Notch signaling in reproduction

Notch Signaling: An Emerging Paradigm in the Pathogenesis of Reproductive Disorders and Diverse Pathological Conditions

The highly conserved Notch pathway, a pillar of juxtacrine signaling, orchestrates intricate intercellular communication, governing diverse developmental and homeostatic processes through a tightly regulated cascade of proteolytic cleavages. This pathway, culminating in the migration of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) to the nucleus and the subsequent activation of downstream target genes, exerts a profound influence on a plethora of molecular processes, including cell cycle progression, lineage specification, cell-cell adhesion, and fate determination. Accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of Notch dysregulation, encompassing both gain and loss-of-function mutations, in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. This review delves deep into the multifaceted roles of Notch signaling in cellular dynamics, encompassing proliferation, differentiation, polarity maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tissue regeneration/remodeling, and its intricate interplay with other signaling pathways. We then focus on the emerging landscape of Notch aberrations in gynecological pathologies predisposing individuals to infertility. By highlighting the exquisite conservation of Notch signaling in Drosophila and its power as a model organism, we pave the way for further dissection of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions through targeted modulation of this master regulatory pathway.

Effects of conceptus proteins on endometrium and blood leukocytes of dairy cattle using transcriptome and meta-analysis

This study investigates the short and long-term effects of IFNT and PAG on the transcriptome of endometrium and blood leukocytes. Holstein heifers received intrauterine infusions of one of the following treatments: 20 mL of a 200 μg/mL bovine serum albumin solution (BSA; vehicle) from day 14 to 16 of the estrous cycle (BSA), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 (IFNT3), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 19 (IFNT6), and vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 followed by vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT + 5 μg/mL of PAG from day 17 to 19 (IFNT+PAG). RNA-seq analysis was performed in endometrial biopsies and blood leukocytes collected after treatments. Acute IFNT signaling in the endometrium (IFNT3 vs BSA), induced differentially expressed genes (DEG) associated with interferon activation, immune response, inflammation, cell death, and inhibited vesicle transport and extracellular matrix remodeling. Prolonged IFNT signaling (IFNT6 vs IFNT3) altered gene expression related to cell invasion, retinoic acid signaling, and embryo implantation. In contrast, PAG induced numerous DEG in blood leukocytes but only 4 DEG in the endometrium. In blood leukocytes, PAG stimulated genes involved in development and TGFB signaling while inhibiting interferon signaling and cell migration. Overall, IFNT is a primary regulator of endometrial gene expression, while PAG predominantly affected the transcriptome of circulating immune cells during early pregnancy. Further research is essential to fully grasp the roles of identified DEG in both the endometrium and blood leukocytes.

Targeted deletion of NR2F2 and VCAM1 in theca cells impacts ovarian follicular development: insights into polycystic ovary syndrome?†

Defining features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include elevated expression of steroidogenic genes, theca cell androgen biosynthesis, and peripheral levels of androgens. In previous studies, we identified vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) as a selective androgen target gene in specific NR2F2/SF1 (+/+) theca cells. By deleting NR2F2 and VCAM1 selectively in CYP17A1 theca cells in mice, we documented that NR2F2 and VCAM1 impact distinct and sometimes opposing theca cell functions that alter ovarian follicular development in vivo: including major changes in ovarian morphology, steroidogenesis, gene expression profiles, immunolocalization images (NR5A1, CYP11A1, NOTCH1, CYP17A1, INSL3, VCAM1, NR2F2) as well as granulosa cell functions. We propose that theca cells impact follicle integrity by regulating androgen production and action, as well as granulosa cell differentiation/luteinization in response to androgens and gonadotropins that may underlie PCOS.

Protein profile analysis of Jilin white goose testicles at different stages of the laying cycle by DIA strategy

BACKGROUND

Jilin white goose is an excellent local breed in China, with a high annual egg production and laying eggs mainly from February to July each year. The testis, as the only organ that can produce sperm, can affect the sexual maturity and fecundity of male animals. Its growth and development are affected and regulated by a variety of factors. Proteomics is generally applied to identify and quantify proteins in cells and tissues in order to understand the physiological or pathological changes that occur in tissues or cells under specific conditions. Currently, the female poultry reproductive system has been extensively studied, while few related studies focusing on the regulatory mechanism of the reproductive system of male poultry have been conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 1753 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were generated in which there were 594, 391 and 768 different proteins showing differential expression in three stages, Initial of Laying Cycle (ILC), Peak of Laying Cycle (PLC) and End of Laying Cycle (ELC). Furthermore, bioinformatics was used to analyze the DEPs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were adopted. All DEPs were found to be implicated in multiple biological processes and pathways associated with testicular development, such as renin secretion, Lysosomes, SNARE interactions in vesicle trafficking, the p53 signaling pathway and pathways related to metabolism. Additionally, the reliability of transcriptome results was verified by real-time quantitative PCR by selecting the transcript abundance of 6 selected DEPs at the three stages of the laying cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

The funding in this study will provide critical insight into the complex molecular mechanisms and breeding practices underlying the developmental characteristics of testicles in Jilin white goose.

Identification of long noncoding RNAs downregulated specifically in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma

Purpose

To investigate whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development or malignant behavior of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), we attempted to identify lncRNAs specific to HGSC.

Methods

Total RNAs were isolated from HGSC, normal ovarian, and fallopian tube tissue samples and were subjected to a PCR array that can analyze 84 cancer-associated lncRNAs. The lncRNAs that were upregulated and downregulated in HGSC in comparison to multiple samples of normal ovary and fallopian tube were validated by real-time RT-PCR. To infer the function, ovarian cancer cell lines that overexpress the identified lncRNAs were established, and the activation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was analyzed.

Results

Eleven lncRNAs (ACTA2-AS1, ADAMTS9-AS2, CBR3-AS1, HAND2-AS1, IPW, LINC00312, LINC00887, MEG3, NBR2, TSIX, and XIST) were downregulated in HGSC samples. We established the cell lines that overexpress ADAMTS9-AS2, CBR3-AS1, or NBR2. In cell lines overexpressing ADAMTS9-AS2, cell proliferation was suppressed, but migration and invasion were promoted. In cell lines overexpressing CBR3-AS1 or NBR2, cell migration tended to be promoted, although cell proliferation and invasion were unchanged.

Conclusion

We identified eleven lncRNAs that were specifically downregulated in HGSC. Of these, CBR3-AS1, NBR2, and ADAMTS9-AS2 had unique functions in the malignant behaviors of HGSC.

Insufficient GDF15 expression predisposes women to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss by impairing extravillous trophoblast invasion

Insufficient extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion during early placentation has been shown to contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the regulatory factors involved and their involvement in RPL pathogenesis remain unknown. Here, we found aberrantly decreased growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels in both first-trimester villous and serum samples of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) patients as compared with normal pregnancies. Moreover, GDF15 knockdown significantly reduced the invasiveness of both HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary human EVT cells and suppressed the Jagged-1 (JAG1)/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and JAG1 overexpression rescued the invasion phenotype of the GDF15 knockdown cells. Induction of a lipopolysaccharide-induced abortion model in mice resulted in significantly reduced GDF15 level in the placenta and serum, as well as increased rates of embryonic resorption, and these effects were reversed by administration of recombinant GDF15. Our study thus demonstrates that insufficient GDF15 level at the first-trimester maternal-foetal interface contribute to the pathogenesis of URPL by impairing EVT invasion and suppressing JAG1/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and suggests that supplementation with GDF15 could benefit early pregnancy maintenance and reduce the risk of early pregnancy.

The Notch signaling-regulated angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials

Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological process of inflammation and invasion of the synovium, and primarily drives the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have demonstrated that the Notch signaling may represent a new therapeutic target of RA. Although the Notch signaling has been implicated in the M1 polarization of macrophages and the differentiation of lymphocytes, little is known about its role in angiogenesis in RA. In this review, we discourse the unique roles of stromal cells and adipokines in the angiogenic progression of RA, and investigate how epigenetic regulation of the Notch signaling influences angiogenesis in RA. We also discuss the interaction of the Notch-HIF signaling in RA's angiogenesis and the potential strategies targeting the Notch signaling to improve the treatment outcomes of RA. Taken together, we further suggest new insights into future research regarding the challenges in the therapeutic strategies of RA.

Detection of Endometriosis Lesions Using Gd-Based Collagen I Targeting Probe in Murine Models of Endometriosis

PURPOSE

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by high fibrotic content and affecting about 10% of women during their reproductive years. Yet, no clinically approved agents are available for non-invasive endometriosis detection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a gadolinium-based collagen type I targeting probe (EP-3533) to non-invasively detect endometriotic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previously, this probe has been used for detection and staging of fibrotic lesions in the liver, lung, heart, and cancer. In this study we evaluate the potential of EP-3533 for detecting endometriosis in two murine models and compare it with a non-binding isomer (EP-3612).

PROCEDURES

For imaging, we utilized two GFP-expressing murine models of endometriosis (suture model and injection model) injected intravenously with EP3533 or EP-33612. Mice were imaged before and after bolus injection of the probes. The dynamic signal enhancement of MR T1 FLASH images was analyzed, normalized, and quantified, and the relative location of lesions was validated through ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the harvested lesions were stained for collagen, and their gadolinium content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

RESULTS

We showed that EP-3533 probe increased the signal intensity in T1-weighted images of endometriotic lesions in both models of endometriosis. Such enhancement was not detected in the muscles of the same groups or in endometriotic lesions of mice injected with EP-3612 probe. Consequentially, control tissues had significantly lower gadolinium content, compared to the lesions in experimental groups. Probe accumulation was similar in endometriotic lesions of either model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for feasibility of targeting collagen type I in the endometriotic lesions using EP3533 probe. Our future work includes investigation of the utility of this probe for therapeutic delivery in endometriosis to inhibit signaling pathways that cause the disease.

Melatonin modulates endometrial decidualization via NOTCH1-NRF2-FOXO1-GSH pathway†

Melatonin is important for oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, and embryo implantation, but less knowledge is available regarding its role in decidualization. The present study found that melatonin did not alter the proliferation of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), as well as cell cycle progress, but suppressed stromal differentiation after binding to the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), which was visualized in decidualizing ESCs. Further analysis evidenced that application of melatonin resulted in the diminishment for NOTCH1 and RBPJ expression. Supplementation of recombinant NOTCH1 protein (rNOTCH1) counteracted the impairment of stromal differentiation conferred by melatonin, while the addition of the NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT aggravated the differentiation progress. Meanwhile, melatonin might restrain the expression and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), whose blockage accelerated the fault of stromal differentiation under the context of melatonin, but this restraint was subsequently ameliorated by rNOTCH1. Forkhead box O 1 (FOXO1) was identified as a downstream target of melatonin in decidualization. Repression of NRF2 antagonized the retrieval of rNOTCH1 due to aberrant FOXO1 expression elicited by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin brought about the occurrence of oxidative stress accompanied by an obvious accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) content, as well as enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas supplementation of rNOTCH1 improved the above-mentioned effects. Nevertheless, this improvement was disrupted by the blockage of NRF2 and FOXO1. Furthermore, addition of GSH rescued the defect of stromal differentiation by melatonin. Collectively, melatonin might impair endometrial decidualization by restraining the differentiation of ESCs dependent on NOTCH1-NRF2-FOXO1-GSH pathway after binding to the MTNR1B receptor.

Genome wide identification and characterization of fertility associated novel CircRNAs as ceRNA reveal their regulatory roles in sheep fecundity

Reproductive traits play a vital role in determining the production efficiency of sheep. Maximizing the production is of paramount importance for breeders worldwide due to the growing population. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as miRNA sponges by absorbing miRNA activity through miRNA response elements (MREs) and participate in ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) to regulate mRNA expression. Despite of extensive research on role of circRNAs as miRNA sponges in various species, their specific regulatory roles and mechanism in sheep ovarian tissue are still not well understood. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of circRNAs, miRNA and mRNA employing bioinformatic techniques on ovine tissues of two contrasting sheep breeds "Small tail Han (X_LC) and Dolang sheep (D_LC)", which results into identification of 9,878 circRNAs with a total length of 23,522,667 nt and an average length of 2,381.32 nt. Among them, 44 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified. Moreover, correlation between miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA provided us with to prediction of miRNA binding sites on nine differentially expressed circRNAs and 165 differentially expressed mRNAs using miRanda. miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA pairs with negative correlation were selected to determine the ceRNA score along with positively correlated pairs from lncRNA and mRNA network. Integration of ceRNA score and positively correlated pairs exhibit a significant ternary relationship among circRNAs-miRNA-mRNA demonestrated by ceRNA, comprising of 50 regulatory pairs sharring common nodes and predicted potential differentially expressed circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs regulatory axis. Based on functional enrichment analysis shortlisted key ceRNA regulatory pairs associated with reproduction including circRNA_3257-novel579_mature-EPHA3, circRNA_8396-novel130_mature-LOC101102473, circRNA_4140- novel34_mature > novel661_mature-KCNK9, and circRNA_8312-novel339_mature-LOC101110545. Furthermore, expression profiling, functional enrichments and qRT-PCR analysis of key target genes infer their implication in reproduction and metabolism. ceRNA target mRNAs evolutionary trajectories, expression profiling, functional enrichments, subcellular localizations following genomic organizations will provide new insights underlying molecular mechanisms of reproduction, and establish a solid foundation for future research. Graphical abstract summarizing the scheme of study.

Current thoughts on cellular functions of numb-associated kinases

Members of the Numb-associated kinase family of serine/threonine kinases play an essential role in many cellular processes, such as endocytosis, autophagy, dendrite morphogenesis, osteoblast differentiation, and the regulation of the Notch pathway. Numb-associated kinases have been relevant to diverse diseases, including neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease, and prostate cancer. Therefore, they are considered potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it is reported that Numb-associated kinases have been involved in the life cycle of multiple viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), Ebola virus (EBOV), and dengue virus (DENV). Recently, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to threaten global health. Studies show that Numb-associated kinases are implicated in the infection of SARS-CoV-2 which can be suppressed by Numb-associated kinases inhibitors. Thus, Numb-associated kinases are proposed as potential host targets for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies. We will focus on the recent advances in Numb-associated kinases-related cellular functions and their potential as host targets for viral infections in this review. Questions that remained unknown on the cellular functions of Numb-associated kinases will also be discussed.

Gamma secretase inhibition: Effects on fertility and embryo-fetal development in rats

Avagacestat inhibits γ-secretase, a protease that cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce amyloid beta (Aβ). Aβ plaques, a predominant lesion in Alzheimer's patient's brain, is considered a mechanism driving neurodegeneration. As part of the nonclinical reproductive safety assessment, avagacestat effects on fertility and early embryonic development and embryo-fetal development were evaluated in rats. In the embryo-fetal development study, avagacestat was a selective developmental toxicant with dose-related increased fetal mortality, decreased fetal growth, and increased fetal malformations and variations (primarily affecting the axial and appendicular skeletal system) at ≥3 mg/kg/day. In the female fertility and early embryonic development study, avagacestat-related reductions in female fecundity at ≥5 mg/kg/day were attributed to impaired ovarian follicular development that was reflected in dose-dependent reductions in implantation sites, litter size, and gravid uterine weights. In the male fertility and early embryonic development study, avagacestat-related effects on reproduction could not be fully assessed because of low systemic exposures achieved due to extensive metabolism and clearance of the drug. The results obtained in these studies were consistent with pharmacologically mediated inhibition of γ-secretase and resulting inhibition of Notch processing and signaling that are key for embryonic development and ovary folliculogenesis. These findings are not considered a risk for late-onset AD where the patient population is ≥65 years old most with women who are post-menopausal. However, for treatment of early onset AD with a younger patient population, there are risks for reproductive or developmental toxicities with treatment with gamma secretase inhibitors like avagacestat.

ARID1A, NOTCH and WNT Signature in Gynaecological Tumours

Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the deadliest gynaecologic malignancies in the world. The majority of OC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with high-grade serous OC (HGSOC). The lack of specific symptoms and suitable screening strategies lead to short progression-free survival times in HGSOC patients. The chromatin-remodelling, WNT and NOTCH pathways are some of the most dysregulated in OC; thus their gene mutations and expression profile could serve as diagnostic or prognostic OC biomarkers. Our pilot study investigated mRNA expression of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodelling complex gene ARID1A, NOTCH receptors, WNT pathway genes CTNNB1 and FBXW7 mRNA expression in two OC cell cultures as well as 51 gynaecologic tumour tissues. A four-gene panel consisting of ARID1A, CTNNB1, FBXW7 and PPP2R1A was used to investigate mutations in gynaecologic tumour tissue. All seven analysed genes were found to be significantly downregulated in OC when compared with non-malignant gynaecologic tumour tissues. NOTCH3 was also downregulated in SKOV3 cells when compared to A2780. Fifteen mutations were found in 25.5% (13/51) of the tissue samples. ARID1A predicted mutations were the most prevalent with alterations detected in 19% (6/32) HGSOC and 67% (6/9) of other OC cases. Thus, ARID1A and NOTCH/WNT-pathway-related changes could be useful diagnostic biomarkers in OC.

TKF, a mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis through inhibition of the YAP/Notch3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a common scarring response and may ultimately lead to liver cancer, unfortunately, there is currently no effective antifibrotic drug approved for human use. Limonoids exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, the potential role of limonoids against fibrosis is largely unknown.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of TKF (3-tigloyl-khasenegasin F), a natural mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Two well-established mouse models (CCl₄ challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess anti-fibrotic effects of TKF in vivo. Human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models.

RESULT

TKF administration significantly attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and suppressed fibrogenesis-associated gene expression including Col1a1, Acta2, and Timp1. In LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs, TKF dose-dependently suppressed HSC activation and the expression levels of fibrogenic markers. Mechanistic studies showed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 and YAP signalings in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, YAP inhibition or knockdown downregulated the Notch3 expression; however, Notch3 inhibition or knockdown did not affect the level of YAP in activated HSC. We revealed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 activation and downregulated hepatic fibrogenic gene expression via inhibiting YAP.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic benefit of TKF against liver fibrosis results from inhibition of YAP and Notch3-Hes1 pathways, indicating that TKF may be a novel therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.

Notch effector recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J signaling is required for the initiation of endometrial stromal cell decidualization†

The Notch signaling pathway is required for reproductive success. This pathway activates its transcriptional effector, recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J (Rbpj), to induce transcription of its target genes. This signaling pathway is required for successful decidualization, implantation, and uterine repair following parturition. To identify the compartmental specific roles of the Notch signaling pathway in the establishment of pregnancy, we generated epithelial and decidual stromal cell specific knockouts of Rbpj utilizing lactoferrin iCre and Prl8A2 iCre, respectively. Both conditional knockout mouse models were fertile. The Rbpj epithelial knockout mice displayed 27% resorption sites at E15.5, but this did not significantly impact the number of live born pups compared with controls. In addition, the Rbpj epithelial knockout mice displayed increased estrogen signaling in their stromal compartment. Given that both mouse models exhibited fertility comparable to control animals, the epithelial and stromal specific nature of the iCre recombinases utilized, and previously published Rbpj total uterine knockout mouse models, we conclude that Notch effector Rbpj signaling is required at the initiation of pregnancy to support decidualization in stromal cells, but that Rbpj is not required in the epithelial compartment nor is it required for post-implantation pregnancy success.

Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics

The NOTCH gene was identified approximately 110 years ago. Classical studies have revealed that NOTCH signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway. NOTCH receptors undergo three cleavages and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes. NOTCH signaling deeply participates in the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues and organs, the aberration of which results in cancerous and noncancerous diseases. However, recent studies indicate that the outcomes of NOTCH signaling are changeable and highly dependent on context. In terms of cancers, NOTCH signaling can both promote and inhibit tumor development in various types of cancer. The overall performance of NOTCH-targeted therapies in clinical trials has failed to meet expectations. Additionally, NOTCH mutation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in many cancers. Collectively, the NOTCH pathway needs to be integrally assessed with new perspectives to inspire discoveries and applications. In this review, we focus on both classical and the latest findings related to NOTCH signaling to illustrate the history, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, contributions to physiological development, related diseases, and therapeutic applications of the NOTCH pathway. The contributions of NOTCH signaling to the tumor immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. We hope this review will help not only beginners but also experts to systematically and thoroughly understand the NOTCH signaling pathway.