1
|
Lestari B, Fukushima T, Utomo RY, Wahyuningsih MSH. Apoptotic and non-apoptotic roles of caspases in placenta physiology and pathology. Placenta 2024; 151:37-47. [PMID: 38703713 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, are pivotal regulators of apoptosis, the tightly controlled cell death process crucial for eliminating excessive or unnecessary cells during development, including placental development. Collecting research has unveiled the multifaceted roles of caspases in the placenta, extending beyond apoptosis. Apart from their involvement in placental tissue remodeling via apoptosis, caspases actively participate in essential regulatory processes, such as trophoblast fusion and differentiation, significantly influencing placental growth and functionality. In addition, growing evidence indicates an elevation in caspase activity under pathological conditions like pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), leading to excessive cell death as well as inflammation. Drawing from advancements in caspase research and placental development under both normal and abnormal conditions, we examine the significance of caspases in both cell death (apoptosis) and non-cell death-related processes within the placenta. We also discuss potential therapeutics targeting caspase-related pathways for placenta disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beni Lestari
- Department Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Toshiaki Fukushima
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan.
| | - Rohmad Yudi Utomo
- Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mae Sri Hartati Wahyuningsih
- Department Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kolac UK, Donmez Yalcin G, Karayel R, Yalcin A. The role of protein kinase R in placental inflammation, mtUPR and apoptosis. Placenta 2023; 139:200-211. [PMID: 37463546 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.007] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of many pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and choriocarcinoma. Mitochondrial dysfunction, one of the outcomes of placental inflammation, is characterized by loss of membrane potential, accumulation of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial protein folding defects, and disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics. Protein kinase R (PKR) is stimulated by double-stranded RNA and bacterial endotoxins in the presence of pathogens and is a critical immune response enzyme. PKR is also correlated with the cell death response during endoplasmic reticulum stress. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of PKR activity stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and double-stranded RNA analog (Poly I:C) on mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR), mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in placental trophoblasts. METHODS We applied LPS and Poly I:C to BeWo cells to induce PKR activation. In addition, cells were treated with 2-aminopurine (2-AP) to inhibit the kinase activity of PKR. Protein levels of ATP-dependent Clp protease proteolytic subunit (CLPP) and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) were determined after treatments. Apoptotic markers were detected by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. PKR-induced reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial membrane potential change were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS It was determined that PKR activation-induced apoptosis in BeWo cells by reducing the levels of mtUPR proteins (CLPP and HSP60) and caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. PKR inhibition was sufficient for decreases in apoptotic markers and caused a reduction in the ratio of depolarized and ROS (+) cells. DISCUSSION Our results showed that LPS and Poly I:C administration stimulated PKR in BeWo cells in vitro. Furthermore, PKR activation is correlated with the levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial homeostasis and apoptosis. Our findings will contribute to understanding the role of PKR activation in placental inflammation and related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umut Kerem Kolac
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Gizem Donmez Yalcin
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Karayel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Yalcin
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma Z, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Mok S, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Mechanobiological regulation of placental trophoblast fusion and function through extracellular matrix rigidity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5837. [PMID: 32246004 PMCID: PMC7125233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that plays a critical role in regulating functions of the human placenta during pregnancy. Maintaining the syncytiotrophoblast layer relies on ongoing fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts throughout pregnancy, and errors in this fusion process are associated with complications such as preeclampsia. While biochemical factors are known to drive fusion, the role of disease-specific extracellular biophysical cues remains undefined. Since substrate mechanics play a crucial role in several diseases, and preeclampsia is associated with placental stiffening, we hypothesize that trophoblast fusion is mechanically regulated by substrate stiffness. We developed stiffness-tunable polyacrylamide substrate formulations that match the linear elasticity of placental tissue in normal and disease conditions, and evaluated trophoblast morphology, fusion, and function on these surfaces. Our results demonstrate that morphology, fusion, and hormone release is mechanically-regulated via myosin-II; optimal on substrates that match healthy placental tissue stiffness; and dysregulated on disease-like and supraphysiologically-stiff substrates. We further demonstrate that stiff regions in heterogeneous substrates provide dominant physical cues that inhibit fusion, suggesting that even focal tissue stiffening limits widespread trophoblast fusion and tissue function. These results confirm that mechanical microenvironmental cues influence fusion in the placenta, provide critical information needed to engineer better in vitro models for placental disease, and may ultimately be used to develop novel mechanically-mediated therapeutic strategies to resolve fusion-related disorders during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucas Sagrillo-Fagundes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lemound J, Stucki-Koch A, Stoetzer M, Kokemüller H, Gellrich NC, Kreipe H, Hussein K. Aberrant expression of caspase 14 in salivary gland carcinomas. J Oral Pathol Med 2014; 44:444-8. [PMID: 25257949 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caspase 14 is reduced in adenocarcinomas of the stomach and colon. In contrast, breast and lung adenocarcinomas frequently show an overexpression of caspase 14. Salivary gland adenocarcinomas have not been evaluated for potential aberrant caspase 14 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples from salivary gland carcinomas (n = 43) were analysed by immunohistochemistry (caspase 14, filaggrin, GATA3 and Ki67) and fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS Caspase 14 is not expressed in normal salivary glands, while in a subfraction of carcinomas (32%) an aberrant expression was found. Filaggrin could not be detected. Caspase 14 staining was not associated with tumour dedifferentiation, GATA3 expression or amplification of gene locus 19p13. CONCLUSION In summary, aberrant expression of caspase 14 can be found in a subfraction of salivary gland carcinomas but could not be used as a biomarker for a specific carcinoma subtype of the salivary gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lemound
- Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Stoetzer
- Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Horst Kokemüller
- Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hans Kreipe
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kais Hussein
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saran U, Arfuso F, Zeps N, Dharmarajan A. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 expression is positively associated with responsiveness to cisplatin of ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro and with lower tumour grade in mucinous ovarian cancers. BMC Cell Biol 2012; 13:25. [PMID: 23039795 PMCID: PMC3521476 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-13-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women, as it is frequently detected at an advanced stage, and cancers often become refractory to chemotherapy. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of pro-apoptotic genes plays a key role in the onset of chemoresistance. The secreted Frizzled-Related Protein (sFRP) family is pro-apoptotic and also a negative modulator of the Wnt signalling cascade. Studies have demonstrated that the re-expression of sFRPs, in particular sFRP4, is associated with a better prognosis, and that experimentally induced expression results in cell death. Results In vitro experimental models determined that sFRP4 was differentially expressed in chemosensitive (A2780) and chemoresistant (A2780 ADR and A2780 Cis) ovarian cell lines, with chemosensitive cells expressing significantly higher levels of sFRP4. Transfection of the chemoresistant cell lines with sFRP4 significantly increased their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, silencing of sFRP4 expression in the chemosensitive cell line resulted in a corresponding increase in chemoresistance. Comparison of sFRP4 expression in tumour biopsies revealed a positive trend between sFRP4 expression and tumour grade, with mucinous cyst adenocarcinomas exhibiting significantly decreased sFRP4 levels compared to mucinous borderline tumours. Conclusions This study indicates a role for sFRP4 as a predictive marker of chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer and suggests that this pathway may be worth exploiting for novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Saran
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, Western Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen YX, Allars M, Maiti K, Angeli GL, Abou-Seif C, Smith R, Nicholson RC. Factors affecting cytotrophoblast cell viability and differentiation: Evidence of a link between syncytialisation and apoptosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 43:821-8. [PMID: 21352948 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A relationship between cytotrophoblast differentiation (syncytialisation) and apoptosis is hypothesised to exist, but has not been clearly determined. To address this, we explored the effects of cAMP, an inducer of syncytialisation, on human choriocarcinoma cell differentiation and viability under three different culture conditions related to diverse survival status: no serum, 10% fetal calf serum or 10% charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum. 8-Br-cAMP increased BeWo cell viability in culture media without serum, but viability was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner when serum was present. The appearance of apoptotic nuclei fragments were only observed when BeWo cells were cultured in media containing serum combined with 8-Br-cAMP treatment. In addition, the ratio of FasL to Fas expression following treatment with 8-Br-cAMP increased by 20-fold in 10% charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum media and 65-fold 10% fetal calf serum media, and activation of caspase-3 also required media with serum. The markers of syncytialisation (syncytin 1 expression and human chorionic gonadotropin secretion) were induced significantly by 8-Br-cAMP, and were higher in 10% fetal calf serum media than in 10% charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum media, than in the absence of serum. Syncytia formation was stimulated by 8-Br-cAMP and this required serum in the media. We now show that factors contained within serum are necessary for cAMP-stimulated cytotrophoblast differentiation, that syncytialisation involves apoptotic events, and that a lack of serum based factors could switch the cellular program away from differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y X Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huppertz B, Gauster M. Trophoblast fusion. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 713:81-95. [PMID: 21432015 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0763-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The villous trophoblast of the human placenta is the epithelial cover of the fetal chorionic villi floating in maternal blood. This epithelial cover is organized in two distinct layers, the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast directly facing maternal blood and a second layer of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts. During pregnancy single cytotrophoblasts continuously fuse with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast to preserve this end-differentiated layer until delivery. Syncytial fusion continuously supplies the syncytiotrophoblast with compounds of fusing cytotrophoblasts such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipids as well as organelles. At the same time the input of cytotrophoblastic components is counterbalanced by a continuous release of apoptotic material from the syncytiotrophoblast into maternal blood. Fusion is an essential step in maintaining the syncytiotrophoblast. Trophoblast fusion was shown to be dependant on and regulated by multiple factors such as fusion proteins, proteases and cytoskeletal proteins as well as cytokines, hormones and transcription factors. In this chapter we focus on factors that may be involved in the fusion process of trophoblast directly or that may prepare the cytotrophoblast to fuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Benaitreau D, Santos ED, Leneveu MC, De Mazancourt P, Pecquery R, Dieudonné MN. Adiponectin promotes syncytialisation of BeWo cell line and primary trophoblast cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:128. [PMID: 21034435 PMCID: PMC2987948 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human pregnancy, a correct placentation depends on trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. These processes are highly regulated by placental hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Recently, we have shown that adiponectin, an adipokine, has anti-proliferative effects on trophoblastic cells. Here, we complete this study by demonstrating that adiponectin modulates BeWo and human villous cytotrophoblast cell differentiation. RESULTS We showed that hCG secretion was up-regulated by adiponectin treatment in both BeWo cells and human cytotrophoblasts from very early placentas (5-6 weeks). The expression of two trophoblast differentiation markers, leptin and syncytin 2, was also up-regulated by adiponectin in BeWo cells. Moreover, adiponectin treatment induced a loss of E-cadherin staining in these cells. In parallel, we demonstrated that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are up-regulated during forskolin induced BeWo cell differentiation, reinforcing the role of adiponectin in trophoblast syncytialization. SiRNA mediated down-regulation of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was used to demonstrate that adiponectin effects on differentiation were essentially mediated by these receptors. Finally, using a specific inhibitor, we demonstrated that the PKA signalling pathway could be one pathway involved in adiponectin effects on trophoblast differentiation. CONCLUSION Adiponectin enhances the differentiation process of trophoblast cells and could thus be involved in functional syncytiotrophoblast formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Benaitreau
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| | - Esther Dos Santos
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| | - Marie-Christine Leneveu
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| | - Philippe De Mazancourt
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| | - René Pecquery
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Dieudonné
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UPRES-EA 2493, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France Ouest, PRES Universud Paris, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, 78303 Poissy Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Muley A, Majumder S, Kolluru GK, Parkinson S, Viola H, Hool L, Arfuso F, Ganss R, Dharmarajan A, Chatterjee S. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4: an angiogenesis inhibitor. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:1505-16. [PMID: 20056841 PMCID: PMC2832169 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is involved in developmental processes, cell proliferation, and cell migration. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) has been demonstrated to be a Wnt antagonist; however, its effects on endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis have not yet been reported. Using various in vitro assays, we show that sFRP4 inhibits endothelial cell migration and the development of sprouts and pseudopodia as well as disrupts the stability of endothelial rings in addition to inhibiting proliferation. sFRP4 interfered with endothelial cell functions by antagonizing the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway. Furthermore, sFRP4 blocked the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on endothelial cells. sFRP4 also selectively induced apoptotic events in endothelial cells by increasing cellular levels of reactive oxygen species. In vivo assays demonstrated a reduction in vascularity after sFRP4 treatment. Most importantly, sFRP4 restricted tumor growth in mice by interfering with endothelial cell function. The data demonstrate sFRP4 to be a potent angiogenesis inhibitor that warrants further investigation as a therapeutic agent in the control of angiogenesis-associated pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Muley
- AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Steve Parkinson
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Helena Viola
- Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, and the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Livia Hool
- Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, and the School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ruth Ganss
- Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, UWA Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
White LJ, Declercq W, Arfuso F, Charles AK, Dharmarajan AM. Function of caspase-14 in trophoblast differentiation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:98. [PMID: 19747408 PMCID: PMC2753366 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the human placenta, the cytotrophoblast consists of a proliferative pool of progenitor cells which differentiate to replenish the overlying continuous, multi-nucleated syncytiotrophoblast, which forms the barrier between the maternal and fetal tissues. Disruption to trophoblast differentiation and function may result in impaired fetal development and preeclampsia. Caspase-14 expression is limited to barrier forming tissues. It promotes keratinocyte differentiation by cleaving profilaggrin to stabilise keratin intermediate filaments, and indirectly providing hydration and UV protection. However its role in the trophoblast remains unexplored. METHODS Using RNA Interference the reaction of control and differentiating trophoblastic BeWo cells to suppressed caspase-14 was examined for genes pertaining to hormonal, cell cycle and cytoskeletal pathways. RESULTS Transcription of hCG, KLF4 and cytokeratin-18 were increased following caspase-14 suppression suggesting a role for caspase-14 in inhibiting their pathways. Furthermore, hCG, KLF4 and cytokeratin-18 protein levels were disrupted. CONCLUSION Since expression of these molecules is normally increased with trophoblast differentiation, our results imply that caspase-14 inhibits trophoblast differentiation. This is the first functional study of this unusual member of the caspase family in the trophoblast, where it has a different function than in the epidermis. This knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of trophoblast differentiation may instruct future therapies of trophoblast disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd J White
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Wim Declercq
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologie Park 927, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Adrian K Charles
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women (KEMH), 374 Bagot Rd, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia
| | - Arun M Dharmarajan
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gauster M, Siwetz M, Huppertz B. Fusion of Villous Trophoblast can be Visualized by Localizing Active Caspase 8. Placenta 2009; 30:547-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
12
|
Heazell AEP, Taylor NNJ, Greenwood SL, Baker PN, Crocker IP. Does altered oxygenation or reactive oxygen species alter cell turnover of BeWo choriocarcinoma cells? Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:111-9. [PMID: 19146777 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of 20 and 6% ambient oxygen (O(2)) or 5-50 micromol/l hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) on apoptosis, necrosis, proliferation and fusion of BeWo cells. The expression of p53, Mdm2 and Bax was assessed by western blotting. Apoptosis was increased in cells cultured in 6% O(2) tension and 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 by ADP:ATP ratio). In the same conditions, cell viability as estimated by the MTT assay was decreased (6% O(2) P < 0.01, 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) P < 0.05). Human chorionic gonadotrophin secretion was decreased by culture in 6%O(2) and 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05). Cell fusion was also decreased by treatment with 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05). Treatment with 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) was associated with increased expression of p53 and decreased expression of Mdm2 (P < 0.05). This study provides evidence that BeWo cell turnover is altered following exposure to hypoxia or ROS. It is concluded that BeWo cell culture is an appropriate model for investigating the regulation of trophoblast cell turnover. In addition, these data support a role for p53 in mediating altered trophoblast cell turnover in response to oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gauster M, Moser G, Orendi K, Huppertz B. Factors involved in regulating trophoblast fusion: potential role in the development of preeclampsia. Placenta 2008; 30 Suppl A:S49-54. [PMID: 19027159 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the human placenta, turnover of villous trophoblast involves proliferation, differentiation and fusion of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast. In this way the syncytiotrophoblast is continuously supplied with compounds derived from the fusing cytotrophoblasts. Acquisition of fresh cellular components is balanced by a concomitant release of apoptotic material as syncytial knots from the syncytiotrophoblast to the maternal circulation. In the turnover of villous trophoblast, fusion is an essential step and has been shown to be regulated by multiple factors, such as cytokines, hormones, protein kinases, transcription factors, proteases and membrane proteins. Dysregulation of one or more of these fusion factors entails aberrant fusion of the cytotrophoblast with the syncytiotrophoblast, which adversely affects the maintenance and integrity of the placental barrier. Unbalanced trophoblast fusion and release of apoptotic material into the intervillous space may provoke a massive systemic inflammatory response by the mother and thus lead to preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Gauster
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/VII, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Secreted Frizzled related protein-4 (sFRP4) promotes epidermal differentiation and apoptosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 377:606-611. [PMID: 18938133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The skin provides vital protection from infection and dehydration. Maintenance of the skin is through a constant program of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of epidermal cells, whereby proliferating cells in the basal layer differentiating to form the keratinized, anucleated stratum corneum. The WNT signalling pathway is known to be important in the skin. WNT signalling has been shown to be important both in epidermal development and in the maintenance and cycling of hair follicles and epidermal stem cells. However, the precise role for this pathway in epidermal differentiation remains unknown. We investigated the role of the WNT signalling inhibitor sFRP4 in epidermal differentiation. sFRP4 is expressed in both normal skin and keratinocytes in culture. Expression of sFRP4 mRNA and protein increases with keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis, whilst exposure of keratinocytes to exogenous sFRP4 promotes apoptosis and expression of the terminal differentiation marker Involucrin. These data suggest sFRP4 promotes epidermal differentiation.
Collapse
|