Cyclosporine A promotes in vitro migration of human first-trimester trophoblasts via MAPK/ERK1/2-mediated NF-κB and Ca2+/calcineurin/NFAT signaling

Navigating the microalgal maze: a comprehensive review of recent advances and future perspectives in biological networks

MAIN CONCLUSION

PPI analysis deepens our knowledge in critical processes like carbon fixation and nutrient sensing. Moreover, signaling networks, including pathways like MAPK/ERK and TOR, provide valuable information in how microalgae respond to environmental changes and stress. Additionally, species-species interaction networks for microalgae provide a comprehensive understanding of how different species interact within their environments. This review examines recent advancements in the study of biological networks within microalgae, with a focus on the intricate interactions that define these organisms. It emphasizes how network biology, an interdisciplinary field, offers valuable insights into microalgae functions through various methodologies. Crucial approaches, such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) mapping utilizing yeast two-hybrid screening and mass spectrometry, are essential for comprehending cellular processes and optimizing functions, such as photosynthesis and fatty acid biosynthesis. The application of advanced computational methods and information mining has significantly improved PPI analysis, revealing networks involved in critical processes like carbon fixation and nutrient sensing. The review also encompasses transcriptional networks, which play a role in gene regulation and stress responses, as well as metabolic networks represented by genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), which aid in strain optimization and the prediction of metabolic outcomes. Furthermore, signaling networks, including pathways like MAPK/ERK and TOR, are crucial for understanding how microalgae respond to environmental changes and stress. Additionally, species-species interaction networks for microalgae provide a comprehensive understanding of how different species interact within their environments. The integration of these network biology approaches has deepened our understanding of microalgal interactions, paving the way for more efficient cultivation and new industrial applications.

NFAT inhibitor 11R-VIVIT ameliorates mouse renal fibrosis after ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) with maladaptive tubular repair leads to renal fibrosis and progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD). At present, there is no curative drug to interrupt AKI-to-CKD progression. The nuclear factor of the activated T cell (NFAT) family was initially identified as a transcription factor expressed in most immune cells and involved in the transcription of cytokine genes and other genes critical for the immune response. NFAT2 is also expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and podocytes and plays an important regulatory role in the kidney. In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effect of 11R-VIVIT, a peptide inhibitor of NFAT, on renal fibrosis in the AKI-to-CKD transition and the underlying mechanisms. We first examined human renal biopsy tissues and found that the expression of NFAT2 was significantly increased in RTECs in patients with severe renal fibrosis. We then established a mouse model of AKI-to-CKD transition using bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (Bi-IRI). The mice were treated with 11R-VIVIT (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on Days 1, 3, 10, 17 and 24 after Bi-IRI. We showed that the expression of NFAT2 was markedly increased in RTECs in the AKI-to-CKD transition. 11R-VIVIT administration significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in RTECs, decreased the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis but had no toxic side effects on the heart and liver. In addition, we showed that 11R-VIVIT administration alleviated RTEC apoptosis after Bi-IRI. Consistently, preapplication of 11R-VIVIT (100 nM) and transfection with NFAT2-targeted siRNA markedly suppressed TGFβ-induced HK-2 cell apoptosis in vitro. In conclusion, 11R-VIVIT administration inhibits IRI-induced NFAT2 activation and prevents AKI-to-CKD progression. Inhibiting NFAT2 may be a promising new therapeutic strategy for preventing renal fibrosis after IR-AKI.

The prolonged disease state of infertility is associated with embryonic epigenetic dysregulation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epigenetic consequence of a prolonged disease state of infertility in euploid blastocysts.

DESIGN

Methylome analysis as well as targeted imprinted methylation and expression analysis on individual human euploid blastocysts examined in association with duration of patient infertility and time to live birth.

SETTING

Research study.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred four surplus cryopreserved euploid blastocysts of transferrable-quality were donated with informed patient consent and grouped based on time to pregnancy (TTP).

INTERVENTION(S)

None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Methyl Maxi-Seq platform (Zymo Research) was used to determine genome-wide methylation, while targeted methylation and expression analyses were performed by pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Statistical analyses used Student's t test, 1-way ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, and pairwise-fixed reallocation randomization test, where appropriate.

RESULT(S)

The methylome analysis of individual blastocysts revealed significant alterations at 6,609 CpG sites associated with prolonged infertility (≥60 months) compared with those of fertile controls (0 months). Significant CpG alterations were localized to numerous imprinting control regions and imprinted genes, and several signaling pathways were highly represented among genes that were differentially methylated. Targeted imprinting methylation analysis uncovered significant hypomethylation at KvDMR and MEST imprinting control regions, with significant decreases in the gene expression levels upon extended TTP (≥36 months) compared to minimal TTP (≤24 months).

CONCLUSION(S)

The prolonged disease state of infertility correlates with an altered methylome in euploid blastocysts, with particular emphasis on genomic imprinting regulation, compared with assisted reproductive technologies alone.

Effects of cyclosporine A on proliferation, invasion and migration of HTR-8/SVneo human extravillous trophoblasts

As shown in our previous study, cyclosporine A (CsA) promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of villous trophoblasts, thus improving embryo implantation. In addition, the incidence of preeclampsia (PE) is decreased in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and repeated implantation failure (RIF) treated with CsA during the first trimester. Abnormal function of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in early pregnancy is recognized as the pathogenetic mechanism of PE. EVTs share homology and function with pre-villous trophoblasts and villous trophoblasts; thus, we hypothesized that CsA may have the same regulatory effect on EVTs. In this study, we investigated the effects of CsA on HTR-8/SVneo trophoblasts in the extravillous layer and explored the underlying mechanisms. QPCR and Western blot (WB) analyses were performed to detect expression alterations in relevant proliferation and invasion proteins in response to different concentrations of CsA. We used an Affymetrix IVT expression microarray to examine the target genes of CsA in preeclamptic placentas versus normal placentas. Our results showed that certain concentrations of CsA could promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of HTR8/SVneo cells. CsA was also found to promote the expression of titin, MMP9, EGFR, and PRR15. TRAIL may be a target gene for CsA-mediated regulation of EVTs. CONCLUSIONS: By promoting the expression of related proteins and regulating the functions of HTR8/SVneo cells, CsA can promote vascular recasting and placental function, which may affect the pathogenesis of PE.

Autophagy regulates trophoblast invasion by targeting NF-κB activity

Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy, affecting 5-10% of parturients worldwide. Recent studies have suggested that autophagy is involved in trophoblast invasion and may be associated with defective placentation underlying preeclampsia. We thus aimed to understand the mechanistic link between autophagy and trophoblast invasion. Using the two most commonly used trophoblast cell lines, JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo, we inhibited autophagy by ATG5 and beclin-1 shRNA. Conversion of LC3-II was evaluated in ATG5 and beclin-1 knock-down cells in the presence of the lysosomal protease inhibitors E-64d and pepstatin A, to detect the efficiency of autophagy inhibition. Upon autophagy inhibition, we measured cell invasion, activity of NF-κB and related signaling pathways, MMP-2, MMP-9, sFlt-1, and TNF-α levels. Autophagy inhibition increased the invasiveness of these trophoblastic cell lines and increased Akt and NF-κB activity as well as p65 expression. Of note, an NF-κB inhibitor significantly attenuated the trophoblast invasion induced by autophagy inhibition. Autophagy inhibition was also associated with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and decreased the production of sFlt-1 and TNF-α. Collectively, our results indicate that autophagy regulates trophoblast invasiveness in which the NF-κB pathway and MMP-2, MMP-9, sFlt-1 and TNF-α levels are affected.

Cyclosporin A protects trophoblasts from H2O2-induced oxidative injury via FAK-Src pathway

Oxidative stress is associated with functional disorder of trophoblast cells. Our previous studies have demonstrated that cyclosporin A (CsA) promotes the activity of normal human trophoblast cells. We further investigated the role and mechanism of CsA on oxidative stress in trophoblast cells. JEG-3 cells were co-cultured with H₂O₂ and CsA. Cell viability and morphology were measured by MTT assay and inverted microscope. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were examined using colorimetric assays. The expression and phosphorylation of FAK and Src kinase proteins were examined by western blotting. CsA increased JEG-3 cell viability and reduced the morphologic injury induced by H₂O₂ treatment. CsA decreased ROS and MDA production, increased SOD and CAT activities, and restored the MMP of H₂O₂ treated JEG-3 cells. CsA administration suppressed H₂O₂-induced reduction of FAK and Src phosphorylation. Blocking the activation of FAK or Src attenuated the protective effect of CsA on JEG-3 cells in H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury. CsA protects JEG-3 cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury, and the FAK/Src signaling pathway plays an important role in this process.

Microtubule depolymerization attenuates WNT4/CaMKIIα signaling in mouse uterus and leads to implantation failure

Microtubule (MT) dynamics plays a crucial role in fertilization and early embryonic development; however its involvement in uterus during embryo implantation remains unclear. Herein, we report the effect of microtubule depolymerization during embryo implantation in BALB/c mice. Intrauterine treatment with depolymerizing agent nocodazole at pre-implantation phase (D4, 07:00 h) in mice resulted into mitigation in receptivity markers viz. LIF, HoxA10, Integrin-β3, IHH, WNT4 and led to pregnancy failure. MT depolymerization in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) also inhibited the blastocyst attachment and the adhesion. The decreased expression of MT polymerization-related proteins TPPP and α/β-tubulin in luminal and glandular epithelial cells along with the alteration in morphology of pinopodes in the luminal epithelium was observed in nocodazole receiving uteri. Nocodazole treatment also led to increased intracellular Ca+2levels in EECs, which indicated that altered Ca+2homeostasis might be responsible for implantation failure. Microtubule depolymerization inhibited WNT4 and Fz-2 interaction, thereby suppressing the downstream WNT4/CaMKIIα signaling cascades calmodulin and calcineurin which led to attenuation of NF-κB transcriptional promoter activity in EECs. MT depolymerization or CaMKIIα knockdown inhibited the transcription factor NFAT and NF-κB expression along with reduced secretion of prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2α in mouse EECs. Overall, MT depolymerization impaired the WNT4/CaMKIIα signaling and suppressed the secretion of PGE2 and PGF2α in EECs which may be responsible for implantation failure in mice.

Cyclosporine A improves pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and elevated Th1/Th2 ratio

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a one of the most common obstetrical complications. Since, the successful pregnancy occurs in T helper 2 (Th2)-dominant situation and since, Th1 type immunity is related to pregnancy failure, we investigated the effects of cyclosporine on Th1 and Th2 cells in RPL women. Totally, 76 RPL patients (38 women as treated group and 38 as control group) were included in this study. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the frequency of Th1 and Th2 in blood samples. Also, real-time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transcription factors and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate Th1 and Th2 related cytokines. Significant decrease in Th1 frequency (p = 0.0004), Th1/Th2 ratio (p < 0.0001), T-bet mRNA expression (p < 0.0001), interferon-γ (p = 0.0007), and tumor necrosis factor α (p = 0.0002) secretion level were observed in cyclosporine group. Moreover, significant increase in Th2 frequency (p < 0.0001), mRNA expression of GATA binding protein 3 (p = 0.0001), and interleukin 10 secretion level (p = 0.0027) was also evident in treated group. At the end of the investigation, 31 (81.5%) patients in cyclosporine-treated group had successful childbirth when compared with 16 (42.1%) women in control group (p = 0.0001). Given this, cyclosporine treatment for RPL patients with elevated Th1/Th2 ratio can result in improved pregnancy outcome.

The Impact of Immunosuppressive Drugs on Human Placental Explants

The use of immunosuppressive drugs guarantees the vitality of the graft and allows gestation in spite of intercurrences such as prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction. However, little is known about the direct effects of immunosuppressive drugs on placental cells. We investigated the effects of immunosuppressive drugs in the chorionic villous explants from human term placentas of healthy gestations. Human placental explants from term gestations (37-39 week gestational age, n = 12) were exposed to cyclosporine A (CSA, 0, 62.5, 125, 1250 ng/mL) or azathioprine (AZA, 0, 5, 10, 100 ng/mL) separately or, in combination for up to 48 hours. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays showed a significant decrease in the explant metabolic activity between AZA and the control group (24 hours, 100 ng/mL, 48 hours, all concentrations, P < .005). Cyclosporin A (CsA) reduced cell activity when associated with AZA (48 hours, P < .005). Fibrinoid deposits increased in AZA-treated explants alone (5 ng/mL, 48 hours; 10 ng/mL, 24-48 hours; P < .005) or when associated with CsA (10 AZA/125 CsA, P < .05), whereas in CsA treatment alone, there was an augment in syncytial knots (24-48 hours, P < .005). The sFLT1 gene (24 hours, P < .05) and protein ( P < .005) expression increased in AZA and CsA-treatments separately or in combination ( P < .05). Placental growth factor increased in AZA (24 hours, 10 ng/mL) and CsA (125 ng/mL; P < .05). In conclusion, our data indicate that AZA primarily acts on the villous metabolism, perturbing placental homeostasis. Since these drugs may alter the balance of angiogenic factors in its selection for clinical application, their impact on the behavior of placental villous should be considered.

Trichlorfon inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells

Trichlorfon is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture. Additionally, it is applied to pigs for control of endo- and ectoparasites. Previous studies have shown the effects of trichlorfon in pigs during late stages of gestation; however, little is known about its effects during early pregnancy, including implantation and placentation. We investigated whether trichlorfon affects proliferation and apoptosis of porcine trophectoderm (pTr) and uterine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells. Trichlorfon inhibited the proliferation of pTr and pLE cells, as evidenced by cell cycle arrest, and altered the expression of proliferation-related proteins. In addition, trichlorfon induced cell death and apoptotic features, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation, in pTr and pLE cells. Moreover, trichlorfon treatment decreased concentrations of Ca²⁺ in the cytoplasm in both cell lines and increased concentrations of Ca²⁺ in mitochondria of pTr cells. Trichlorfon inhibited the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in pTr and pLE cells. Therefore, we suggest that trichlorfon-treated pTr and pLE cells exhibited abnormal cell physiology which might lead to early pregnancy failure.

Chronic type-I diabetes could not impede the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of combined postconditioning with ischemia and cyclosporine A in myocardial reperfusion injury

It has been shown that diabetes modifies the myocardial responses to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and to cardioprotective agents. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of combined treatment with ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) and cyclosporine A (CsA) on inflammation and apoptosis of the diabetic myocardium injured by I/R. Eight weeks after induction of diabetes in Wistar rats, hearts were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and were subsequently subjected to a 30-min regional ischemia followed by 45-min reperfusion. IPostC was induced at the onset of reperfusion, by 3 cycles of 30-s reperfusion/ischemia (R/I). The concentration of creatine kinase (CK), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were determined; the levels of total and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (p-GSK3β) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were quantified by western blotting, and the rate of apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Administration of either IPostC or CsA alone in nondiabetic animals significantly reduced CK, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations, increased the p-GSK3β and Bcl-2, and decreased the level of apoptosis (P < 0.05) but had no effect on diabetic hearts. However, in diabetic animals, after administration of CsA, the cardioprotective effects of IPostC in increasing the p-GSK3β and Bcl-2 and decreasing apoptosis and inflammation were restored in comparison with nonpostconditioned diabetic hearts. IPostC or CsA failed to affect apoptosis and inflammation and failed to protect the diabetic myocardium against I/R injury. However, combined administration of IPostC and CsA at reperfusion can protect the diabetic myocardium by decreasing the inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Cyclosporin A upregulates ETB receptor in vascular smooth muscle via activation of mitogen-activating protein kinases and NF-κB pathways

Hypertension is one of the most frequent complications of solid organ transplantation, and cyclosporin A (CsA) plays a predominant role in the pathophysiology of post-transplant hypertension. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of CsA-induced hypertension remain obscure. We previously showed that CsA increased the mRNA expression and contractile function of endothelin B (ETB) receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells. The present study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of CsA-induced upregulation of ETB receptor in vasculature. Rat mesenteric arteries were incubated with CsA in an organ culture system, and results showed that CsA enhanced ETB receptor mRNA in the time- and dose-dependent manner, and increased protein expression levels of ETB receptor after treatment with CsA 10(-5)M for 6h. Furthermore, CsA induced phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p38, and translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 in vasculature. Blocking ERK1/2, p38, or NF-κB activation with their specific inhibitors markedly attenuated CsA-induced upregulation of ETB receptor mRNA expression and protein levels, and ETB receptor-mediated contraction. In summary, this study showed that mitogen-activating protein kinases (ERK1/2 and p38) and the downstream transcriptional factor NF-κB pathways were involved in CsA-induced upregulation of ETB receptor in arterial smooth muscle cells.

Nodal signals via β-arrestins and RalGTPases to regulate trophoblast invasion

Placentation is critical for establishing a healthy pregnancy. Trophoblasts mediate implantation and placentation and certain subtypes, most notably extravillous cytotrophoblast, are highly invasive. Trophoblast invasion is tightly regulated by microenvironmental cues that dictate placental morphology and depth. In choriocarcinomas, malignant trophoblast cells become hyperinvasive, breaching the myometrium and leading to major complications. Nodal, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is expressed throughout the endometrium during the peri-implantation period and in invasive trophoblast cells. Nodal promotes the invasion of numerous types of cancer cells. However, Nodal's role in trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cell invasion is unclear. Here we show that Nodal stimulates the invasion of both the non-malignant HTR-8SV/neo trophoblast and JAR choriocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. We found that endogenous β-arrestins and Ral GTPases, key regulators of the cell cytoskeleton, are constitutively associated with Nodal receptors (ALK4 and ALK7) in trophoblast cells and that RalA is colocalized with ALK4 in endocytic vesicles. Nodal stimulates endogenous β-arrestin2 to associate with phospho-ERK1/2, and knockdown of β-arrestin or Ral proteins impairs Nodal-induced trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cell invasion. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that β-arrestins and RalGTPases are important regulators of Nodal-induced invasion.

Rationale of personalized immunosuppressive medication for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is the only potentially curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is not eligible for surgical resection. However, disease recurrence is the main challenge to the success of this treatment. Immunosuppressants that are universally used after transplantation to prevent graft rejection could potentially have a significant impact on HCC recurrence. Nevertheless, current research is exclusively focused on mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, which are thought to be the only class of immunosuppressive agents that can reduce HCC recurrence. In fact, substantial evidence from the bench to the bedside indicates that other classes of immunosuppressants may also exert diverse effects; for example, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitors potentially have antitumor effects. In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential effects of different types of immunosuppressants on HCC recurrence and their mechanisms of action from both experimental and clinical perspectives. To ultimately improve the outcomes of HCC patients after transplantation, we propose a concept and approaches for developing personalized immunosuppressive medication to be used either as immunosuppression maintenance or during the prevention/treatment of HCC recurrence.

HLA-G regulates the invasive properties of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells by controlling STAT3 activation

The expression of human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) in trophoblasts plays a crucial role in successful embryonic implantation, and reduced HLA-G expression might contribute to adverse obstetric outcomes. In this study, we silenced HLA-G expression using RNA interference in JEG-3 cells, resulting in a notably attenuated invasion capacity of the cells in a Transwell assay; however, no alterations in cell proliferation or apoptosis were observed. The down-regulation of HLA-G dampened the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), whereas the up-regulation of HLA-G promoted STAT3 activation and invasion in JEG-3 cells treated with human galectin-1. Most importantly, interleukin-6 (IL-6), but not galectin-1, was shown to rescue invasion deficiency in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that HLA-G is able to regulate JEG-3 cell invasion by influencing STAT3 activation, which may underlie the implantation defects accompanying HLA-G hypo-expression in pre-eclampsia.

Hyaluronan up-regulates growth and invasion of trophoblasts in an autocrine manner via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways in early human pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

As one of the key molecules in the extracellular matrix in human conceptus, hyaluronan (HA) has been receiving particular attention. Here, we have investigated the expression and regulation of different molecular weight HA on the biological behaviors of primary human trophoblasts during the first trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

The expression of HA and HA synthetase (HAS) by human first trimester trophoblasts was analyzed in placentae from normal pregnancy or miscarriage by immunochemistry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the secretion of HA by primary trophoblasts. The effects of HA on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasiveness of trophoblasts were examined. We also investigated the signaling pathways involved in HA activation in human trophoblasts.

RESULTS

The higher HAS2 expression and HA secretion were observed in normal villi than that of miscarriage, and the primary trophoblasts secreted HA continuously. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) and medium molecular weight HA (MMW-HA) promoted proliferation and invasiveness while inhibited apoptosis of trophoblasts. However, low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) had no obvious effect on the growth or invasiveness of human trophoblasts. In addition, HMW-HA showed more efficiently than MMW-HA on the growth while MMW-HA displayed a more obvious effect on the invasiveness of trophoblasts than HMW-HA. HMW-HA activated PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways in trophoblasts. Blocking PI3K/AKT or MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling inhibited the HA-upregulated growth and invasiveness of human trophoblasts.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that higher level and greater molecular mass of HA can promote trophoblast growth and invasion in an autocrine manner, which was beneficial to placentation and maintenance of human early pregnancy.