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Laundon D, Lane T, Katsamenis OL, Norman J, Brewer L, Harris SE, Basford PJ, Shotton J, Free D, Constable-Dakeyne G, Gostling NJ, Chavatte-Palmer P, Lewis RM. Correlative three-dimensional X-ray histology (3D-XRH) as a tool for quantifying mammalian placental structure. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00607-6. [PMID: 39097490 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.312] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian placentas exhibit unparalleled structural diversity, despite sharing a common ancestor and principal functions. The bulk of structural studies in placental research has used two-dimensional (2D) histology sectioning, allowing significant advances in our understanding of mammalian placental structure. However, 2D histology sectioning may be limited if it does not provide accurate information of three-dimensional (3D) tissue architecture. Here, we propose correlative 3D X-ray histology (3D-XRH) as a tool with great potential for resolving mammalian placental structures. 3D-XRH involves scanning a formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue block with 3D X-ray microscopy (microCT) prior to histological sectioning to generate a 3D image volume of the embedded tissue piece. The subsequent 2D histology sections can then be correlated back into the microCT image volume to couple histology staining (or immunolabelling) with 3D tissue architecture. 3D-XRH is non-destructive and requires no additional sample preparation than standard FFPE histology sectioning, however the image volume provides 3D morphometric data and can be used to guide microtomy. As such, 3D-XRH introduces additional information to standard histological workflows with minimal effort or disruption. Using primary examples from porcine, bovine, equine, and canine placental samples, we demonstrate the application of 3D-XRH to quantifying placental structure as well as discussing the limitations and future directions of the methodology. The wealth of information derived from 2D histological sectioning in the biomedical, veterinary, and comparative reproductive sciences provides a rich foundation from which 3D-XRH can build on to advance the study of placental structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Laundon
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Thomas Lane
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Orestis L Katsamenis
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jeanette Norman
- Histochemistry Research Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Lois Brewer
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Shelley E Harris
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Philip J Basford
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Justine Shotton
- Marwell Wildlife, Thompson's Ln, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH, UK
| | - Danielle Free
- Marwell Wildlife, Thompson's Ln, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH, UK
| | | | - Neil J Gostling
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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Laundon D, Proudley E, Basford PJ, Katsamenis OL, Chatelet DS, Cleal JK, Gostling NJ, Chavatte-Palmer P, Lewis RM. Quantitative microCT imaging of a whole equine placenta and its blood vessel network. Placenta 2024; 154:216-219. [PMID: 39096863 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.313] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Placental structure is linked to function across morphological scales. In the placenta, changes to gross anatomy, such as surface area, volume, or blood vessel arrangement, are associated with suboptimal physiological outcomes. However, quantifying each of these metrics requires different laborious semi-quantitative methods. Here, we demonstrate how, with minimal sample preparation, whole-organ computed microtomography (microCT) can be used to calculate gross morphometry of the equine placenta and a range of additional metrics, including branching morphometry of placental vasculature, non-destructively from a single dataset. Our approach can be applied to quantify the gross structure of any large mammalian placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Laundon
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Ella Proudley
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Philip J Basford
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Orestis L Katsamenis
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Neil J Gostling
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Rd, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP, Jauniaux E. Environmental nanoparticles and placental research. BJOG 2024; 131:551-554. [PMID: 37880085 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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Frimat M, Gnemmi V, Stichelbout M, Provôt F, Fakhouri F. Pregnancy as a susceptible state for thrombotic microangiopathies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1343060. [PMID: 38476448 PMCID: PMC10927739 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1343060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent phases of heightened vulnerability to thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), as evidenced by distinct patterns of pregnancy-specific TMAs (e.g., preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome), as well as a higher incidence of nonspecific TMAs, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome, during pregnancy. Significant strides have been taken in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these disorders in the past 40 years. This progress has involved the identification of pivotal factors contributing to TMAs, such as the complement system, ADAMTS13, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt1. Regardless of the specific causal factor (which is not generally unique in relation to the usual multifactorial origin of TMAs), the endothelial cell stands as a central player in the pathophysiology of TMAs. Pregnancy has a major impact on the physiology of the endothelium. Besides to the development of placenta and its vascular consequences, pregnancy modifies the characteristics of the women's microvascular endothelium and tends to render it more prone to thrombosis. This review aims to delineate the distinct features of pregnancy-related TMAs and explore the contributing mechanisms that lead to this increased susceptibility, particularly influenced by the "gravid endothelium." Furthermore, we will discuss the potential contribution of histopathological studies in facilitating the etiological diagnosis of pregnancy-related TMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frimat
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
- Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | | | | | - François Provôt
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Laundon D, Gostling NJ, Sengers BG, Chavatte-Palmer P, Lewis RM. Placental evolution from a three-dimensional and multiscale structural perspective. Evolution 2024; 78:13-25. [PMID: 37974468 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad209] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The placenta mediates physiological exchange between the mother and the fetus. In placental mammals, all placentas are descended from a single common ancestor and functions are conserved across species; however, the placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The selective pressures behind this structural diversity are poorly understood. Traditionally, placental structures have largely been investigated by grouping them into qualitative categories. Assessing the placenta on this basis could be problematic when inferring the relative "efficiency" of a placental configuration to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus. We argue that only by considering placentas as three-dimensional (3D) biological structures, integrated across scales, can the evolutionary questions behind their enormous structural diversity be quantitatively determined. We review the current state of placental evolution from a structural perspective, detail where 3D imaging and computational modeling have been used to gain insight into placental function, and outline an experimental roadmap to answer evolutionary questions from a multiscale 3D structural perspective. Our approach aims to shed light on placental evolution, and can be transferred to evolutionary investigations in any organ system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Laundon
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Gostling
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering, 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
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Mysorekar I, Michita R, Tran L, Bark S, Kumar D, Toner S, Jose J, Narayanan A. Zika Virus NS1 Drives Tunneling Nanotube Formation for Mitochondrial Transfer, Enhanced Survival, Interferon Evasion, and Stealth Transmission in Trophoblasts. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3674059. [PMID: 38106210 PMCID: PMC10723532 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3674059/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection continues to pose a significant public health concern due to limited available preventive measures and treatments. ZIKV is unique among flaviviruses in its vertical transmission capacity (i.e., transmission from mother to fetus) yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that both African and Asian lineages of ZIKV induce tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in placental trophoblasts and multiple other mammalian cell types. Amongst investigated flaviviruses, only ZIKV strains trigger TNTs. We show that ZIKV-induced TNTs facilitate transfer of viral particles, proteins, and RNA to neighboring uninfected cells. ZIKV TNT formation is driven exclusively via its non-structural protein 1 (NS1); specifically, the N-terminal region (50 aa) of membrane-bound NS1 is necessary and sufficient for triggering TNT formation in host cells. Using affinity purification-mass spectrometry of cells infected with wild-type NS1 or non-TNT forming NS1 (pNS1ΔTNT) proteins, we found mitochondrial proteins are dominant NS1-interacting partners, consistent with the elevated mitochondrial mass we observed in infected trophoblasts. We demonstrate that mitochondria are siphoned via TNTs from healthy to ZIKV-infected cells, both homotypically and heterotypically, and inhibition of mitochondrial respiration reduced viral replication in trophoblast cells. Finally, ZIKV strains lacking TNT capabilities due to mutant NS1 elicited a robust antiviral IFN-λ 1/2/3 response, indicating ZIKV's TNT-mediated trafficking also allows ZIKV cell-cell transmission that is camouflaged from host defenses. Together, our findings identify a new stealth mechanism that ZIKV employs for intercellular spread among placental trophoblasts, evasion of antiviral interferon response, and the hijacking of mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. Discerning the mechanisms of ZIKV intercellular strategies offers a basis for novel therapeutic developments targeting these interactions to limit its dissemination.
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