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Gusar VA, Timofeeva AV, Chagovets VV, Kan NE, Ivanets TY, Sukhikh GT. Regulation of the Placental Growth Factor Mediated by Sumoylation and Expression of miR-652-3p in Pregnant Women with Early-Onset Preeclampsia. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 174:174-178. [PMID: 36437340 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05668-z] [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: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We studied regulation of the expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) that plays an important role in the trophoblast cells functions and reduced production of which by the placenta is associated with gestational complications. PlGF expression is regulated by transcription factors whose activity is controlled by sumoylation, which is also necessary for the formation of an adequate cellular response to hypoxia. Increased sumoylation and reduced expression of some miRNA targeted to transcription factors VEGF, GCM-1, and UBC9 conjugating SUMO with targets protein were detected in the placenta. Correlations were revealed between changes in the expression of miR-423-3p and miR-652-3p, the level of SUMO 1-4 and UBC9 in the placenta, reduced concentration of PlGF, and increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the blood of pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia, which attests to the presence of a regulatory mechanism along the axis of miR-652-3p/SUMO-2/3/4/UBC9/GCM-1/PlGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Gusar
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - A V Timofeeva
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Chagovets
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - N E Kan
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - T Yu Ivanets
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - G T Sukhikh
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Gusar V, Timofeeva A, Chagovets V, Kan N, Vysokikh M, Marey M, Karapetyan A, Baev O, Sukhikh G. Diagnostic Potential of Exosomal HypoxamiRs in the Context of Hypoxia-Sumoylation-HypoxamiRs in Early Onset Preeclampsia at the Preclinical Stage. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12010101. [PMID: 35054494 PMCID: PMC8780366 DOI: 10.3390/life12010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the search for non-invasive preclinical markers of preeclampsia (PE) expands, the number of studies on the diagnostic potential of exosomes is growing. Changes in the partial pressure of oxygen caused by impaired uteroplacental perfusion in PE are a powerful inducer of increased production and release of exosomes from cells, which also determine their cargo. At the same time, the expression pattern of oxygen-dependent microRNAs (miRNAs), called "hypoxamiRs", is modulated, and their packing into exosomes is strictly regulated by sumoylation. In connection therewith, we emphasize the evaluation of exosomal hypoxamiR expression (miR-27b-3p, miR-92b-3p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-186-5p) using quantitative RT-PCR, as well as SUMO 1-4 and UBC9 (by Western blotting), in pregnant women with early-onset PE. The findings show that miR-27b-3p and miR-92b-3p expression was significantly changed at 11-14 and 24-26 weeks of gestation in the blood plasma of pregnant women with early-onset PE, which subsequently manifested. High sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 1) were demonstrated for these miRNAs in the first trimester, and significant correlations with a decrease in hemoglobin (r = 0.71, p = 0.002; r = -0.71, p = 0.002) were established. In mid-pregnancy, the miR-27b-3p expression was found to correlate with an increase in platelets (r = -0.95, p = 0.003), and miR-92b-3p was associated with a decrease in the prothrombin index (r = 0.95, p = 0.003). Specific exomotifs of studied miRNAs were also identified, to which the sumoylated ribonucleoprotein hnRNPA2/B1 binds, carrying out their packaging into exosomes. The expression of conjugated SUMO 1 (p = 0.05), SUMO 2/3/4 (p = 0.03), and UBC9 (p = 0.1) was increased in exosomes at early-onset PE, and the expression of free SUMO 1 (p = 0.03) and SUMO 2/3/4 (p = 0.01) was significantly increased in the placenta, as an adaptive response to hypoxia. Moreover, SUMO 2/3/4 was negatively correlated with miR-27b-3p expression in the placenta. In conclusion, the diagnostic potential of exosomal hypoxamiRs mediated by sumoylation may form the basis for the development of combined specific targets for the treatment of early-onset PE, as hnRNPA2/B1 is a target of miR-27b-3p, and its sumoylation creates miR-27b-3p-hnRNPA2/B1-SUMO 1-4 cross-talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislava Gusar
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Angelika Timofeeva
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Metabolomics of Human Reproduction, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nataliya Kan
- Directorat, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Mikhail Vysokikh
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Medicine, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Marey
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Medicine, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Karapetyan
- Maternity Department, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (O.B.)
| | - Oleg Baev
- Maternity Department, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (O.B.)
| | - Gennadiy Sukhikh
- Directorat, Federal State Budget Institution, “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Oparin Str. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.K.); (G.S.)
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Cappelletti M, Presicce P, Feiyang M, Senthamaraikannan P, Miller LA, Pellegrini M, Sim MS, Jobe AH, Divanovic S, Way SS, Chougnet CA, Kallapur SG. The induction of preterm labor in rhesus macaques is determined by the strength of immune response to intrauterine infection. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001385. [PMID: 34495952 PMCID: PMC8452070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine infection/inflammation (IUI) is a major contributor to preterm labor (PTL). However, IUI does not invariably cause PTL. We hypothesized that quantitative and qualitative differences in immune response exist in subjects with or without PTL. To define the triggers for PTL, we developed rhesus macaque models of IUI driven by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or live Escherichia coli. PTL did not occur in LPS challenged rhesus macaques, while E. coli–infected animals frequently delivered preterm. Although LPS and live E. coli both caused immune cell infiltration, E. coli–infected animals showed higher levels of inflammatory mediators, particularly interleukin 6 (IL-6) and prostaglandins, in the chorioamnion-decidua and amniotic fluid (AF). Neutrophil infiltration in the chorio-decidua was a common feature to both LPS and E. coli. However, neutrophilic infiltration and IL6 and PTGS2 expression in the amnion was specifically induced by live E. coli. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of fetal membranes revealed that specific pathways involved in augmentation of inflammation including type I interferon (IFN) response, chemotaxis, sumoylation, and iron homeostasis were up-regulated in the E. coli group compared to the LPS group. Our data suggest that the intensity of the host immune response to IUI may determine susceptibility to PTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cappelletti
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Pietro Presicce
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ma Feiyang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences–Collaboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paranthaman Senthamaraikannan
- Division of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences–Collaboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Myung S. Sim
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Alan H. Jobe
- Division of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Senad Divanovic
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sing Sing Way
- Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Claire A. Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Suhas G. Kallapur
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Khanabdali R, Zheng S, Melton PE, Georgiou HM, Moses E, Brennecke SP, Kalionis B. Late/post-term decidual basalis-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells show evidence of advanced ageing and downregulation of microRNA-516b-5p. Placenta 2021; 109:43-54. [PMID: 33975264 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.04.008] [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: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placenta is a short-lived organ, yet it shows signs of progressive ageing in the third trimester. Studies of ageing chorionic placental tissue have recently flourished, providing evidence of advanced ageing of tissues in the late/post-term (L/PT) period of gestation. However, ageing of the maternal aspect of the maternal-fetal interface, specifically the decidua basalis, is poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether the L/PT period was associated with advanced ageing and exhaustion of important decidua basalis mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DMSCs) functions. METHODS In this study, DMSCs were isolated and characterised from early term (ET) and L/PT placental tissue and they were then investigated by employing various MSC potency and ageing assays. RNA sequencing was also performed to screen for specific microRNAs that are associated with stem cell exhaustion and ageing between ET- and L/PT-DMSCs. RESULTS L/PT-DMSCs, when compared to ET-DMSCs, showed significantly lower cell proliferation and a significant higher level of cell apoptosis. L/PT-DMSCs showed significantly lower resistance to oxidative stress and a significant decrease in antioxidant capacity compared with ET-DMSCs. Western blot analysis revealed increased expression of the stress-mediated P-p38MAPK protein in L/PT-DMSCs. RNA Sequencing showed microRNA (miR) miR-516b-5p, was present at significantly lower levels in L/PT-DMSCs. Inhibition of miR-516b-5p in ET-DMSCs revealed a decline in the ability of the inhibited cells to survive in extended cell culture. DISCUSSION These data provide the first evidence of advanced ageing and exhaustion of important stem cell functions in L/PT-DMSCs, and the involvement of specific miRs in the DMSC ageing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Khanabdali
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shixuan Zheng
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip E Melton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Harry M Georgiou
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Moses
- The University of Tasmania, Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shaun P Brennecke
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Jacobo-Baca G, Salazar-Ybarra RA, Torres-de-la-Cruz V, Guzmán-López S, Elizondo-Omaña RE, Guzmán-López A, Vázquez-Barragán MÁ, Martínez-de-Villarreal LE. Proteomic profile of preeclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:3446-3452. [PMID: 32957816 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1820980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Detection of patients at risk before the clinical onset of PE is a priority. Proteomics have become a valuable tool for the discovery of new biomarkers; however, the understanding of the underlying mechanism is necessary. The aim of the study was to determine differences between proteomic serum profiles of PE and normotensive pregnancies using quantitative and qualitative approaches. STUDY DESIGN Serum samples from pregnant women were taken at 10-12 weeks of gestation with follow-up to determine PE development. Samples were analyzed using nano 2-D liquid chromatography UPLC and qTOF-MS/MS. RESULTS A total of 136 women were recruited, of which eight (5.9%) developed PE, and eight normotensive were randomly selected as a control group for comparison. A different profile was obtained between groups. Nine proteins showed quantitative differences with fold-change over 1.5: PRRC2C (217.02), HEATR5A (179.46), ATP6 (162.38), PRRC2B (83.09), RBM25 (5.36), NUP205 (3.38), HLA-I (2.27), ZC3H13 (2.15), and SREK1 (1.66); and two under 0.66: Importin-4 (0.55) and Cytochrome b (0.26). Using bilateral Fisher's exact test for the qualitative approach, LRRK1 had statistical significance (p = .044), while PRRC2B (p = .121), PRRC2C (p = .134), and NUP205 (p = .134) showed a tendency to be present in PE. CONCLUSION The found proteins have plausibility with the early pathophysiological events that have been associated with this pathology. Further studies should be performed to confirm these findings and elucidate their specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Jacobo-Baca
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Víctor Torres-de-la-Cruz
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Santos Guzmán-López
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Abel Guzmán-López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
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Hryciw DH. SUMO-wrestling the pre-eclamptic placenta. J Physiol 2018; 596:1537. [PMID: 29509284 DOI: 10.1113/jp275986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deanne H Hryciw
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Baczyk D, Audette MC, Coyaud E, Raught B, Kingdom JC. Spatiotemporal distribution of small ubiquitin-like modifiers during human placental development and in response to oxidative and inflammatory stress. J Physiol 2018; 596:1587-1600. [PMID: 29468681 PMCID: PMC5924830 DOI: 10.1113/jp275288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points The post‐translational modification of target proteins by SUMOylation occurs in response to stressful stimuli in a variety of organ systems. Small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) isoforms 1–4 have recently been identified in the human placenta, and are upregulated in the major obstetrical complication of pre‐eclampsia. This is the first study to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of SUMO isoforms and their targets during placental development across gestation and in response to stress induced by pre‐eclampsia and chorioamnionitis. Keratins were identified as major targets of placental SUMOylation. The interaction with SUMOs and cytoskeletal filaments provides evidence for SUMOylation possibly contributing to underlying dysfunctional trophoblast turnover, which is a hallmark feature of pre‐eclampsia. Further understanding the role of individual SUMO isoforms and SUMOylation underlying placental dysfunction may provide a target for a novel therapeutic candidate as an approach for treating pre‐eclampsia complicated with placental pathology.
Abstract SUMOylation is a dynamic, reversible post‐translational modification that regulates cellular protein stability and localization. SUMOylation occurs in response to various stressors, including hypoxia and inflammation, features common in the obstetrical condition of pre‐eclampsia. SUMO isoforms 1–4 have recently been identified in the human placenta, but less is known about their role in response to pre‐eclamptic stress. We hypothesized that SUMOylation components have a unique spatiotemporal distribution during placental development and that their subcellular localization can be further modulated by extra‐cellular stressors. Placental SUMO expression was examined across gestation. First‐trimester human placental explants and JAR cells were subjected to hypoxia or TNF‐α cytokine, and subcellular translocation of SUMOs was monitored. SUMOylation target proteins were elucidated using mass spectrometry and proximity ligation assay. Placental SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐4 were restricted to villous cytotrophoblast cells in first trimester and syncytium by term, while SUMO‐2/3 staining was evenly distributed throughout the trophoblast across gestation. In placental villous explants, oxidative stress induced hyperSUMOylation of SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐4 in the syncytial cytoplasm, whereas SUMO‐2/3 nuclear expression increased. Oxidative stress also upregulated cytoplasmic SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐4 protein expression (P < 0.05), similar to pre‐eclamptic placentas. Keratins were identified as major targets of placental SUMOylation. Oxidative stress increased the cytokeratin‐7 to SUMO‐1 and SUMO‐4 interactions, while inflammatory stress increased its interaction with SUMO‐2/3. Overall, SUMOs display a unique spatiotemporal distribution in normal human placental development. Our data indicate SUMOylation in pre‐eclampsia, which may impair the stability of cytoskeleton filaments and thus promote trophoblast shedding into the maternal circulation in this condition. The post‐translational modification of target proteins by SUMOylation occurs in response to stressful stimuli in a variety of organ systems. Small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) isoforms 1–4 have recently been identified in the human placenta, and are upregulated in the major obstetrical complication of pre‐eclampsia. This is the first study to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of SUMO isoforms and their targets during placental development across gestation and in response to stress induced by pre‐eclampsia and chorioamnionitis. Keratins were identified as major targets of placental SUMOylation. The interaction with SUMOs and cytoskeletal filaments provides evidence for SUMOylation possibly contributing to underlying dysfunctional trophoblast turnover, which is a hallmark feature of pre‐eclampsia. Further understanding the role of individual SUMO isoforms and SUMOylation underlying placental dysfunction may provide a target for a novel therapeutic candidate as an approach for treating pre‐eclampsia complicated with placental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Baczyk
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, M5T3H7, Canada
| | - Melanie C Audette
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, M5T3H7, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, M5T3H7, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
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Abstract
Post-translational modification of substrate proteins by SUMO conjugation regulates a diverse array of cellular processes. While predominantly a nuclear protein modification, there is a growing appreciation that SUMOylation of proteins outside the nucleus plays direct roles in controlling synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and adaptive responses to cell stress. Furthermore, alterations in protein SUMOylation are observed in a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, and several extranuclear disease-associated proteins have been shown to be directly SUMOylated. Here, focusing mainly on SUMOylation of synaptic and mitochondrial proteins, we outline recent developments and discoveries, and present our opinion as to the most exciting avenues for future research to define how SUMOylation of extranuclear proteins regulates neuronal and synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Henley
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Ruth E Carmichael
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Kevin A Wilkinson
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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Sallais J, Alahari S, Tagliaferro A, Bhattacharjee J, Post M, Caniggia I. Factor inhibiting HIF1-A novel target of SUMOylation in the human placenta. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114002-114018. [PMID: 29371964 PMCID: PMC5768381 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptations to changes in oxygen are critical to ensure proper placental development, and impairments in oxygen sensing mechanisms characterize placental pathologies such as preeclampsia. In this study, we examined the involvement of SUMOylation, a reversible posttranslational modification, in the regulation of the asparaginyl hydroxylase Factor Inhibiting Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (FIH1) in the human placenta in development and in disease status. FIH1 protein abundance and spatial distribution in the developing placenta directly correlated with oxygen tension in vivo. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that early on FIH1 primarily localized to nuclei of cytotrophoblast cells, while after 10 weeks of gestation it was present in nuclei and cytoplasm of both cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells. Exposure of choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells to hypoxia induced FIH1 SUMOylation by promoting its association to SUMO2/3. Transfection of JEG-3 cells with FIH1 constructs containing SUMO-mutated sites revealed that SUMOylation of FIH1 by SUMO2/3 targeted it for proteasomal degradation, particularly in hypoxia. SUMOylation of FIH1 directly impacted on HIF1A activity as determined by HIF-responsive luciferase assay. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses revealed enhanced FIH1-SUMO2/3 associations early in development, when FIH1 levels are low, while deSUMOylation of FIH1 by SENP3 increased later in gestation, when FIH1 levels are rising. In preeclampsia, decreased FIH1 protein expression associated with impaired deSUMOylation by SENP3 and increased association with the ubiquitin ligase RNF4. We propose a novel mode of regulation of FIH1 stability by dynamic SUMOylation and deSUMOylation in the human placenta in response to changing oxygen tension, thereby mediating HIF1A transcriptional activity in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Sallais
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sruthi Alahari
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Tagliaferro
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jayonta Bhattacharjee
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Post
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabella Caniggia
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Baczyk D, Audette MC, Drewlo S, Levytska K, Kingdom JC. SUMO-4: A novel functional candidate in the human placental protein SUMOylation machinery. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178056. [PMID: 28545138 PMCID: PMC5435238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) conjugate to proteins post-translationally, thereby affecting target localization, activity and stability. Functional SUMO family members identified in the human placenta include SUMO-1 to SUMO-3, which are elevated in pre-eclampsia. Whether the fourth isoform, SUMO-4, plays a role in placental development and function remains unknown. Objectives We tested the hypothesis that SUMO-4 is expressed in the human placenta and demonstrates altered SUMOylation in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Methods SUMO-4 mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) were measured in Jar cells, BeWo cells, first trimester placental villous explants and placental tissues across normal gestation and in pre-eclampsia. SUMO-4 expression in response to oxidative stress (H2O2: 0, 0.1, 1 and 5mM), as well as, hypoxia-reperfusion (O2: 1%, 8% and 20%) was measured. Lastly, SUMO-4 binding (covalently vs. non-covalently) to target proteins was investigated. Results SUMO-4 mRNA and protein were unchanged across gestation. SUMO-4 was present in the villous trophoblast layer throughout gestation. SUMO-4 mRNA expression and protein levels were increased ~2.2-fold and ~1.8-fold in pre-eclamptic placentas compared to age-matched controls, respectively (p<0.01). SUMO-4 mRNA and protein expression increased in Jars, BeWos and first trimester placental explants with 5mM H2O2 treatment, as well as with exposure to hypoxia-reperfusion. SUMO-1 to SUMO-3 did not show consistent trends across models. SUMO-4 hyper-SUMOylation was predominantly covalent in nature. Conclusions SUMO-4 is expressed in normal placental development. SUMO-4 expression was increased in pre-eclamptic placentas and in models of oxidative stress and hypoxic injury. These data suggests that SUMO-4 hyper-SUMOylation may be a potential post-translational mechanism in the stressed pre-eclamptic placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Baczyk
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld–Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melanie C. Audette
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld–Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Sascha Drewlo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Khrystyna Levytska
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld–Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - John C. Kingdom
- Program in Development and Fetal Health, Lunenfeld–Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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11
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Wu Y, Fu X, Wang L. Identification of novel biomarkers for preeclampsia on the basis of differential expression network analysis. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:201-207. [PMID: 27347039 PMCID: PMC4906647 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication, which is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. The present study aimed to screen potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of PE and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PE development based on the differential expression network (DEN). The microarray datasets E-GEOD-6573 and E-GEOD-48424 were downloaded from the European Bioinformatics Institute database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the PE and normal groups were screened by Significant Analysis of Microarrays with the cutoff value of a |log2 fold change| of >2, and a false discovery rate of <0.05. The DEN was constructed based on the differential and non-differential interactions observed. In addition, genes with higher connectivity degrees in the DEN were identified on the basis of centrality analysis, while disease genes were also extracted from the DEN. In order to understand the functional roles of genes in DEN, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The present results indicated that a total of 225 genes were considered as DEGs in the PE group, while 466 nodes and 314 gene interactions were involved in the DEN. Among these 466 nodes, 4 nodes with higher degrees were identified, including ubiquitin C (UBC), small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1), SUMO2 and RAD21 homolog (S. pombe) (RAD21). Notably, UBC was also found to be a disease gene. UBC, RAD21, SUMO2 and SUMO1 were markedly enriched in the regulation of programmed cell death, as well as in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle and chromosomal part. In conclusion, based on these results, we suggest that UBC, RAD21, SUMO2 and SUMO1 may be reliable biomarkers for the prediction of the development and progression of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256610, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Fu
- Department of Obstetrics, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256610, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710032, P.R. China
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12
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Dynamic regulation of HIF1Α stability by SUMO2/3 and SENP3 in the human placenta. Placenta 2016; 40:8-17. [PMID: 27016777 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) stability is tightly regulated by hydroxylation and ubiquitination. Emerging evidence indicates that HIF1A is also controlled by the interplay between SUMO-specific ligases, which execute protein SUMOylation, and Sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases that de-SUMOylate target proteins. Given the significance of HIF1A in the human placenta, we investigated whether placental HIF1A is subject to SUMOylation in physiological and pathological conditions. METHODS Placentae were obtained from normal and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Human choriocarcinoma JEG3 cells were maintained at either 21% or 3% oxygen or exposed to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Cells were transfected with SUMO2/3 constructs with and without Mg132, a proteasome inhibitor. Expression, distribution and associations of SUMO/SENPs and HIF1A were evaluated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS HIF1A-SUMO2/3 associations peaked at 9-10 weeks, while its deSUMOylation by SENP3 was greatest at 10-12 weeks. In E-PE, HIF1A deSUMOylation by SENP3 was significantly elevated, while HIF1A-SUMO2/3 associations remained constant. In vitro, overexpression of SUMO2/3 de-stabilized HIF1A in hypoxia, and abrogated HIF1A expression following Mg132 treatment in normoxia. Hypoxia and SNP treatments promoted SENP3 nuclear redistribution from nucleoli to the nucleoplasm where it associates with HIF1A. CONCLUSION During early placental development, SUMOylation events control HIF1A stability in an oxygen-dependent manner. In E-PE, enhanced deSUMOylation of HIF1A by SENP3 may in part contribute to increased HIF1A activity and stability found in this pathology.
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13
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Zhang D, Liang Y, Xie Q, Gao G, Wei J, Huang H, Li J, Gao J, Huang C. A novel post-translational modification of nucleolin, SUMOylation at Lys-294, mediates arsenite-induced cell death by regulating gadd45α mRNA stability. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:4784-4800. [PMID: 25561743 PMCID: PMC4335216 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.598219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleolin is a ubiquitously expressed protein and participates in many important biological processes, such as cell cycle regulation and ribosomal biogenesis. The activity of nucleolin is regulated by intracellular localization and post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a category of recently verified forms of post-translational modifications and exerts various effects on the target proteins. In the studies reported here, we discovered SUMOylational modification of human nucleolin protein at Lys-294, which facilitated the mRNA binding property of nucleolin by maintaining its nuclear localization. In response to arsenic exposure, nucleolin-SUMO was induced and promoted its binding with gadd45α mRNA, which increased gadd45α mRNA stability and protein expression, subsequently causing GADD45α-mediated cell death. On the other hand, ectopic expression of Mn-SOD attenuated the arsenite-generated superoxide radical level, abrogated nucleolin-SUMO, and in turn inhibited arsenite-induced apoptosis by reducing GADD45α expression. Collectively, our results for the first time demonstrate that nucleolin-SUMO at K294R plays a critical role in its nucleus sequestration and gadd45α mRNA binding activity. This novel biological function of nucleolin is distinct from its conventional role as a proto-oncogene. Therefore, our findings here not only reveal a new modification of nucleolin protein and its novel functional paradigm in mRNA metabolism but also expand our understanding of the dichotomous roles of nucleolin in terms of cancer development, which are dependent on multiple intracellular conditions and consequently the appropriate regulations of its modifications, including SUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyun Zhang
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987 and; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yuguang Liang
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987 and
| | - Qipeng Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Guangxun Gao
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987 and
| | - Jinlong Wei
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Haishan Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jingxia Li
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987 and
| | - Jimin Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chuanshu Huang
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987 and.
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14
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Lewicki MC, Srikumar T, Johnson E, Raught B. The S. cerevisiae SUMO stress response is a conjugation-deconjugation cycle that targets the transcription machinery. J Proteomics 2014; 118:39-48. [PMID: 25434491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) "stress response" (SSR) is a poorly understood evolutionarily conserved phenomenon in which steady-state SUMO conjugate levels are dramatically increased in response to environmental stresses. Here we characterize Saccharomyces cerevisiae SSR kinetics in response to several different types of stress, demonstrate that SSR activation and inactivation do not require protein synthesis or proteasome-dependent degradation, and establish that the SSR is effected primarily by the Siz1 E3 ligase and inactivated by the SUMO-specific protease Ulp2. Affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry identifies the primary hyperosmotic SSR targets as components of the TFIID and mediator complexes, Pol II-associated mRNA maturation factors, chromatin remodeling proteins, and the transcriptional co-repressor Tup1-Cyc8. Consistent with these findings, our data also suggest that ongoing transcription (but not translation) is required to activate the SSR. The SSR thus does not appear to be directly linked to the stress itself, but likely represents a synchronized wave of sumoylation that occurs as a consequence of the large-scale, coordinated changes in the transcriptional program in response to environmental stress. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE SUMO is a ubiquitin-like protein with a number of important biological functions. Increased levels of sumoylation are associated with a number of human diseases, and previous reports have described an evolutionarily conserved "SUMO stress response" (SSR), in which SUMO conjugate levels are markedly increased in response to environmental stresses. However, the connection between cellular stress and sumoylation has remained poorly understood. Here we conduct the first in-depth characterization of the S. cerevisiae SSR. The SUMO system components required to effect it are identified, and SSR kinetics in response to different types of environmental stresses are established. Using mass spectrometry, we identify the principle osmotic shock-associated SSR targets as components of the basal transcription machinery, transcriptional regulators and chromatin remodeling complexes. Consistent with these data, we also observe that the sumoylation of SSR targets is dependent upon, and thus appears to be coupled with, transcription. Together, our data suggest that the SSR is not responsive to environmental stress per se, but more likely reflects a synchronized, transcription-coupled wave of sumoylation that accompanies the rapid, global re-programming of transcription in response to stress. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein dynamics in health and disease. Guest Editors: Pierre Thibault and Anne-Claude Gingras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Lewicki
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tharan Srikumar
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erica Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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15
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Colicchia M, Campagnolo L, Baldini E, Ulisse S, Valensise H, Moretti C. Molecular basis of thyrotropin and thyroid hormone action during implantation and early development. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:884-904. [PMID: 24943836 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implantation and early embryo development are finely regulated processes in which several molecules are involved. Evidence that thyroid hormones (TH: T4 and T3) might be part of this machinery is emerging. An increased demand for TH occurs during gestation, and any alteration in maternal thyroid physiology has significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Not only overt but also subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility as well as with obstetric complications, including disruptions and disorders of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and troubles in early neonatal life. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to TH action on ovary, endometrium, trophoblast maturation and embryo implantation. In addition, articles on the regulation of TH activity at cellular level have been reviewed. The findings are hereby summarized and critically discussed. RESULTS TH have been shown to influence endometrial, ovarian and placental physiology. TH receptors (TR) and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH) receptors (TSHR) are widely expressed in the feto-maternal unit during implantation, and both the endometrium and the trophoblast might be influenced by TH either directly or through TH effects on the synthesis and activity of implantation-mediating molecules. Interestingly, due to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in TH action (e.g. differential expression of TR isoforms, heterodimeric receptor partners, interacting cellular proteins, and regulating enzymes), the TH concentration in blood is not always predictive of their cellular availability and activity at both genomic and nongenomic level. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known role of TH on the hormonal milieu of the ovarian follicle cycle, which is essential for a woman's fertility, evidence is emerging on the importance of TH signaling during implantation and early pregnancy. Based on recent observations, a local action of TH on female reproductive organs and the embryo during implantation appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, an imbalance in the spatio-temporal expression of factors involved in TH activity might induce early arrest of pregnancy in women considered as euthyroid, based on their hormonal blood concentration. In conclusion, alterations of the highly regulated local activity of TH may play a crucial, previously underestimated, role in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Further studies elucidating this topic should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colicchia
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Herbert Valensise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Fatebenefratelli Hospital 'Isola Tiberina', 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
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