Hypomethylation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 in human placenta of preeclampsia

DNA methylation landscape in pregnancy-induced hypertension: progress and challenges

Gestational hypertension (PIH), especially pre-eclampsia (PE), is a common complication of pregnancy. This condition poses significant risks to the health of both the mother and the fetus. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, may play a role in initiating the earliest pathophysiology of PIH. This article describes the relationship between DNA methylation and placental trophoblast function, genes associated with the placental microenvironment, the placental vascular system, and maternal blood and vascular function, abnormalities of umbilical cord blood and vascular function in the onset and progression of PIH, as well as changes in DNA methylation in the progeny of PIH, in terms of maternal, fetal, and offspring. We also explore the latest research on DNA methylation-based early detection, diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies for PIH. This will enable the field of DNA methylation research to continue to enhance our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of PIH genes and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Comparative single cell analysis reveals complex patterns of cell type and cell signaling innovations at the fetal-maternal interface

The decidual-placental interface is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving tissues in mammals. Its origin as a chimeric fetal-maternal tissue poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. We present single-cell RNA sequencing atlases from the fetal-maternal interfaces of the opossum, a marsupial, the Malagasy common tenrec, an afrotherian with primitive reproductive features, and mouse, guinea pig, and human. Invasive trophoblast shares a common transcriptomic signature across eutherians, which we argue represents a cell type family that radiated following the evolution of hemochorial placentation. We find evidence that the eutherian decidual stromal cell evolved stepwise from a predecidual state retained in Tenrec , followed by a second decidual cell type originating in Boreoeutheria with endocrine characteristics. We reconstruct ligand-receptor signaling to test evolutionary hypotheses at scale. Novel trophoblast and decidual cell types display strong integration into signaling networks compared to other cells. Additionally, we find consistent disambiguation between fetal and maternal signaling. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer the cell-cell signaling network of the Placental common ancestor, and identify increased rates of signaling evolution in Euarchontoglires. Together, our findings reveal novel cell type identities and cell signaling dynamics at the mammalian fetal-maternal interface.

Evolution of parent-of-origin effects on placental gene expression in house mice

The mammalian placenta is a hotspot for the evolution of genomic imprinting, a form of gene regulation that involves the parent-specific epigenetic silencing of one allele. Imprinted genes are central to placental development and are thought to contribute to the evolution of reproductive barriers between species. However, it is unclear how rapidly imprinting evolves or how functional specialization among placental tissues influences the evolution of imprinted expression. We compared parent-of-origin expression bias across functionally distinct placental layers sampled from reciprocal crosses within three closely related lineages of mice ( Mus ). Using genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation data from fetal and maternal tissues, we developed an analytical strategy to minimize pervasive bias introduced by maternal contamination of placenta samples. We corroborated imprinted expression at 42 known imprinted genes and identified five candidate imprinted genes showing parent-of-origin specific expression and DNA methylation. Paternally-biased expression was enriched in the labyrinth zone, a layer specialized in nutrient transfer, and maternally-biased genes were enriched in the junctional zone, which specializes in modulation of maternal physiology. Differentially methylated regions were predominantly determined through epigenetic modification of the maternal genome and were associated with both maternally- and paternally-biased gene expression. Lastly, comparisons between lineages revealed a small set of co-regulated genes showing rapid divergence in expression levels and imprinted status in the M. m. domesticus lineage. Together, our results reveal important links between core functional elements of placental biology and the evolution of imprinted gene expression among closely related rodent species.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Trophoblast Cell Proliferation and Migration by Targeting TFPI2 in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by systemic organ damage and high blood pressure. It has been reported that microRNA-195 (miR-195) is associated with preeclampsia. In this study, we discovered the target of miR-195 in regulating human extravillous cytotrophoblast-derived transformed cell proliferation and migration. We analyzed the clinicopathological factors of preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of miR-195 and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) were measured in placental tissues derived from normal and preeclampsia patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles were verified by western blot. HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and cell migration rate was assessed by the transwell assay. Relative luciferase activities were measured in TFPI2 wild-type (WT) and mutant cells. miR-195 expression was negatively correlated with TFPI2 mRNA levels in preeclampsia patients. Extracellular vesicles derived from hUC-MSCs enhanced HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration. In addition, miR-195 isolated from hUC-MSCs enhanced HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration by targeting TFPI2. Our findings demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-195 in extracellular vesicles derived from hUC-MSCs promotes HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration by targeting TFPI2.

DNMT1 mediates proliferation, migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblasts by regulating the methylation level of APLNR

INTRODUCTION

Proliferation, migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) play an important role in the progression of preeclampsia (PE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which DNA methylase regulates the transcription level of APLNR and affects the phenotypic function of EVTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PE mice model and H/R model in HTR8/Svneo cells were constructed. Clinical samples of normal pregnant women and PE patients were collected. Expression and methylation level of APLNR in vivo and in vitro were detected. ChIP-qPCR was used to detect the binding of DNA methyltransferase at the APLNR promoter. The expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), NO and eNOS in vitro were detected. EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro were detected.

RESULTS

In placental tissues or HTR8/Svneo cells of the PE model group, the expression of APLNR was reduced and APLNR methylation level was up-regulated. There was no significant difference in the APLNR expression in placental tissues between normal pregnant women and PE patients. H/R conditions only promote the binding of DNMT1 at the APLNR promoter. DNMT1 interference decreased the enrichment degree of DNMT1 in APLNR promoter region and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of APLNR in vivo and in vitro. The activation of APLNR by Elabela (ELA) can promote eNOS transcription, thereby promoting cell proliferation and NO level, while eNOS inhibitor can reverse this effect. DNMT1 down-regulation inhibted APLNR methylation level, promoted eNOS transcription, and promoted EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion, which could be revised by the interference of APLNR.

DISCUSSION

DNMT1 promotes eNOS transcription by inhibting APLNR methylation level, and promotes EVTs proliferation, migration and invasion, thus providing a new and broad application prospect for PE treatment.

PARP1 deficiency protects against hyperglycemia-induced neointimal hyperplasia by upregulating TFPI2 activity in diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) promotes neointimal hyperplasia, characterized by dysregulated proliferation and accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), leading to occlusive disorders, such as atherosclerosis and stenosis. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), reported as a crucial mediator in tumor proliferation and transformation, has a pivotal role in DM. Nonetheless, the function and potential mechanism of PARP1 in diabetic neointimal hyperplasia remain unclear. In this study, we constructed PARP1 conventional knockout (PARP1^−/−) mice, and ligation of the left common carotid artery was performed to induce neointimal hyperplasia in Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mouse models. PARP1 expression in the aorta arteries of T1DM mice increased significantly and genetic deletion of PARP1 showed an inhibitory effect on the neointimal hyperplasia. Furthermore, our results revealed that PARP1 enhanced diabetic neointimal hyperplasia via downregulating tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI2), a suppressor of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, in which PARP1 acts as a negative transcription factor augmenting TFPI2 promoter DNA methylation. In conclusion, these results suggested that PARP1 accelerates the process of hyperglycemia-induced neointimal hyperplasia via promoting VSMCs proliferation and migration in a TFPI2 dependent manner.

Toward an understanding of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 as a novel serodiagnostic marker for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary

AIMS

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI)-2 has recently emerged as a serodiagnostic marker for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), especially clear cell carcinoma (CCC). This review discusses the biological properties of TFPI-2 and why serum levels are elevated in CCC patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed up until March, 2021.

RESULTS

TFPI-2 is a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor and negatively regulates the enzymatic activities, such as plasmin. TFPI-2 has been characterized as a tumor suppressor gene and was frequently downregulated through promoter hypermethylation in various human cancers. In contrast, TFPI-2 was overexpressed only in CCC. TFPI-2 may be involved in the pathophysiology of CCC, possibly through regulation of coagulation system, stabilization of extracellular matrix (ECM), and induction of intracellular signal transduction. TFPI-2 suppresses tissue factor-induced hypercoagulation in a hypoxic environment. TFPI-2, secreted by CCC cells, platelets, and adjacent vascular endothelial cells, may suppress tumor growth and invasion through ECM remodeling. Nuclear TFPI-2 may suppress matrix metalloproteinase production via transcription factors and modulate caspase-mediated cell apoptosis. CCC cells may upregulate the TFPI-2 expression to adapt to survival in the demanding environment. TFPI-2 is secreted by CCC cells and enters the systemic circulation, resulting in elevated blood levels.

DISCUSSION

Serum TFPI-2 reflects the overexpression of TFPI-2 in CCC tissues and is a potential serodiagnostic marker. Further research is needed to explore the expression, clinical significance, biological function, and potential mechanism of TFPI-2 in CCC.

Progress in deciphering trophoblast cell differentiation during human placentation

The maintenance of gestational well-being requires the proper development of both the embryo and the placenta. Placental trophoblast cells are the major building blocks of the developing placenta. Abnormal trophoblast differentiation underpins placental-based pregnancy complications. However, the mechanisms that govern trophoblast differentiation remain largely unclear. Recent studies shed light on several proteins and regulators that are involved in governing trophoblast differentiation. The advancement of new tools and novel technologies, such as the human trophoblast stem cell culture system, 3D placental organoids and single-cell multi-omics, has brought incredible insights to the field. Here we review the current literature, paying particular attention to articles published between 2017 and 2019 that have promoted our understanding of human trophoblast cell differentiation and its roles in pregnancy and its complications. At the same time, we address challenges and questions arising in the field of human placental development and disease.

Sex-Specific Transcriptome Differences in Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells

In humans, sexual dimorphism can manifest in many ways and it is widely studied in several knowledge fields. It is increasing the evidence that also cells differ according to sex, a correlation still little studied and poorly considered when cells are used in scientific research. Specifically, our interest is on the sex-related dimorphism on the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transcriptome. A systematic meta-analysis of hMSC microarrays was performed by using the Transcriptome Mapper (TRAM) software. This bioinformatic tool was used to integrate and normalize datasets from multiple sources and allowed us to highlight chromosomal segments and genes differently expressed in hMSCs derived from adipose tissue (hADSCs) of male and female donors. Chromosomal segments and differentially expressed genes in male and female hADSCs resulted to be related to several processes as inflammation, adipogenic and neurogenic differentiation and cell communication. Obtained results lead us to hypothesize that the donor sex of hADSCs is a variable influencing a wide range of stem cell biologic processes. We believe that it should be considered in biologic research and stem cell therapy.

Vitexin ameliorates preeclampsia phenotypes by inhibiting TFPI-2 and HIF-1α/VEGF in a l-NAME induced rat model

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality with few safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutics. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenic imbalance have been reported to contribute to PE pathogenesis. Vitexin (VI) possesses various pharmacological activities including the potent regulation of the above biological processes in different conditions. This study aims to investigate whether VI has therapeutic potential to PE and the underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats pretreated with or without VI were fed with l-NAME-containing water to induce experimental PE. Results showed that VI decreased high systolic blood pressure and urinary protein in PE rats time- and dose-dependently. Meanwhile, VI of higher dosage (45, 60 mg/kg) corrected abnormal pregnancy outcomes, including low pup weight and low pups/placenta ratio. In addition, VI of high dosage (60 mg/kg) decreased sFlt-1, increased PlGF and alleviated oxidative stress both in blood and placental samples compared with nontreated PE group. Furthermore, VI alleviated placental TFPI-2, HIF 1α, and VEGF in PE rats. In short, the present study suggests that the inhibition of placental TFPI-2 and HIF-1α/VEGF might be one of the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of VI to experimental PE induced by l-NAME.

The Role of Epigenetics in Placental Development and the Etiology of Preeclampsia

In this review, we comprehensively present the function of epigenetic regulations in normal placental development as well as in a prominent disease of placental origin, preeclampsia (PE). We describe current progress concerning the impact of DNA methylation, non-coding RNA (with a special emphasis on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA)) and more marginally histone post-translational modifications, in the processes leading to normal and abnormal placental function. We also explore the potential use of epigenetic marks circulating in the maternal blood flow as putative biomarkers able to prognosticate the onset of PE, as well as classifying it according to its severity. The correlation between epigenetic marks and impacts on gene expression is systematically evaluated for the different epigenetic marks analyzed.

MiR-616-3p modulates cell proliferation and migration through targeting tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES

Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, preeclampsia (PE) continues to pose a significant risk of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality if not addressed promptly. An increasing number of studies have suggested that tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) acts as a suppressor gene, possibly inhibiting multiple serine proteases affecting cell proliferation and migration. It plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of PE, but the pathogenesis remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our research, we performed western blotting, immunohistochemistry and qPCR assays to investigate TFPI2 and miR-616-3p expression in preeclamptic placental tissues. Cell assays were performed in HTR-8/SVneo and JEG3 cell lines. Cell proliferation and migration events were investigated by MTT, EdU and transwell assays. In conjunction with bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays were performed to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-616-3p binds to TFPI2 mRNA.

RESULTS

We established that TFPI2 protein levels were significantly upregulated in PE placental tissues. In addition, we found that miR-616-3p binds specifically to the 3'-UTR region of TFPI2 mRNA. Furthermore, miR-616-3p knockdown or TFPI2 overexpression substantially impaired cell growth and migration, whereas miR-616-3p upregulation or TFPI2 knockdown stimulated cell proliferation and migration. This miR-616-3p/TFPI2 axis was also found to affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that TFPI2 plays a vital role in the progression of PE and might provide a prospective therapeutic strategy to mitigate the severity of the disorder.