the cell uptake of NPs is not known. To this end, we designed dynamic placenta-on-a-chip models using BeWo cells to recapitulate the micro-physiological environment, and we induced different degrees of syncytialization via chemical induction with forskolin. We characterized the degree of syncytialization quantitatively by measuring beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) secretion, as well as qualitatively by immunostaining the tight junction protein, ZO-1, and counter nuclear staining. We also characterized microvilli formation under static and dynamic conditions via F-actin staining. We used these models to measure the cell uptake of chondroitin sulfate a binding protein (CSA) conjugated and control liposomes using confocal microscopy, followed by image analysis. Interestingly, exposure of the cells to a dynamic flow of media intrinsically induced syncytialization and microvilli formation compared to static controls. Under dynamic conditions, BeWo cells produced more β-hCG in conditions that increased the cell exposure time to forskolin (p < 0.005). Our cell uptake results clearly show a combined effect of the exerted shear stress and forskolin treatment on the cell uptake of liposomes as uptake increased in forskolin exposed conditions (p < 0.05). Overall, the difference in the extent of cell uptake of liposomes among the different conditions clearly displays a need for the development of dynamic models of the placenta that consider the changes in the placental cell phenotype along the gestation period, including syncytialization, microvilli formation, and the expression of different transport and uptake receptors. Knowledge generated from this work will inform future research aiming at developing drug delivery systems targeting the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Jack Tyrrell
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Wai Hei Tse
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny
- Nanomedicine Research Labs, Center for Materials Science, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
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Matsukawa H, Ikezaki M, Nishioka K, Iwahashi N, Fujimoto M, Nishitsuji K, Ihara Y, Ino K. Calnexin Is Involved in Forskolin-induced Syncytialization in Cytotrophoblast Model BeWo Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081050. [PMID: 36008943 PMCID: PMC9405722 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081050] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calnexin (CNX), a membrane-bound molecular chaperone, is involved in protein folding and quality control of nascent glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. We previously suggested critical roles of calreticulin, a functional paralogue of CNX, in placentation, including invasion of extravillous trophoblasts and syncytialization of cytotrophoblasts. However, the roles of CNX in placentation are unclear. In human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, which serve as an experimental model of syncytialization, CNX knockdown suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) induction. Cell-surface luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor, a β-hCG receptor, was significantly down-regulated in CNX-knockdown cells, which suggested the presence of a dysfunctional autocrine loop of β-hCG up-regulation. In this study, we also found abundant CNX expression in normal human placentas. Collectively, our results revealed the critical role of CNX in the syncytialization-related signaling in a villous trophoblast model and suggest a link between CNX expression and placenta development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsukawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Midori Ikezaki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Kaho Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Naoyuki Iwahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Masakazu Fujimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
| | - Kazuchika Nishitsuji
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Yoshito Ihara
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-73-441-0628
| | - Kazuhiko Ino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
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20
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Miranda AL, Racca AC, Kourdova LT, Rojas ML, Cruz Del Puerto M, Rodriguez-Lombardi G, Salas AV, Travella C, da Silva ECO, de Souza ST, Fonseca EJS, Marques ALX, Borbely AU, Genti-Raimondi S, Panzetta-Dutari GM. Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) requires its amino terminal domain to promote villous trophoblast cell fusion. Placenta 2021; 117:139-149. [PMID: 34894601 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) cells fuse to generate and maintain the syncytiotrophoblast layer required for placental development and function. Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a ubiquitous transcription factor with an N-terminal acidic transactivation domain and a C-terminal zinc finger DNA-binding domain. KLF6 is highly expressed in placenta, and it is required for proper placental development. We have demonstrated that KLF6 is necessary for cell fusion in human primary vCTBs, and in the BeWo cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS Full length KLF6 or a mutant lacking its N-terminal domain were expressed in BeWo cells or in primary vCTB cells isolated from human term placentas. Cell fusion, gene and protein expression, and cell proliferation were analyzed. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to identify biochemical, topography, and elasticity cellular modifications. RESULTS The increase in KLF6, but not the expression of its deleted mutant, is sufficient to trigger cell fusion and to raise the expression of β-hCG, syncytin-1, the chaperone protein 78 regulated by glucose (GRP78), the ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2), and Galectin-1 (Gal-1), all molecules involved in vCTB differentiation. Raman and AFM analysis revealed that KLF6 reduces NADH level and increases cell Young's modulus. KLF6-induced differentiation correlates with p21 upregulation and decreased cell proliferation. Remarkable, p21 silencing reduces cell fusion triggered by KLF6 and the KLF6 mutant impairs syncytialization and decreases syncytin-1 and β-hCG expression. DISCUSSION KLF6 induces syncytialization through a mechanism that involves its regulatory transcriptional domain in a p21-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Miranda
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana C Racca
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucille T Kourdova
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Laura Rojas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mariano Cruz Del Puerto
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Rodriguez-Lombardi
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea V Salas
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Travella
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elaine C O da Silva
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Samuel T de Souza
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J S Fonseca
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Aldilane L X Marques
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Alexandre U Borbely
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Susana Genti-Raimondi
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Graciela M Panzetta-Dutari
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.
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21
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Zhang M, Liu J, Zhang R, Liang Z, Ding S, Yu H, Shan Y. Nobiletin, a hexamethoxyflavonoid from citrus pomace, attenuates G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells of JEG-3 and BeWo via regulating the p53 signaling pathway. Food Nutr Res 2021; 65:5649. [PMID: 34650395 PMCID: PMC8494266 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v65.5649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia is associated with abnormal cell apoptosis in trophoblast cells, which causes fetal growth restriction and related placental pathologies. Few effective methods for the prevention and treatment of placenta-related diseases exist. Natural products and functional foods have always been a rich source of potential anti-apoptotic drugs. Nobiletin (NOB), a hexamethoxyflavonoid derived from the citrus pomace, shows an anti-apoptotic activity, which is a non-toxic constituent of dietary phytochemicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, their effects on hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells have not been fully studied. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of human trophoblast JEG-3 and BeWo cells, and their underlying mechanisms. Design First, the protective effect of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of JEG-3 and BeWo cells was studied. Cell viability and membrane integrity were determined by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of HIF1α. Propidium iodide (PI)-labeled flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining, and the expression of apoptosis marker protein cl-PARP was detected by Western blot analysis. Then, the molecular mechanism of NOB against apoptosis was investigated. Computer molecular docking and dynamics were used to simulate the interaction between NOB and p53 protein, and this interaction was verified in vitro by Ultraviolet and visible spectrum (UV-visible spectroscopy), fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Furthermore, the changes in the expression of p53 signaling pathway genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results Hypoxia treatment resulted in a decreased cell viability and cell membrane integrity in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines, and an increased expression of HIF1α, cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and massive cell apoptosis, which were alleviated after NOB treatment. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations found that NOB spontaneously bonded to human p53 protein, leading to the change of protein conformation. The intermolecular interaction between NOB and human p53 protein was further confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. After the treatment of 100 μM NOB, a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels of p53 and p21 and an up-regulation of BCL2/BAX mRNA and protein ratio were observed in JEG-3 cells; however, there was also a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels observed for p53 and p21 in BeWo cells after the treatment of NOB. The BCL2/BAX ratio of BeWo cells did not change after the treatment of 100 μM NOB. Conclusion NOB attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines and might be a potential functional ingredient to prevent pregnancy-related diseases caused by hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These findings would also suggest the exploration and utilization of citrus resources, and the development of citrus industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Zhang
- Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Hunan Agriculture Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Key Lab of Fruits & Vegetables Storage, Processing, Quality and Safety, Hunan Agricultural Products Processing Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Agriculture Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Key Lab of Fruits & Vegetables Storage, Processing, Quality and Safety, Hunan Agricultural Products Processing Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Medical Humanity, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zengenni Liang
- Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Agriculture Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Key Lab of Fruits & Vegetables Storage, Processing, Quality and Safety, Hunan Agricultural Products Processing Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shenghua Ding
- Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Agriculture Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Key Lab of Fruits & Vegetables Storage, Processing, Quality and Safety, Hunan Agricultural Products Processing Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Huanling Yu
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shan
- Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Agriculture Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.,Hunan Key Lab of Fruits & Vegetables Storage, Processing, Quality and Safety, Hunan Agricultural Products Processing Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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22
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Colson A, Depoix CL, Hubinont C, Debiève F. Isolation of Primary Cytotrophoblasts From Human Placenta at Term. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4185. [PMID: 34722831 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4185] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a multifaceted organ, fulfilling critical functions for the fetus and the mother. Therefore, it is a critical regulator of the pregnancy, and its dysfunction leads to diseases, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Studying the placenta is a difficult task since its existence is transient, and its structure is specific to our species. In vitro differentiation of primary cytotrophoblast isolated from term human placenta has been widely used in the placental research field as it represents a reliable model to study cellular differentiation and function. Direct alternatives include trophoblastic cell lines, explants, and organoids, but this protocol, based on the separation of the cells on a Percoll gradient, presents the advantage of being relatively cheap and easy to perform in every research laboratory. Furthermore, the 2D culture is a flexible method that can be adapted to various experimental conditions (transfection, drug exposure, metabolic study, observations, etc.), allowing mechanistic explorations of cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Louis Depoix
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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23
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FURIN and placental syncytialisation: a cautionary tale. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:635. [PMID: 34155192 PMCID: PMC8217546 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
FURIN is a pro-protein convertase previously shown to be important for placental syncytialisation (Zhou et al. [1]), a process of cell fusion whereby placental cytotrophoblast cells fuse to form a multinucleated syncytium. This finding has been broadly accepted however, we have evidence suggesting the contrary. Spontaneously syncytialising term primary human trophoblast cells and BeWo choriocarcinoma cells were treated with either FURIN siRNA or negative control siRNA or the protease inhibitor, DEC-RVKR-CMK, or vehicle. Cells were then left to either spontaneously syncytialise (primary trophoblasts) or were induced to syncytialise with forskolin (BeWo). Effects on syncytialisation were measured by determining human chorionic gonadotrophin secretion and E-cadherin protein levels. We showed that FURIN is not important for syncytialisation in either cell type. However, in primary trophoblasts another protease also inhibited by DEC-RVKR-CMK, may be involved. Our results directly contrast with those published by Zhou et al. Zhou et al. however, used first trimester villous explants to study syncytialisation, and we used term primary trophoblasts. Therefore, we suggest that FURIN may be involved in syncytialisation of first trimester trophoblasts, but not term trophoblasts. What is more concerning is that our results using BeWo cells do not agree with their results, even though for the most part, we used the same experimental design. It is unclear why these experiments yielded different results, however we wanted to draw attention to simple differences in measuring syncytialisation or flaws in method reporting (including omission of cell line source and passage numbers, siRNA concentration and protein molecular weights) and choice of immunoblot loading controls, that could impact on experimental outcomes. Our study shows that careful reporting of methods by authors and thorough scrutiny by referees are vital. Furthermore, a universal benchmark for measuring syncytialisation is required so that various studies of syncytialisation can be validated.
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Ding YB, Wang YX. Regulation of placentation by the transforming growth factor beta superfamily†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:18-26. [PMID: 31566220 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, there is increased expression of some cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface; and the clarification of their roles in trophoblast-endometrium interactions is crucial to understanding the mechanism of placentation. This review addresses the up-to-date reported mechanisms by which the members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily regulate trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of the decidua, which are the main phases of placentation. The available information shows that these cytokines regulate placentation in somehow a synergistic and an antagonistic manner; and that dysregulation of their levels can lead to aberrant placentation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to reconcile some conflicting reports; and identify some unknown mediators involved in the actions of these cytokines before their detailed mechanistic regulation of human placentation could be fully characterized. The TGF beta superfamily are expressed in the placenta, and regulate the process of placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Lokossou AG, Toudic C, Nguyen PT, Elisseeff X, Vargas A, Rassart É, Lafond J, Leduc L, Bourgault S, Gilbert C, Scorza T, Tolosa J, Barbeau B. Endogenous retrovirus-encoded Syncytin-2 contributes to exosome-mediated immunosuppression of T cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:185-198. [PMID: 31318021 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the activation status of immune cell populations during pregnancy depends on placental villous cytotrophoblast (VCT) cells and the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Failure in the establishment of this immunoregulatory function leads to pregnancy complications. Our laboratory has been studying Syncytin-2 (Syn-2), an endogenous retroviral protein expressed in placenta and on the surface of placental exosomes. This protein plays an important role not only in STB formation through its fusogenic properties, but also through its immunosuppressive domain (ISD). Considering that Syn-2 expression is importantly reduced in preeclamptic placentas, we were interested in addressing its possible immunoregulatory effects on T cells. Activated Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with monomeric or dimerized version of a control or a Syn-2 ISD peptide. Change in phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 MAP kinases was selectively noted in Jurkat cells treated with the dimerized ISD peptide. Upon incubation with the dimerized Syn-2 ISD peptide, significant reduction in Th1 cytokine production was further demonstrated by ELISA and Human Th1/Th2 Panel Multi-Analyte Flow Assay. To determine if exosome-associated Syn-2 could also be immunosuppressive placental exosomes were incubated with activated Jurkat and PBMCs. Quantification of Th1 cytokines in the supernatants revealed severe reduction in T cell activation. Interestingly, exosomes from Syn-2-silenced VCT incubated with PBMCs were less suppressive when compared with exosome derived from VCT transfected with control small interfering RNA (siRNA). Our results suggest that Syn-2 is an important immune regulator both locally and systemically, via its association with placental exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adjimon G Lokossou
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Toudic
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Phuong Trang Nguyen
- Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Chemistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xavier Elisseeff
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amandine Vargas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Éric Rassart
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Lafond
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Line Leduc
- CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Chemistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Tatiana Scorza
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jorge Tolosa
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre and Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche BioMed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Wang YX, Ding YB. The interplay between thyroid hormones and the placenta: a comprehensive review†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:8-17. [PMID: 31494673 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate a number of metabolic processes during pregnancy. After implantation, the placenta forms and enhances embryonic growth and development. Dysregulated maternal THs signaling has been observed in malplacentation-mediated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the molecular mechanisms involved in this association have not been fully characterized. In this review, we have discussed THs signaling and its roles in trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the decidua, and decidual angiogenesis. We have also explored the relationship between specific pregnancy complications and placental THs transporters, deiodinases, and THs receptors. In addition, we have examined the effects of specific endocrine disruptors on placental THs signaling. The available evidence indicates that THs signaling is involved in the formation and functioning of the placenta and serves as the basis for understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of dysthyroidism-associated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Apicella C, Ruano CSM, Jacques S, Gascoin G, Méhats C, Vaiman D, Miralles F. Urothelial Cancer Associated 1 (UCA1) and miR-193 Are Two Non-coding RNAs Involved in Trophoblast Fusion and Placental Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633937. [PMID: 34055770 PMCID: PMC8155540 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A bioinformatics screen for non-coding genes was performed from microarrays analyzing on the one hand trophoblast fusion in the BeWo cell model, and on the other hand, placental diseases (preeclampsia and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction). Intersecting the deregulated genes allowed to identify two miRNA (mir193b and miR365a) and one long non-coding RNA (UCA1) that are pivotal for trophoblast fusion, and deregulated in placental diseases. We show that miR-193b is a hub for the down-regulation of 135 cell targets mainly involved in cell cycle progression and energy usage/nutrient transport. UCA1 was explored by siRNA knock-down in the BeWo cell model. We show that its down-regulation is associated with the deregulation of important trophoblast physiology genes, involved in differentiation, proliferation, oxidative stress, vacuolization, membrane repair and endocrine production. Overall, UCA1 knockdown leads to an incomplete gene expression profile modification of trophoblast cells when they are induced to fuse into syncytiotrophoblast. Then we performed the same type of analysis in cells overexpressing one of the two major isoforms of the STOX1 transcription factor, STOX1A and STOX1B (associated previously to impaired trophoblast fusion). We could show that when STOX1B is abundant, the effects of UCA1 down-regulation on forskolin response are alleviated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Apicella
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Camino S M Ruano
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Jacques
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Gascoin
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Équipe Mitolab, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.,Réanimation et Médecine Néonatales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Céline Méhats
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Francisco Miralles
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, U1016 INSERM, UMR 8104, CNRS, Paris, France
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Oliveira MDMS, Salgado CDM, Viana LR, Gomes-Marcondes MCC. Pregnancy and Cancer: Cellular Biology and Mechanisms Affecting the Placenta. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1667. [PMID: 33916290 PMCID: PMC8037654 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy is rarely studied due to its low incidence (1:1000). However, as a result of different sociocultural and economic changes, women are postponing pregnancy, so the number of pregnant women with cancer has been increasing in recent years. The importance of studying cancer during pregnancy is not only based on maternal and foetal prognosis, but also on the evolutionary mechanisms of the cell biology of trophoblasts and neoplastic cells, which point out similarities between and suggest new fields for the study of cancer. Moreover, the magnitude of how cancer factors can affect trophoblastic cells, and vice versa, in altering the foetus's nutrition and health is still a subject to be understood. In this context, the objective of this narrative review was to show that some researchers point out the importance of supplementing branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, in experimental models of pregnancy associated with women with cancer. A leucine-rich diet may be an interesting strategy to preserve physiological placenta metabolism for protecting the mother and foetus from the harmful effects of cancer during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lais Rosa Viana
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (M.d.M.S.O.); (C.d.M.S.)
| | - Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes-Marcondes
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (M.d.M.S.O.); (C.d.M.S.)
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Mining of combined human placental gene expression data across pregnancy, applied to PPAR signaling pathway. Placenta 2020; 99:157-165. [PMID: 32805615 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, we have only an incomplete understanding of how gene expression in the human placenta changes at the genome-wide scale from very early in gestation to term. Our aim was to investigate the dynamic changes in gene expression throughout placentation. METHODS In our study, gene expression profiles were collected of human placentas from 4 to 40 gestational weeks of age. Simple linear regression and weighted correlation network analysis were applied to identify genes of interest. Analyses of gene enrichment, including gene ontology and pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, were performed using clusterProfiler. Finally, dynamic changes in the expression of individual genes were represented using line graphs of scaled and adjusted gene expression. RESULTS Our results highlighted a total of 5173 genes that are involved in different periods of placentation. Downstream annotation of these genes revealed the biological processes and pathways involved, from which we chose to further investigate the PPAR signaling pathway. We were able to detect changes over time in many genes involved in lipid storage/metabolism, including members of the FABP family and LPL. These patterns were corroborated by lipid staining of placental sections, which revealed a significant decrease in lipid droplet content in placentas from early in the first trimester to term. CONCLUSION Our study provides detailed information on the dynamics of biological processes and pathways across human placentation. These findings give us new clues for deciphering the normal functions of placentation and the ways in which the mis-regulation of these pathways may be linked to pregnancy-related diseases. As an example, our results show that the PPAR signaling pathway mediates a constant decrease in placental lipid content over the course of pregnancy.
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Pivotal role of the transcriptional co-activator YAP in trophoblast stemness of the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:13562-13570. [PMID: 32482863 PMCID: PMC7306800 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002630117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pregnancy complications, such as severe forms of preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, are thought to arise from failures in the differentiation of human placental trophoblasts. Progenitors of the latter either develop into invasive extravillous trophoblasts, remodeling the uterine vasculature, or fuse into multinuclear syncytiotrophoblasts transporting oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. However, key regulatory factors controlling trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation have been poorly elucidated. Using primary cells, three-dimensional organoids, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome-edited JEG-3 clones, we herein show that YAP, the transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo signaling pathway, promotes maintenance of cytotrophoblast progenitors by different genomic mechanisms. Genetic or chemical manipulation of YAP in these cellular models revealed that it stimulates proliferation and expression of cell cycle regulators and stemness-associated genes, but inhibits cell fusion and production of syncytiotrophoblast (STB)-specific proteins, such as hCG and GDF15. Genome-wide comparisons of primary villous cytotrophoblasts overexpressing constitutively active YAP-5SA with YAP KO cells and syncytializing trophoblasts revealed common target genes involved in trophoblast stemness and differentiation. ChIP-qPCR unraveled that YAP-5SA overexpression increased binding of YAP-TEAD4 complexes to promoters of proliferation-associated genes such as CCNA and CDK6 Moreover, repressive YAP-TEAD4 complexes containing the histone methyltransferase EZH2 were detected in the genomic regions of the STB-specific CGB5 and CGB7 genes. In summary, YAP plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the human placental trophoblast epithelium. Besides activating stemness factors, it also directly represses genes promoting trophoblast cell fusion.
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Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG. The (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) does not play a role in syncytialisation of term human primary trophoblast cells. Placenta 2020; 97:89-94. [PMID: 32792070 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the placenta, the (pro)renin receptor (ATP6AP2) is localised to the syncytiotrophoblast. ATP6AP2 can activate the placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS), producing Angiotensin II (Ang II) which, acting via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), is important for placental development and function. ATP6AP2 can also independently stimulate intracellular signalling pathways known to regulate trophoblast syncytialisation. We proposed that ATP6AP2 plays a role in trophoblast syncytialisation. METHODS Primary trophoblast cells were isolated from human placentae and transfected with an ATP6AP2 siRNA, a negative control siRNA or vehicle and allowed to spontaneously syncytialise. Syncytialisation was determined by secretion of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and by decreased CDH1 (E-cadherin) levels. Expression of RAS mRNAs and proteins were measured by qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS Primary trophoblast cells spontaneously syncytialised in culture. Syncytialisation did not affect ATP6AP2 mRNA or protein levels. However, the expression of REN, AGT and AGTR1 mRNAs were increased (P = 0.02, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). ATP6AP2 siRNA had no effect on syncytialisation. DISCUSSION In primary trophoblasts, syncytialisation was associated with increased expression of the RAS. hCG was increased during syncytialisation and is known to stimulate REN and possibly AGT, however further experiments are needed to confirm that this was the mechanism via which the RAS was activated. Therefore, syncytialisation of primary trophoblasts may involve hCG-induced RAS activation and downstream activation of signalling pathways and growth factors, which can be stimulated via the interaction of Ang II with AGTR1. Nevertheless, it appears that the (pro)renin receptor is not involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saije K Morosin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 2300, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 2300, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 2300, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 2300, New South Wales, Australia.
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Fondjo LA, Owiredu WKBA, Czika A, Nelson W, Lamptey J, Wang YX, Ding YB. The role of adiponectin in placentation and preeclampsia. Cell Biochem Funct 2019; 38:106-117. [PMID: 31746004 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is not fully understood; and few biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and therapeutic agents for its management have been identified. Original investigative findings suggest that abnormal placentation triggers preeclampsia and leads to hypertension, proteinuria, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation, which are characteristics of the disease. Because of the regulatory roles that it plays in several metabolic processes, adiponectin has become a cytokine of interest in metabolic medicine. In this review, we have discussed the role of adiponectin in trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the decidua, and decidual angiogenesis, which are the major phases of placentation. Also, we have highlighted the physiological profile of adiponectin in the course of normal pregnancy. Moreover, we have discussed the involvement of adiponectin in hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteinuria. Furthermore, we have summarized the reported relationship between the maternal serum adiponectin level and preeclampsia. The available evidence indicates that adiponectin level physiologically falls as pregnancy advances, regulates placentation, and exhibits protective effects against the symptoms of preeclampsia and that while hyperadiponectinemia is evident in normal-weight preeclamptic women, hypoadiponectinemia is evident in overweight and obese preeclamptic women. Therefore, the clinical use of adiponectin as a biomarker, therapeutic target, or therapeutic agent against the disease looks promising and should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Linda Ahenkorah Fondjo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Republic of Ghana
| | - William K B A Owiredu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Republic of Ghana
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - William Nelson
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Toudic C, Vargas A, Xiao Y, St-Pierre G, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 interacts with the human endogenous retroviral envelope protein syncytin-2 and potentiates trophoblast fusion in humans. FASEB J 2019; 33:12873-12887. [PMID: 31499012 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900107r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Syncytin (Syn)-2 is an important fusogenic protein that contributes to the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Galectin (Gal)-1, a soluble lectin, is also involved in trophoblast cell fusion and modulates the interaction of certain retroviral envelopes with their cellular receptor. This study aimed to investigate the association between Syn-2 and Gal-1 during human trophoblast cell fusion. This association was evaluated in vitro on primary villous cytotrophoblasts (vCTBs) and cell lines using recombinant Gal-1 and Syn-2-pseudotyped viruses. Using lactose, a Gal antagonist, and Gal-1-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections, we confirmed the implication of Gal-1 in vCTBs and BeWo cell fusion, although RT-PCR and ELISA analyses suggested that Gal-1 alone did not induce syncytialization. Infection assays showed a specific and significant effect of Gal-1 on the infectivity of Syn-2-pseudotyped viruses that depended on the expression of major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 2A (MFSD2a). Moreover, Gal-3, another placental Gal, did not modulate the infectivity of Syn-2-positive viruses, strengthening the specific association between Gal-1 and Syn-2. Interestingly, Gal-1 significantly reduced the infectivity of Syn-1-pseudotyped viruses, suggesting the opposite effects of Gal-1 on Syn-1 and -2. Finally, coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed a glycan-dependent interaction between Syn-2-bearing virions and Gal-1. We conclude that Gal-1 specifically interacts with Syn-2 and possibly regulates Syn-2/MFSD2a interaction during syncytialization of trophoblastic cells.-Toudic, C., Vargas, A., Xiao, Y., St-Pierre, G., Bannert, N., Lafond, J., Rassart, É., Sato, S., Barbeau, B. Galectin-1 interacts with the human endogenous retroviral envelope protein syncytin-2 and potentiates trophoblast fusion in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amandine Vargas
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Centre de Recherche BioMed, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dubey R, Malhotra SS, Gupta SK. Forskolin-mediated BeWo cell fusion involves down-regulation of miR-92a-1-5p that targets dysferlin and protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 79:e12834. [PMID: 29484758 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To study the role of miRNA(s) during trophoblastic BeWo cell fusion. METHOD OF STUDY Changes in miRNA(s) profile of BeWo cells treated with forskolin were analyzed using Affymetrix miRNA microarray platform. Down-regulated miRNA, miR-92a-1-5p, was overexpressed in BeWo cells followed by forskolin treatment to understand its relevance in the process of BeWo cell fusion by desmoplakin I+II staining and hCG secretion by ELISA. Predicted targets of miR-92a-1-5p were also confirmed by qRT-PCR/Western blotting. RESULTS The miRNA profiling of BeWo cells after forskolin (25 μmol/L) treatment identified miR-92a-1-5p as the most significantly down-regulated miRNA both at 24 and 48 hours time points. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-5p in these cells led to a significant decrease in forskolin-mediated cell fusion and hCG secretion. miRNA target prediction software, TargetScan, revealed dysferlin (DYSF) and protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), as target genes of miR-92a-1-5p. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-5p in BeWo cells showed reduction in forskolin-induced transcripts for DYSF and PRKACA. Further, reduction in DYSF (~2.6-fold) at protein level and PRKACA-encoded protein kinase A catalytic subunit alpha (PKAC-α; ~1.6-fold) were also observed. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that miR-92a-1-5p regulates forskolin-mediated BeWo cell fusion and hCG secretion by regulating PKA signaling pathway and dysferlin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Dubey
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudha S Malhotra
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Satish K Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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Li L, Rubin LP, Gong X. MEF2 transcription factors in human placenta and involvement in cytotrophoblast invasion and differentiation. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:10-19. [PMID: 29127222 PMCID: PMC5866412 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00076.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the human placenta and its trophoblast cell types is critical for a successful pregnancy. Defects in trophoblast invasion and differentiation are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia. The members of myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors are key regulators of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and invasion in various cell types and tissues and might play a similarly important role in regulating trophoblast proliferation, invasion, and differentiation during human placental development. In the present study, using human cytotrophoblast cell lines (HTR8/SVneo and BeWo) and primary human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), we show that members of the MEF2 family are differentially expressed in human placental CTBs, with MEF2B and MEF2D being highly expressed in first trimester extravillous CTBs. Overexpression of MEF2D results in cytotrophoblast proliferation and enhances the invasion and migration of extravillous-like HTR8/SVneo cells. This invasive property is blocked by overexpression of a dominant negative MEF2 (dnMEF2). In contrast, MEF2A is the principal MEF2 isoform expressed in term CTBs, MEF2C and MEF2D being expressed more weakly, and MEF2B expression being undetected. Overexpression of MEF2A induces cytotrophoblast differentiation and syncytium formation in BeWo cells. During in vitro differentiation of primary CTBs, MEF2A expression is associated with CTB differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast. Additionally, the course of p38 MAPK and ERK5 activities parallels the increase in MEF2A expression. These findings suggest individual members of MEF2 family distinctively regulate cytotrophoblast proliferation, invasion, and differentiation. Dysregulation of expression of MEF2 family or of their upstream signaling pathways may be associated with placenta-related pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Li
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso , El Paso, Texas
| | - Lewis P Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso , El Paso, Texas
| | - Xiaoming Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas
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Liu X, Zuo R, Bao Y, Qu X, Sun K, Ying H. Down-regulation of PDK4 is Critical for the Switch of Carbohydrate Catabolism during Syncytialization of Human Placental Trophoblasts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8474. [PMID: 28814762 PMCID: PMC5559526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) is known as a gatekeeper directing the carbon flux into glycolysis via inhibition of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. During syncytialization of placental trophoblasts, both ATP production and oxygen consumption are increased to meet enhanced energetic demands by syntiotrophoblasts. We hypothesized that down-regulation of PDK expression may play a central role in the switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) during syncytialization. By using primary human trophoblasts, we demonstrated that PDK4 was the dominating PDK isoform in human cytotrophoblasts, and its abundance was substantially decreased upon syncytialization, which was accompanied by decreases in lactate production and increases in ATP production. Knock-down of PDK4 expression reduced lactate production and increased ATP production, while over-expression of PDK4 increased lactate production and decreased ATP production, indicating that down-regulation of PDK4 is key to the shift from glycolysis to OXPHOS during syncytialization. Moreover, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/cAMP/PKA pathway was demonstrated to be involved in the down-regulation of PDK4 expression upon syncytialization. Taken together, our findings disclosed that down-regulation of PDK4 is critical for the metabolic shift from glycolysis to OXPHOS during syncytialization, which may be a prerequisite for the proper implementation of syncytiotrophoblast functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
| | - Rujuan Zuo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, P. R. China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, P. R. China.
| | - Yirong Bao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxian Qu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, P. R. China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, P. R. China.
| | - Hao Ying
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China.
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38
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Zuo R, Liu X, Wang W, Li W, Ying H, Sun K. A repressive role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 expression in the human placenta. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:7578-7587. [PMID: 28302719 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.765800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which acts as a placental glucocorticoid barrier, is silenced in cytotrophoblasts but substantially up-regulated during syncytialization. However, the repressive mechanism of 11β-HSD2 expression before syncytialization and how this repression is lifted during syncytialization remain mostly unresolved. Here we found that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) accounts for the silence of 11β-HSD2 expression via trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 at the promoter of the 11β-HSD2 gene. Further studies revealed that, upon syncytialization, human chorionic gonadotropin reduced the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) via activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway, which sequesters E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), the transcription factor for EZH2 expression. As a result of inactivation of the pRB-E2F1-EZH2 pathway, the repressive marker trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 at the 11β-HSD2 promoter is removed, which leads to the robust expression of 11β-HSD2 during syncytialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujuan Zuo
- From the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,the Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China, and
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- From the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,the Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China, and
| | - Wenjiao Li
- From the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,the Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China, and
| | - Hao Ying
- the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Kang Sun
- From the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China, .,the Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China, and
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Blundell C, Tess ER, Schanzer ASR, Coutifaris C, Su EJ, Parry S, Huh D. A microphysiological model of the human placental barrier. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3065-73. [PMID: 27229450 PMCID: PMC4970951 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00259e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
During human pregnancy, the fetal circulation is separated from maternal blood in the placenta by two cell layers - the fetal capillary endothelium and placental trophoblast. This placental barrier plays an essential role in fetal development and health by tightly regulating the exchange of endogenous and exogenous materials between the mother and the fetus. Here we present a microengineered device that provides a novel platform to mimic the structural and functional complexity of this specialized tissue in vitro. Our model is created in a multilayered microfluidic system that enables co-culture of human trophoblast cells and human fetal endothelial cells in a physiologically relevant spatial arrangement to replicate the characteristic architecture of the human placental barrier. We have engineered this co-culture model to induce progressive fusion of trophoblast cells and to form a syncytialized epithelium that resembles the syncytiotrophoblast in vivo. Our system also allows the cultured trophoblasts to form dense microvilli under dynamic flow conditions and to reconstitute expression and physiological localization of membrane transport proteins, such as glucose transporters (GLUTs), critical to the barrier function of the placenta. To provide a proof-of-principle for using this microdevice to recapitulate native function of the placental barrier, we demonstrated physiological transport of glucose across the microengineered maternal-fetal interface. Importantly, the rate of maternal-to-fetal glucose transfer in this system closely approximated that measured in ex vivo perfused human placentas. Our "placenta-on-a-chip" platform represents an important advance in the development of new technologies to model and study the physiological complexity of the human placenta for a wide variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Blundell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Emily R Tess
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ariana S R Schanzer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily J Su
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Samuel Parry
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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The endocannabinoid system: A novel player in human placentation. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:58-67. [PMID: 26965993 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most consumed illegal drug around the world. Its consumption during pregnancy is associated with gestational complications, particularly with fetal growth restriction. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid molecules that act by activating the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, which are also target of the phytocannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in distinct biological processes, including pain, inflammation, neuroprotection, and several reproductive events. In addition, an abnormal expression of ECS is associated with infertility and miscarriages. This manuscript will review and discuss the expression of ECS in normal and pathological human placentas, and the role of eCBs and THC in trophoblast proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and function. The current evidence points towards a role of ECS in human placentation, shedding light on the contribution of the eCBs in the coordination of human placentation, and in the cellular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of cannabis consumption during pregnancy.
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