1
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Lawrence SM, Goshia T, Sinha M, Fraley SI, Williams M. Decoding human cytomegalovirus for the development of innovative diagnostics to detect congenital infection. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:532-542. [PMID: 38146009 PMCID: PMC10837078 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02957-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital infectious disease and the leading nongenetic etiology of sensorineural hearing loss. Although most infected neonates are asymptomatic at birth, congenital cytomegalovirus infection is responsible for nearly 400 infant deaths annually in the United States and may lead to significant long-term neurodevelopmental impairments in survivors. The resulting financial and social burdens of congenital cytomegalovirus infection have led many medical centers to initiate targeted testing after birth, with a growing advocacy to advance universal newborn screening. While no cures or vaccines are currently available to eliminate or prevent cytomegalovirus infection, much has been learned over the last five years regarding disease pathophysiology and viral replication cycles that may enable the development of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics. This Review will detail our current understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, while focusing our discussion on routine and emerging diagnostics for viral detection, quantification, and long-term prognostication. IMPACT: This review highlights our current understanding of the fetal transmission of human cytomegalovirus. It details clinical signs and physical findings of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. This submission discusses currently available cytomegalovirus diagnostics and introduces emerging platforms that promise improved sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, viral quantification, detection of genomic antiviral resistance, and infection staging (primary, latency, reactivation, reinfection).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley M Lawrence
- University of Utah, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Tyler Goshia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marvin Williams
- University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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2
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Boss AL, Chamley LW, Brooks AES, James JL. Human placental vascular and perivascular cell heterogeneity differs between first trimester and term, and in pregnancies affected by foetal growth restriction. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad041. [PMID: 38059603 PMCID: PMC10746841 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad041] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth-restricted placentae have a reduced vascular network, impairing exchange of nutrients and oxygen. However, little is known about the differentiation events and cell types that underpin normal/abnormal placental vascular formation and function. Here, we used 23-colour flow cytometry to characterize placental vascular/perivascular populations between first trimester and term, and in foetal growth restriction (FGR). First-trimester endothelial cells had an immature phenotype (CD144+/lowCD36-CD146low), while term endothelial cells expressed mature endothelial markers (CD36+CD146+). At term, a distinct population of CD31low endothelial cells co-expressed mesenchymal markers (CD90, CD26), indicating a capacity for endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In FGR, compared with normal pregnancies, endothelial cells constituted 3-fold fewer villous core cells (P < 0.05), contributing to an increased perivascular: endothelial cell ratio (2.6-fold, P < 0.05). This suggests that abnormal EndMT may play a role in FGR. First-trimester endothelial cells underwent EndMT in culture, losing endothelial (CD31, CD34, CD144) and gaining mesenchymal (CD90, CD26) marker expression. Together this highlights how differences in villous core cell heterogeneity and phenotype may contribute to FGR pathophysiology across gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Boss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna E S Brooks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Hunter R, Baird B, Garcia M, Begay J, Goitom S, Lucas S, Herbert G, Scieszka D, Padilla J, Brayer K, Ottens AK, Suter MA, Barrozo ER, Hines C, Bleske B, Campen MJ. Gestational ozone inhalation elicits maternal cardiac dysfunction and transcriptional changes to placental pericytes and endothelial cells. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:238-249. [PMID: 37695302 PMCID: PMC10682975 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ozone (O3) is a criteria air pollutant with the most frequent incidence of exceeding air quality standards. Inhalation of O3 is known to cause lung inflammation and consequent systemic health effects, including endothelial dysfunction. Epidemiologic data have shown that gestational exposure to air pollutants correlates with complications of pregnancy, including low birth weight, intrauterine growth deficiency, preeclampsia, and premature birth. Mechanisms underlying how air pollution may facilitate or exacerbate gestational complications remain poorly defined. The current study sought to uncover how gestational O3 exposure impacted maternal cardiovascular function, as well as the development of the placenta. Pregnant mice were exposed to 1PPM O3 or a sham filtered air (FA) exposure for 4 h on gestational day (GD) 10.5, and evaluated for cardiac function via echocardiography on GD18.5. Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction in maternal stroke volume and ejection fraction in maternally exposed dams. To examine the impact of maternal O3 exposure on the maternal-fetal interface, placentae were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Mid-gestational O3 exposure led to significant differential expression of 4021 transcripts compared with controls, and pericytes displayed the greatest transcriptional modulation. Pathway analysis identified extracellular matrix organization to be significantly altered after the exposure, with the greatest modifications in trophoblasts, pericytes, and endothelial cells. This study provides insights into potential molecular processes during pregnancy that may be altered due to the inhalation of environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Brenna Baird
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Marcus Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jessica Begay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Siem Goitom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Selita Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Scieszka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jamie Padilla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kathryn Brayer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Andrew K Ottens
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Curt Hines
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Barry Bleske
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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4
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Lewis RM. Volume electron microscopy reveals placental ultrastructure in 3D. Placenta 2023; 141:78-83. [PMID: 37487796 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Many structures necessary for placental function can only be visualised at the ultrastructural scale. Recent technological advances have made Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) approaches much more accessible. Volume EM allows the ultrastructure of tissues, cells and organelles to be visualised in 3D. It also allows the 3D spatial relationships between these structures to be determined. This review will highlight the potential for volume EM to advance our understanding of placental ultrastructure. It will focus on the human term placenta highlighting key findings spanning the placental barrier from trans-syncytial nanopores in the syncytiotrophoblast to tunnelling nanotubes in the fetal capillary endothelium. Volume EM is advancing our understanding of placental ultrastructure, but to fully exploit its potential, it will be necessary to use it as part of multimodal and correlative workflows. The complementary strengths of these different approaches can complement volume EM and reveal the biological significance of its novel observations. The use of volume EM also highlighted how ultrastructural features might underpin pregnancy pathologies and demonstrates the need for more research in this underrepresented area.
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5
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Laundon D, Katsamenis OL, Thompson J, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Chavatte-Palmer P, Gostling NJ, Lewis RM. Correlative multiscale microCT-SBF-SEM imaging of resin-embedded tissue. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 177:241-267. [PMID: 37451769 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.01.014] [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: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional biological microscopy presents a trade-off between spatial resolution and field of view. Correlative approaches applying multiple imaging techniques to the same sample can therefore mitigate against these trade-offs. Here, we present a workflow for correlative microscopic X-ray microfocus computed tomography (microCT) and serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) imaging of resin-embedded tissue, using mammalian placental tissue samples as an example. This correlative X-ray and electron microscopy (CXEM) workflow allows users to image the same sample at multiple resolutions, and target the region of interest (ROI) for SBF-SEM based on microCT. We detail the protocols associated with this workflow and demonstrate its application in multiscale imaging of horse placental villi and ROI selection in the labyrinthine zone of a mouse placenta. These examples demonstrate how the protocol may need to be adapted for tissues with different densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Laundon
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Orestis L Katsamenis
- μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - James Thompson
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Neil J Gostling
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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6
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Kandzija N, Rahbar M, Jones GD, Motta-Mejia C, Zhang W, Couch Y, Neuhaus AA, Kishore U, Sutherland BA, Redman C, Vatish M. Placental capillary pericytes release excess extracellular vesicles under hypoxic conditions inducing a pro-angiogenic profile in term pregnancy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 651:20-29. [PMID: 36774662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.015] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Pericytes are multifunctional cells wrapped around capillary endothelia, essential for vascular health, development, and blood flow regulation, although their role in human placental chorionic villi has not been fully explored. The second half of normal pregnancy is characterized by a progressive decline in placental and fetal oxygen levels which, by term, comprises a substantial degree of hypoxia. We hypothesized this hypoxia would stimulate pericyte regulation of chorionic villous capillary function. This study's objective was to investigate the role of hypoxia on normal term placental pericytes (PLVP) and their signaling to endothelial cells. First, we confirmed fetoplacental hypoxia at term by a new analysis of umbilical arterial blood oxygen tension of 3,010 healthy singleton neonates sampled at caesarean section and before labor. We then measured the release of cytokines, chemokines, and small extracellular vesicles (PLVPsv), from PLVP cultured at 20%, 8% and 1% O2. As O2 levels decreased, secreted cytokines and chemokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], and small extracellular vesicle markers, (Alix, Syntenin and CD9) increased significantly in the culture supernatants. When primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured with PLVPsv, polygon formation, number, and tube formation length was significantly increased compared to cells not treated with PLVPsv, indicating PLVPsv stimulated angiogenesis. We conclude that adding PLVPsv stimulates angiogenesis and vessel stabilization on neighboring endothelial cells in response to hypoxia in term pregnancy compared to no addition of PLVPsv. Our finding that PLVP can release angiogenic molecules via extracellular vesicles in response to hypoxia may apply to other organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neva Kandzija
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Maryam Rahbar
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Gabriel Davis Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Carolina Motta-Mejia
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; Biosciences Division, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Yvonne Couch
- Acute Stroke Program, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Ain A Neuhaus
- Acute Stroke Program, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences Division, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Brad A Sutherland
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Christopher Redman
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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7
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Lewis RM, Baskaran H, Green J, Tashev S, Palaiologou E, Lofthouse EM, Cleal JK, Page A, Chatelet DS, Goggin P, Sengers BG. 3D visualization of trans-syncytial nanopores provides a pathway for paracellular diffusion across the human placental syncytiotrophoblast. iScience 2022; 25:105453. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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8
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Pang H, Lei D, Guo Y, Yu Y, Liu T, Liu Y, Chen T, Fan C. Three categories of similarities between the placenta and cancer that can aid cancer treatment: Cells, the microenvironment, and metabolites. Front Oncol 2022; 12:977618. [PMID: 36059660 PMCID: PMC9434275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.977618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most harmful diseases, while pregnancy is a common condition of females. Placenta is the most important organ for fetal growth, which has not been fully understand. It’s well known that placenta and solid tumor have some similar biological behaviors. What’s more, decidua, the microenvironment of placenta, and metabolism all undergo adaptive shift for healthy pregnancy. Interestingly, decidua and the tumor microenvironment (TME); metabolism changes during pregnancy and cancer cachexia all have underlying links. However, whether the close link between pregnancy and cancer can bring some new ideas to treat cancer is still unclear. So, in this review we note that pregnancy may offer clues to treat cancer related to three categories: from cell perspective, through the shared development process of the placenta and cancer; from microenvironment perspective, though the shared features of the decidua and TME; and from metabolism perspective, through shared metabolites changes during pregnancy and cancer cachexia. Firstly, comparing gene mutations of both placenta and cancer, which is the underlying mechanism of many similar biological behaviors, helps us understand the origin of cancer and find the key factors to restore tumorigenesis. Secondly, exploring how decidua affect placenta development and similarities of decidua and TME is helpful to reshape TME, then to inhibit cancer. Thirdly, we also illustrate the possibility that the altered metabolites during pregnancy may reverse cancer cachexia. So, some key molecules changed in circulation of pregnancy may help relieve cachexia and make survival with cancer realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuping Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuifang Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Cuifang Fan,
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9
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Albargothy MJ, Azizah NN, Stewart SL, Troendle EP, Steel DHW, Curtis TM, Taggart MJ. Investigation of heterocellular features of the mouse retinal neurovascular unit by 3D electron microscopy. J Anat 2022. [PMID: 35841597 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13721] [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: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina has a complex structure with a diverse collection of component cells that work together to facilitate vision. The retinal capillaries supplying the nutritional requirements to the inner retina have an intricate system of neural, glial and vascular elements that interconnect to form the neurovascular unit (NVU). The retina has no autonomic nervous system and so relies on the NVU as an interdependent, physical and functional unit to alter blood flow appropriately to changes in the physiological environment. The importance of this is demonstrated by alterations in NVU function being apparent in the blinding disease diabetic retinopathy and other diseases of the retina. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the anatomy of the components of the NVU that underlie its functioning and in particular the nanoscale arrangements of its heterocellular components. However, information on this in three spatial dimensions is limited. In the present study, we utilised the technique of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and computational image reconstruction, to enable the first three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of the NVU in mouse retinal capillaries. Mouse isolated retina was prepared for SBF-SEM and up to 150 serial scanning electron microscopy images (covering z-axes distances of 12-8 mm) of individual capillaries in the superficial plexus and NVU cellular components digitally aligned. Examination of the data in the x-, y- and z-planes was performed with the use of semi-automated computational image analysis tools including segmentation, 3D image reconstruction and quantitation of cell proximities. A prominent feature of the capillary arrangements in 3D was the extensive sheath-like coverage by singular pericytes. They appeared in close register to the basement membrane with which they interwove in a complex mesh-like appearance. Breaks in the basement membrane appeared to facilitate pericyte interactions with other NVU cell types. There were frequent, close (<10 nm) pericyte-endothelial interactions with direct contact points and peg-and-socket-like morphology. Macroglia typically intervened between neurons and capillary structures; however, regions were identified where neurons came into closer contact with the basement membrane. A software-generated analysis to assess the morphology of the different cellular components of the NVU, including quantifications of convexity, sphericity and cell-to-cell closeness, has enabled preliminary semi-quantitative characterisation of cell arrangements with neighbouring structures. This study presents new data on the nanoscale spatial characteristics of components of the murine retinal NVU in 3D that has implications for our understanding of structural integrity (e.g. pericyte-endothelial cell anchoring) and function (e.g. possible paracrine communication between macroglia and pericytes). It also serves as a platform to inform future studies examining changes in NVU characteristics with different biological and disease circumstances. All raw and processed image data have been deposited for public viewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona J Albargothy
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nadhira N Azizah
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah L Stewart
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Evan P Troendle
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - David H W Steel
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tim M Curtis
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Michael J Taggart
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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10
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Jazwiec PA, Patterson VS, Ribeiro TA, Yeo E, Kennedy KM, Mathias PCF, Petrik JJ, Sloboda DM. Paternal obesity induces placental hypoxia and sex-specific impairments in placental vascularization and offspring metabolism. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:574-589. [PMID: 35377412 PMCID: PMC9382389 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal obesity predisposes offspring to metabolic dysfunction, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated whether this metabolic dysfunction is associated with changes in placental vascular development and is fueled by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated changes in fetal hepatic development. We also determined whether paternal obesity indirectly affects the in utero environment by disrupting maternal metabolic adaptations to pregnancy. Male mice fed a standard chow or high fat diet (60%kcal fat) for 8–10 weeks were time-mated with female mice to generate pregnancies and offspring. Glucose tolerance was evaluated in dams at mid-gestation (embryonic day (E) 14.5) and late gestation (E18.5). Hypoxia, angiogenesis, endocrine function, macronutrient transport, and ER stress markers were evaluated in E14.5 and E18.5 placentae and/or fetal livers. Maternal glucose tolerance was assessed at E14.5 and E18.5. Metabolic parameters were assessed in offspring at ~60 days of age. Paternal obesity did not alter maternal glucose tolerance but induced placental hypoxia and altered placental angiogenic markers, with the most pronounced effects in female placentae. Paternal obesity increased ER stress-related protein levels (ATF6 and PERK) in the fetal liver and altered hepatic expression of gluconeogenic factors at E18.5. Offspring of obese fathers were glucose intolerant and had impaired whole-body energy metabolism, with more pronounced effects in female offspring. Metabolic deficits in offspring due to paternal obesity may be mediated by sex-specific changes in placental vessel structure and integrity that contribute to placental hypoxia and may lead to poor fetal oxygenation and impairments in fetal metabolic signaling pathways in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja A Jazwiec
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Violet S Patterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tatiane A Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Erica Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Katherine M Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Paulo C F Mathias
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Jim J Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada
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11
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Davies R, Griffiths C, Askelund K, Palaiologou E, Cleal JK, Page A, Chatelet DS, Goggin P, Chamley L, Lewis RM. Microvillous tip vesicles may be an origin of placental extracellular vesicles. Placenta 2022; 123:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Dessalles CA, Babataheri A, Barakat AI. Pericyte mechanics and mechanobiology. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:134/6/jcs240226. [PMID: 33753399 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.240226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are mural cells of the microvasculature, recognized by their thin processes and protruding cell body. Pericytes wrap around endothelial cells and play a central role in regulating various endothelial functions, including angiogenesis and inflammation. They also serve as a vascular support and regulate blood flow by contraction. Prior reviews have examined pericyte biological functions and biochemical signaling pathways. In this Review, we focus on the role of mechanics and mechanobiology in regulating pericyte function. After an overview of the morphology and structure of pericytes, we describe their interactions with both the basement membrane and endothelial cells. We then turn our attention to biophysical considerations, and describe contractile forces generated by pericytes, mechanical forces exerted on pericytes, and pericyte responses to these forces. Finally, we discuss 2D and 3D engineered in vitro models for studying pericyte mechano-responsiveness and underscore the need for more evolved models that provide improved understanding of pericyte function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Dessalles
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Avin Babataheri
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Abdul I Barakat
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
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