1
|
Lu H, Jiang H, Li C, Derisoud E, Zhao A, Eriksson G, Lindgren E, Pui HP, Risal S, Pei Y, Maxian T, Ohlsson C, Benrick A, Haider S, Stener-Victorin E, Deng Q. Dissecting the Impact of Maternal Androgen Exposure on Developmental Programming through Targeting the Androgen Receptor. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309429. [PMID: 39075722 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit sustained elevation in circulating androgens during pregnancy, an independent risk factor linked to pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes in offspring. Yet, further studies are required to understand the effects of elevated androgens on cell type-specific placental dysfunction and fetal development. Therefore, a PCOS-like mouse model induced by continuous androgen exposure is examined. The PCOS-mice exhibited impaired placental and embryonic development, resulting in mid-gestation lethality. Co-treatment with the androgen receptor blocker, flutamide, prevents these phenotypes including germ cell specification . Comprehensive profiling of the placenta by whole-genome bisulfite and RNA sequencing shows a reduced proportion of trophoblast precursors, possibly due to the downregulation of Cdx2 expression. Reduced expression of Gcm1, Synb, and Prl3b1 is associated with reduced syncytiotrophoblasts and sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells, impairs placental labyrinth formation. Importantly, human trophoblast organoids exposed to androgens exhibit analogous changes, showing impaired trophoblast differentiation as a key feature in PCOS-related pregnancy complications. These findings provide new insights into the potential cellular targets for future treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haojiang Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Congru Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Gustaw Eriksson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Eva Lindgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Han-Pin Pui
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Sanjiv Risal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Yu Pei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Theresa Maxian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Anna Benrick
- Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, 54128, Sweden
| | - Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | | | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iqbal K, Dominguez EM, Nixon B, Moreno-Irusta A, Crnkovich B, Scott RL, Vu HTH, Tuteja G, Vivian JL, Soares MJ. Conditionally mutant animal model for investigating the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Development 2024; 151:dev202239. [PMID: 38112206 PMCID: PMC10820817 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Placental development involves coordinated expansion and differentiation of trophoblast cell lineages possessing specialized functions. Among the differentiated trophoblast cell lineages are invasive trophoblast cells, which exit the placenta and invade the uterus, where they restructure the uterine parenchyma and facilitate remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. The rat exhibits deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion, a feature shared with human placentation, and is also amenable to gene manipulation using genome-editing techniques. In this investigation, we generated a conditional rat model targeting the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Prolactin family 7, subfamily b, member 1 (Prl7b1) is uniquely and abundantly expressed in the rat invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Disruption of Prl7b1 did not adversely affect placental development. We demonstrated that the Prl7b1 locus could be effectively used to drive the expression of Cre recombinase in invasive trophoblast cells. Our rat model represents a new tool for investigating candidate genes contributing to the regulation of invasive trophoblast cells and their roles in trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Esteban M. Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Brandon Nixon
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Benjamin Crnkovich
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Jay L. Vivian
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64018, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- 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, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iqbal K, Nixon B, Crnkovich B, Dominguez EM, Moreno-Irusta A, Scott RL, Vu HTH, Tuteja G, Vivian JL, Soares MJ. CONDITIONALLY MUTANT ANIMAL MODEL FOR INVESTIGATING THE INVASIVE TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551740. [PMID: 37577576 PMCID: PMC10418272 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Placental development involves coordinated expansion and differentiation of trophoblast cell lineages possessing specialized functions. Among the differentiated trophoblast cell lineages are invasive trophoblast cells, which exit the placenta and invade into the uterus where they restructure the uterine parenchyma and facilitate remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. The rat exhibits deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion, a feature shared with human placentation, and is also amenable to gene manipulation using genome editing techniques. In this investigation, we generated a conditional rat model targeting the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Prolactin family 7, subfamily b, member 1 ( Prl7b1 ) is uniquely and abundantly expressed in the rat invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Disruption of Prl7b1 did not adversely affect placental development. We demonstrated that the Prl7b1 locus could be effectively used to drive the expression of Cre recombinase in invasive trophoblast cells. Our rat model represents a new tool for investigating candidate genes contributing to the regulation of invasive trophoblast cells and their contributions to trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling.
Collapse
|
4
|
Tao S, Zhang X, Tian F, Pan B, Peng R, Wang Y, Xia M, Yang M, Hu J, Kan H, Xu Y, Li W. Maternal exposure to ambient PM 2.5 causes fetal growth restriction via the inhibition of spiral artery remodeling in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 237:113512. [PMID: 35429798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to ambient fine particulate matters (PM2.5) is associated with low birth weight (LBW) in offspring, but the underlying biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. As the bridge that connects mother and fetus, the placenta plays a crucial role in fetal development by providing the fetus with nutrients and oxygen. However, whether PM2.5 exposure would impact the placental development and the related mechanisms are unclear. RESULTS In the present study, female C57Bl/6j mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) during pregestational and gestational periods, and the fetal development and placental structure were investigated. Our results showed that maternal exposure to CAP induced fetal growth restriction (FGR) and LBW. The placenta from CAP-exposed mice exhibited abnormal development including significant decrease of surface area, smaller junctional zone and impaired spiral artery remodeling. Meanwhile, CAP exposure altered trophoblast lineage differentiation and disrupted the balance between angiogenic and angiostatic factors in placenta. In addition, the inflammatory cytokines levels in lung, placenta and serum were significantly increased after ambient PM2.5 exposure. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that maternal exposure to PM2.5 disrupts normal structure and spiral artery remodeling of placenta and further induces FGR and LBW. This effect may be caused by the placental inflammation response subsequent to the pulmonary and systemic inflammation induced by ambient PM2.5 exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Tao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Fang Tian
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Renzhen Peng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Minjie Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Mingjun Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jingying Hu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Van Gronigen Case G, Storey KM, Parmeley LE, Schulz LC. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during the periconceptional period on placental development in the mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244971. [PMID: 33444393 PMCID: PMC7808591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal undernutrition has detrimental effects on fetal development and adult health. Total caloric restriction during early pregnancy followed by adequate nutrition for the remainder of gestation, is particularly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks during adulthood. The placenta is responsible for transport of nutrients from the maternal to fetal circulation, and the efficiency with which it does so can be adjusted to the maternal nutrient supply. There is evidence that placental adaptations to nutrient restriction in early pregnancy may be retained even when adequate nutrition is restored later in pregnancy, leading to a potential mismatch between placental efficiency and maternal nutrient supplies. However, in the mouse, 50% caloric restriction from days 1.5-11.5 of gestation, while temporarily altering placental structure and gene expression, had no significant effect on day 18.5. The periconceptional period, during which oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development occur may be especially critical in creating lasting impact on the placenta. Here, mice were subjected to 50% caloric restriction from 3 weeks prior to pregnancy through d11.5, and then placental structure, the expression of key nutrient transporters, and global DNA methylation levels were examined at gestation d18.5. Prior exposure to caloric restriction increased maternal blood space area, but decreased expression of the key System A amino acid transporter Slc38a4 at d18.5. Neither placental and fetal weights, nor placental DNA methylation levels were affected. Thus, total caloric restriction beginning in the periconceptional period does have a lasting impact on placental development in the mouse, but without changing placental efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerialisa Van Gronigen Case
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Storey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Parmeley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vrooman LA, Rhon-Calderon EA, Chao OY, Nguyen DK, Narapareddy L, Dahiya AK, Putt ME, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS. Assisted reproductive technologies induce temporally specific placental defects and the preeclampsia risk marker sFLT1 in mouse. Development 2020; 147:147/11/dev186551. [PMID: 32471820 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although widely used, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. To elucidate their underlying causes, we have conducted a longitudinal analysis of placental development and fetal growth using a mouse model to investigate the effects of individual ART procedures: hormone stimulation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo culture and embryo transfer. We demonstrate that transfer of blastocysts naturally conceived without hormone stimulation and developed in vivo prior to transfer can impair early placentation and fetal growth, but this effect normalizes by term. In contrast, embryos cultured in vitro before transfer do not exhibit this compensation but rather display placental overgrowth, reduced fetal weight, reduced placental DNA methylation and increased levels of sFLT1, an anti-angiogenic protein implicated in causing the maternal symptoms of preeclampsia in humans. Increases in sFLT1 observed in this study suggest that IVF procedures could increase the risk for preeclampsia. Moreover, our results indicate that embryo culture is the major factor contributing to most placental abnormalities and should therefore be targeted for optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Vrooman
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Olivia Y Chao
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Duy K Nguyen
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laren Narapareddy
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Family and Community Health, Claire M. Fagin School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Asha K Dahiya
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mary E Putt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard M Schultz
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Eaton M, Davies AH, Devine J, Zhao X, Simmons DG, Maríusdóttir E, Natale DRC, Matyas JR, Bering EA, Workentine ML, Hallgrimsson B, Cross JC. Complex patterns of cell growth in the placenta in normal pregnancy and as adaptations to maternal diet restriction. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226735. [PMID: 31917811 PMCID: PMC6952106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major milestones in mouse placental development are well described, but our understanding is limited to how the placenta can adapt to damage or changes in the environment. By using stereology and expression of cell cycle markers, we found that the placenta grows under normal conditions not just by hyperplasia of trophoblast cells but also through extensive polyploidy and cell hypertrophy. In response to feeding a low protein diet to mothers prior to and during pregnancy, to mimic chronic malnutrition, we found that this normal program was altered and that it was influenced by the sex of the conceptus. Male fetuses showed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by embryonic day (E) 18.5, just before term, whereas female fetuses showed IUGR as early as E16.5. This difference was correlated with differences in the size of the labyrinth layer of the placenta, the site of nutrient and gas exchange. Functional changes were implied based on up-regulation of nutrient transporter genes. The junctional zone was also affected, with a reduction in both glycogen trophoblast and spongiotrophoblast cells. These changes were associated with increased expression of Phlda2 and reduced expression of Egfr. Polyploidy, which results from endoreduplication, is a normal feature of trophoblast giant cells (TGC) but also spongiotrophoblast cells. Ploidy was increased in sinusoidal-TGCs and spongiotrophoblast cells, but not parietal-TGCs, in low protein placentas. These results indicate that the placenta undergoes a range of changes in development and function in response to poor maternal diet, many of which we interpret are aimed at mitigating the impacts on fetal and maternal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Eaton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Alastair H. Davies
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Jay Devine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - David G. Simmons
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Elín Maríusdóttir
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - David R. C. Natale
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - John R. Matyas
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Elizabeth A. Bering
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | | | - Benedikt Hallgrimsson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - James C. Cross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Connor KL, Kibschull M, Matysiak-Zablocki E, Nguyen TTTN, Matthews SG, Lye SJ, Bloise E. Maternal malnutrition impacts placental morphology and transporter expression: an origin for poor offspring growth. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 78:108329. [PMID: 32004932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The placenta promotes fetal growth through nutrient transfer and selective barrier systems. An optimally developed placenta can adapt to changes in the pregnancy environment, buffering the fetus from adverse exposures. We hypothesized that the placenta adapts differently to suboptimal maternal diets, evidenced by changes in placental morphology, developmental markers and key transport systems. Mice were fed a control diet (CON) during pregnancy, undernourished (UN) by 30% of control intake from gestational day (GD) 5.5-18.5 or fed 60% high-fat diet (HF) 8 weeks before and during pregnancy. At GD18.5, placental morphometry, development and transport were assessed. Junctional and labyrinthine areas of UN and HF placentae were smaller than CON by >10%. Fetal blood space area and fetal blood space:fetal weight ratios were reduced in HF vs. CON and UN. Trophoblast giant cell marker Ctsq mRNA expression was lower in UN vs. HF, and expression of glycogen cell markers Cx31.1 and Pcdh12 was lower in HF vs. UN. Efflux transporter Abcb1a mRNA expression was lower in HF vs. UN, and Abcg2 expression was lower in UN vs. HF. mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein Fabppm was higher in UN vs. CON and HF. mRNA and protein levels of the lipid transporter FAT/CD36 were lower in UN, and FATP4 protein levels were lower in HF vs. UN. UN placentae appear less mature with aberrant transport, whereas HF placentae adapt to excessive nutrient supply. Understanding placental adaptations to common nutritional adversities may reveal mechanisms underlying the developmental origins of later disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Connor
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Stephen G Matthews
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Soares MJ, Varberg KM, Iqbal K. Hemochorial placentation: development, function, and adaptations. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:196-211. [PMID: 29481584 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentation is a reproductive adaptation that permits fetal growth and development within the protected confines of the female reproductive tract. Through this important role, the placenta also determines postnatal health and susceptibility to disease. The hemochorial placenta is a prominent feature in primate and rodent development. This manuscript provides an overview of the basics of hemochorial placental development and function, provides perspectives on major discoveries that have shaped placental research, and thoughts on strategies for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA and the Center for Perinatal Research, Children΄s Research Institute, Children΄s Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bogutz AB, Oh-McGinnis R, Jacob KJ, Ho-Lau R, Gu T, Gertsenstein M, Nagy A, Lefebvre L. Transcription factor ASCL2 is required for development of the glycogen trophoblast cell lineage. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007587. [PMID: 30096149 PMCID: PMC6105033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor ASCL2 plays essential roles in diploid multipotent trophoblast progenitors, intestinal stem cells, follicular T-helper cells, as well as during epidermal development and myogenesis. During early development, Ascl2 expression is regulated by genomic imprinting and only the maternally inherited allele is transcriptionally active in trophoblast. The paternal allele-specific silencing of Ascl2 requires expression of the long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 in cis and the deposition of repressive histone marks. Here we show that Del7AI, a 280-kb deletion allele neighboring Ascl2, interferes with this process in cis and leads to a partial loss of silencing at Ascl2. Genetic rescue experiments show that the low level of Ascl2 expression from the paternal Del7AI allele can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with maternally inherited Ascl2 mutations, in a level-dependent manner. Despite their ability to support development to term, the rescued placentae have a pronounced phenotype characterized by severe hypoplasia of the junctional zone, expansion of the parietal trophoblast giant cell layer, and complete absence of invasive glycogen trophoblast cells. Transcriptome analysis of ectoplacental cones at E7.5 and differentiation assays of Ascl2 mutant trophoblast stem cells show that ASCL2 is required for the emergence or early maintenance of glycogen trophoblast cells during development. Our work identifies a new cis-acting mutation interfering with Kcnq1ot1 silencing function and establishes a novel critical developmental role for the transcription factor ASCL2. By controlling precise networks of target genes, transcription factors play important roles in cell fate determination during development. The Ascl2 gene codes for a transcription factor essential for the maintenance of progenitor cell populations able to differentiate into specialized cell types in the intestine and in the extra-embryonic trophoblast lineage. The trophoblast is an essential component of the placenta, an organ required for development of the embryo in placental mammals. Ascl2 belongs to a group of unusual genes, called imprinted genes, which are expressed from only a single parental copy. Ascl2 is only expressed from the maternally inherited copy in the trophoblast, the paternal copy being kept silent. Here, we describe an engineered deletion neighboring Ascl2 that interferes with the complete silencing of the paternal copy of the gene. We show that the low amount of ASCL2 produced from this deletion can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with non-functional maternal copies of Ascl2. Although the rescued embryos can often survive to term, their placenta is highly disorganized and lacks members of a specific cell lineage, the trophoblast glycogen cells. By analyzing the transcriptional profile of mutant trophoblast progenitors in vivo and of differentiated trophoblast stem cells, we show that ASCL2 plays a very early role in the formation of this cell lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Bogutz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rosemary Oh-McGinnis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen J. Jacob
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rita Ho-Lau
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Gu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina Gertsenstein
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chakraborty S, Ain R. NOSTRIN: A novel modulator of trophoblast giant cell differentiation. Stem Cell Res 2018; 31:135-146. [PMID: 30086473 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation-dependent expression of NOSTRIN in murine trophoblast cells prompted investigation on NOSTRIN's function in trophoblast differentiation. We show here that NOSTRIN levels increased in both mouse and rat placenta during gestation. NOSTRIN expression was not co-related to expression of eNOS precluding its eNOS mediated function. NOSTRIN transcripts were identified in trophoblast cells of the placenta, predominantly in trophoblast giant cells (TGC). Precocious over-expression of NOSTRIN during differentiation of trophoblast stem cells led to up-regulation of genetic markers associated with invasion (Prl4a1, Prl2a1) and TGC formation (Prl2c2, Prl3d1, Prl3b1). The functional consequence of NOSTRIN over-expression was increased TGC formation and trophoblast cell invasion. Furthermore, number of polyploid TGCs that arise by endoreduplication, were higher in presence of NOSTRIN. Early induction of NOSTRIN was associated with substantial decrease in G/F actin ratio and augmentation of N-WASP-Dynamin-NOSTRIN ternary complex formation that might be partially responsible for nucleation of actin filaments. NOSTRIN also formed a complex with Cdk1 and increased phosphorylation of T14 and Y15 residues that inhibits cytokinesis. Interestingly, SH3 domain deleted NOSTRIN was ineffective in eliciting NOSTRIN's function in differentiating trophoblast cells. These findings demonstrate that NOSTRIN potentiates trophoblast differentiation towards TGC trajectory that is critical for hemochorial placentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreeta Chakraborty
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Rupasri Ain
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Min S, Natale BV, Natale DRC. Temporal and spatial expression of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) in the mouse placenta. Placenta 2017; 57:170-174. [PMID: 28864008 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucose metabolism in trophoblast cells is essential to provide the required energy for the development and function of the placenta. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh), a key enzyme in the glycolysis pathway has been considered ubiquitously expressed in cells. There is, however, a growing body of evidence suggesting that Gapdh has many functions in pathways unrelated to glucose metabolism. In the present study, we show that GAPDH expression and sub-cellular localization changes through gestation in the mouse placenta. Our findings raise the possibility that GAPDH has multiple functions in trophoblast cells and the developing placenta, while also cautioning against its use as an endogenous reference or standard for gene expression in the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Min
- University of California San Diego, Reproductive Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Bryony V Natale
- University of California San Diego, Reproductive Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David R C Natale
- University of California San Diego, Reproductive Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States; University of Calgary, Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Luna RL, Vasconcelos AG, Nunes AKS, de Oliveira WH, Barbosa KPDS, Peixoto CA. Effects of Sildenafil Citrate and Heparin Treatments on Placental Cell Morphology in a Murine Model of Pregnancy Loss. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 201:193-202. [PMID: 26978649 DOI: 10.1159/000444123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections during pregnancy are well established as models for pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), thrombophilia, preterm labor and abortion. Indeed, inflammation, as induced by LPS injection has been described as a pivotal factor in cases of miscarriage related to placental tissue damage. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil (Viagra®) is currently used to treat FGR cases in women, while low-molecular weight heparin (Fragmin®) is a standard treatment for recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, the pathways and cellular dynamics involved in RM are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of sildenafil and dalteparin in a mouse model of LPS-induced abortion. Histopathology, ultrastructural analysis and immunofluorescence for P-selectin were studied in two different placental cell types: trophoblast cells and labyrinth endothelial cells. Treatment with sildenafil either alone or in combination with heparin showed the best response against LPS-induced injury during pregnancy. In conclusion, our results support the use of these drugs as future therapeutic agents that may protect the placenta against inflammatory injury in RM events. Analyses of the ultrastructure and placental immunophysiology are important to understand the mechanism underlying RM. These findings may spark future studies and aid in the development of new therapies in cases of RM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayana Leal Luna
- Ultrastructure Laboratory, Aggeu Magalhx00E3;es Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|