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Chen T, Xu Y, Xu X, Wang J, Qiu Z, Yu Y, Jiang X, Shao W, Bai D, Wang M, Mei S, Cheng T, Wu L, Gao S, Che X. Comprehensive transcriptional atlas of human adenomyosis deciphered by the integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Protein Cell 2024; 15:530-546. [PMID: 38486356 PMCID: PMC11214835 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a poorly understood gynecological disorder lacking effective treatments. Controversy persists regarding "invagination" and "metaplasia" theories. The endometrial-myometrial junction (EMJ) connects the endometrium and myometrium and is important for diagnosing and classifying adenomyosis, but its in-depth study is just beginning. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial profiling, we mapped transcriptional alterations across eutopic endometrium, lesions, and EMJ. Within lesions, we identified unique epithelial (LGR5+) and invasive stromal (PKIB+) subpopulations, along with WFDC1+ progenitor cells, supporting a complex interplay between "invagination" and "metaplasia" theories of pathogenesis. Further, we observed endothelial cell heterogeneity and abnormal angiogenic signaling involving vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin pathways. Cell-cell communication differed markedly between ectopic and eutopic endometrium, with aberrant signaling in lesions involving pleiotrophin, TWEAK, and WNT cascades. This study reveals unique stem cell-like and invasive cell subpopulations within adenomyosis lesions identified, dysfunctional signaling, and EMJ abnormalities critical to developing precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Women and Children Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yiliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention of Shandong Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Xiaocui Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Zhiruo Qiu
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yayuan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Women and Children Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Women and Children Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China
| | - Wanqi Shao
- Jiaxing University Master Degree Cultivation Base, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Dandan Bai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mingzhu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuyan Mei
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Li Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuan Che
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Women and Children Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, China
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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2
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Kimura E, Mongan M, Xiao B, Christianto A, Wang J, Carreira VS, Bolon B, Zhang X, Burns KA, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Puga A, Xia Y. MAP3K1 regulates female reproductive tract development. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050669. [PMID: 38501211 PMCID: PMC10985838 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050669] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase 1 (MAP3K1) has a plethora of cell type-specific functions not yet fully understood. Herein, we describe a role for MAP3K1 in female reproductive tract (FRT) development. MAP3K1 kinase domain-deficient female mice exhibited an imperforate vagina, labor failure and infertility. These defects corresponded with shunted Müllerian ducts (MDs), the embryonic precursors of FRT, that manifested as a contorted caudal vagina and abrogated vaginal-urogenital sinus fusion in neonates. The MAP3K1 kinase domain is required for optimal activation of the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and cell polarity in the MD epithelium, and for upregulation of WNT signaling in the mesenchyme surrounding the caudal MD. The MAP3K1-deficient epithelial cells and MD epithelium had reduced expression of WNT7B ligands. Correspondingly, conditioned media derived from MAP3K1-competent, but not -deficient, epithelial cells activated a TCF/Lef-luciferase reporter in fibroblasts. These observations indicate that MAP3K1 regulates MD caudal elongation and FRT development, in part through the induction of paracrine factors in the epithelium that trans-activate WNT signaling in the mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Kimura
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Maureen Mongan
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Antonius Christianto
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Vinicius S. Carreira
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Brad Bolon
- GEMpath Inc., Longmont, CO 80501-1846, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Katherine A. Burns
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
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3
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Zhang D, Lu C, Zhou Y, Luo X, Guo H, Zhang J, Gao Q, Liu H, Shang C, Cui S. CK1α deficiency impairs mouse uterine adenogenesis by inducing epithelial cell apoptosis through GSK3β pathway and inhibiting Foxa2 expression through p53 pathway†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:246-260. [PMID: 37944068 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine glands and their secretions are crucial for conceptus survival and implantation in rodents and humans. In mice, the development of uterine gland known as adenogenesis occurs after birth, whereas the adenogenesis in humans initiates from fetal life and completed at puberty. Uterine adenogenesis involves dynamic epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, it is largely unexplored about the mechanisms governing adenogenesis. CK1α plays important roles in regulating cell division, differentiation, and death, but it is unknown whether CK1α affects adenogenesis. In the current study, uterus-specific CK1α knockout female mice (Csnk1a1d/d) were infertile resulted from lack of uterine glands. Subsequent analysis revealed that CK1α deletion induced massive apoptosis in uterine epithelium by activating GSK3β, which was confirmed by injections of GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 to Csnk1a1d/d females, and the co-treatment of SB216763 and CK1 inhibitor d4476 on cultured epithelial cells. Another important finding was that our results revealed CK1α deficiency activated p53, which then blocked the expression of Foxa2, an important factor for glandular epithelium development and function. This was confirmed by that Foxa2 expression level was elevated in p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α injected Csnk1a1d/d mouse uterus and in vitro dual-luciferase reporter assay between p53 and Foxa2. Collectively, these studies reveal that CK1α is a novel factor regulating uterine adenogenesis by inhibiting epithelial cell apoptosis through GSK3β pathway and regulating Foxa2 expression through p53 pathway. Uncovering the mechanisms of uterine adenogenesis is expected to improve pregnancy success in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yewen Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhou Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongxing Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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4
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Spencer TE, Lowke MT, Davenport KM, Dhakal P, Kelleher AM. Single-cell insights into epithelial morphogenesis in the neonatal mouse uterus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316410120. [PMID: 38019863 PMCID: PMC10710066 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316410120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus is vital for successful reproduction in mammals, and two different types of epithelia (luminal and glandular) are essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. However, the essential cellular and molecular factors and pathways governing postnatal epithelium maturation, determination, and differentiation in developing uterus are yet to be elucidated. Here, the epithelium of the neonatal mouse uterus was isolated and subjected to single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis. Both the undifferentiated epithelium and determined luminal epithelium were heterogeneous and contained several different cell clusters based on single-cell transcription profiles. Substantial gene expression differences were evident as the epithelium matured and differentiated between postnatal days 1 to 15. Two new glandular epithelium-expressed genes (Gas6 and Cited4) were identified and validated by in situ hybridization. Trajectory analyses provided a framework for understanding epithelium maturation, lineage bifurcation, and differentiation. A candidate set of transcription factors and gene regulatory networks were identified that potentially direct epithelium lineage specification and morphogenesis. This atlas provides a foundation important to discover intrinsic cellular and molecular mechanisms directing uterine epithelium morphogenesis during a critical window of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Makenzie T. Lowke
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | | | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
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5
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Alsaadi A, Artibani M, Hu Z, Wietek N, Morotti M, Gonzalez LS, Alazzam M, Jiang J, Abdul B, Soleymani Majd H, Blazer LL, Adams J, Silvestri F, Sidhu SS, Brugge JS, Ahmed AA. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies a WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis that maintains fallopian tube stem cells in patient-derived organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113354. [PMID: 37917586 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of fallopian tube (FT) function in health and disease has been hampered by limited knowledge of FT stem cells and lack of in vitro models of stem cell renewal and differentiation. Using optimized organoid culture conditions to address these limitations, we find that FT stem cell renewal is highly dependent on WNT/β-catenin signaling and engineer endogenous WNT/β-catenin signaling reporter organoids to biomark, isolate, and characterize these cells. Using functional approaches, as well as bulk and single-cell transcriptomics analyses, we show that an endogenous hormonally regulated WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis is critical for stem cell renewal and that WNT/β-catenin pathway-activated cells form a distinct transcriptomic cluster of FT cells enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and integrin signaling pathways. Overall, we provide a deep characterization of FT stem cells and their molecular requirements for self-renewal, paving the way for mechanistic work investigating the role of stem cells in FT health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Mara Artibani
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Nina Wietek
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Matteo Morotti
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Laura Santana Gonzalez
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Moiad Alazzam
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Jason Jiang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Beena Abdul
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Hooman Soleymani Majd
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Levi L Blazer
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jarret Adams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Joan S Brugge
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Ashour Ahmed
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK.
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6
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Abstract
The uterine lining (endometrium) regenerates repeatedly over the life span as part of its normal physiology. Substantial portions of the endometrium are shed during childbirth (parturition) and, in some species, menstruation, but the tissue is rapidly rebuilt without scarring, rendering it a powerful model of regeneration in mammals. Nonetheless, following some assaults, including medical procedures and infections, the endometrium fails to regenerate and instead forms scars that may interfere with normal endometrial function and contribute to infertility. Thus, the endometrium provides an exceptional platform to answer a central question of regenerative medicine: Why do some systems regenerate while others scar? Here, we review our current understanding of diverse endometrial disruption events in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, and the associated mechanisms of regenerative success and failure. Elucidating the determinants of these disparate repair processes promises insights into fundamental mechanisms of mammalian regeneration with substantial implications for reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Ang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor D Skokan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kara L McKinley
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Padilla-Banks E, Jefferson WN, Papas BN, Suen AA, Xu X, Carreon DV, Willson CJ, Quist EM, Williams CJ. Developmental estrogen exposure in mice disrupts uterine epithelial cell differentiation and causes adenocarcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002334. [PMID: 37856394 PMCID: PMC10586657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue development entails genetically programmed differentiation of immature cell types to mature, fully differentiated cells. Exposure during development to non-mutagenic environmental factors can contribute to cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We used a mouse model of endometrial adenocarcinoma that results from brief developmental exposure to an estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES), to determine causative factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics of adult control uteri revealed novel markers of uterine epithelial stem cells (EpSCs), identified distinct luminal and glandular progenitor cell (PC) populations, and defined glandular and luminal epithelium (LE) cell differentiation trajectories. Neonatal DES exposure disrupted uterine epithelial cell differentiation, resulting in a failure to generate an EpSC population or distinguishable glandular and luminal progenitors or mature cells. Instead, the DES-exposed epithelial cells were characterized by a single proliferating PC population and widespread activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The underlying endometrial stromal cells had dramatic increases in inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress. Together, these changes activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT serine-threonine kinase signaling and malignant transformation of cells that were marked by phospho-AKT and the cancer-associated protein olfactomedin 4. Here, we defined a mechanistic pathway from developmental exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical to the development of adult-onset cancer. These findings provide an explanation for how human cancers, which are often associated with abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, could result from exposure to environmental insults during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wendy N. Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian N. Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alisa A. Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Diana V. Carreon
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J. Willson
- Inotiv-RTP, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Quist
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
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8
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Li R, Wang T, Marquardt RM, Lydon JP, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. TRIM28 modulates nuclear receptor signaling to regulate uterine function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4605. [PMID: 37528140 PMCID: PMC10393996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone, acting through their cognate receptors the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor (PR) respectively, regulate uterine biology. Using rapid immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (RIME) and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified TRIM28 (Tripartite motif containing 28) as a protein which complexes with ERα and PR in the regulation of uterine function. Impairment of TRIM28 expression results in the inability of the uterus to support early pregnancy through altered PR and ERα action in the uterine epithelium and stroma by suppressing PR and ERα chromatin binding. Furthermore, TRIM28 ablation in PR-expressing uterine cells results in the enrichment of a subset of TRIM28 positive and PR negative pericytes and epithelial cells with progenitor potential. In summary, our study reveals the important roles of TRIM28 in regulating endometrial cell composition and function in women, and also implies its critical functions in other hormone regulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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9
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Xu QX, Madhavan M, Wei SW, Zhang WQ, Lu L, Wang KZ, Genna M, Song Y, Zhao Y, Shao HT, Kang JW, Fazleabas AT, Arora R, Su RW. Aberrant activation of Notch1 signaling in the mouse uterine epithelium promotes hyper-proliferation by increasing estrogen sensitivity. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22983. [PMID: 37249327 PMCID: PMC10263383 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201868rr] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the endometrium undergoes dynamic changes in response to estrogen and progesterone to prepare for blastocyst implantation. Two distinct types of endometrial epithelial cells, the luminal (LE) and glandular (GE) epithelial cells play different functional roles during this physiological process. Previously, we have reported that Notch signaling plays multiple roles in embryo implantation, decidualization, and postpartum repair. Here, using the uterine epithelial-specific Ltf-iCre, we showed that Notch1 signaling over-activation in the endometrial epithelium caused dysfunction of the epithelium during the estrous cycle, resulting in hyper-proliferation. During pregnancy, it further led to dysregulation of estrogen and progesterone signaling, resulting in infertility in these animals. Using 3D organoids, we showed that over-activation of Notch1 signaling increased the proliferative potential of both LE and GE cells and reduced the difference in transcription profiles between them, suggesting disrupted differentiation of the uterine epithelium. In addition, we demonstrated that both canonical and non-canonical Notch signaling contributed to the hyper-proliferation of GE cells, but only the non-canonical pathway was involved with estrogen sensitivity in the GE cells. These findings provided insights into the effects of Notch1 signaling on the proliferation, differentiation, and function of the uterine epithelium. This study demonstrated the important roles of Notch1 signaling in regulating hormone response and differentiation of endometrial epithelial cells and provides an opportunity for future studies in estrogen-dependent diseases, such as endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manoj Madhavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Shu-Wen Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang-Qing Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Zhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Moldovan Genna
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan-Ting Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Wen Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Popli P, Tang S, Chadchan SB, Talwar C, Rucker EB, Guan X, Monsivais D, Lydon JP, Stallings CL, Moley KH, Kommagani R. Beclin-1-dependent autophagy, but not apoptosis, is critical for stem-cell-mediated endometrial programming and the establishment of pregnancy. Dev Cell 2023; 58:885-897.e4. [PMID: 37040770 PMCID: PMC10289806 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.013] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The human endometrium shows a remarkable regenerative capacity that enables cyclical regeneration and remodeling throughout a woman's reproductive life. Although early postnatal uterine developmental cues direct this regeneration, the vital factors that govern early endometrial programming are largely unknown. We report that Beclin-1, an essential autophagy-associated protein, plays an integral role in uterine morphogenesis during the early postnatal period. We show that conditional depletion of Beclin-1 in the uterus triggers apoptosis and causes progressive loss of Lgr5+/Aldh1a1+ endometrial progenitor stem cells, with concomitant loss of Wnt signaling, which is crucial for stem cell renewal and epithelial gland development. Beclin-1 knockin (Becn1 KI) mice with disabled apoptosis exhibit normal uterine development. Importantly, the restoration of Beclin-1-driven autophagy, but not apoptosis, promotes normal uterine adenogenesis and morphogenesis. Together, the data suggest that Beclin-1-mediated autophagy acts as a molecular switch that governs the early uterine morphogenetic program by maintaining the endometrial progenitor stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Popli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chandni Talwar
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Edmund B Rucker
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christina L Stallings
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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11
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Kimura E, Mongan M, Xiao B, Wang J, Carreira VS, Bolon B, Zhang X, Burns KA, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Puga A, Xia Y. The Role of MAP3K1 in the Development of the Female Reproductive Tract. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37131749 PMCID: PMC10153227 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.20.537715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-Activated Protein 3 Kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is a dynamic signaling molecule with a plethora of cell-type specific functions, most of which are yet to be understood. Here we describe a role for MAP3K1 in the development of female reproductive tract (FRT). MAP3K1 kinase domain-deficient ( Map3k1 ΔKD ) females exhibit imperforate vagina, labor failure, and infertility. These defects correspond to a shunted Müllerian duct (MD), the principle precursor of the FRT, in embryos, while they manifest as a contorted caudal vagina with abrogated vaginal-urogenital sinus fusion in neonates. In epithelial cells, MAP3K1 acts through JNK and ERK to activate WNT, yet in vivo MAP3K1 is crucial for WNT activity in mesenchyme associated with the caudal MD. Expression of Wnt7b is high in wild type, but low in Map3k1 knockout MD epithelium and MAP3K1-deficient keratinocytes. Correspondingly, conditioned media derived from MAP3K1-competent epithelial cells activate TCF/Lef-luciferase reporter in fibroblasts, suggesting that MAP3K1-induced factors released from epithelial cells trans-activate WNT signaling in fibroblasts. Our results reveal a temporal-spatial and paracrine MAP3K1-WNT crosstalk contributing to MD caudal elongation and FRT development. Highlights MAP3K1 deficient female mice exhibit imperforate vagina and infertilityLoss of MAP3K1 kinase activity impedes Müllerian duct (MD) caudal elongation and fusion with urogenital sinus (UGS) in embryogenesisThe MAP3K1-MAPK pathway up-regulates WNT signaling in epithelial cellsMAP3K1 deficiency down-regulates Wnt7b expression in the MD epithelium and prevents WNT activity in mesenchyme of the caudal MD.
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12
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Kriseman ML, Tang S, Liao Z, Jiang P, Parks SE, Cope DI, Yuan F, Chen F, Masand RP, Castro PD, Ittmann MM, Creighton CJ, Tan Z, Monsivais D. SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:261. [PMID: 36906706 PMCID: PMC10008566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04619-2] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patricia D Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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13
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Guevara-Garcia A, Soleilhac M, Minc N, Delacour D. Regulation and functions of cell division in the intestinal tissue. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023:S1084-9521(23)00004-6. [PMID: 36702722 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, epithelial cells are key elements of tissue organization. In developing epithelial tissues, cellular proliferation and differentiation are under the tight regulation of morphogenetic programs to ensure correct organ formation and functioning. In these processes, proliferation rates and division orientation regulate the speed, timing and direction of tissue expansion but also its proper patterning. Moreover, tissue homeostasis relies on spatio-temporal modulations of daughter cell behavior and arrangement. These aspects are particularly crucial in the intestine, which is one of the most proliferative tissues in adults, making it a very attractive adult organ system to study the role of cell division on epithelial morphogenesis and organ function. Although epithelial cell division has been the subject of intense research for many years in multiple models, it still remains in its infancy in the context of the intestinal tissue. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on cell division and regulatory mechanisms at play in the intestinal epithelial tissue, as well as their importance in developmental biology and physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matis Soleilhac
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Minc
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Delphine Delacour
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006 Paris, France.
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14
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Lee YX, Su PH, Do AQ, Tzeng CR, Hu YM, Chen CH, Chen CW, Liao CC, Chen LY, Weng YC, Wang HC, Lai HC. Cervical Secretion Methylation Is Associated with the Pregnancy Outcome of Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021726. [PMID: 36675243 PMCID: PMC9863254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of implantation failure remain a black box in reproductive medicine. The exact mechanism behind the regulation of endometrial receptivity is still unknown. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression patterns and may alter the receptivity of human endometrium. Cervical secretions contain endometrial genetic material, which can be used as an indicator of the endometrial condition. This study evaluates the association between the cervical secretion gene methylation profile and pregnancy outcome in a frozen-thawed embryonic transfer (FET) cycle. Cervical secretions were collected from women who entered the FET cycle with a blastocyst transfer (36 pregnant and 36 non-pregnant women). The DNA methylation profiles of six candidate genes selected from the literature review were measured by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). Bioinformatic analysis of six selected candidate genes showed significant differences in DNA methylation between receptive and pre-receptive endometrium. All candidate genes showed different degrees of correlation with the pregnancy outcomes in the logistic regression model. A machine learning approach showed that the combination of candidate genes' DNA methylation profiles could differentiate pregnant from non-pregnant samples with an accuracy as high as 86.67% and an AUC of 0.81. This study demonstrated the association between cervical secretion methylation profiles and pregnancy outcomes in an FET cycle and provides a basis for potential clinical application as a non-invasive method for implantation prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsuan Su
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Anh Q. Do
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 04254, Vietnam
| | - Chii-Ruei Tzeng
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ming Hu
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Yu Chen
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Weng
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Cheng Lai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +886-2-2249-0088 (ext. 8868)
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15
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Tang S, Parks SE, Liao Z, Cope DI, Blutt SE, Monsivais D. Establishing 3D Endometrial Organoids from the Mouse Uterus. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64448. [PMID: 36688555 PMCID: PMC10208800 DOI: 10.3791/64448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial tissue lines the inner cavity of the uterus and is under the cyclical control of estrogen and progesterone. It is a tissue that is composed of luminal and glandular epithelium, a stromal compartment, a vascular network, and a complex immune cell population. Mouse models have been a powerful tool to study the endometrium, revealing critical mechanisms that control implantation, placentation, and cancer. The recent development of 3D endometrial organoid cultures presents a state-of-the-art model to dissect the signaling pathways that underlie endometrial biology. Establishing endometrial organoids from genetically engineered mouse models, analyzing their transcriptomes, and visualizing their morphology at a single-cell resolution are crucial tools for the study of endometrial diseases. This paper outlines methods to establish 3D cultures of endometrial epithelium from mice and describes techniques to quantify gene expression and analyze the histology of the organoids. The goal is to provide a resource that can be used to establish, culture, and study the gene expression and morphological characteristics of endometrial epithelial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sarah E Blutt
- Departments of Molecular Virology and Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine;
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16
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Chen K, Zheng S, Fang F. Endometrial Stem Cells and Their Applications in Intrauterine Adhesion. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231159561. [PMID: 36891869 PMCID: PMC9998408 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231159561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), resulting from pregnancy or nonpregnant uterine trauma, is one of the major causes of abnormal menstruation, infertility, or repeated pregnancy loss. Although a few methods, including hysteroscopy and hormone therapy, are routinely used for its diagnosis and treatment, they cannot restore tissue regeneration. Stem cells, which have self-renewal and tissue regeneration abilities, have been proposed as a promising therapy for patients with severe IUAs. In this review, we summarize the origin and features of endometrium-associated stem cells and their applications in the treatment of IUAs based on animal models and human clinical trials. We expect that this information will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism for tissue regeneration and to improve the design of stem cell-based therapies for IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shengxia Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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17
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Xu QX, Zhang WQ, Lu L, Wang KZ, Su RW. Distinguish Characters of Luminal and Glandular Epithelium from Mouse Uterus Using a Novel Enzyme-Based Separation Method. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1867-1877. [PMID: 36581776 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The uterine luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells are vital for the establishment of pregnancy. Previously studies have shown various methods to isolate mouse uterine epithelium and stromal cells, including laser capture microdissection (LCM), enzyme digestion, and immunomagnetic beads. Despite the importance of the endometrial epithelium as the site of implantation and nutritional support for the conceptus, there is no isolated method to separate the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium. Here, we establish a novel enzyme-based way to separate two types of epithelium and keep their viability. In this article, we analyzed their purity by mRNA level, immunostaining, and transcriptome analysis. Our isolation method revealed several unstudied luminal and glandular epithelial markers in transcriptome analysis. We further demonstrated the viability of the isolated epithelium by 2D and 3D cultures. The results showed that we successfully separated the endometrial luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium. We also provided an experimental model for the following study of the physiological function of the different parts of the uterus and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Wang-Qing Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Lei Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Ke-Zhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China.
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18
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Bovine and human endometrium-derived hydrogels support organoid culture from healthy and cancerous tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208040119. [PMID: 36279452 PMCID: PMC9636948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208040119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoid technology has provided unique insights into human organ development, function, and diseases. Patient-derived organoids are increasingly used for drug screening, modeling rare disorders, designing regenerative therapies, and understanding disease pathogenesis. However, the use of Matrigel to grow organoids represents a major challenge in the clinical translation of organoid technology. Matrigel is a poorly defined mixture of extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors extracted from the Engelbreth–Holm–Swarm mouse tumor. The extracellular matrix is a major driver of multiple cellular processes and differs significantly between tissues as well as in healthy and disease states of the same tissue. Therefore, we envisioned that the extracellular matrix derived from a native healthy tissue would be able to support organoid growth akin to organogenesis in vivo. Here, we have developed hydrogels from decellularized human and bovine endometrium. These hydrogels supported the growth of mouse and human endometrial organoids, which was comparable to Matrigel. Organoids grown in endometrial hydrogels were proteomically more similar to the native tissue than those cultured in Matrigel. Proteomic and Raman microspectroscopy analyses showed that the method of decellularization affects the biochemical composition of hydrogels and, subsequently, their ability to support organoid growth. The amount of laminin in hydrogels correlated with the number and shape of organoids. We also demonstrated the utility of endometrial hydrogels in developing solid scaffolds for supporting high-throughput, cell culture–based applications. In summary, endometrial hydrogels overcome a major limitation of organoid technology and greatly expand the applicability of organoids to understand endometrial biology and associated pathologies.
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19
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Walia B, Li T, Crosio G, Montero A, Huang A. Axin2-lineage cells contribute to neonatal tendon regeneration. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:530-543. [PMID: 35180018 PMCID: PMC9491382 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2022.2036732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tendon injuries are a challenging clinical problem with few treatment options. Identifying the molecular regulators of tendon is required for the development of new therapies. While the Wnt pathway is critical for the maintenance and differentiation of many tissues, the role of Wnt signaling in tendon cell biology remains largely unexplored. METHODS The effects of Wnt activation were tested in vitro using neonatal tendon-derived cells cultured in 2D and 3D conditions. The inducible Axin2CreERT2 was then used to label Axin2+ cells in vivo and cells were traced during neonatal tendon regeneration. RESULTS We showed that activation of Wnt signaling results in proliferation of neonatal tendon cells. While tendon marker expression was inhibited by Wnt activation under 2D conditions, Scx expression was not affected under 3D uniaxial tension, suggesting that the microenvironment contextualizes tendon cell response to Wnt signaling. Using an in vivo model of neonatal tendon regeneration, we further showed that Wnt signaling cells comprise a subpopulation of tenocyte and epitenon cells that proliferate after injury and are recruited during regeneration. DISCUSSION Collectively, these studies suggest that Wnt signaling may play a role in tendon cell proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Walia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - T.M. Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - G. Crosio
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - A.M. Montero
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - A.H. Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
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20
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Ontogeny of cellular organization and LGR5 expression in porcine cochlea revealed using tissue clearing and 3D imaging. iScience 2022; 25:104695. [PMID: 35865132 PMCID: PMC9294204 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 11% of the world's population experience hearing loss. Although there are promising studies to restore hearing in rodent models, the size, ontogeny, genetics, and frequency range of hearing of most rodents' cochlea do not match that of humans. The porcine cochlea can bridge this gap as it shares many anatomical, physiological, and genetic similarities with its human counterpart. Here, we provide a detailed methodology to process and image the porcine cochlea in 3D using tissue clearing and light-sheet microscopy. The resulting 3D images can be employed to compare cochleae across different ages and conditions, investigate the ontogeny of cochlear cytoarchitecture, and produce quantitative expression maps of LGR5, a marker of cochlear progenitors in mice. These data reveal that hair cell organization, inner ear morphology, cellular cartography in the organ of Corti, and spatiotemporal expression of LGR5 are dynamic over developmental stages in a pattern not previously documented.
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Xue X, Li X, Yao J, Zhang X, Ren X, Xu S. Transient and Prolonged Activation of Wnt Signaling Contribute Oppositely to the Pathogenesis of Asherman's Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158808. [PMID: 35955940 PMCID: PMC9368949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asherman’s Syndrome (AS) is caused by dysfunction of endometrial regenerative ability, which is controlled by adult stem cells and their niche. The Wnt signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be implicated in this process. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and the progression of AS after initial endometrial damage. Endometria with and without adhesion as well as from the intrauterine devices three months after the surgery were collected to compare the area of fibrosis. The area% of fibrosis did not vary significantly. Significantly higher expression of non-phosphorylated β-catenin, Wnt5a and Wnt7a was identified in the endometria with adhesion. The CD140b+CD146+ endometrial stem-like cells were present in the endometria with adhesion. Both Wnt5a and Wnt7a promoted stem cell proliferation. However, only Wnt7a preserved stem cell population by stimulating self-renewal. A rat endometrial injury model was established to investigate the effect of the activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on endometrial healing. We found that a transient activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway promoted angiogenesis and increased the number of glands. In conclusion, transient activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during the acute endometrial damage may help the tissue regeneration, while prolonged activation may correlate to fibrosis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Jinmeng Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Xu Ren
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Shan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
- Correspondence:
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Endometrial stem/progenitor cells: Properties, origins, and functions. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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23
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Differential epithelial and stromal LGR5 expression in ovarian carcinogenesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11200. [PMID: 35778589 PMCID: PMC9249864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lgr5 has been identified as a marker of the stem/progenitor cells in the murine ovary and oviduct by lineage tracing. However, little is known regarding LGR5 expression or its functional significance in human ovary tissues. Here, using RNA in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemistry, we thoroughly investigated LGR5 expression in normal human ovaries, fallopian tubes and various ovarian tumors. We discovered that LGR5 expression is negligible in the human ovary surface epithelium, whereas ovarian stromal cells normally express low levels of LGR5. Remarkably, fallopian tube epithelium, inclusion cysts and serous cystadenomas with a Müllerian phenotype expressed high levels of LGR5, and LGR5 expression was restricted to PAX8+/FOXJ1- secretory cells of the tubal epithelium. Strong stromal LGR5 expression without epithelial LGR5 expression was consistently observed in the path from serous cystadenoma to serous borderline tumor to low grade serous carcinoma (LGSC). Unlike LGSC, high grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), clear cell carcinoma, endometrioid carcinomas displayed various epithelial-stromal LGR5 expression. Notably, high levels of LGR5 expression were observed in serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, which slightly declined in invasive HGSC. LGR5 expression was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival in HGSC patients. Moreover, in vitro assays demonstrated that LGR5 expression suppressed tumor proliferation and migratory capabilities. Taken together, these findings indicate a tumor-suppressive role for LGR5 in the progression of HGSC.
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Modeling Endometrium Biology and Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071048. [PMID: 35887546 PMCID: PMC9316888 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium, lining the uterine lumen, is highly essential for human reproduction. Its exceptional remodeling plasticity, including the transformation process to welcome and nest the embryo, is not well understood. Lack of representative and reliable study models allowing the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endometrium development and biology to be deciphered is an important hurdle to progress in the field. Recently, powerful organoid models have been developed that not only recapitulate endometrial biology such as the menstrual cycle, but also faithfully reproduce diseases of the endometrium such as endometriosis. Moreover, single-cell profiling endeavors of the endometrium in health and disease, and of derived organoids, start to provide deeper insight into cellular complexity and expression specificities, and in resulting tissue processes. This granular portrayal will not only help in understanding endometrium biology and disease, but also in pinning down the tissue’s stem cells, at present not yet conclusively defined. Here, we provide a general overview of endometrium development and biology, and the efforts of modeling both the healthy tissue, as well as its key diseased form of endometriosis. The future of modeling and deciphering this key tissue, hidden inside the womb, looks bright.
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Targeted ablation of Lgr5-expressing intestinal stem cells in diphtheria toxin receptor-based mouse and organoid models. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101411. [PMID: 35620071 PMCID: PMC9127205 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Dufresne J, Gregory M, Pinel L, Cyr DG. Differential gene expression and hallmarks of stemness in epithelial cells of the developing rat epididymis. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:327-349. [PMID: 35590013 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epididymal development can be subdivided into three phases: undifferentiated, a period of differentiation, and expansion. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess gene expression profiles in epididymides, (2) predict signaling pathways, and (3) develop a novel 3D cell culture method to assess the regulation of epididymal development in vitro. Microarray analyses indicate that the largest changes in differential gene expression occurred between the 7- to 18-day period, in which 1452 genes were differentially expressed, while 671 differentially expressed genes were noted between days 18 and 28, and there were 560 differentially expressed genes between days 28 and 60. Multiple signaling pathways were predicted at different phases of development. Pathway associations indicated that in epididymides of 7- to 18-day old rats, there was a significant association of regulated genes implicated in stem cells, estrogens, thyroid hormones, and kidney development, while androgen- and estrogen-related pathways were enriched at other phases of development. Organoids were derived from CD49f + columnar cells from 7-day old rats, while no organoids developed from CD49f- cells. Cells cultured in an epididymal basal cell organoid medium versus a commercial kidney differentiation medium supplemented with DHT revealed that irrespective of the culture medium, cells within differentiating organoids expressed p63, AQP9, and V-ATPase after 14 days of culture. The commercial kidney medium resulted in an increase in the number of organoids positive for p63, AQP9, and V-ATPase. Together, these data indicate that columnar cells represent an epididymal stem/progenitor cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Laurie Pinel
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Wan S, Zhao X, Niu Z, Dong L, Wu Y, Gu S, Feng Y, Hua X. Influence of ambient air pollution on successful pregnancy with frozen embryo transfer: A machine learning prediction model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113444. [PMID: 35367879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Numerous air pollutants have been reported to influence the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, whether air pollution affects implantation in frozen embryo transfer (FET) process is under debate. We aimed to find the association between ambient air pollution and implantation potential of FET and test the value of adding air pollution data to a random forest model (RFM) predicting intrauterine pregnancy. Using a retrospective study of a 4-year single-center design,we analyzed 3698 cycles of women living in Shanghai who underwent FET between 2015 and 2018. To estimate patients' individual exposure to air pollution, we computed averages of daily concentrations of six air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3 measured at 9 monitoring stations in Shanghai for the exposure period (one month before FET). Moreover, A predictive model of 15 variables was established using RFM. Air pollutants levels of patients with or without intrauterine pregnancy were compared. Our results indicated that for exposure periods before FET, NO2 were negatively associated with intrauterine pregnancy (OR: 0.906, CI: 0.816-0.989). AUROC increased from 0.712 to 0.771 as air pollutants features were added. Overall, our findings demonstrate that exposure to NO2 before transfer has an adverse effect on clinical pregnancy. The performance to predict intrauterine pregnancy will improve with the use of air pollution data in RFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wan
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Dong
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelin Wu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyi Gu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaolin Hua
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Singh P, Metkari S, Bhartiya D. Additional evidence to support OCT-4 positive VSELs and EnSCs as the elusive tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in adult mice uterus. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:60. [PMID: 35123545 PMCID: PMC8818151 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective True identity and specific set of markers to enrich endometrial stem cells still remains elusive. Present study was undertaken to further substantiate that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are the true and elusive stem cells in adult mice endometrium. Methods This was achieved by undertaking three sets of experiments. Firstly, SSEA-1+ and Oct-4 + positive VSELs, sorted from GFP mice, were transplanted into the uterine horns of wild-type Swiss mice and GFP uptake was studied within the same estrus cycle. Secondly, uterine lumen was scratched surgically and OCT-4 expressing stem/progenitor cells were studied at the site of injury after 24–72 h. Thirdly, OCT-4 expression was studied in the endometrium and myometrium of adult mice after neonatal exposure to estradiol (20 µg/pup/day on days 5–7 after birth). Results GFP + ve VSELs expressing SSEA-1 and Oct-4 engrafted and differentiated into the epithelial cells lining the lumen as well as the glands during the estrus stage when maximum remodeling occurs. Mechanical scratching activated tissue-resident, nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and slightly bigger ‘progenitors’ endometrial stem cells (EnSCs, cytoplasmic OCT-4) which underwent clonal expansion and further differentiated into luminal and glandular epithelial cells. Neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption resulted in increased numbers of OCT-4 positive VSELs/EnSCs in adult endometrium. Discussion Results support the presence of functionally active VSELs in adult endometrium. VSELs self-renew and give rise to EnSCs that further differentiate into epithelial cells under normal physiological conditions. Also, VSELs are vulnerable to endocrine insults. To conclude VSELs are true and elusive uterine stem cells that maintain life-long uterine homeostasis and their dysregulation may result in various pathologies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8.
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Cousins FL, Filby CE, Gargett CE. Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells–Their Role in Endometrial Repair and Regeneration. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 3:811537. [PMID: 36304009 PMCID: PMC9580754 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.811537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a remarkable tissue, undergoing ~450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding (menstruation), repair, and regeneration over a woman's reproductive lifespan. Post-menstrual repair is an extremely rapid and scar-free process, with re-epithelialization of the luminal epithelium completed within 48 h of initiation of shedding. Following menstruation, the functionalis grows from the residual basalis layer during the proliferative phase under the influence of rising circulating estrogen levels. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells which reside in both the epithelial and stromal cell compartments of the basalis layer. Finding a definitive marker for endometrial epithelial progenitors (eEPCs) has proven difficult. A number of different markers have been suggested as putative progenitor markers including, N-cadherin, SSEA-1, AXIN2, SOX-9 and ALDH1A1, some of which show functional stem cell activity in in vitro assays. Each marker has a unique location(s) in the glandular epithelium, which has led to the suggestion that a differentiation hierarchy exists, from the base of epithelial glands in the basalis to the luminal epithelium lining the functionalis, where epithelial cells express different combinations of markers as they differentiate and move up the gland into the functionalis away from the basalis niche. Perivascular endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) can be identified by co-expression of PDGFRβ and CD146 or by a single marker, SUSD2. This review will detail the known endometrial stem/progenitor markers; their identity, location and known interactions and hierarchy across the menstrual cycle, in particular post-menstrual repair and estrogen-driven regeneration, as well as their possible contributions to menstruation-related disorders such as endometriosis and regeneration-related disorder Asherman's syndrome. We will also highlight new techniques that allow for a greater understanding of stem/progenitor cells' role in repair and regeneration, including 3D organoids, 3D slice cultures and gene sequencing at the single cell level. Since mouse models are commonly used to study menstruation, repair and regeneration we will also detail the mouse stem/progenitor markers that have been investigated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Fiona L. Cousins
| | - Caitlin E. Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Gao X, Yao X, Li X, Liang Y, Liu Z, Wang Z, Li K, Li Y, Zhang G, Wang F. Roles of WNT6 in Sheep Endometrial Epithelial Cell Cycle Progression and Uterine Glands Organogenesis. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120316. [PMID: 34941843 PMCID: PMC8708052 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus, as part of the female reproductive tract, is essential for embryo survival and in the maintenance of multiple pregnancies in domestic animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of WNT6 on Hu sheep endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and uterine glands (UGs) in Hu sheep, with high prolificacy rates. In the present study, Hu sheep with different fecundity, over three consecutive pregnancies, were divided into two groups: high prolificacy rate group (HP, litter size = 3) and low prolificacy rate group (LP, litter size = 1). A comparative analysis of the endometrial morphology was performed by immunofluorescence. RNA-seq was used to analyze the gene’s expression in endometrium of HP and LP Hu sheep, providing a candidate gene, which was investigated in EECs and organoid culture. Firstly, higher density of UGs was found in the HP Hu sheep groups (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq data revealed the importance of the WNT signaling pathway and WNT6 gene in Hu sheep endometrium. Functionally, WNT6 could promote the cell cycle progression of EECs via WNT/β-catenin signal and enhance UGs organogenesis. Taken together, WNT6 is a crucial regulator for sheep endometrial development; this finding may offer a new insight into understanding the regulatory mechanism of sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Gao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yaxu Liang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yingqi Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-025-84395381
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Advancements in endometrial epithelial stem cell research. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 65:215-218. [PMID: 34586574 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Stejskalová A, Vankelecom H, Sourouni M, Ho MY, Götte M, Almquist BD. In vitro modelling of the physiological and diseased female reproductive system. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:288-312. [PMID: 33915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.
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Abstract
Uniquely among adult tissues, the human endometrium undergoes cyclical shedding, scar-free repair and regeneration during a woman's reproductive life. Therefore, it presents an outstanding model for study of such processes. This Review examines what is known of endometrial repair and regeneration following menstruation and parturition, including comparisons with wound repair and the influence of menstrual fluid components. We also discuss the contribution of endometrial stem/progenitor cells to endometrial regeneration, including the importance of the stem cell niche and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. Finally, we comment on the value of endometrial epithelial organoids to extend our understanding of endometrial development and regeneration, as well as therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 25-31 Wright St, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Changes in Stem Cell Regulation and Epithelial Organisation during Carcinogenesis and Disease Progression in Gynaecological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133349. [PMID: 34283069 PMCID: PMC8268501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent advances in our understanding of the stem cell potential in adult tissues have far-reaching implications for cancer research, and this creates new opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we outline changes in stem cell biology that characterize main gynaecological malignancies, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, and focus on specific differences between them. We highlight the importance of the local niche environment as a driver of malignant transformation in addition to mutations in key cancer-driving genes. Patient-derived organoids capture in vitro main aspects of cancer tissue architecture and stemness regulatory mechanisms, thus providing a valuable new platform for a personalized approach in the treatment of gynecological malignancies. This review summarizes the main achievement and formulates remaining open questions in this fast-evolving research field. Abstract Gynaecological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with vastly different aetiology, risk factors, molecular drivers, and disease outcomes. From HPV-driven cervical cancer where early screening and molecular diagnostics efficiently reduced the number of advanced-stage diagnosis, prevalent and relatively well-treated endometrial cancers, to highly aggressive and mostly lethal high-grade serous ovarian cancer, malignancies of the female genital tract have unique presentations and distinct cell biology features. Recent discoveries of stem cell regulatory mechanisms, development of organoid cultures, and NGS analysis have provided valuable insights into the basic biology of these cancers that could help advance new-targeted therapeutic approaches. This review revisits new findings on stemness and differentiation, considering main challenges and open questions. We focus on the role of stem cell niche and tumour microenvironment in early and metastatic stages of the disease progression and highlight the potential of patient-derived organoid models to study key events in tumour evolution, the appearance of resistance mechanisms, and as screening tools to enable personalisation of drug treatments.
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Yang L, Pijuan-Galito S, Rho HS, Vasilevich AS, Eren AD, Ge L, Habibović P, Alexander MR, de Boer J, Carlier A, van Rijn P, Zhou Q. High-Throughput Methods in the Discovery and Study of Biomaterials and Materiobiology. Chem Rev 2021; 121:4561-4677. [PMID: 33705116 PMCID: PMC8154331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The complex interaction of cells with biomaterials (i.e., materiobiology) plays an increasingly pivotal role in the development of novel implants, biomedical devices, and tissue engineering scaffolds to treat diseases, aid in the restoration of bodily functions, construct healthy tissues, or regenerate diseased ones. However, the conventional approaches are incapable of screening the huge amount of potential material parameter combinations to identify the optimal cell responses and involve a combination of serendipity and many series of trial-and-error experiments. For advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, highly efficient and complex bioanalysis platforms are expected to explore the complex interaction of cells with biomaterials using combinatorial approaches that offer desired complex microenvironments during healing, development, and homeostasis. In this review, we first introduce materiobiology and its high-throughput screening (HTS). Then we present an in-depth of the recent progress of 2D/3D HTS platforms (i.e., gradient and microarray) in the principle, preparation, screening for materiobiology, and combination with other advanced technologies. The Compendium for Biomaterial Transcriptomics and high content imaging, computational simulations, and their translation toward commercial and clinical uses are highlighted. In the final section, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed. High-throughput experimentation within the field of materiobiology enables the elucidation of the relationships between biomaterial properties and biological behavior and thereby serves as a potential tool for accelerating the development of high-performance biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Yang
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Pijuan-Galito
- School
of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University
of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Hoon Suk Rho
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aliaksei S. Vasilevich
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aysegul Dede Eren
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lu Ge
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Habibović
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Morgan R. Alexander
- School
of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University
of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Jan de Boer
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aurélie Carlier
- Department
of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- University
of Groningen, W. J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and
Materials Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qihui Zhou
- Institute
for Translational Medicine, Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated
Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao
University, Qingdao 266003, China
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Cousins FL, Pandoy R, Jin S, Gargett CE. The Elusive Endometrial Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640319. [PMID: 33898428 PMCID: PMC8063057 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium undergoes approximately 450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding and regeneration over a woman's reproductive lifetime. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells residing in the basalis layer of the tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively studied in the endometrium, whereas endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells have remained more elusive. This review details the discovery of human and mouse endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells. It highlights recent significant developments identifying putative markers of these epithelial stem/progenitor cells that reveal their in vivo identity, location in both human and mouse endometrium, raising common but also different viewpoints. The review also outlines the techniques used to identify epithelial stem/progenitor cells, specifically in vitro functional assays and in vivo lineage tracing. We will also discuss their known interactions and hierarchy and known roles in endometrial dynamics across the menstrual or estrous cycle including re-epithelialization at menses and regeneration of the tissue during the proliferative phase. We also detail their potential role in endometrial proliferative disorders such as endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ronald Pandoy
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Shiying Jin
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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37
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Chumduri C, Turco MY. Organoids of the female reproductive tract. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:531-553. [PMID: 33580825 PMCID: PMC8026429 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth. The mucosal epithelial lining of different regions of the FRT-ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina-facilitates the selective transport of gametes and successful transfer of the zygote to the uterus where it implants and pregnancy takes place. It also prevents pathogen entry. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems from the FRT now provide crucial experimental models that recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity and physiological, anatomical and functional properties of the organ in vitro. In this review, we summarise the state of the art on organoids generated from different regions of the FRT. We discuss the potential applications of these powerful in vitro models to study normal physiology, fertility, infections, diseases, drug discovery and personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindrilla Chumduri
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Margherita Y Turco
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK.
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Song Y, Fazleabas AT. Endometrial Organoids: A Rising Star for Research on Endometrial Development and Associated Diseases. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1626-1636. [PMID: 33533008 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium is one of the most dynamic organs in the human body. Until now, cell lines have furthered the understanding of endometrial biology and associated diseases, but they failed to recapitulate the key physiological aspects of the endometrium, especially as it relates to its complex architecture and functions. Organoid culture systems have become an alternative approach to reproduce biological functions of tissues in vitro. Endometrial organoids have now been established from stem/progenitor cells and/or differentiated cells by several methods, which represents a promising tool to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic organ. In this review, we will discuss the establishment, characteristics, applications, and potential challenges and directions of endometrial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA.
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39
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Tan SH, Phuah P, Tan LT, Yada S, Goh J, Tomaz LB, Chua M, Wong E, Lee B, Barker N. A constant pool of Lgr5 + intestinal stem cells is required for intestinal homeostasis. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108633. [PMID: 33503423 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lgr5+ crypt base columnar cells, the operational intestinal stem cells (ISCs), are thought to be dispensable for small intestinal (SI) homeostasis. Using a Lgr5-2A-DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) model, which ablates Lgr5+ cells with near-complete efficiency and retains endogenous levels of Lgr5 expression, we show that persistent depletion of Lgr5+ ISCs in fact compromises SI epithelial integrity and reduces epithelial turnover in vivo. In vitro, Lgr5-2A-DTR SI organoids are unable to establish or survive when Lgr5+ ISCs are continuously eliminated by adding DT to the media. However, transient exposure to DT at the start of culture allows organoids to form, and the rate of outgrowth reduces with the increasing length of DT presence. Our results indicate that intestinal homeostasis requires a constant pool of Lgr5+ ISCs, which is supplied by rapidly reprogrammed non-Lgr5+ crypt populations when preexisting Lgr5+ ISCs are ablated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hui Tan
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phyllis Phuah
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Liang Thing Tan
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swathi Yada
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Goh
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lucian B Tomaz
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Magdalene Chua
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esther Wong
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernett Lee
- A(∗)STAR Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nick Barker
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore; Division of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
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40
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Leung C, Murad KBA, Tan ALT, Yada S, Sagiraju S, Bode PK, Barker N. Lgr5 Marks Adult Progenitor Cells Contributing to Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Sarcoma Formation. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108535. [PMID: 33357435 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of adult skeletal muscle is driven largely by resident satellite cells, a stem cell population increasingly considered to display a high degree of molecular heterogeneity. In this study, we find that Lgr5, a receptor for Rspo and a potent mediator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, marks a subset of activated satellite cells that contribute to muscle regeneration. Lgr5 is found to be rapidly upregulated in purified myogenic progenitors following acute cardiotoxin-induced injury. In vivo lineage tracing using our Lgr5-2ACreERT2R26tdTomatoLSL reporter mouse model shows that Lgr5+ cells can reconstitute damaged muscle fibers following muscle injury, as well as replenish the quiescent satellite cell pool. Moreover, conditional mutation in Lgr52ACreERT2;KrasG12D;Trp53flox/flox mice drives undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma formation in adult mice, thereby substantiating Lgr5+ cells as a cell of origin of sarcomas. Our findings provide the groundwork for developing Rspo/Wnt-signaling-based therapeutics to potentially enhance regenerative outcomes of skeletal muscles in degenerative muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Leung
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Katzrin Bte Ahmad Murad
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Adelyn Liang Thing Tan
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Swathi Yada
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Sowmya Sagiraju
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Peter Karl Bode
- Department of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nick Barker
- A(∗)STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; A(∗)STAR Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore; Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
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41
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Filby CE, Rombauts L, Montgomery GW, Giudice LC, Gargett CE. Cellular Origins of Endometriosis: Towards Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38:201-215. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEndometriosis remains an enigmatic disease of unknown etiology, with delayed diagnosis and poor therapeutic options. This review will discuss the cellular, physiological, and genomic evidence of Sampson's hypothesis of retrograde menstruation as a cause of pelvic endometriosis and as the basis of phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease. We postulate that collaborative research at the single cell level focused on unlocking the cellular, physiological, and genomic mechanisms of endometriosis will be accompanied by advances in personalized diagnosis and therapies that target unique subtypes of endometriosis disease. These advances will address the clinical conundrums of endometriosis clinical care—including diagnostic delay, suboptimal treatments, disease recurrence, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and quality of life. There is an urgent need to improve outcomes for women with endometriosis. To achieve this, it is imperative that we understand which cells form the lesions, how they arrive at distant sites, and what factors govern their ability to survive and invade at ectopic locations. This review proposes new research avenues to address these basic questions of endometriosis pathobiology that will lay the foundations for new diagnostic tools and treatment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Reproductive Medicine at Women's Health, Monash Health, Monash IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant W. Montgomery
- UQ Genome Innovation Hub, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Terashima T, Kobashi S, Watanabe Y, Nakanishi M, Honda N, Katagi M, Ohashi N, Kojima H. Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cells with Growth Factor-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells for ALS in Mice. iScience 2020; 23:101764. [PMID: 33251493 PMCID: PMC7677706 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several treatments have been attempted in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) animal models and patients. Recently, transplantation of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) was investigated as a regenerative therapy for ALS, but satisfactory treatments remain to be established. To develop an effective treatment, we focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing hepatocyte growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and insulin-like growth factor using human artificial chromosome vector (HAC-MSCs). Here, we demonstrated the transplantation of MNCs with HAC-MSCs in ALS mice. As per our results, the progression of motor dysfunction was significantly delayed, and their survival was prolonged dramatically. Additional analysis revealed preservation of motor neurons, suppression of gliosis, engraftment of numerous MNCs, and elevated chemotaxis-related cytokines in the spinal cord of treated mice. Therefore, growth factor-expressing MSCs enhance the therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived MNCs for ALS and have a high potential as a novel cell therapy for patients with ALS. MNCs with growth factor-expressing MSCs is an effective cell therapy for ALS mice The MSCs enhance therapeutic effects by migration of MNCs into ALS mice spinal cord This cell therapy suppresses neuronal loss and gliosis in ALS mice spinal cord This cell therapy induces several cytokines expression in ALS mice spinal cord
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Terashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kobashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Watanabe
- Division of Neurology, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Mami Nakanishi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Naoto Honda
- Division of Neurology, Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Miwako Katagi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Natsuko Ohashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Hideto Kojima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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43
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Semertzidou A, Brosens JJ, McNeish I, Kyrgiou M. Organoid models in gynaecological oncology research. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 90:102103. [PMID: 32932156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell culture and animal models represent experimental cornerstones for the investigation of tissue, organ and body physiology in the context of gynaecological research. However, their ability to accurately reflect human mechanisms in vivo is limited. The development of organoid technologies has begun to address this limitation by providing platforms ex vivo that resemble the phenotype and genotype of the multi-cellular tissue from which they were derived more accurately. In this review, we discuss advances in organoid derivation from endometrial, ovarian, fallopian tube and cervical tissue, both benign and malignant, the manipulation of organoid microenvironment to preserve stem cell populations and achieve long-term expansion and we explore the morphological and molecular kinship of organoids to parent tissue. Apart from providing new insight into mechanisms of carcinogenesis, gynaecological cancer-derived organoids can be utilised as tools for drug screening of chemotherapeutic and hormonal compounds where they exhibit interpatient variability consistent with states in vivo and xenografted tumours allowing for patient-tailored treatment strategies. Bridging organoid with bioengineering accomplishments is clearly the way forward to the generation of organoid-on-a-chip technologies enhancing the robustness of the model and its translational potential. Undeniably, organoids are expected to stand their ground in the years to come and revolutionize development and disease modelling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Semertzidou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer & Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Iain McNeish
- Department of Surgery and Cancer & Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer & Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea - Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK.
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44
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Wilson MR, Holladay J, Sheridan R, Hostetter G, Berghuis B, Graveel C, Essenburg C, Peck A, Ho TH, Stanton M, Chandler RL. Lgr5-positive endothelial progenitor cells occupy a tumor and injury prone niche in the kidney vasa recta. Stem Cell Res 2020; 46:101849. [PMID: 32464345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway co-receptor, Leucine Rich Repeat Containing G Protein-Coupled Receptor 5 (LGR5), labels tumor-prone stem cell populations in certain types of tissue. In this study, we show that ARID1A and PIK3CA mutations in LGR5+ cells result in renal angiosarcomas in adult mice. The tumors originate in the renal medulla. We further show that LGR5 labels SOX17+/CD31+/CD34+/CD133+/AQP1+/CD146+ endothelial progenitor cells within the descending vasa recta or straight arterioles of the kidney, which are specialized capillaries that maintain medullary osmotic gradients necessary for water reabsorption and the production of concentrated urine. LGR5+ endothelial progenitor cells are tightly associated with contractile pericytes within the descending vasa recta. Long-term in vivo lineage tracing revealed that LGR5+ cells give rise to renal medullary vasculature. We further show that LGR5+ cells are activated in response to ischemic kidney injury. Our findings uncover a physiologically relevant endothelial progenitor cell population within the kidney vasa recta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike R Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeanne Holladay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Rachael Sheridan
- Flow Cytometry Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Galen Hostetter
- Pathology and Biorepository Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Bree Berghuis
- Pathology and Biorepository Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Carrie Graveel
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Curt Essenburg
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Anderson Peck
- Small Animal Imaging Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Thai H Ho
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Melissa Stanton
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | - Ronald L Chandler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA.
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