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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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2
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Fu X, Zhang F, Zhen F, Duan L, Zhou J, Ma J. A chemiluminescence immunoassay for type IV collagen as a promising marker for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2248-2255. [PMID: 38568684 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay02240d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Herein, a magnetic bead-based chemiluminescence assay is reported to detect type IV collagen (col-IV) in serum samples. Magnetic beads (MBs) exhibit biocompatibility. Taking advantage of this property, they were conjugated with the col-IV antibody. For the determination of col-IV, the interaction of the col-IV sample, anti-(col-IV)-alkaline phosphatase (anti-(col-IV)-ALP) and anti-col-IV-magnetic beads (anti-(col-IV)-MBs) was performed to generate chemiluminescence. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method displayed good linearity in the concentration range of 20-2000 ng mL-1 with the limit of 0.79 ng mL-1. The repeatability coefficient of variation (CV) for col-IV detection ranged from 3.16% to 7.50%. The col-IV level in samples collected from a hospital was assessed by the chemiluminescence assay. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 93.30% to 100.14%. In conclusion, the magnetic bead-based chemiluminescence assay may be used as a routine and efficient tool to detect type IV collagen in clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Dalian Public Health Clinical Center, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Fangda Zhen
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Lian Duan
- The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Yulin Testing and Research Institute, Yulin 537000, China
| | - Jianguo Ma
- Shuyang Zhongxing Hospital, Jiangsu 223600, China.
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3
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Bister J, Filipovic I, Sun D, Crona-Guterstam Y, Cornillet M, Ponzetta A, Michaëlsson J, Gidlöf S, Ivarsson MA, Strunz B, Björkström NK. Tissue-specific nonheritable influences drive endometrial immune system variation. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadj7168. [PMID: 38579017 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adj7168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Although human twin studies have revealed the combined contribution of heritable and environmental factors in shaping immune system variability in blood, the contribution of these factors to immune system variability in tissues remains unexplored. The human uterus undergoes constant regeneration and is exposed to distinct environmental factors. To assess uterine immune system variation, we performed a system-level analysis of endometrial and peripheral blood immune cells in monozygotic twins. Although most immune cell phenotypes in peripheral blood showed high genetic heritability, more variation was found in endometrial immune cells, indicating a stronger influence by environmental factors. Cytomegalovirus infection was identified to influence peripheral blood immune cell variability but had limited effect on endometrial immune cells. Instead, hormonal contraception shaped the local endometrial milieu and immune cell composition with minor influence on the systemic immune system. These results highlight that the magnitude of human immune system variation and factors influencing it can be tissue specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Bister
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Sun
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Crona-Guterstam
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Ponzetta
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jakob Michaëlsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin A Ivarsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Strunz
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Fodera DM, Russell SR, Jackson JLL, Fang S, Chen X, Vink J, Oyen ML, Myers KM. Material properties of nonpregnant and pregnant human uterine layers. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 151:106348. [PMID: 38198930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106348] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The uterus has critical biomechanical functions in pregnancy and undergoes dramatic material growth and remodeling from implantation to parturition. The intrinsic material properties of the human uterus and how they evolve in pregnancy are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap and assess the heterogeneity of these tissues, the time-dependent material properties of all human uterine layers were measured with nanoindentation. The endometrium-decidua layer was found to be the least stiff, most viscous, and least permeable layer of the human uterus in nonpregnant and third-trimester pregnant tissues. In pregnancy, the endometrium-decidua becomes stiffer and less viscous with no material property changes observed in the myometrium or perimetrium. Additionally, uterine material properties did not significantly differ between third-trimester pregnant tissues with and without placenta accreta. The foundational data generated by this study will facilitate the development of physiologically accurate models of the human uterus to investigate gynecologic and obstetric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena R Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johanna L L Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuyang Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joy Vink
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Kristin M Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Slaby EM, Plaisier SB, Brady SR, Hiremath SC, Weaver JD. Controlling placental spheroid growth and phenotype using engineered synthetic hydrogel matrices. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:933-948. [PMID: 38204396 PMCID: PMC10922805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta is a complex organ comprised of multiple trophoblast subtypes, and inadequate models to study the human placenta in vitro limit the current understanding of human placental behavior and development. Common in vitro placental models rely on two-dimensional culture of cell lines and primary cells, which do not replicate the native tissue microenvironment, or poorly defined three-dimensional hydrogel matrices such as Matrigel™ that provide limited environmental control and suffer from high batch-to-batch variability. Here, we employ a highly defined, synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel system with tunable degradability and presentation of extracellular matrix-derived adhesive ligands native to the placenta microenvironment to generate placental spheroids. We evaluate the capacity of a hydrogel library to support the viability, function, and phenotypic protein expression of three human trophoblast cell lines modeling varied trophoblast phenotypes and find that degradable synthetic hydrogels support the greatest degree of placental spheroid viability, proliferation, and function relative to standard Matrigel controls. Finally, we show that trophoblast culture conditions modulate cell functional phenotype as measured by proteomics analysis and functional secretion assays. Engineering precise control of placental spheroid development in vitro may provide an important new tool for the study of early placental behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Slaby
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
| | - Sarah R Brady
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Shivani C Hiremath
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
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Fodera DM, Russell SR, Lund-Jackson JL, Fang S, Chen X, Vink JSY, Oyen ML, Myers KM. Material Properties of Nonpregnant and Pregnant Human Uterine Layers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.07.551726. [PMID: 37609213 PMCID: PMC10441310 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.07.551726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The uterus has critical biomechanical functions in pregnancy and undergoes dramatic material growth and remodeling from implantation to parturition. The intrinsic material properties of the human uterus and how they evolve in pregnancy are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap and assess the heterogeneity of these tissues, the time-dependent material properties of all human uterine layers were measured with nanoindentation. The endometrium-decidua layer was found to be the least stiff, most viscous, and least permeable layer of the human uterus in nonpregnant and third-trimester pregnant tissues. In pregnancy, endometrium-decidua becomes stiffer and less viscous with no material property changes observed in the myometrium or perimetrium. Additionally, uterine material properties did not significantly differ between third-trimester pregnant tissues with and without placenta accreta. The foundational data generated by this study will facilitate the development of physiologically accurate models of the human uterus to investigate gynecologic and obstetric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena R. Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Shuyang Fang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joy-Sarah Y. Vink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle L. Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Mao Q, Ye Q, Xu Y, Jiang J, Fan Y, Zhuang L, Liu G, Wang T, Zhang Z, Feng T, Kong S, Lu J, Zhang H, Wang H, Lin CP. Murine trophoblast organoids as a model for trophoblast development and CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2992-3008.e7. [PMID: 38056451 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.007] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta becomes one of the most diversified organs during placental mammal radiation. The main in vitro model for studying mouse trophoblast development is the 2D differentiation model of trophoblast stem cells, which is highly skewed to certain lineages and thus hampers systematic screens. Here, we established culture conditions for the establishment, maintenance, and differentiation of murine trophoblast organoids. Murine trophoblast organoids under the maintenance condition contain stem cell-like populations, whereas differentiated organoids possess various trophoblasts resembling placental ones in vivo. Ablation of Nubpl or Gcm1 in trophoblast organoids recapitulated their deficiency phenotypes in vivo, suggesting that those organoids are valid in vitro models for trophoblast development. Importantly, we performed an efficient CRISPR-Cas9 screening in mouse trophoblast organoids using a focused sgRNA (single guide RNA) library targeting G protein-coupled receptors. Together, our results establish an organoid model to investigate mouse trophoblast development and a practicable approach to performing forward screening in trophoblast lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Mao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qinying Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiwen Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yunhao Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Guohui Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tengfei Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhenwu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Teng Feng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Haopeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Jedynak P, Broséus L, Tost J, Busato F, Gabet S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Pin I, Slama R, Lepeule J, Philippat C. Prenatal exposure to triclosan assessed in multiple urine samples and placental DNA methylation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122197. [PMID: 37481027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
A previous study reported positive associations of maternal urinary concentrations of triclosan, a synthetic phenol with widespread exposure in the general population, with placental DNA methylation of male fetuses. Given the high number of comparisons performed in -omic research, further studies were needed to validate and extend on these findings. Using a cohort of male and female fetuses with repeated maternal urine samples to assess exposure, we studied the associations between triclosan and placental DNA methylation. We assessed triclosan concentrations in two pools of 21 urine samples collected among 395 women from the SEPAGES cohort. We used Infinium Methylation EPIC arrays to measure DNA methylation in placental biopsies collected at delivery. We performed a candidate study restricted to a set of candidate CpGs (n = 500) identified in a previous work as well as an exploratory epigenome-wide association study to investigate the associations between triclosan and differentially methylated probes and regions. Analyses were conducted on the whole population and stratified by child's sex. Mediation analysis was performed to test whether heterogeneity of placental tissue may mediate the observed associations. In the candidate approach, we confirmed 18 triclosan-associated genes when both sexes were considered. After stratification for child's sex, triclosan was associated with 72 genes in females and three in males. Most of the associations were positive and several CpGs mapped to imprinted genes: FBRSL1, KCNQ1, RHOBTB3, and SMOC1. A mediation effect by placental tissue heterogeneity was identified for most of the observed associations. In the exploratory analysis, we identified a few isolated associations in the sex-stratified analysis. In line with a previous study on male placentas, our approach revealed several positive associations between triclosan exposure and placental DNA methylation. Several identified loci mapped to imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucile Broséus
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA - Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Stephan Gabet
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; University Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de L'Environnement Chimique sur La Santé (IMPECS), Lille, France
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit K Sakhi
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabelle Pin
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, La Tronche, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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Zhou J, Sheridan MA, Tian Y, Dahlgren KJ, Messler M, Peng T, Ezashi T, Schulz LC, Ulery BD, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Development of properly-polarized trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids to model early human pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560327. [PMID: 37873440 PMCID: PMC10592868 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The development of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) and stem cell-derived trophoblast organoids has enabled investigation of placental physiology and disease and early maternal-fetal interactions during a stage of human pregnancy that previously had been severely restricted. A key shortcoming in existing trophoblast organoid methodologies is the non-physiologic position of the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) within the inner portion of the organoid, which neither recapitulates placental villous morphology in vivo nor allows for facile modeling of STB exposure to the endometrium or the contents of the intervillous space. Here we have successfully established properly-polarized human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC)-sourced organoids with STB forming on the surface of the organoid. These organoids can also be induced to give rise to the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage with HLA-G + migratory cells that invade into an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel. Compared to previous hTSC organoid methods, organoids created by this method more closely mimic the architecture of the developing human placenta and provide a novel platform to study normal and abnormal human placental development and to model exposures to pharmaceuticals, pathogens and environmental insults. Motivation Human placental organoids have been generated to mimic physiological cell-cell interactions. However, those published models derived from human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) or placental villi display a non-physiologic "inside-out" morphology. In vivo , the placental villi have an outer layer of syncytialized cells that are in direct contact with maternal blood, acting as a conduit for gas and nutrient exchange, and an inner layer of progenitor, single cytotrophoblast cells that fuse to create the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Existing "inside-out" models put the cytotrophoblast cells in contact with culture media and substrate, making physiologic interactions between syncytiotrophoblast and other cells/tissues and normal and pathogenic exposures coming from maternal blood difficult to model. The goal of this study was to develop an hTSC-derived 3-D human trophoblast organoid model that positions the syncytiotrophoblast layer on the outside of the multicellular organoid. Graphical abstract
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Natale BV, Kotadia R, Gustin K, Harihara A, Min S, Kreisman MJ, Breen KM, Natale DR. Extracellular Matrix Influences Gene Expression and Differentiation of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:622-637. [PMID: 37463089 PMCID: PMC10561768 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells were first isolated from the mouse placenta; however, little is known about their maintenance and niche in vivo. TS cells, like other stem cells, have a unique microenvironment in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a component. Placental pathology is associated with ECM change. However, how these changes and the individual ECM components impact the maintenance or differentiation of TS cells has not been established. This study identified which ECM component(s) maintain the greatest expression of markers associated with undifferentiated mouse trophoblast stem (mTS) cells and which alter the profile of markers of differentiation based on mRNA analysis. mTS cells cultured on individual ECM components and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that laminin promoted the expression of markers associated with undifferentiated TS cells, fibronectin promoted gene expression associated with syncytiotrophoblast (SynT) layer II cells, and collagen IV promoted the expression of genes associated with differentiated trophoblast. To investigate whether pathological placental ECM influenced the expression of genes associated with different trophoblast subtypes, the mouse model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic β cell ablation and diabetes was used. Female mice administered STZ (blood glucose ≥300 mg/dL) or control (blood glucose ≤150 mg/dL) were mated. Placental pathology at embryonic day (E)14.5 was confirmed with reduced fetal blood space area, reduced expression of the pericyte marker αSMA, and decreased expression of ECM proteins. mTS cells cultured on ECM isolated from STZ placenta were associated with reduced expression of undifferentiated mTS markers and increased expression of genes associated with terminally differentiated trophoblast [Gcm-1 and SynA (SynT) and junctional zone Tpbpa and Prl2c2]. Altogether, these results support the value of using ECM isolated from the placenta as a tool for understanding trophoblast contribution to placental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ramie Kotadia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katarina Gustin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anirudha Harihara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah Min
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael J. Kreisman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kellie M. Breen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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11
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De Vriendt S, Casares CM, Rocha S, Vankelecom H. Matrix scaffolds for endometrium-derived organoid models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1240064. [PMID: 37635971 PMCID: PMC10450215 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1240064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus-lining endometrium is essential to mammalian reproduction, receiving and accommodating the embryo for proper development. Despite its key role, mechanisms underlying endometrial biology (menstrual cycling, embryo interaction) and disease are not well understood. Its hidden location in the womb, and thereby-associated lack of suitable research models, contribute to this knowledge gap. Recently, 3D organoid models have been developed from both healthy and diseased endometrium. These organoids closely recapitulate the tissue's epithelium phenotype and (patho)biology, including in vitro reproduction of the menstrual cycle. Typically, organoids are grown in a scaffold made of surrogate tissue extracellular matrix (ECM), with mouse tumor basement membrane extracts being the most commonly used. However, important limitations apply including their lack of standardization and xeno-derivation which strongly hinder clinical translation. Therefore, researchers are actively seeking better alternatives including fully defined matrices for faithful and efficient growth of organoids. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art regarding matrix scaffolds to grow endometrium-derived organoids as well as more advanced organoid-based 3D models. We discuss remaining shortcomings and challenges to advance endometrial organoids toward defined and standardized tools for applications in basic research and translational/clinical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke De Vriendt
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Celia Mesias Casares
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susana Rocha
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. Core conserved transcriptional regulatory networks define the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Development 2023; 150:dev201826. [PMID: 37417811 PMCID: PMC10445752 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineages in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model for studying hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus ATAC-seq data from gestation day 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues, and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility with extravillous trophoblast cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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13
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Rabussier G, Bünter I, Bouwhuis J, Soragni C, van Zijp T, Ng CP, Domansky K, de Windt LJ, Vulto P, Murdoch CE, Bircsak KM, Lanz HL. Healthy and diseased placental barrier on-a-chip models suitable for standardized studies. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:363-376. [PMID: 37116636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Pathologies associated with uteroplacental hypoxia, such as preeclampsia are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity in the world. Its fundamental mechanisms are yet poorly understood due to a lack of good experimental models. Here we report an in vitro model of the placental barrier, based on co-culture of trophoblasts and endothelial cells against a collagen extracellular matrix in a microfluidic platform. The model yields a functional syncytium with barrier properties, polarization, secretion of relevant extracellular membrane components, thinning of the materno-fetal space, hormone secretion, and transporter function. The model is exposed to low oxygen conditions and perfusion flow is modulated to induce a pathological environment. This results in reduced barrier function, hormone secretion, and microvilli as well as an increased nuclei count, characteristics of preeclamptic placentas. The model is implemented in a titer plate-based microfluidic platform fully amenable to high-throughput screening. We thus believe this model could aid mechanistic understanding of preeclampsia and other placental pathologies associated with hypoxia/ischemia, as well as support future development of effective therapies through target and compound screening campaigns. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : The human placenta is a unique organ sustaining fetus growth but is also the source of severe pathologies, such as Preeclampsia. Though leading cause of perinatal mortality in the world, preeclampsia remains untreatable due to a lack of relevant in vitro placenta models. To better understand the pathology, we have developed 3D placental barrier models in a microfluidic device. The platform allows parallel culture of 40 perfused physiological miniaturized placental barriers, comprising a differentiated syncytium and endothelium that have been validated for transporter functions. Exposure to a hypoxic and ischemic environment enabled the mimicking of preeclamptic characteristics in high-throughput, which we believe could lead to a better understanding of the pathology as well as support future effective therapies development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaëlle Rabussier
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Bünter
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Camilla Soragni
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chee Ping Ng
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leon J de Windt
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Vulto
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | - Colin E Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. CORE CONSERVED TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORY NETWORKS DEFINE THE INVASIVE TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.30.534962. [PMID: 37066272 PMCID: PMC10103937 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineage in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model to study hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus (sn) ATAC-seq data from gestation day (gd) 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO, 64108
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
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Ward EJ, Bert S, Fanti S, Malone KM, Maughan RT, Gkantsinikoudi C, Prin F, Volpato LK, Piovezan AP, Graham GJ, Dufton NP, Perretti M, Marelli-Berg FM, Nadkarni S. Placental Inflammation Leads to Abnormal Embryonic Heart Development. Circulation 2023; 147:956-972. [PMID: 36484244 PMCID: PMC10022676 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental heart development and embryonic heart development occur in parallel, and these organs have been proposed to exert reciprocal regulation during gestation. Poor placentation has been associated with congenital heart disease, an important cause of infant mortality. However, the mechanisms by which altered placental development can lead to congenital heart disease remain unresolved. METHODS In this study, we use an in vivo neutrophil-driven placental inflammation model through antibody depletion of maternal circulating neutrophils at key stages during time-mated murine pregnancy: embryonic days 4.5 and 7.5. Pregnant mice were culled at embryonic day 14.5 to assess placental and embryonic heart development. A combination of flow cytometry, histology, and bulk RNA sequencing was used to assess placental immune cell composition and tissue architecture. We also used flow cytometry and single-cell sequencing to assess embryonic cardiac immune cells at embryonic day 14.5 and histology and gene analyses to investigate embryonic heart structure and development. In some cases, offspring were culled at postnatal days 5 and 28 to assess any postnatal cardiac changes in immune cells, structure, and cardiac function, as measured by echocardiography. RESULTS In the present study, we show that neutrophil-driven placental inflammation leads to inadequate placental development and loss of barrier function. Consequently, placental inflammatory monocytes of maternal origin become capable of migration to the embryonic heart and alter the normal composition of resident cardiac macrophages and cardiac tissue structure. This cardiac impairment continues into postnatal life, hindering normal tissue architecture and function. Last, we show that tempering placental inflammation can prevent this fetal cardiac defect and is sufficient to promote normal cardiac function in postnatal life. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these observations provide a mechanistic paradigm whereby neutrophil-driven inflammation in pregnancy can preclude normal embryonic heart development as a direct consequence of poor placental development, which has major implications on cardiac function into adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J. Ward
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Serena Bert
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Silvia Fanti
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Kerri M. Malone
- European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (K.M.M.)
| | - Robert T. Maughan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK (R.T.M.)
| | - Christina Gkantsinikoudi
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Fabrice Prin
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, the Francis Crick Institute, London, UK (F.P.)
| | - Lia Karina Volpato
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, University of Southern Catarina, Campus Pedra Branca, Palhoça, SC, Brazil (L.K.V., A.P.P.)
| | - Anna Paula Piovezan
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, University of Southern Catarina, Campus Pedra Branca, Palhoça, SC, Brazil (L.K.V., A.P.P.)
| | - Gerard J. Graham
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK (G.J.G.)
| | - Neil P. Dufton
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Mauro Perretti
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Federica M. Marelli-Berg
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
| | - Suchita Nadkarni
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.)
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16
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Rüegg AB, Kowalewski MP, Ulbrich SE. Endometrial extracellular matrix components do not change over the course of embryonic diapause and reactivation in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:594-604. [PMID: 36645739 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14320] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The modification of the endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial step for embryo implantation in many mammalian species. The embryo of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) displays a 4-5 months long temporary reduction of developmental pace termed embryonic diapause. A reduction of epithelial cell height during diapause has previously been described. Co-occurring ECM modifications may contribute to the changes of the intra-uterine milieu during reactivation at which the embryo regains developmental velocity. We assessed the localization of five ECM proteins (collagen I and IV, fibronectin, laminin, and extracellular matrix protein 1) using immunohistochemistry in animals with early, late, and post-diapause (elongating) embryos. While our results confirmed the reduction of epithelial height during diapause, we only detected marginal differences in localization and staining intensities of the selected ECM proteins. Major ECM remodelling events in the roe deer endometrium are thus likely to occur only at implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna B Rüegg
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Oyen ML. Biomaterials science and engineering to address unmet needs in women's health. MRS BULLETIN 2022; 47:864-871. [PMID: 36196217 PMCID: PMC9521852 DOI: 10.1557/s43577-022-00389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Medical conditions that primarily or disproportionately affect women have historically been poorly studied. In contrast to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, there is no lengthy record of biomaterials research addressing women's health needs. In this article, the historical reasons for this discrepancy are examined. The anatomy of both the nonpregnant and pregnant reproductive tissues is reviewed, including the ovaries, uterus, and (fetal) placenta. Examples of biomaterials-related women's health research are described, including tissue engineering, organoids, and microphysiological systems. The future of the field is considered with dual focuses. First, there is a significant need for novel approaches to advance women's health through materials and biomaterials, particularly in complex biomimetic hydrogels. Second, there is an exciting opportunity to enlarge the community of biomaterials scientists and engineers working in women's health to encourage more contributions to its rapidly emerging product development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
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18
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Zambuto SG, Jain I, Clancy KBH, Underhill GH, Harley BAC. Role of Extracellular Matrix Biomolecules on Endometrial Epithelial Cell Attachment and Cytokeratin 18 Expression on Gelatin Hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3819-3830. [PMID: 35994527 PMCID: PMC9581737 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00247] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes profound changes in tissue architecture and composition, both during the menstrual cycle as well as in the context of pregnancy. Dynamic remodeling processes of the endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) are a major element of endometrial homeostasis, including changes across the menstrual cycle. A critical element of this tissue microenvironment is the endometrial basement membrane, a specialized layer of proteins that separates the endometrial epithelium from the underlying endometrial ECM. Bioengineering models of the endometrial microenvironment that present an appropriate endometrial ECM and basement membrane may provide an improved environment to study endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) function. Here, we exploit a tiered approach using two-dimensional high-throughput microarrays and three-dimensional gelatin hydrogels to define patterns of EEC attachment and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression in response to combinations of endometrial basement membrane proteins. We identify combinations (collagen IV + tenascin C; collagen I + collagen III; hyaluronic acid + tenascin C; collagen V; collagen V + hyaluronic acid; collagen III; and collagen I) that facilitate increased EEC attachment, increased CK18 intensity, or both. We also identify significant EEC mediated remodeling of the methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin matrix environment via analysis of nascent protein deposition. Together, we report efforts to tailor the localization of basement membrane-associated proteins and proteoglycans in order to investigate tissue-engineered models of the endometrial microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ishita Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kathryn B H Clancy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Bianchi L, Altera A, Barone V, Bonente D, Bacci T, De Benedetto E, Bini L, Tosi GM, Galvagni F, Bertelli E. Untangling the Extracellular Matrix of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Path Winding among Structure, Interactomics and Translational Medicine. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162531. [PMID: 36010606 PMCID: PMC9406781 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) are fibrocellular sheets of tissue that develop at the vitreoretinal interface. The iERMs consist of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM) formed by a complex array of structural proteins and a large number of proteins that regulate cell–matrix interaction, matrix deposition and remodelling. Many components of the ECM tend to produce a layered pattern that can influence the tractional properties of the membranes. We applied a bioinformatics approach on a list of proteins previously identified with an MS-based proteomic analysis on samples of iERM to report the interactome of some key proteins. The performed pathway analysis highlights interactions occurring among ECM molecules, their cell receptors and intra- or extracellular proteins that may play a role in matrix biology in this special context. In particular, integrin β1, cathepsin B, epidermal growth factor receptor, protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 2 and prolow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 are key hubs in the outlined protein–protein cross-talks. A section on the biomarkers that can be found in the vitreous humor of patients affected by iERM and that can modulate matrix deposition is also presented. Finally, translational medicine in iERM treatment has been summed up taking stock of the techniques that have been proposed for pharmacologic vitreolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Altera
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Virginia Barone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Denise Bonente
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bacci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena De Benedetto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Tosi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Eugenio Bertelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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20
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Naheda A, Aqeel S, Khan K, Khan W, Khan T. Immunohistopathological changes in the placenta of malaria-infected women in unstable transmission setting of Aligarh. Placenta 2022; 127:52-61. [PMID: 35970103 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to a combination of physiological and immunological changes. The infection may even affect the growth and survival of the foetus, which mainly occur when parasite enters the placenta. The sequestration of infected erythrocytes may trigger the host response, leading to placental inflammation and altered development, affecting the structure and nutrient transport of placenta. These factors collectively impair placental functions and affect foetal growth. METHODS Pregnant women with peripheral parasitaemia for P. falciparum and P. vivax (20 each) were included in the present study, along with 15 age-matched uninfected healthy pregnant women. Placentae were analysed for the presence of local parasitaemia along with pathological lesions caused due to the parasite. Immunohistochemical staining for CD20, CD45 and CD68 cells was performed for examining the specific leucocytes in the intervillous space of the placenta. RESULTS Of the 20 individuals with P. falciparum, only seven placentae showed parasitaemia, whereas individuals with P. vivax showed no placental infection. The pathological changes observed in the P. falciparum-infected placenta include syncytial knotting, excess fibrinoid deposition, syncytiotrophoblast necrosis, syncytial rupture, thickening of trophoblast basement membrane and increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical staining showed a significant increase in B cells (CD20), leucocytes (CD45) and monocytes and macrophages (CD68) in the P. falciparum-infected placenta (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION The result implies that P. falciparum is responsible for pathological alterations in placenta, affecting the nutrient transport across placenta and foetal growth. The immune cells also migrate to the placenta and accumulate in the intervillous space to show humoral and cell-mediated immunity against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansari Naheda
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
| | - Sana Aqeel
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Khadija Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
| | - Tamkin Khan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
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21
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Azevedo Portilho N, Pastor WA, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineered models for placental toxicology: Emerging approaches based on tissue decellularization. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:148-159. [PMID: 35840119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.003] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in prescriptions and illegal drug use as well as exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy have highlighted the critical importance of placental toxicology in understanding and identifying risks to both mother and fetus. Although advantageous for basic science, current in vitro models often fail to capture the complexity of placental response, likely due to their inability to recreate and monitor aspects of the microenvironment including physical properties, mechanical forces and stiffness, protein composition, cell-cell interactions, soluble and physicochemical factors, and other exogenous cues. Tissue engineering holds great promise in addressing these challenges and provides an avenue to better understand basic biology, effects of toxic compounds and potential therapeutics. The key to success lies in effectively recreating the microenvironment. One strategy to do this would be to recreate individual components and then combine them. However, this becomes challenging due to variables present according to conditions such as tissue location, age, health status and lifestyle. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to influence cellular fate by working as a storage of factors. Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a recent tool that allows usage of the original ECM in a refurbished form, providing a relatively reliable representation of the microenvironment. This review focuses on using dECM in modified forms such as whole organs, scaffold sheets, electrospun nanofibers, hydrogels, 3D printing, and combinations as building blocks to recreate aspects of the microenvironment to address general tissue engineering and toxicology challenges, thus illustrating their potential as tools for future placental toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalia Azevedo Portilho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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22
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Tossetta G, Fantone S, Busilacchi EM, Di Simone N, Giannubilo SR, Scambia G, Giordano A, Marzioni D. Modulation of matrix metalloproteases by ciliary neurotrophic factor in human placental development. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:113-129. [PMID: 35794391 PMCID: PMC9525382 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that signals through a receptor complex containing a specific subunit, CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα). The two molecules are constitutively expressed in key structures for human placental growth and differentiation. The possible role of CNTF in enhancing cell proliferation and/or invasion during placental development and remodelling was investigated using HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cells, taken respectively as cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast models. In both cell lines, treatment with human recombinant (hr) CNTF activated JAK2/STAT3 signalling and inhibited the ERK pathway. Interestingly, in HTR-8/SVneo cells, 50 ng hrCNTF induced significant downregulation of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1 and significant upregulation of MMP-9. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling by AG490 and curcumin resulted in MMP-9 downregulation; it activated the ERK signalling pathway and upregulated MMP-1 expression. Collectively, these data suggest a role for CNTF signalling in extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion through the modulation of specific MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.,Clinica Di Ostetricia E Ginecologia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Di Ancona, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Marinelli Busilacchi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Hematology Unit, AUO Ospedali Riuniti Di Ancona, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Via Manzoni56, 20089, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Stefano R Giannubilo
- Clinica Di Ostetricia E Ginecologia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Di Ancona, 60123, Ancona, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- U.O.C. Di Ostetricia E Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute Della Donna, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, del Bambino E Di Sanità Pubblica, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Di Clinica Ostetrica E Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
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23
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Jin ZY, Liu CK, Hong YQ, Liang YX, Liu L, Yang ZM. BHPF exposure impairs mouse and human decidualization. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 304:119222. [PMID: 35378203 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although BHPF has been widely used in plastic manufacturing as a substitute for BPA, current evidence suggests that BHPF also causes harmful effects on reproduction. However, effects of BHPF on mammalian early pregnancy are still poorly defined. This study aimed to explore the effects of BHPF on early pregnancy, especially decidualization and embryonic development in mice and human beings. The results showed that 50 and 100 mg/kg BHPF exposure reduced birth weight, and implantation site weight on the day 8 of pregnancy in mice. Because BHPF inhibits both embryo development and artificial decidualization in mice, suggesting that the detrimental effects of BHPF should be from its effects on embryo development and decidualization. Under in vitro decidualization, 10 μM BHPF inhibits decidualization and leads to disordered expression of Lamin B1 and collagen in mice. In addition, 10 μM BHPF also inhibits decidualization, and causes disordered expression of both collagen III and Lamin B1 under human in vitro decidualization. However, collagen III supplementation can rescue BHPF inhibition on decidualization. Further, our study demonstrates that BHPF impairs human decidualization through the HB-EGF/EGFR/STAT3/Collagen III pathway. Taken together these data suggest that exposure to BHPF impairs mouse and human decidualization during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Cheng-Kan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yu-Qi Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Liang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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24
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Ortega MS, Rizo JA, Drum JN, O'Neil EV, Pohler KG, Kerns K, Schmelze A, Green J, Spencer TE. Development of an Improved in vitro Model of Bovine Trophectoderm Differentiation. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.898808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms regulating early stages of placentation and trophectoderm differentiation in the ruminant conceptus remain poorly understood. Here we present a model of trophectoderm (TE) differentiation in vitro from outgrowths of individual in vitro derived embryos. Cell outgrowths expressed markers of mononucleate (MNC) and binucleate (BNC) TE cells. The percentage of BNC ranged from 14 to 39% in individual outgrowths as determined by flow cytometry. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), produced by BNC, were measured in culture media on days 35 to 54. Continuous secretion of PAGs was observed and indicative of BNC functionality. Gene expression was evaluated in 20 embryo cell outgrowths derived from two different sires. Expression of HAND1, which is involved in TE differentiation, and CSH2, a BNC-specific gene, was altered in cell outgrowths between the two sires tested. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of day 40 TE cell outgrowths revealed 11 distinct cell populations, with specific clusters genes involved in TE lineage specification, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, whole -RNAseq analysis was performed in day 35 and 40 TE cell outgrowths and confirmed sustained expression of genes expressed by BNC, such as CSH2 and some PAGs. The developed in vitro bovine embryo outgrowth culture found evidence for MNC and BNC differentiation and continuous production of PAGs, recapitulating key features of early bovine placenta development. This model can be used to understand the developmental biology of TE cells, provide insights into paternal influences on TE differentiation, and impact our understanding of early pregnancy loss in cattle.
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25
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Krenn PW, Montanez E, Costell M, Fässler R. Integrins, anchors and signal transducers of hematopoietic stem cells during development and in adulthood. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 149:203-261. [PMID: 35606057 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the apex of the hierarchically organized blood cell production system, are generated in the yolk sac, aorta-gonad-mesonephros region and placenta of the developing embryo. To maintain life-long hematopoiesis, HSCs emigrate from their site of origin and seed in distinct microenvironments, called niches, of fetal liver and bone marrow where they receive supportive signals for self-renewal, expansion and production of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), which in turn orchestrate the production of the hematopoietic effector cells. The interactions of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with niche components are to a large part mediated by the integrin superfamily of adhesion molecules. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the functional properties of integrins and their activators, Talin-1 and Kindlin-3, for HSPC generation, function and fate decisions during development and in adulthood. In addition, we discuss integrin-mediated mechanosensing for HSC-niche interactions, ex vivo protocols aimed at expanding HSCs for therapeutic use, and recent approaches targeting the integrin-mediated adhesion in leukemia-inducing HSCs in their protecting, malignant niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Krenn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany; Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Eloi Montanez
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Costell
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain; Institut Universitari de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Reinhard Fässler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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26
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Liu R, Dai M, Gong G, Chen M, Cao C, Wang T, Hou Z, Shi Y, Guo J, Zhang Y, Xia X. The role of extracellular matrix on unfavorable maternal–fetal interface: focusing on the function of collagen in human fertility. JOURNAL OF LEATHER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s42825-022-00087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractExtracellular matrix (ECM) is characterized as widespread, abundant, and pluripotent. Among ECM members, collagen is widely accepted as one of the most prominent components for its essential structural property that can provide a scaffold for other components of ECM and the rich biological functions, which has been extensively used in tissue engineering. Emerging evidence has shown that the balance of ECM degradation and remodeling is vital to regulations of maternal–fetal interface including menstrual cycling, decidualization, embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Moreover, disorders in these events may eventually lead to failure of pregnancy. Although the improvement of assisted conception and embryo culture technologies bring hope to many infertile couples, some unfavorable outcomes, such as recurrent implantation failure (RIF), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or recurrent miscarriage (RM), keep troubling the clinicians and patients. Recently, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model mimicking the microenvironment of the maternal–fetal interface is developed to investigate the physiological and pathological conditions of conception and pregnancy. The progress of this technology is based on clarifying the role of ECM in the endometrium and the interaction between endometrium and conceptus. Focusing on collagen, the present review summarized the degradation and regulation of ECM and its role in normal menstruation, endometrium receptivity and unsatisfying events occurring in infertility treatments, as well as the application in therapeutic approaches to improve pregnancy outcomes. More investigations about ECM focusing on the maternal–fetal interface interaction with mesenchymal stem cells or local immunoregulation may inspire new thoughts and advancements in the clinical application of infertility treatments.
Graphical abstract
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27
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Li H, Zhang X, Hong X, Zhang S, Tang H, Shi J, Peng H, Wu Y. Proteome Profiling of Serum Exosomes from Newborns Delivered by Mothers with Preeclampsia. CURR PROTEOMICS 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570164619666220406121420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy-specific disease with potential adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Objective:
We aimed to estimate proteomic profiles of serum-derived exosomes obtained from PE offspring with bioinformatics methods.
Method:
Serum samples were collected from 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h newborns delivered by preeclamptic and normal pregnant women. Exosomes were extracted, and the concentration and size distribution were determined. The exosome surface markers CD9, CD63, CD81, and TSG101, were assayed by Western blot. The exosome proteins were screened by quantitative proteomics with tandem mass tag (TMT). All the identified proteins were subjected to the Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), GO function, and KEGG pathway analysis. A protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was used to extract hub proteins through the Cytohubba plugin of Cytoscape
Results:
The extracted exosomes were round or oval vesicular structures at a 100-200 nm concentration, and the size distribution was standard and uniform. Exosome surface markers CD9, CD63, and CD81 were detected, and TSG101 was not detected. A total of 450 expressed proteins were selected, and 444 proteins were mapped with gene names. A blue module with 66 proteins highly correlated with phenotype at 12 h. Functional analyses revealed that module proteins were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix. The top 10 selected hub proteins were identified as hub proteins, including COL6A2, HSPG2, COL4A1, COL3A1, etc.
Conclusion:
Our study provides important information for exploring molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia and potential biomarkers for future diagnosis and treatment in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqun Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xianhui Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuxuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haijun Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Rugao Branch of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Rugao Bo\'ai Hospital)
| | - Jinlong Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Rugao Branch of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Rugao Bo\'ai Hospital)
| | - Youjia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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28
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Lou L, Kong S, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Wang H. Human Endometrial Organoids: Recent Research Progress and Potential Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844623. [PMID: 35242764 PMCID: PMC8885623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture cannot meet the demand of simulating physiological conditions in vivo, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been developed. To date, most of these systems have been applied for the culture of gastrointestinal and neural tissue. As for the female reproductive system, the culture of endometrial and oviductal tissues in Matrigel has also been performed, but there are still some problems that remain unsolved. This review highlights recent progress regarding endometrial organoids, focusing on the signal for organoid derivation and maintenance, the coculture of the epithelium and stroma, the drug screening using organoids from cancer patients, and provides a potential guideline for genome editing in endometrial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Lou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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29
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Protease activities of vaginal Porphyromonas species disrupt coagulation and extracellular matrix in the cervicovaginal niche. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:8. [PMID: 35190575 PMCID: PMC8861167 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyromonas asaccharolytica and Porphyromonas uenonis are common inhabitants of the vaginal microbiome, but their presence has been linked to adverse health outcomes for women, including bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth. However, little is known about the pathogenesis mechanisms of these bacteria. The related oral opportunistic pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is comparatively well-studied and known to secrete numerous extracellular matrix-targeting proteases. Among these are the gingipain family of cysteine proteases that drive periodontal disease progression and hematogenic transmission to the placenta. In this study, we demonstrate that vaginal Porphyromonas species secrete broad-acting proteases capable of freely diffusing within the cervicovaginal niche. These proteases degrade collagens that are enriched within the cervix (type I) and chorioamniotic membranes (type IV), as well as fibrinogen, which inhibits clot formation. Bioinformatic queries confirmed the absence of gingipain orthologs and identified five serine, cysteine, and metalloprotease candidates in each species. Inhibition assays revealed that each species’ proteolytic activity can be partially attributed to a secreted metalloprotease with broad substrate specificity that is distantly related to the P. gingivalis endopeptidase PepO. This characterization of virulence activities in vaginal Porphyromonas species highlights their potential to alter the homeostasis of reproductive tissues and harm human pregnancy through clotting disruption, fetal membrane weakening, and premature cervical remodeling.
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30
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Guettler J, Forstner D, Gauster M. Maternal platelets at the first trimester maternal-placental interface - Small players with great impact on placenta development. Placenta 2021; 125:61-67. [PMID: 34920861 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In human pregnancy, maternal platelet counts decrease with each trimester, reaching a reduction by approximately ten percent at term in uncomplicated cases and recover to the levels of the non-pregnant state a few weeks postpartum. The time when maternal platelets start to occur in the early human placenta most likely coincides with the appearance of loosely cohesive endovascular trophoblast plugs showing capillary-sized channels by mid first trimester. At that time, platelets accumulate in intercellular gaps of anchoring parts of trophoblast columns and start to adhere to the surface of placental villi and the chorionic plate. This is considered as normal process that contributes to placenta development by acting on both the extravillous- and the villous trophoblast compartment. Release of platelet cargo into intercellular gaps of anchoring cell columns may affect partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness of extravillous trophoblasts as well as deposition of fibrinoid in the basal plate. Activation of maternal platelets on the villous surface leads to perivillous fibrin-type fibrinoid deposition, contributing to the shaping of the developing placental villi and the intervillous space. In contrast, excess platelet activation at the villous surface leads to deregulation of the endocrine activity, sterile inflammation and local apoptosis of the syncytiotrophoblast. Platelets and their released cargo are adapted to pregnancy, and may be altered in high-risk pregnancies. Identification of different maternal platelet subpopulations, which show differential procoagulant ability and different response to anti-platelet therapy, are promising new future directions in deciphering the role of maternal platelets in human placenta physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria.
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31
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Anelli T, Dalla Torre M, Borini E, Mangini E, Ulisse A, Semino C, Sitia R, Panina-Bordignon P. Profound architectural and functional readjustments of the secretory pathway in decidualization of endometrial stromal cells. Traffic 2021; 23:4-20. [PMID: 34651407 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Certain cell types must expand their exocytic pathway to guarantee efficiency and fidelity of protein secretion. A spectacular case is offered by decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). In the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone stimulation induces proliferating EnSCs to differentiate into professional secretors releasing proteins essential for efficient blastocyst implantation. Here, we describe the architectural rearrangements of the secretory pathway of a human EnSC line (TERT-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESC)). As in primary cells, decidualization entails proliferation arrest and the coordinated expansion of the entire secretory pathway without detectable activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways. Decidualization proceeds also in the absence of ascorbic acid, an essential cofactor for collagen biogenesis, despite also the secretion of some proteins whose folding does not depend on vitamin C is impaired. However, even in these conditions, no overt UPR induction can be detected. Morphometric analyses reveal that the exocytic pathway does not increase relatively to the volume of the cell. Thus, differently from other cell types, abundant production is guaranteed by a coordinated increase of the cell size following arrest of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Anelli
- Faculty of Medicine, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.,Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Dalla Torre
- Faculty of Medicine, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Borini
- Faculty of Medicine, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mangini
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Adele Ulisse
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Semino
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Sitia
- Faculty of Medicine, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.,Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Panina-Bordignon
- Faculty of Medicine, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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32
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Forstner D, Guettler J, Gauster M. Changes in Maternal Platelet Physiology during Gestation and Their Interaction with Trophoblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910732. [PMID: 34639070 PMCID: PMC8509324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon activation, maternal platelets provide a source of proinflammatory mediators in the intervillous space of the placenta. Therefore, platelet-derived factors may interfere with different trophoblast subtypes of the developing human placenta and might cause altered hormone secretion and placental dysfunction later on in pregnancy. Increased platelet activation, and the subsequent occurrence of placental fibrinoid deposition, are linked to placenta pathologies such as preeclampsia. The composition and release of platelet-derived factors change over gestation and provide a potential source of predicting biomarkers for the developing fetus and the mother. This review indicates possible mechanisms of platelet-trophoblast interactions and discusses the effect of increased platelet activation on placenta development.
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33
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Vişan V, Balan RA, Costea CF, Cărăuleanu A, Haba RM, Haba MŞC, Socolov DG, Mogoş RA, Bogdănici CM, Nemescu D, Tănase DM, Turliuc MD, Cucu AI, Scripcariu DV, Toma BF, Popovici RM, Ciocoiu M, Petrariu FD. Morphological and histopathological changes in placentas of pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:477-483. [PMID: 33544799 PMCID: PMC7864289 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.2.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The definition of fetal growth restriction (FGR) refers to the incapability of a fetus to achieve the appropriate estimated growth, with expected fetal weight below the 10th percentile calculated for its gestational age. Placental factors and hypoxemia are considered to be essential elements with influence on intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and fetal death. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic pathological findings regarding the placentas in pregnancies complicated by influence on IUGR. Patients, Materials and Methods: Our study included 42 third-trimester pregnant patients admitted to the Cuza Vodă Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iaşi, Romania, in the last three years. Soon after delivery, the 42 placentas were collected and analyzed; 32 placentas came from cases previously diagnosed with influence on IUGR and were included in our study group. Ten other placentas included in the control group were selected from uncomplicated pregnancies. Standard Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining method, as well as Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and immunohistochemical techniques for cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and collagen IV were used in order to highlight the morphological features of the studied placentas. Results: Our study revealed that reduced placental dimensions and eccentric umbilical cord insertion are correlated with the birthweight of the fetuses with IUGR (p<0.05). The most common histological finding in our study group was placental infarction later correlated with IUGR, but a certain causality could not be demonstrated, as this finding was also present in normal pregnancies. Other histopathological findings were also present in the influence on IUGR group, such as fibrin deposits, diffuse calcification, chronic villitis, avascular chronical villi, with no significant statistical correlations. CD31 was strongly immunoexpressed in the villous endothelial cells. Collagen IV presented a strong immunoreaction in the basement membrane and mesenchyme of the placental villi. Conclusions: Our study revealed a correlation between the dimensions of the diameters and volume of the maternal placenta and the presence of influence on IUGR. Moreover, it confirms the available data suggesting that the place of insertion of the umbilical cord is correlated with the weight of the fetus. Further studies with extended panel antibodies are needed in order to determine and complete the role of these morphological changes in the development of influence on IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Vişan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences I - Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania; ,
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Taylor DM, Molè MA, Fishwick KJ, Tryfonos M, Odendaal J, Hawkes A, Zernicka-Goetz M, Hartshorne GM, Brosens JJ, Lucas ES. Modelling the impact of decidual senescence on embryo implantation in human endometrial assembloids. eLife 2021; 10:e69603. [PMID: 34487490 PMCID: PMC8523170 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual remodelling of midluteal endometrium leads to a short implantation window after which the uterine mucosa either breaks down or is transformed into a robust matrix that accommodates the placenta throughout pregnancy. To gain insights into the underlying mechanisms, we established and characterized endometrial assembloids, consisting of gland-like organoids and primary stromal cells. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed that decidualized assembloids closely resemble midluteal endometrium, harbouring differentiated and senescent subpopulations in both glands and stroma. We show that acute senescence in glandular epithelium drives secretion of multiple canonical implantation factors, whereas in the stroma it calibrates the emergence of anti-inflammatory decidual cells and pro-inflammatory senescent decidual cells. Pharmacological inhibition of stress responses in pre-decidual cells accelerated decidualization by eliminating the emergence of senescent decidual cells. In co-culture experiments, accelerated decidualization resulted in entrapment of collapsed human blastocysts in a robust, static decidual matrix. By contrast, the presence of senescent decidual cells created a dynamic implantation environment, enabling embryo expansion and attachment, although their persistence led to gradual disintegration of assembloids. Our findings suggest that decidual senescence controls endometrial fate decisions at implantation and highlight how endometrial assembloids may accelerate the discovery of new treatments to prevent reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Deborah M Taylor
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Katherine J Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Amelia Hawkes
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Synthetic Mouse and Human Embryology Group, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Division of Biology and Biological EngineeringPasadenaUnited Kingdom
| | - Geraldine M Hartshorne
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
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Bai T, Peng CY, Aneas I, Sakabe N, Requena DF, Billstrand C, Nobrega M, Ober C, Parast M, Kessler JA. Establishment of human induced trophoblast stem-like cells from term villous cytotrophoblasts. Stem Cell Res 2021; 56:102507. [PMID: 34454392 PMCID: PMC8551050 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) can be isolated from first trimester placenta but not from term placenta. Here we demonstrate that villous cytotrophoblasts (vCTB) from term placenta can be reprogrammed into induced trophoblastic stem-like cells (iTSC) by introducing sets of transcription factors. The iTSCs express TSC markers such as GATA3, TEAD4 and ELF5, and are multipotent, validated by their differentiation into both extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblasts (STB) in vitro and in vivo. The iTSC can be passaged indefinitely in vitro without slowing of growth. The transcriptome profile of these cells closely resembles the profile of hTSC isolated from first trimester placentae but different from the term placental vCTB from which they originated. The ability to reprogram cells from term placenta into iTSC will allow study of early gestation events which impact placental function later in gestation, including preeclampsia and spontaneous preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Bai
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Chian-Yu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Ivy Aneas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Noboru Sakabe
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Marcelo Nobrega
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Mana Parast
- Department of Pathology and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - John A Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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Sternberg AK, Buck VU, Classen-Linke I, Leube RE. How Mechanical Forces Change the Human Endometrium during the Menstrual Cycle in Preparation for Embryo Implantation. Cells 2021; 10:2008. [PMID: 34440776 PMCID: PMC8391722 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is characterized by exceptional plasticity, as evidenced by rapid growth and differentiation during the menstrual cycle and fast tissue remodeling during early pregnancy. Past work has rarely addressed the role of cellular mechanics in these processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that sensing and responding to mechanical forces are as significant for cell behavior as biochemical signaling. Here, we provide an overview of experimental evidence and concepts that illustrate how mechanical forces influence endometrial cell behavior during the hormone-driven menstrual cycle and prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation. Given the fundamental species differences during implantation, we restrict the review to the human situation. Novel technologies and devices such as 3D multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography, atomic force microscopy, organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems, stem-cell-derived organoid formation, and complex 3D co-culture systems have propelled the understanding how endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation are regulated in the human uterus. Accumulating evidence has shown that junctional adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and extracellular matrix stiffness affect the local force balance that regulates endometrial differentiation and blastocyst invasion. A focus of this review is on the hormonal regulation of endometrial epithelial cell mechanics. We discuss potential implications for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rudolf E. Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.S.); (V.U.B.); (I.C.-L.)
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37
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Zhang MJ, Shi XX, Wang N, Zhang C, Zhang C, Quais MK, Ali SA, Zhou W, Mao C, Zhu ZR. Transcriptional changes revealed genes and pathways involved in the deficient testis caused by the inhibition of alkaline ceramidase (Dacer) in Drosophila melanogaster. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21765. [PMID: 33590535 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are ubiquitous structural components of eukaryotic cell membranes which are vital for maintaining the integrity of cells. Alkaline ceramidase is a key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway; however, little is known about the role of the enzyme in the male reproductive system of Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate the impact of alkaline ceramidase (Dacer) on male Drosophila, we got Dacer deficiency mutants (MUs) and found they displayed apparent defects in the testis's phenotype. To profile the molecular changes associated with this abnormal phenotype, we performed de novo transcriptome analyses of the MU and wildtype (WT) testes; and revealed 1239 upregulated genes and 1102 downregulated genes. Then, six upregulated DEGs (papilin [Ppn], croquemort [Crq], terribly reduced optic lobes [Trol], Laminin, Wunen-2, collagen type IV alpha 1 [Cg25C]) and three downregulated DEGs (mucin related 18B [Mur18B], rhomboid-7 [Rho-7], CG3168) were confirmed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in WT and MU samples. The differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with catalytic activity, oxidoreductase activity and transmembrane transporter activity, which significantly contributed to extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, fatty acids biosynthesis as well as glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. The results highlight the importance of Dacer in the reproductive system of D. melanogaster and provide valuable resources to dig out the specific biological functions of Dacer in insect reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Md Khairul Quais
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Soomro Abid Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cungui Mao
- State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, MOA Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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38
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Guettler J, Forstner D, Cvirn G, Maninger S, Brugger BA, Nonn O, Kupper N, Pritz E, Wernitznig S, Dohr G, Hutter H, Juch H, Isermann B, Kohli S, Gauster M. Maternal platelets pass interstices of trophoblast columns and are not activated by HLA-G in early human pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 144:103280. [PMID: 33530024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In early human gestation, maternal arterial blood flow into the intervillous space of the developing placenta is obstructed by invaded trophoblasts, which form cellular plugs in uterine spiral arteries. These trophoblast plugs have recently been described to be loosely cohesive with clear capillary-sized channels into the intervillous space by 7 weeks of gestation. Here, we analysed localisation of maternal platelets at the maternal-foetal interface of human first trimester pregnancy, and tested the hypothesis whether HLA-G, which is primarily expressed by extravillous trophoblasts, affects aggregation and adhesion of isolated platelets. Immunohistochemistry of first trimester placental sections localised maternal platelets in vessel-like channels and adjacent intercellular gaps of extravillous trophoblasts in distal parts of columns. Furthermore, this localisation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Neither co-incubation of HLA-G overexpressing JAR cells with isolated platelets, nor incubation with cell-derived soluble HLA-G or recombinant HLA-G affected platelet adhesion and aggregation. Our study suggests that maternal platelets flow through vessel-like channels of distal trophoblast columns and spread into adjacent lateral intercellular gaps, where platelet-derived factors could contribute to trophoblast differentiation into the invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Cvirn
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Maninger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Beatrice A Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pritz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gottfried Dohr
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Heinz Hutter
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Herbert Juch
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shrey Kohli
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Wheeler ML, Oyen ML. Bioengineering Approaches for Placental Research. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:1805-1818. [PMID: 33420547 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research into the human placenta's complex functioning is complicated by a lack of suitable physiological in vivo models. Two complementary approaches have emerged recently to address these gaps in understanding, computational in silico techniques, including multi-scale modeling of placental blood flow and oxygen transport, and cellular in vitro approaches, including organoids, tissue engineering, and organ-on-a-chip models. Following a brief introduction to the placenta's structure and function and its influence on the substantial clinical problem of preterm birth, these different bioengineering approaches are reviewed. The cellular techniques allow for investigation of early first-trimester implantation and placental development, including critical biological processes such as trophoblast invasion and trophoblast fusion, that are otherwise very difficult to study. Similarly, computational models of the placenta and the pregnant pelvis at later-term gestation allow for investigations relevant to complications that occur when the placenta has fully developed. To fully understand clinical conditions associated with the placenta, including those with roots in early processes but that only manifest clinically at full-term, a holistic approach to the study of this fascinating, temporary but critical organ is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Wheeler
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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Zambuto SG, Clancy KBH, Harley BAC. Tuning Trophoblast Motility in a Gelatin Hydrogel via Soluble Cues from the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:1064-1073. [PMID: 33216701 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast cells play multiple critical roles in pregnancy, notably modulating blastocyst attachment to the endometrium as well as invading into and actively remodeling the endometrium to facilitate biotransport needs of the growing embryo. Despite the importance of trophoblast invasion for processes essential at early stages of pregnancy, much remains unknown regarding the balance of signaling molecules that may influence trophoblast invasion into the endometrium. The goal of this study was to use three-dimensional trophoblast spheroid motility assays to examine the effect of cues from the maternal-fetal interface on trophoblast motility. We report use of a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel to support quantitative analysis of trophoblast outgrowth area and cell viability. We show that this multidimensional model of trophoblast motility can resolve quantifiable differences in outgrowth area and viability in the presence of a known invasion promoter, epidermal growth factor, and a known invasion inhibitor, transforming growth factor β1. We then investigate the sensitivity of trophoblast motility to cortisol, a hormone associated with exogenous stressors. Together, this approach provides a toolset to investigate the coordinated action of physiological and pathophysiological processes on early stages of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathryn B H Clancy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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41
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Zambuto SG, Clancy KBH, Harley BAC. Tuning trophoblast motility in a gelatin hydrogel via soluble cues from the maternal-fetal interface. Tissue Eng Part A 2020:ten.SIWH.2020.0097. [PMID: 33076787 DOI: 10.1089/ten.siwh.2020.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast cells play multiple critical roles in pregnancy, notably modulating blastocyst attachment to the endometrium as well as invading into and actively remodeling the endometrium to facilitate biotransport needs of the growing embryo. Despite the importance of trophoblast invasion for processes essential at early stages of pregnancy, much remains unknown regarding the balance of signaling molecules that may influence trophoblast invasion into the endometrium. The goal of this study was to use three-dimensional trophoblast spheroid motility assays to examine the effect of cues from the maternal-fetal interface on trophoblast motility. We report use of a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel to support quantitative analysis of trophoblast outgrowth area and cell viability. We show this multidimensional model of trophoblast motility can resolve quantifiable differences in outgrowth area and viability in the presence of a known invasion promoter, epidermal growth factor, and a known invasion inhibitor, transforming growth factor β1. We then investigate the sensitivity of trophoblast motility to cortisol, a hormone associated with exogenous stressors. Together, this approach provides a toolset to investigate the coordinated action of physiological and pathophysiological processes on early stages of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- University of Illinois, Bioengineering, Urbana, Illinois, United States;
| | | | - Brendan A C Harley
- University of Illinois, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 110 RAL, MC-712, Box C-3, 600 S. Mathews Ave, Urbana, Illinois, United States, 61801;
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42
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Abbas Y, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Gardner L, Thomas J, Brosens JJ, Moffett A, Sharkey AM, Franze K, Burton GJ, Oyen ML. Tissue stiffness at the human maternal-fetal interface. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1999-2008. [PMID: 31579915 PMCID: PMC6809602 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the stiffness (elastic modulus) of human nonpregnant secretory phase endometrium, first trimester decidua, and placenta? SUMMARY ANSWER The stiffness of decidua basalis, the site of placental invasion, was an order of magnitude higher at 103 Pa compared to 102 Pa for decidua parietalis, nonpregnant endometrium and placenta. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mechanical forces have profound effects on cell behavior, regulating both cell differentiation and migration. Despite their importance, very little is known about their effects on blastocyst implantation and trophoblast migration during placental development because of the lack of mechanical characterization at the human maternal–fetal interface. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An observational study was conducted to measure the stiffness of ex vivo samples of human nonpregnant secretory endometrium (N = 5) and first trimester decidua basalis (N = 6), decidua parietalis (N = 5), and placenta (N = 5). The stiffness of the artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), Matrigel®, commonly used to study migration of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) in three dimensions and to culture endometrial and placental organoids, was also determined (N = 5). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Atomic force microscopy was used to perform ex vivo direct measurements to determine the stiffness of fresh tissue samples. Decidua was stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HLA-G+ EVT to confirm whether samples were decidua basalis or decidua parietalis. Endometrium was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to confirm the presence of luminal epithelium. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analyzed to determine expression of ECM transcripts by decidual and placental cells. Fibrillin 1, a protein identified by these data, was stained by IHC in decidua basalis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed that decidua basalis was significantly stiffer than decidua parietalis, at 1250 and 171 Pa, respectively (P < 0.05). The stiffness of decidua parietalis was similar to nonpregnant endometrium and placental tissue (250 and 232 Pa, respectively). These findings suggest that it is the presence of invading EVT that is driving the increase in stiffness in decidua basalis. The stiffness of Matrigel® was found to be 331 Pa, significantly lower than decidua basalis (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Tissue stiffness was derived by ex vivo measurements on blocks of fresh tissue in the absence of blood flow. The nonpregnant endometrium samples were obtained from women undergoing treatment for infertility. These may not reflect the stiffness of endometrium from normal fertile women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results provide direct measurements of tissue stiffness during the window of implantation and first trimester of human pregnancy. They serve as a basis of future studies exploring the impact of mechanics on embryo implantation and development of the placenta. The findings provide important baseline data to inform matrix stiffness requirements when developing in vitro models of trophoblast stem cell development and migration that more closely resemble the decidua in vivo. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Centre for Trophoblast Research, the Wellcome Trust (090108/Z/09/Z, 085992/Z/08/Z), the Medical Research Council (MR/P001092/1), the European Research Council (772426), an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Award (1354760), a UK Medical Research Council and Sackler Foundation Doctoral Training Grant (RG70550) and a Wellcome Trust Doctoral Studentship (215226/Z/19/Z).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassen Abbas
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jake Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA
- Correspondence address: Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. Tel: +1 (252) 737-7753. E-mail:
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43
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Zheng HT, Zhang HY, Chen ST, Li MY, Fu T, Yang ZM. The detrimental effects of stress-induced glucocorticoid exposure on mouse uterine receptivity and decidualization. FASEB J 2020; 34:14200-14216. [PMID: 32918762 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902911rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), stress-induced steroid hormones, are released by adrenal cortex and essential for stress adaptation. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the relationship between GCs and pregnancy following the discovery that glucocorticoid receptor is necessary for implantation. It has been widely recognized that stress is detrimental to pregnancy. However, effects of stress-induced GC exposure on uterine receptivity and decidualization are still poorly understood. This study aims to explore the effects of GCs exposure on uterine receptivity, decidualization, and their underlying mechanisms in mice. Single prolonged stress (SPS) and corticosterone (Cort) injection models were used to analyze effects of GC exposure on early pregnancy, respectively. SPS or Cort injection inhibits embryo implantation by interfering Lif signaling and stimulating the uterine deposition of collagen types I, III, and IV on day 4 of pregnancy. Uterine decidualization is also attenuated by SPS or Cort injection through suppressing Cox-2 expression. Cort-induced collagen disorder also suppresses decidualization through regulating mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Our data should shed lights for a better understanding for the effects of GCs on embryo implantation for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tao Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Yi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Ting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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44
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Rabelo K, de Souza LJ, Salomão NG, Machado LN, Pereira PG, Portari EA, Basílio-de-Oliveira R, Dos Santos FB, Neves LD, Morgade LF, Provance DW, Higa LM, Tanuri A, de Carvalho JJ, Paes MV. Zika Induces Human Placental Damage and Inflammation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2146. [PMID: 32983175 PMCID: PMC7490298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, an epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections was declared in 2015 that coincided with alarming reports of microcephaly in newborns associated with mother infection. Although the virus has placental tropism, changes in the tissue morphology and immunity of infected patients have not yet been elucidated. Here, we investigated the histopathological and ultrastructural changes along with the immunological profile and the BDNF expression in rare placental material. Tissues were obtained in the 2015–2016 Brazilian epidemic, of ten ZIKV-infected patients during pregnancy, five resulting in cases of fetal microcephaly and five non-microcephaly, compared to five non-infected control placentae. Viral antigens were only detected in samples from the ZIKV infected patients. Infected placentae presented histopathological severe damage, while the ultrastructural evaluation showed abnormal organelles, such as clusters of virus-like particles consistent with the ZIKV dimensions. Increased infiltration of CD68+ and TCD8+ cells, expression of MMPs, cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and other immunological mediators (RANTES/CCL5 and VEGFR-2) confirmed excessive inflammation and vascular permeability dysfunction. An evaluation of BDNF showed a decrease that could modulate neuronal damage in the developing fetus. The placental changes caused by ZIKV are not pathognomonic, however, the data provide evidence that this infection leads to severe placental injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kíssila Rabelo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Natália Gedeão Salomão
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Gomes Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Laura Dias Neves
- Hospital Geral Dr. Beda, CEPLIN - Uti Neonatal Nicola Albano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Faes Morgade
- Hospital Geral Dr. Beda, CEPLIN - Uti Neonatal Nicola Albano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - David William Provance
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza Mendonça Higa
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge José de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marciano Viana Paes
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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45
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Pan J, Tian X, Huang H, Zhong N. Proteomic Study of Fetal Membrane: Inflammation-Triggered Proteolysis of Extracellular Matrix May Present a Pathogenic Pathway for Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Front Physiol 2020; 11:800. [PMID: 32792973 PMCID: PMC7386131 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), which predominantly presents as spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL) or prelabor premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), is a syndrome that accounts for 5-10% of live births annually. The long-term morbidity in surviving preterm infants is significantly higher than that in full-term neonates. The causes of sPTB are complex and not fully understood. Human placenta, the maternal and fetal interface, is an environmental core of fetal intrauterine life, mediates fetal oxygen exchange, nutrient uptake, and waste elimination and functions as an immune-defense organ. In this study, the molecular signature of preterm birth placenta was assessed and compared to full-term placenta by proteomic profiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of fetal membranes (the amniochorionic membranes), with five cases in each group in the discovery study and 30 cases in each group for validation, were included: groups A: sPTL; B: PPROM; C: full-term birth (FTB); and D: full-term premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Fetal membranes were dissected and used for proteome quantification study. Maxquant and Perseus were used for protein quantitation and statistical analysis. Both fetal membranes and placental villi samples were used to validate proteomic discovery. RESULTS Proteomics analysis of fetal membranes identified 2,800 proteins across four groups. Sixty-two proteins show statistical differences between the preterm and full-term groups. Among these differentially expressed proteins are (1) proteins involved in inflammation (HPGD), T cell activation (PTPRC), macrophage activation (CAPG, CD14, and CD163), (2) cell adhesion (ICAM and ITGAM), (3) proteolysis (CTSG, ELANE, and MMP9), (4) antioxidant (MPO), (5) extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (APMAP, COL4A1, LAMA2, LMNB1, LMNB2, FBLN2, and CSRP1) and (6) metabolism of glycolysis (PKM and ADPGK), fatty acid synthesis (ACOX1 and ACSL3), and energy biosynthesis (ATP6AP1 and CYBB). CONCLUSION Our molecular signature study of preterm fetal membranes revealed inflammation as a major event, which is inconsistent with previous findings. Proteolysis may play an important role in fetal membrane rupture. Extracellular matrix s have been altered in preterm fetal membranes due to proteolysis. Metabolism was also altered in preterm fetal membranes. The molecular changes in the fetal membranes provided a significant molecular signature for PPROM in preterm syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Sanya Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Xiujuan Tian
- Sanya Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Honglei Huang
- Proteomic Core Facility, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nanbert Zhong
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
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46
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O’Connor BB, Pope BD, Peters MM, Ris-Stalpers C, Parker KK. The role of extracellular matrix in normal and pathological pregnancy: Future applications of microphysiological systems in reproductive medicine. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1163-1174. [PMID: 32640894 PMCID: PMC7400725 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220938741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Extracellular matrix in the womb regulates the initiation, progression, and completion of a healthy pregnancy. The composition and physical properties of extracellular matrix in the uterus and at the maternal-fetal interface are remodeled at each gestational stage, while maladaptive matrix remodeling results in obstetric disease. As in vitro models of uterine and placental tissues, including micro-and milli-scale versions of these organs on chips, are developed to overcome the inherent limitations of studying human development in vivo, we can isolate the influence of cellular and extracellular components in healthy and pathological pregnancies. By understanding and recreating key aspects of the extracellular microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, we can engineer microphysiological systems to improve assisted reproduction, obstetric disease treatment, and prenatal drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blakely B O’Connor
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Benjamin D Pope
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael M Peters
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Academic Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin K Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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47
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Shi JW, Lai ZZ, Yang HL, Yang SL, Wang CJ, Ao D, Ruan LY, Shen HH, Zhou WJ, Mei J, Fu Q, Li MQ. Collagen at the maternal-fetal interface in human pregnancy. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2220-2234. [PMID: 32549767 PMCID: PMC7294936 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.45586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival and development of a semi-allogenic fetus during pregnancy require special immune tolerance microenvironment at the maternal fetal interface. During the establishment of a successful pregnancy, the endometrium undergoes a series of changes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) breaks down and remodels. Collagen is one of the most abundant ECM. Emerging evidence has shown that collagen and its fragment are expressed at the maternal fetal interface. The regulation of expression of collagen is quite complex, and this process involves a multitude of factors. Collagen exerts a critical role during the successful pregnancy. In addition, the abnormal expressions of collagen and its fragments are associated with certain pathological states associated with pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, diabetes mellitus with pregnancy, preeclampsia and so on. In this review, the expression and potential roles of collagen under conditions of physiological and pathological pregnancy are systematically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Liang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng Ao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Yu Ruan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
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48
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Pastor-Pareja JC. Atypical basement membranes and basement membrane diversity - what is normal anyway? J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/8/jcs241794. [PMID: 32317312 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.241794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of basement membranes (BMs) played an essential role in the organization of animal cells into tissues and diversification of body plans. The archetypal BM is a compact extracellular matrix polymer containing laminin, nidogen, collagen IV and perlecan (LNCP matrix) tightly packed into a homogenously thin planar layer. Contrasting this clear-cut morphological and compositional definition, there are numerous examples of LNCP matrices with unusual characteristics that deviate from this planar organization. Furthermore, BM components are found in non-planar matrices that are difficult to categorize as BMs at all. In this Review, I discuss examples of atypical BM organization. First, I highlight atypical BM structures in human tissues before describing the functional dissection of a plethora of BMs and BM-related structures in their tissue contexts in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster To conclude, I summarize our incipient understanding of the mechanisms that provide morphological, compositional and functional diversity to BMs. It is becoming increasingly clear that atypical BMs are quite prevalent, and that even typical planar BMs harbor a lot of diversity that we do not yet comprehend.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C Pastor-Pareja
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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49
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Abbas Y, Brunel LG, Hollinshead MS, Fernando RC, Gardner L, Duncan I, Moffett A, Best S, Turco MY, Burton GJ, Cameron RE. Generation of a three-dimensional collagen scaffold-based model of the human endometrium. Interface Focus 2020; 10:20190079. [PMID: 32194932 PMCID: PMC7061944 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is the secretory lining of the uterus that undergoes dynamic changes throughout the menstrual cycle in preparation for implantation and a pregnancy. Recently, endometrial organoids (EO) were established to study the glandular epithelium. We have built upon this advance and developed a multi-cellular model containing both endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. We use porous collagen scaffolds produced with controlled lyophilization to direct cellular organization, integrating organoids with primary isolates of stromal cells. The internal pore structure of the scaffold was optimized for stromal cell culture in a systematic study, finding an optimal average pore size of 101 µm. EO seeded organize to form a luminal-like epithelial layer, on the surface of the scaffold. The cells polarize with their apical surface carrying microvilli and cilia that face the pore cavities and their basal surface attaching to the scaffold with the formation of extracellular matrix proteins. Both cell types are hormone responsive on the scaffold, with hormone stimulation resulting in epithelial differentiation and stromal decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassen Abbas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Lucia G. Brunel
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK
| | | | - Ridma C. Fernando
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Imogen Duncan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Serena Best
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK
| | - Margherita Y. Turco
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Graham J. Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ruth E. Cameron
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK
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50
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Sadeghi S, Jalali M, Nikravesh MR, Sankian M. Effects of Experimental Hyperthyroidism on Collagen IV and Laminin-α5 Gene Expression in Balb/C Mouse Seminiferous Tubules. Galen Med J 2019; 8:e1369. [PMID: 34466503 PMCID: PMC8343772 DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v8i0.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperthyroidism is one of the disorders of the thyroid gland, an organ that controls the cellular and molecular behaviors of the seminiferous tubule basement membrane (BM), and ultimately, influences its evolutionary process. We aimed to investigate the effects of hyperthyroidism on immunohistochemical characteristics and gene expression levels of collagen IV and laminin-α5 in seminiferous tubules BM of Balb/C mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty male Balb/C mice were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 500 mg/l of levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) diluted in drinking water for two months to inducing hyperthyroidism, which was confirmed by radioimmunoassay. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed, and their testes were extracted for immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS Although a weak reaction was observed in the experimental specimens, no significant enhancement was noted in color intensity of type IV collagen in the seminiferous tubules BM of the experimental group as compared to the control group (P>0.05). Collagen IV gene expression results in the experimental group were not significantly different from the controls (P>0.05). Thus, there was a significant increase in laminin α5 gene expression compared to the control group (P=0.016). CONCLUSION Considering the key role of collagen IV and laminin-α5 in the seminiferous tubule BM in the testes, the results of this study indicated that hyperthyroidism has important effects on both structures and functions of these two components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Sadeghi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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