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Sun F, Peers de Nieuwburgh M, Hubinont C, Debiève F, Colson A. Gene therapy in preeclampsia: the dawn of a new era. Hypertens Pregnancy 2024; 43:2358761. [PMID: 38817101 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2024.2358761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting an estimated 4 million women annually. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide, and it has life-long consequences. The maternal multisystemic symptoms are driven by poor placentation, which causes syncytiotrophoblastic stress and the release of factors into the maternal bloodstream. Amongst them, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) triggers extensive endothelial dysfunction by acting as a decoy receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the placental growth factor (PGF). Current interventions aim to mitigate hypertension and seizures, but the only definite treatment remains induced delivery. Thus, there is a pressing need for novel therapies to remedy this situation. Notably, CBP-4888, a siRNA drug delivered subcutaneously to knock down sFLT1 expression in the placenta, has recently obtained Fast Track approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is undergoing a phase 1 clinical trial. Such advance highlights a growing interest and significant potential in gene therapy to manage preeclampsia. This review summarizes the advances and prospects of gene therapy in treating placental dysfunction and illustrates crucial challenges and considerations for these emerging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxuan Sun
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maureen Peers de Nieuwburgh
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neonatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Colson
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Wang J, Zhou X, Han T, Zhang H. Epigenetic signatures of trophoblast lineage and their biological functions. Cells Dev 2024; 179:203934. [PMID: 38942294 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203934] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Trophoblasts play a crucial role in embryo implantation and in interacting with the maternal uterus. The trophoblast lineage develops into a substantial part of the placenta, a temporary extra-embryonic organ, capable of undergoing distinctive epigenetic events during development. The critical role of trophoblast-specific epigenetic signatures in regulating placental development has become known, significantly advancing our understanding of trophoblast identity and lineage development. Scientific efforts are revealing how trophoblast-specific epigenetic signatures mediate stage-specific gene regulatory programming during the development of the trophoblast lineage. These epigenetic signatures have a significant impact on blastocyst formation, placental development, as well as the growth and survival of embryos and fetuses. In evolution, DNA hypomethylation in the trophoblast lineage is conserved, and there is a significant disparity in the control of epigenetic dynamics and the landscape of genomic imprinting. Scientists have used murine and human multipotent trophoblast cells as in vitro models to recapitulate the essential epigenetic processes of placental development. Here, we review the epigenetic signatures of the trophoblast lineage and their biological functions to enhance our understanding of placental evolution, development, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqi Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tingli Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, China; The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, China.
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3
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Velazquez C, Loier L, Struys I, Verscheure E, Persoons L, Godderis L, Lenaerts L, Amant F. Additive genotoxic effects in cord blood cells upon indirect exposure to chemotherapeutic compounds crossing an in vitro placental barrier. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19598. [PMID: 39179576 PMCID: PMC11344073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62250-5] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to toxins can adversely affect long-term health outcomes of the offspring. Though chemotherapeutics are now standard of care for treating cancer patients during pregnancy, certain compounds are known to cross the placenta and harm placental tissue. The consequences for the fetus are largely unexplored. Here we examined the responses of newborn cord blood mononuclear cells in tissue culture to two chemotherapeutic drugs, cyclophosphamide and epirubicin, when either directly exposed to these drugs, or indirectly after crossing a placenta trophoblast bilayer barrier. Cord blood mononuclear cells exposed to the conditioned media obtained from cyclophosphamide-exposed trophoblast barriers showed a significant 2.4-fold increase of nuclear ROS levels compared to direct exposure to cyclophosphamide. Indirect exposure to epirubicine-exposed trophoblast barriers not only enhanced nuclear ROS levels but also significantly increased the fraction of cord blood cells with double strand breaks, relative to directly exposed cells. Neither apoptosis nor proliferation markers were affected in cord mononuclear blood cells upon direct or indirect exposure to cyclophosphamide or epirubicin. Our data suggests that trophoblast cells exposed to cyclophosphamide or epirubicine may induce an indirect 'bystander' effect and can aggravate genotoxicity in the fetal compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Velazquez
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Loier
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilana Struys
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Verscheure
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Lenaerts
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Amant
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Gynecology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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4
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Wang Y, Li Y, Zhu X, Yang M, Liu Y, Wang N, Long C, Kuo Y, Lian Y, Huang J, Jia J, Wong CCL, Yan Z, Yan L, Qiao J. Concurrent Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Competence Assessment of Human Embryos by Transcriptome Sequencing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309817. [PMID: 38900059 PMCID: PMC11348190 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can minimize the risk of birth defects. However, the accuracy and applicability of routine PGT is confounded by uneven genome coverage and high allele drop-out rate from existing single-cell whole genome amplification methods. Here, a method to diagnose genetic mutations and concurrently evaluate embryo competence by leveraging the abundant mRNA transcript copies present in trophectoderm cells is developed. The feasibility of the method is confirmed with 19 donated blastocysts. Next, the method is applied to 82 embryos from 26 families with monogenic defects for simultaneous mutation detection and competence assessment. The accuracy rate of direct mutation detection is up to 95%, which is significantly higher than DNA-based method. Meanwhile, this approach correctly predicted seven out of eight (87.5%) embryos that failed to implant. Of six embryos that are predicted to implant successfully, four met such expectations (66.7%). Notably, this method is superior at conditions for mutation detection that are challenging when using DNA-based PGT, such as when detecting pathogenic genes with a high de novo rate, multiple pseudogenes, or an abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats. Taken together, this study establishes the feasibility of an RNA-based PGT that is also informative for assessing implantation competence.
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5
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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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6
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Lopez I, Truskey GA. Multi-cellular engineered living systems to assess reproductive toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 127:108609. [PMID: 38759876 PMCID: PMC11179964 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108609] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Toxicants and some drugs can negatively impact reproductive health. Many toxicants haven't been tested due to lack of available models. The impact of many drugs taken during pregnancy to address maternal health may adversely affect fetal development with life-long effects and clinical trials do not examine toxicity effects on the maternal-fetal interface, requiring indirect assessment of safety and efficacy. Due to current gaps in reproductive toxicological knowledge and limitations of animal models, multi-cellular engineered living systems may provide solutions for modeling reproductive physiology and pathology for chemical and xenobiotic toxicity studies. Multi-cellular engineered living systems, such as microphysiological systems (MPS) and organoids, model of functional units of tissues. In this review, we highlight the key functions and structures of human reproductive organs and well-known representative toxicants afflicting these systems. We then discuss current approaches and specific studies where scientists have used MPS or organoids to recreate in vivo markers and cellular responses of the female and male reproductive system, as well as pregnancy-associated placenta formation and embryo development. We provide specific examples of organoids and organ-on-chip that have been used for toxicological purposes with varied success. Finally, we address current issues related to usage of MPS, emerging techniques for improving upon these complications, and improvements needed to make MPS more capable in assessing reproductive toxicology. Overall, multi-cellular engineered living systems have considerable promise to serve as a suitable, alternative reproductive biological model compared to animal studies and 2D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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7
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Motomura K, Morita H, Yamamoto H, Wada S, Sago H, Takahashi H, Saito H, Matsumoto K. Isolation of pure primary term human cytotrophoblasts and their differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells as an ex vivo model of the human placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00603-9. [PMID: 39089887 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a fundamental role in fetal growth and maintenance of pregnancy. Its cellular components include a large multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and its progenitor, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), both of which perform vital functions in the human placenta. Primary cytotrophoblasts isolated from term human placentas that spontaneously fuse and differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells in vitro have been utilized to investigate the functions of the syncytiotrophoblast and placenta with multiple modifications. Although recent advances have enabled the use of trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids as a model for villous trophoblasts, primary CTBs offer several advantages, including spontaneous differentiation, easy access to materials (from term-delivered human placentas), and simple methodology. Here, we present a precise step-by-step process for isolating pure CTBs from term human placenta based on previously reported placenta digestion, density centrifugation, and CTB purification using anti-HLA-A, B, C antibody. Subsequently, we provide a method to improve CTB viability and differentiation into STB-like cells using epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) that ensures long-term and stable cultures without altering their proliferation. Because these cells can grow on standard tissue culture plates, this model can be easily utilized for various placental investigations, including innate immune responses, drug resistance, and STB metabolism. Employing this approach considerably enhances our understanding of placental functions, which are key to maternal and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Yamamoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Seiji Wada
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Center for Medical Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Saito
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
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8
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Morey R, Soncin F, Kallol S, Sah N, Manalo Z, Bui T, Slamecka J, Cheung VC, Pizzo D, Requena DF, Chang CW, Farah O, Kittle R, Meads M, Horii M, Fisch K, Parast MM. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal differences between chorionic and basal plate cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.12.603155. [PMID: 39071344 PMCID: PMC11275976 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.12.603155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cytotrophoblast (CTB) of the early gestation human placenta are bipotent progenitor epithelial cells, which can differentiate into invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Trophoblast stem cells (TSC), derived from early first trimester placentae, have also been shown to be bipotential. In this study, we set out to probe the transcriptional diversity of first trimester CTB and compare TSC to various subgroups of CTB. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on six normal placentae, four from early (6-8 weeks) and two from late (12-14 weeks) first trimester, of which two of the early first trimester cases were separated into basal (maternal) and chorionic (fetal) fractions prior to sequencing. We also sequenced three TSC lines, derived from 6-8 week placentae, to evaluate similarities and differences between primary CTB and TSC. CTB clusters displayed notable distinctions based on gestational age, with early first trimester placentae showing enrichment for specific CTB subtypes, further influenced by origin from the basal or chorionic plate. Differential expression analysis of CTB from basal versus chorionic plate highlighted pathways associated with proliferation, unfolded protein response, and oxidative phosphorylation. We identified trophoblast states representing initial progenitor CTB, precursor STB, precursor and mature EVT, and multiple CTB subtypes. CTB progenitors were enriched in early first trimester placentae, with basal plate cells biased toward EVT, and chorionic plate cells toward STB, precursors. Clustering and trajectory inference analysis indicated that TSC were most like EVT precursor cells, with only a small percentage of TSC on the pre-STB differentiation trajectory. This was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of 6 different TSC lines, which showed uniform expression of proximal column markers ITGA2 and ITGA5. Additionally, we found that ITGA5+ CTB could be plated in 2D, forming only EVT upon spontaneous differentiation, but failed to form self-renewing organoids; conversely, ITGA5-CTB could not be plated in 2D, but readily formed organoids. Our findings suggest that distinct CTB states exist in different regions of the placenta as early as six weeks gestation and that current TSC lines most closely resemble ITGA5+ CTB, biased toward the EVT lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zoe Manalo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jaroslav Slamecka
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Virginia Chu Cheung
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen Fisch
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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9
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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Rhoptry proteins affect the placental barrier in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Signaling pathways and functions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116567. [PMID: 38850700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116567] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and pathogenic obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that is widespread worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, seriously endangering human health and affecting livestock production. Toxoplasmosis caused by T. gondii infection has different clinical manifestations, which are mainly determined by the virulence of T. gondii and host differences. Among the manifestations of this condition, abortion, stillbirth, and fetal malformation can occur if a woman is infected with T. gondii in early pregnancy. Here, we discuss how the T. gondii rhoptry protein affects host pregnancy outcomes and speculate on the related signaling pathways involved. The effects of rhoptry proteins of T. gondii on the placental barrier are complex. Rhoptry proteins not only regulate interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) to ensure the survival of parasites in activated cells but also promote the spread of worms in tissues and the invasive ability of the parasites. The functions of these rhoptry proteins and the associated signaling pathways highlight relevant mechanisms by which Toxoplasma crosses the placental barrier and influences fetal development and will guide future studies to uncover the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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10
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Kumar RP, Kumar R, Ganguly A, Ghosh A, Ray S, Islam MR, Saha A, Roy N, Dasgupta P, Knowles T, Niloy AJ, Marsh C, Paul S. METTL3 shapes m6A epitranscriptomic landscape for successful human placentation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.12.603294. [PMID: 39026770 PMCID: PMC11257629 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.12.603294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), the catalytic enzyme of methyltransferase complex for m6A methylation of RNA, is essential for mammalian development. However, the importance of METTL3 in human placentation remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that a fine balance of METTL3 function in trophoblast cells is essential for successful human placentation. Both loss-of and gain-in METTL3 functions are associated with adverse human pregnancies. A subset of recurrent pregnancy losses and preterm pregnancies are often associated with loss of METTL3 expression in trophoblast progenitors. In contrast, METTL3 is induced in pregnancies associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Our loss of function analyses showed that METTL3 is essential for the maintenance of human TSC self-renewal and their differentiation to extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). In contrast, loss of METTL3 in human TSCs promotes syncytiotrophoblast (STB) development. Global analyses of RNA m6A modification and METTL3-RNA interaction in human TSCs showed that METTL3 regulates m6A modifications on the mRNA molecules of critical trophoblast regulators, including GATA2, GATA3, TEAD1, TEAD4, WWTR1, YAP1, TFAP2C and ASCL2, and loss of METTL3 leads to depletion of mRNA molecules of these critical regulators. Importantly, conditional deletion of Mettl3 in trophoblast progenitors of an early post-implantation mouse embryo also leads to arrested self-renewal. Hence, our findings indicate that METLL3 is a conserved epitranscriptomic governor in trophoblast progenitors and ensures successful placentation by regulating their self-renewal and dictating their differentiation fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Parikshan Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Md. Rashedul Islam
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Namrata Roy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Purbasa Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Taylor Knowles
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Asef Jawad Niloy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Keenen MM, Yang L, Liang H, Farmer VJ, Singh R, Gladfelter AS, Coyne CB. Comparative analysis of the syncytiotrophoblast in placenta tissue and trophoblast organoids using snRNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601571. [PMID: 39005304 PMCID: PMC11244908 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The outer surface of chorionic villi in the human placenta consists of a single multinucleated cell called the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The unique cellular ultrastructure of the STB presents challenges in deciphering its gene expression signature at the single-cell level, as the STB contains billions of nuclei in a single cell. There are many gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms and developmental trajectories involved in STB formation and differentiation. To identify the underlying control of the STB, we performed comparative single nucleus (SN) and single cell (SC) RNA sequencing on placental tissue and tissue-derived trophoblast organoids (TOs). We found that SN was essential to capture the STB population from both tissue and TOs. Differential gene expression and pseudotime analysis of TO-derived STB identified three distinct nuclear subtypes reminiscent of those recently identified in vivo . These included a juvenile nuclear population that exhibited both CTB and STB marker expression, a population enriched in genes involved in oxygen sensing, and a fully differentiated subtype. Notably, suspension culture conditions of TOs that restore the native orientation of the STB (STB out ) showed elevated expression of canonical STB markers and pregnancy hormones, along with a greater proportion of the terminally differentiated mature STB subtype, compared to those cultivated with an inverted STB polarity (STB in ). Gene regulatory analysis identified novel markers of STB differentiation conserved in tissue and TOs, including the chromatin remodeler RYBP, that exhibited STB-specific RNA and protein expression. Finally, we compared STB gene expression signatures amongst first trimester tissue, full-term tissue, and TOs, identifying many commonalities but also notable variability across each sample type. This indicates that STB gene expression is responsive to its environmental context. Our findings emphasize the utility of TOs to accurately model STB differentiation and the distinct nuclear subtypes observed in vivo , offering a versatile platform for unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing STB functions in placental biology and disease.
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Bi S, Huang L, Chen Y, Hu Z, Li S, Wang Y, Huang B, Zhang L, Huang Y, Dai B, Du L, Tu Z, Wang Y, Xu D, Xu X, Sun W, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Wang F, Zhang S. KAT8-mediated H4K16ac is essential for sustaining trophoblast self-renewal and proliferation via regulating CDX2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5602. [PMID: 38961108 PMCID: PMC11222414 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49930-6] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation during early gestation is the major cause of miscarriage, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that trophoblast specific deletion of Kat8, a MYST family histone acetyltransferase, leads to extraembryonic ectoderm abnormalities and embryonic lethality. Employing RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses on trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), we further discover that KAT8 regulates the transcriptional activation of the trophoblast stemness marker, CDX2, via acetylating H4K16. Remarkably, CDX2 overexpression partially rescues the defects arising from Kat8 knockout. Moreover, increasing H4K16ac via using deacetylase SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, restores CDX2 levels and promoted placental development. Clinical analysis shows reduced KAT8, CDX2 and H4K16ac expression are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Trophoblast organoids derived from these patients exhibit impaired TSC self-renewal and growth, which are significantly ameliorated with EX527 treatment. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the KAT8-H4K16ac-CDX2 axis for mitigating RPL, shedding light on early gestational abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yongjie Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Zhenhua Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Shanze Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Baoying Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lizi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Beibei Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Dan Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Mannheim Institute of Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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15
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Castillo C, Díaz-Luján C, Liempi A, Fretes R, Kemmerling U. Mammalian placental explants: A tool for studying host-parasite interactions and placental biology. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00291-1. [PMID: 38910051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in host-pathogen interactions. Thus, ex vivo infection of mammalian placental explants is an excellent and simple method to study the mechanisms of cellular and tissue invasion by different pathogens in different mammalian species. These explants can be maintained in culture for several days, preserving the tissue architecture and resembling in-utero conditions under more physiological conditions than their isolated counterparts in isolated cell culture models. In addition, placental explants not only allow us to study how the placenta responds and defends itself against various infections but also provide a versatile platform for advancing our understanding of placental biology and the immune response. Furthermore, they serve as powerful tools for drug discovery, facilitating the screening of potential therapeutics for placental infections and for the identification of diagnostic markers. This review highlights the utility of mammalian placental explants in studying the host-pathogen interaction of two relevant protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis. Here, we discuss the different methodologies and technical aspects of the model, as well as the effect of both parasites on placental responses in human, canine, and ovine explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cintia Díaz-Luján
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fretes
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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16
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Chen Y, Ye X, Zhong Y, Kang X, Tang Y, Zhu H, Pang C, Ning S, Liang S, Zhang F, Li C, Li J, Gu C, Cheng Y, Kuang Z, Qiu J, Jin J, Luo H, Fu M, Hui HX, Li L, Ruan D, Liu P, Chen X, Sun L, Ai S, Gao X. SP6 controls human cytotrophoblast fate decisions and trophoblast stem cell establishment by targeting MSX2 regulatory elements. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1506-1522.e11. [PMID: 38582082 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.025] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The commitment and differentiation of human placental progenitor cytotrophoblast (CT) cells are crucial for a successful pregnancy, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we identified the transcription factor (TF), specificity protein 6 (SP6), as a human species-specific trophoblast lineage TF expressed in human placental CT cells. Using pluripotent stem cells as a model, we demonstrated that SP6 controls CT generation and the establishment of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and identified msh homeobox 2 (MSX2) as the downstream effector in these events. Mechanistically, we showed that SP6 interacts with histone acetyltransferase P300 to alter the landscape of H3K27ac at targeted regulatory elements, thereby favoring transcriptional activation and facilitating CT cell fate decisions and TSC maintenance. Our results established SP6 as a regulator of the human trophoblast lineage and implied its role in placental development and the pathogenies of placental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanglin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xianhua Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yulong Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haoyun Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Changmiao Pang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shaoqiang Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shiqing Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Feifan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chengtao Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuanxiong Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanpeng Kuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingyang Qiu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haisi Luo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mingyu Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hannah Xiaoyan Hui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China; Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Degong Ruan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liangzhong Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Shanshan Ai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Xuefei Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China; Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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17
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Abady MM, Jeong JS, Kwon HJ, Assiri AM, Cho J, Saadeldin IM. The reprotoxic adverse side effects of neurogenic and neuroprotective drugs: current use of human organoid modeling as a potential alternative to preclinical models. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412188. [PMID: 38948466 PMCID: PMC11211546 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of neurological disorders heavily relies on neurotherapeutic drugs, but notable concerns exist regarding their possible negative effects on reproductive health. Traditional preclinical models often fail to accurately predict reprotoxicity, highlighting the need for more physiologically relevant systems. Organoid models represent a promising approach for concurrently studying neurotoxicity and reprotoxicity, providing insights into the complex interplay between neurotherapeutic drugs and reproductive systems. Herein, we have examined the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotherapeutic drug-induced reprotoxicity and discussed experimental findings from case studies. Additionally, we explore the utility of organoid models in elucidating the reproductive complications of neurodrug exposure. Have discussed the principles of organoid models, highlighting their ability to recapitulate neurodevelopmental processes and simulate drug-induced toxicity in a controlled environment. Challenges and future perspectives in the field have been addressed with a focus on advancing organoid technologies to improve reprotoxicity assessment and enhance drug safety screening. This review underscores the importance of organoid models in unraveling the complex relationship between neurotherapeutic drugs and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam M. Abady
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ji-Seon Jeong
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Jeong Kwon
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Deperament of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Deperament of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Hopwood N. Species Choice and Model Use: Reviving Research on Human Development. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY 2024; 57:231-279. [PMID: 39075321 PMCID: PMC11341657 DOI: 10.1007/s10739-024-09775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
While model organisms have had many historians, this article places studies of humans, and particularly our development, in the politics of species choice. Human embryos, investigated directly rather than via animal surrogates, have gone through cycles of attention and neglect. In the past 60 years they moved from the sidelines to center stage. Research was resuscitated in anatomy, launched in reproductive biomedicine, molecular genetics, and stem-cell science, and made attractive in developmental biology. I explain this surge of interest in terms of rivalry with models and reliance on them. The greater involvement of medicine in human reproduction, especially through in vitro fertilization, gave access to fresh sources of material that fed critiques of extrapolation from mice and met demands for clinical relevance or "translation." Yet much of the revival depended on models. Supply infrastructures and digital standards, including biobanks and virtual atlases, emulated community resources for model organisms. Novel culture, imaging, molecular, and postgenomic methods were perfected on less precious samples. Toing and froing from the mouse affirmed the necessity of the exemplary mammal and its insufficiency justified inquiries into humans. Another kind of model-organoids and embryo-like structures derived from stem cells-enabled experiments that encouraged the organization of a new field, human developmental biology. Research on humans has competed with and counted on models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Hopwood
- Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RH, UK.
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19
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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Yuan J. Maternal obesity and placental function: impaired maternal-fetal axis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2279-2288. [PMID: 38494514 PMCID: PMC11147848 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07462-w] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity rapidly increases, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Maternal obesity is characteristic by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. It is associated with health problems in both mother and offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that the placenta is an axis connecting maternal obesity with poor outcomes in the offspring. In this brief review, we have summarized the current data regarding deregulated placental function in maternal obesity. The data show that maternal obesity induces numerous placental defects, including lipid and glucose metabolism, stress response, inflammation, immune regulation and epigenetics. These placental defects affect each other and result in a stressful intrauterine environment, which transduces and mediates the adverse effects of maternal obesity to the fetus. Further investigations are required to explore the exact molecular alterations in the placenta in maternal obesity, which may pave the way to develop specific interventions for preventing epigenetic and metabolic programming in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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20
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Parameshwar PK, Li C, Arnauts K, Jiang J, Rostami S, Campbell BE, Lu H, Rosenzweig DH, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Directed biomechanical compressive forces enhance fusion efficiency in model placental trophoblast cultures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11312. [PMID: 38760496 PMCID: PMC11101427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61747-3] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated structure that arises from fusion of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts, to sheath the placental villi and regulate transport across the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we ask whether the dynamic mechanical forces that must arise during villous development might influence fusion, and explore this question using in vitro choriocarcinoma trophoblast models. We demonstrate that mechanical stress patterns arise around sites of localized fusion in cell monolayers, in patterns that match computational predictions of villous morphogenesis. We then externally apply these mechanical stress patterns to cell monolayers and demonstrate that equibiaxial compressive stresses (but not uniaxial or equibiaxial tensile stresses) enhance expression of the syndecan-1 and loss of E-cadherin as markers of fusion. These findings suggest that the mechanical stresses that contribute towards sculpting the placental villi may also impact fusion in the developing tissue. We then extend this concept towards 3D cultures and demonstrate that fusion can be enhanced by applying low isometric compressive stresses to spheroid models, even in the absence of an inducing agent. These results indicate that mechanical stimulation is a potent activator of cellular fusion, suggesting novel avenues to improve experimental reproductive modelling, placental tissue engineering, and understanding disorders of pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kaline Arnauts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Junqing Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabra Rostami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Campbell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Hadar Rosenzweig
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Injury, Repair and Recovery Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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21
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Slaby EM, Hansen N, Sharma R, Pirrotte P, Weaver JD. Engineered 3D Hydrogel Matrices to Modulate Trophoblast Stem Cell-Derived Placental Organoid Phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.594007. [PMID: 38798435 PMCID: PMC11118344 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.594007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Placental organoid models are a promising platform to study human placental development and function. Organoid systems typically use naturally derived hydrogel extracellular matrices (ECM), resulting in batch-to-batch variability that limits experimental reproducibility. As an alternative, synthetic ECM-mimicking hydrogel matrices offer greater consistency and control over environmental cues. Here, we generated trophoblast stem cell-derived placental organoids using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with tunable degradability and placenta-derived ECM cues to evaluate trophoblast differentiation relative to Matrigel and two-dimensional (2D) culture controls. Our data demonstrate that PEG hydrogels support trophoblast viability and metabolic function comparable to gold standard Matrigel. Additionally, phenotypic characterization via proteomic analysis revealed that PEG and Matrigel matrices drive syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast-dominant placental organoid phenotypes, respectively. Further, three-dimensional (3D) environments promoted greater integrin expression and ECM production than 2D culture. This study demonstrates that engineered 3D culture environments can be used to reliably generate placental organoids and guide trophoblast differentiation.
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22
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Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Kelava I, Rawat M, Mazzeo CI, Tuck E, Sancho-Serra C, Chelaghma S, Predeus AV, Murray S, Fernandez-Antoran D, Waller RF, Álvarez-Errico D, Lee MCS, Vento-Tormo R. Acute response to pathogens in the early human placenta at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2024; 15:425-444.e9. [PMID: 38703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.04.002] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a selective maternal-fetal barrier that provides nourishment and protection from infections. However, certain pathogens can attach to and even cross the placenta, causing pregnancy complications with potential lifelong impacts on the child's health. Here, we profiled at the single-cell level the placental responses to three pathogens associated with intrauterine complications-Plasmodium falciparum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii. We found that upon exposure to the pathogens, all placental lineages trigger inflammatory responses that may compromise placental function. Additionally, we characterized the responses of fetal macrophages known as Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to each pathogen and propose that they are the probable niche for T. gondii. Finally, we revealed how P. falciparum adapts to the placental microenvironment by modulating protein export into the host erythrocyte and nutrient uptake pathways. Altogether, we have defined the cellular networks and signaling pathways mediating acute placental inflammatory responses that could contribute to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Chelaghma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - David Fernandez-Antoran
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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23
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Mitranovici MI, Chiorean DM, Moraru R, Moraru L, Caravia L, Tiron AT, Craina M, Cotoi OS. Understanding the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia: Exploring the Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2668. [PMID: 38731197 PMCID: PMC11084819 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092668] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy associated with significant fetal and maternal complications. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired form of thrombophilia characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thrombosis and obstetric complications that significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates. While preeclampsia may not be the most prevalent obstetric complication in APS, it significantly impacts the long-term health of both mother and child. The treatment of preeclampsia in antiphospholipid syndrome is different from the treatment of preeclampsia as an independent disease. Despite current treatments involving anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and antihypertensive drugs, obstetric complications may persist, underscoring the need for cohesive management and effective treatments. The objective of our review is to briefly present knowledge about the physiopathology of preeclampsia and the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in this process. Based on the existing literature, our review aims to identify future directions in molecular pathology toward the discovery of biomarkers and targeted treatments. The application of multidisciplinary approaches and prognostic models, including new biomarkers, could be beneficial in the prediction of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda-Ildiko Mitranovici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital Hunedoara, 14 Victoriei Street, 331057 Hunedoara, Romania
| | - Diana Maria Chiorean
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, 540072 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathophysiology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Moraru
- Faculty of Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Liviu Moraru
- Department of Anatomy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Laura Caravia
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Taisia Tiron
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, 300001 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, 540072 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathophysiology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
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24
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Karakis V, Britt JW, Jabeen M, Miguel AS, Rao BM. Derivation of human trophoblast stem cells from placentas at birth. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592064. [PMID: 38746283 PMCID: PMC11092656 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool for modeling the placental cytotrophoblast (CTB) in vitro. hTSCs were originally derived from CTBs of the first trimester placenta or blastocyst-stage embryos in trophoblast stem cell medium (TSCM) that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), the glycogen synthase kinase-beta (GSK3β) inhibitor CHIR99021, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors A83-01 and SB431542, valproic acid (VPA), and the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632. Here we show that hTSCs can be derived from CTBs isolated from the term placenta, using TSCM supplemented with a low concentration of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake inhibitor UK5099 and lipid-rich albumin (TUA medium). Notably, hTSCs could not be derived from term CTBs using TSCM alone, or in the absence of either UK5099 or lipid-rich albumin. Strikingly, hTSCs cultured in TUA medium for a few passages could be transitioned into TSCM and cultured thereafter in TSCM. hTSCs from term CTBs cultured in TUA medium as well as those transitioned into and cultured in TSCM thereafter could be differentiated to the extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast lineages and exhibited high transcriptome similarity with hTSCs derived from first trimester CTBs. We anticipate that these results will enable facile derivation of hTSCs from normal and pathological placentas at birth with diverse genetic backgrounds and facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in trophoblast biology.
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25
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Shi JX, Yang L, Gan J, Gu WW, Gu Y, Shi Y, Jiang HY, Xu HR, Yang SH, Zhang X, Wang J. MiR-3074-5p Regulates Trophoblasts Function via EIF2S1/GDF15 Pathway in Recurrent Miscarriage. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1290-1302. [PMID: 38151653 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) might cause early pregnancy failure by interfering with embryo implantation and/or placentation. We previously reported that the villus miR-3074-5p expression level was increased, whereas the peripheral level of GDF15, a predict target gene of miR-3074-5p, was decreased in recurrent miscarriages (RM) patients, and miR-3074-5p could enhance apoptosis but reduce invasion of human extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). The aim of this study was to further explore roles of miR-3074-5p/GDF15 pathway in regulation of EVTs function. It was validated that GDF15 was not the direct target of miR-3074-5p, whereas EIF2S1, an upstream regulator of GDF15 maturation and secretion, was the direct target of miR-3074-5p. The villus expression levels of GDF15 and EIF2S1 were significantly decreased in RM patients. Knockdown of GDF15 expression presented inhibitory effects on proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells. Up-regulated miR-3074-5p expression led to the significant decreased GDF15 expression in HTR8/SVneo cells, and this effect could be efficiently reversed by the overexpression of EIF2S1. Meanwhile, the suppressive effects of miR-3074-5p on proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells could be intercepted by the treatment of recombinant human GDF15 protein. Collectively, these data suggested that miR-3074-5p could reduce GDF15 production via targeting inhibition of EIF2S1 expression, and the deficiency in GDF15 function might lead to the early pregnancy loss by attenuating proliferation and invasion of EVTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Long Yang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jie Gan
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wen-Wen Gu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yan Gu
- The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Han-Yu Jiang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hao-Ran Xu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shu-Han Yang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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26
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Chen Y, Ye Z, Lin M, Zhu L, Xu L, Wang X. Deciphering the Epigenetic Landscape: Placental Development and Its Role in Pregnancy Outcomes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:996-1014. [PMID: 38457061 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10699-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The placenta stands out as a unique, transitory, and multifaceted organ, essential to the optimal growth and maturation of the fetus. Functioning as a vital nexus between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, it oversees the critical exchange of nutrients and waste. This exchange is facilitated by placental cells, known as trophoblasts, which adeptly invade and remodel uterine blood vessels. Deviations in placental development underpin a slew of pregnancy complications, notably fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), and preterm birth. Central to placental function and development is epigenetic regulation. Despite its importance, the intricate mechanisms by which epigenetics influence the placenta are not entirely elucidated. Recently, the scientific community has turned its focus to parsing out the epigenetic alterations during placental development, such as variations in promoter DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and shifts in non-coding RNA expression. By establishing correlations between epigenetic shifts in the placenta and pregnancy complications, researchers are unearthing invaluable insights into the biology and pathophysiology of these conditions. This review seeks to synthesize the latest findings on placental epigenetic regulation, spotlighting its crucial role in shaping fetal growth trajectories and development. Through this lens, we underscore the overarching significance of the placenta in the larger narrative of gestational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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27
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Rossant J. Why study human embryo development? Dev Biol 2024; 509:43-50. [PMID: 38325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.001] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying early human embryo development has become an increasingly active and important area of research. It has potential for insights into important clinical issues such as early pregnancy loss, origins of congenital anomalies and developmental origins of adult disease, as well as fundamental insights into human biology. Improved culture systems for preimplantation embryos, combined with the new tools of single cell genomics and live imaging, are providing new insights into the similarities and differences between human and mouse development. However, access to human embryo material is still restricted and extended culture of early embryos has regulatory and ethical concerns. Stem cell-derived models of different phases of human development can potentially overcome these limitations and provide a scalable source of material to explore the early postimplantation stages of human development. To date, such models are clearly incomplete replicas of normal development but future technological improvements can be envisaged. The ethical and regulatory environment for such studies remains to be fully resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Heritage Building, 101 College Street, Suite 335, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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28
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Saadeldin IM, Ehab S, Noreldin AE, Swelum AAA, Bang S, Kim H, Yoon KY, Lee S, Cho J. Current strategies using 3D organoids to establish in vitro maternal-embryonic interaction. J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e40. [PMID: 38834510 PMCID: PMC11156602 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.24004] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The creation of robust maternal-embryonic interactions and implantation models is important for comprehending the early stages of embryonic development and reproductive disorders. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems often fail to accurately mimic the highly complex in vivo conditions. The employment of three-dimensional (3D) organoids has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations in recent years. The advancements in the field of organoid technology have opened new avenues for studying the physiology and diseases affecting female reproductive tract. OBSERVATIONS This review summarizes the current strategies and advancements in the field of 3D organoids to establish maternal-embryonic interaction and implantation models for use in research and personalized medicine in assisted reproductive technology. The concepts of endometrial organoids, menstrual blood flow organoids, placental trophoblast organoids, stem cell-derived blastoids, and in vitro-generated embryo models are discussed in detail. We show the incorportaion of organoid systems and microfluidic technology to enhance tissue performance and precise management of the cellular surroundings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This review provides insights into the future direction of modeling maternal-embryonic interaction research and its combination with other powerful technologies to interfere with this dialogue either by promoting or hindering it for improving fertility or methods for contraception, respectively. The merging of organoid systems with microfluidics facilitates the creation of sophisticated and functional organoid models, enhancing insights into organ development, disease mechanisms, and personalized medical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Mohamed Saadeldin
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seif Ehab
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 11341, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, the Scientific Campus, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Division in Biomedical Art, Department of Fine Art, Incheon Catholic University Graduate School, Incheon 21986, Korea
| | - Ki Young Yoon
- Department of Companion Animal, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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29
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Azagury M, Buganim Y. Unlocking trophectoderm mysteries: In vivo and in vitro perspectives on human and mouse trophoblast fate induction. Dev Cell 2024; 59:941-960. [PMID: 38653193 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.029] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the pursuit of inducing the trophoblast stem cell (TSC) state has gained prominence as a compelling research objective, illuminating the establishment of the trophoblast lineage and unlocking insights into early embryogenesis. In this review, we examine how advancements in diverse technologies, including in vivo time course transcriptomics, cellular reprogramming to TSC state, chemical induction of totipotent stem-cell-like state, and stem-cell-based embryo-like structures, have enriched our insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that define the mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC states. We delve into disparities between mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC fate establishment, with a special emphasis on the intriguing role of pluripotency in this context. Additionally, we re-evaluate recent findings concerning the potential of totipotent-stem-like cells and embryo-like structures to fully manifest the trophectoderm/trophoblast lineage's capabilities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential applications of induced TSCs in pregnancy-related disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Azagury
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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30
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Rollman TB, Berkebile ZW, Okae H, Bardwell VJ, Gearhart MD, Bierle CJ. Human trophoblast stem cells restrict human cytomegalovirus replication. J Virol 2024; 98:e0193523. [PMID: 38451085 PMCID: PMC11019952 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01935-23] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental infection plays a central role in the pathogenesis of congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections and is a cause of fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss. HCMV can replicate in some trophoblast cell types, but it remains unclear how the virus evades antiviral immunity in the placenta and how infection compromises placental development and function. Human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can be differentiated into extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and organoids, and this study assessed the utility of TSCs as a model of HCMV infection in the first-trimester placenta. HCMV was found to non-productively infect TSCs, EVTs, and STBs. Immunofluorescence assays and flow cytometry experiments further revealed that infected TSCs frequently only express immediate early viral gene products. Similarly, RNA sequencing found that viral gene expression in TSCs does not follow the kinetic patterns observed during lytic infection in fibroblasts. Canonical antiviral responses were largely not observed in HCMV-infected TSCs and TSC-derived trophoblasts. Rather, infection dysregulated factors involved in cell identity, differentiation, and Wingless/Integrated signaling. Thus, while HCMV does not replicate in TSCs, infection may perturb trophoblast differentiation in ways that could interfere with placental function. IMPORTANCE Placental infection plays a central role in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pathogenesis during pregnancy, but the species specificity of HCMV and the limited availability and lifespan of primary trophoblasts have been persistent barriers to understanding how infection impacts this vital organ. Human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) represent a new approach to modeling viral infection early in placental development. This study reveals that TSCs, like other stem cell types, restrict HCMV replication. However, infection perturbs the expression of genes involved in differentiation and cell fate determination, pointing to a mechanism by which HCMV could cause placental injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Rollman
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zachary W. Berkebile
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Vivian J. Bardwell
- Developmental Biology Center, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Micah D. Gearhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Craig J. Bierle
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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31
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Shannon MJ, McNeill GL, Koksal B, Baltayeva J, Wächter J, Castellana B, Peñaherrera MS, Robinson WP, Leung PCK, Beristain AG. Single-cell assessment of primary and stem cell-derived human trophoblast organoids as placenta-modeling platforms. Dev Cell 2024; 59:776-792.e11. [PMID: 38359834 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.023] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and related trophoblast organoids are state-of-the-art culture systems that facilitate the study of trophoblast development and human placentation. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we evaluate how organoids derived from freshly isolated first-trimester trophoblasts or from established hTSC cell lines reproduce developmental cell trajectories and transcriptional regulatory processes defined in vivo. Although organoids from primary trophoblasts and hTSCs overall model trophoblast differentiation with accuracy, specific features related to trophoblast composition, trophoblast differentiation, and transcriptional drivers of trophoblast development show levels of misalignment. This is best illustrated by the identification of an expanded progenitor state in stem cell-derived organoids that is nearly absent in vivo and transcriptionally shares both villous cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast characteristics. Together, this work provides a comprehensive resource that identifies strengths and limitations of current trophoblast organoid platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Shannon
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gina L McNeill
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Burak Koksal
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennet Baltayeva
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jasmin Wächter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Castellana
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maria S Peñaherrera
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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32
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Li Q, Turco MY, Moffett A. Trophoblast organoid systems to study human placentation. Dev Cell 2024; 59:693-694. [PMID: 38531305 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblast organoids provide a valuable in vitro system to investigate human placental development and function. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Shannon et al. benchmark two organoid models against primary trophoblast at single-cell resolution, identifying their strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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33
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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34
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Wan S, Wang X, Chen W, Wang M, Zhao J, Xu Z, Wang R, Mi C, Zheng Z, Zhang H. Exposure to high dose of polystyrene nanoplastics causes trophoblast cell apoptosis and induces miscarriage. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:13. [PMID: 38454452 PMCID: PMC10921758 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00574-w] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With rapid increase in the global use of various plastics, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution and their adverse health effects have attracted global attention. MPs have been detected out in human body and both MPs and NPs showed female reproductive toxicological effects in animal models. Miscarriage (abnormal early embryo loss), accounting for 15-25% pregnant women worldwide, greatly harms human reproduction. However, the adverse effects of NPs on miscarriage have never been explored. RESULTS In this study, we identified that polystyrene (PS) plastics particles were present in women villous tissues. Their levels were higher in villous tissues of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients vs. healthy control (HC) group. Furthermore, mouse assays further confirmed that exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm in diameter, 50 or 100 mg/kg) indeed induced miscarriage. In mechanism, PS-NPs exposure (50, 100, 150, or 200 µg/mL) increased oxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased apoptosis in human trophoblast cells by activating Bcl-2/Cleaved-caspase-2/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling through mitochondrial pathway. The alteration in this signaling was consistent in placental tissues of PS-NPs-exposed mouse model and in villous tissues of unexplained RM patients. Supplement with Bcl-2 could efficiently suppress apoptosis in PS-NPs-exposed trophoblast cells and reduce apoptosis and alleviate miscarriage in PS-NPs-exposed pregnant mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PS-NPs activated Bcl-2/Cleaved-caspase-2/Cleaved-caspase-3, leading to excessive apoptosis in human trophoblast cells and in mice placental tissues, further inducing miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Wan
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Weina Chen
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Manli Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingsong Zhao
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongyan Xu
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenyang Mi
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaodian Zheng
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huidong Zhang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 518033, Shenzhen, China.
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35
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Thach B, Wang Y, Heng S, Nie G. HtrA4 is required for human trophoblast stem cell differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast. Placenta 2024; 147:68-77. [PMID: 38325051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) of the human placenta facilitates vital maternal-fetal communication and is maintained by fusion (syncytialization) of cytotrophoblasts. Serine protease HtrA4 (high temperature requirement factor A4) is highly expressed only in the human placenta and was previously reported to be important for BeWo fusion. This study investigated whether HtrA4 is critical for differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) into STB. METHODS Primary TSCs were isolated from first trimester placentas (n = 5) and validated by immunofluorescence (IF) for CD49f, CK7 and vimentin. TSCs were then differentiated into STB and the success of syncytialization was confirmed by RT-PCR, IF and ELISA of known markers. TSCs were next stably transfected with a HtrA4-targetting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid, and cells with severe HtrA4 knockdown (HtrA4-KD) were analyzed to investigate the impact on STB differentiation. RESULTS Primary TSCs were confirmed to be of high purity by staining positively for CD49f and CK7 but negatively for vimentin. These TSCs readily syncytialized when stimulated for STB differentiation, significantly increasing β-hCG and syncytin-1, substantially decreasing E-cadherin, and markedly losing cell borders. While TSCs produced very low levels of HtrA4, upon stimulation for STB differentiation the cells drastically upregulated HtrA4 expression; secretion of HtrA4 protein also increased sharply, correlating positively and significantly with that of β-hCG. The HtrA4-KD TSCs, however, failed to show this surge of HtrA4 production upon stimulation, and ultimately remained primarily mononucleated with no significant STB differentiation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that HtrA4 plays a critical role in TSC differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothidah Thach
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
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36
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Galanti F, Riccio S, Giannini A, D'Oria O, Buzzaccarini G, Scudo M, Muzii L, Battaglia FA. Placentation and complications of ART pregnancy. An update on the different possible etiopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of obstetric complications. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 162:104191. [PMID: 38219630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104191] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertile couples' percentage is increasing all over the world, especially in Italy, with high number of children born in our country through assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, pregnancies obtained by ART have increased potential obstetrical risks which could be caused by fetus-placenta unit development, most of all due to placentation's evolution. These can be reassumed into miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, preterm delivery, multiple pregnancy, IUGR, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhage. METHODS The aim of this article is to evaluate hypothetic mechanism involved in placentation process and in the etiopathology of ART pregnancies disorders, giving an updating overview of different etiopathogenetic pathways and features. On this scenario, we create an updated review about the etiopathogenesis of abnormal placentation in ART pregnancies. RESULTS Several features and different etiopathogenetic characteristic might impact differently such as advanced maternal age, poor ovarian reserve, oocyte quality and causes of subfertility themselves, and the ART techniques itself, as hormonal medical treatments and laboratory techniques such as gamete and embryo laboratory culture, cryopreservation versus fresh ET, number of embryos transferred. CONCLUSION To further explore the molecular mechanisms behind placentation in ART pregnancies, further studies are necessary to gain a better understanding of the various aspects involved, particularly those which are not fully comprehended. This could prove beneficial to clinicians in both ART care and obstetric care, as it could help to stratify obstetrical risk and decrease complications in women undergoing ART, as well as perinatal disorders in their children. Correct placentation is essential for a successful pregnancy for both mother and baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Galanti
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy.
| | - Serena Riccio
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy.
| | - Andrea Giannini
- Department of Maternal Child Health and Urologic Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ottavia D'Oria
- Department of Maternal Child Health and Urologic Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Scudo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy.
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy.
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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Yang L, Liang P, Yang H, Coyne CB. Trophoblast organoids with physiological polarity model placental structure and function. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261528. [PMID: 37676312 PMCID: PMC10499031 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast organoids (TOs) are a three-dimensional ex vivo culture model that can be used to study various aspects of placental development, physiology and pathology. However, standard culturing of TOs does not recapitulate the cellular orientation of chorionic villi in vivo given that the multi-nucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) develops largely within the inner facing surfaces of these organoids (STBin). Here, we developed a method to culture TOs under conditions that recapitulate the cellular orientation of chorionic villi in vivo. We show that culturing STBin TOs in suspension with gentle agitation leads to the development of TOs containing the STB on the outer surface (STBout). Using membrane capacitance measurements, we determined that the outermost surface of STBout organoids contain large syncytia comprising >50 nuclei, whereas STBin organoids contain small syncytia (<10 nuclei) and mononuclear cells. The growth of TOs under conditions that mimic the cellular orientation of chorionic villi in vivo thus allows for the study of a variety of aspects of placental biology under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Yang
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Pengfei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Coyne
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Parameshwar PK, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineering placental trophoblast fusion: A potential role for biomechanics in syncytialization. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00054-7. [PMID: 38448351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The process by which placental trophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast around the chorionic villi is not fully understood. Mechanical features of the in vivo and in vitro culture environments have recently emerged as having the potential to influence fusion efficiency, and considering these mechanical cues may ultimately allow predictive control of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we review recent studies that suggest that biomechanical factors such as shear stress, tissue stiffness, and dimensionally-related stresses affect villous trophoblast fusion efficiency. We then discuss how these stimuli might arise in vivo and how they can be incorporated in cultures to study and enhance villous trophoblast fusion. We believe that this mechanical paradigm will provide novel insight into manipulating the syncytialization process to better engineer improved models, understand disease progression, and ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, H7B 1B7, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3L 1K5, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada; Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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40
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Salamah J, Cheeran EA, Lee BK. Bisphenol S moderately decreases the expression of syncytiotrophoblast marker genes and induces apoptosis in human trophoblast lineages. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123259. [PMID: 38159624 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is currently used in the manufacturing of several household equipment such as water pipes and food containers. Hence, its entrance into the human body is almost inevitable. The presence of BPS in body fluids has been reported. However, its potential toxicity, especially on human placenta development and pregnancy progression, has not been explored. In this study, we assessed the impacts of BPS on the self-renewal and differentiation potentials of placental stem cells, also known as trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), by exposing them to three different BPS concentrations during their self-renewal and differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast (ST), extravillous trophoblast (EVT), and trophoblast organoids. Interestingly, BPS treatment did not affect the stemness, cell cycle and proliferation of the TSCs but it induced apoptosis in each trophoblast lineage. BPS altered the expression of several fusion-related genes. However, this alteration did not translate into significant morphological defects in the STs and organoids. Moreover, BPS did not impair the differentiation of TSCs into EVTs. These findings suggest that the presence of BPS at the feto-maternal interface may exaggerate trophoblast apoptosis and moderately inhibit the trophoblast fusion pathway to affect placenta development and pregnancy. Our study offers valuable insights into the potential toxicity of BPS on human placenta development, emphasizing the need for epidemiological assessment of the relationship between maternal serum levels of BPS and pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Joudi Salamah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Elisha Ann Cheeran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA.
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41
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Slaby EM, Plaisier SB, Brady SR, Hiremath SC, Weaver JD. Controlling placental spheroid growth and phenotype using engineered synthetic hydrogel matrices. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:933-948. [PMID: 38204396 PMCID: PMC10922805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01393f] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta is a complex organ comprised of multiple trophoblast subtypes, and inadequate models to study the human placenta in vitro limit the current understanding of human placental behavior and development. Common in vitro placental models rely on two-dimensional culture of cell lines and primary cells, which do not replicate the native tissue microenvironment, or poorly defined three-dimensional hydrogel matrices such as Matrigel™ that provide limited environmental control and suffer from high batch-to-batch variability. Here, we employ a highly defined, synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel system with tunable degradability and presentation of extracellular matrix-derived adhesive ligands native to the placenta microenvironment to generate placental spheroids. We evaluate the capacity of a hydrogel library to support the viability, function, and phenotypic protein expression of three human trophoblast cell lines modeling varied trophoblast phenotypes and find that degradable synthetic hydrogels support the greatest degree of placental spheroid viability, proliferation, and function relative to standard Matrigel controls. Finally, we show that trophoblast culture conditions modulate cell functional phenotype as measured by proteomics analysis and functional secretion assays. Engineering precise control of placental spheroid development in vitro may provide an important new tool for the study of early placental behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Slaby
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
| | - Sarah R Brady
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Shivani C Hiremath
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
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42
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Hori T, Okae H, Shibata S, Kobayashi N, Kobayashi EH, Oike A, Sekiya A, Arima T, Kaji H. Trophoblast stem cell-based organoid models of the human placental barrier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:962. [PMID: 38332125 PMCID: PMC10853531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45279-y] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi have essential roles in producing hormones, mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics. Human trophoblast organoids that recapitulate the structure of villi could provide an important in vitro tool to understand placental development and the transplacental passage of xenobiotics. However, such organoids do not currently exist. Here we describe the generation of trophoblast organoids using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Following treatment with three kinds of culture medium, TS cells form spherical organoids with a single outer layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells that display a barrier function. Furthermore, we develop a column-type ST barrier model based on the culture condition of the trophoblast organoids. The bottom membrane of the column is almost entirely covered with syndecan 1-positive ST cells. The barrier integrity and maturation levels of the model are confirmed by measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin. Further analysis reveals that the model can be used to derive the apparent permeability coefficients of model compounds. In addition to providing a suite of tools for the study of placental development, our trophoblast models allow the evaluation of compound transfer and toxicity, which will facilitate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
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Hu C, Yang S, Zhang T, Ge Y, Chen Z, Zhang J, Pu Y, Liang G. Organoids and organoids-on-a-chip as the new testing strategies for environmental toxicology-applications & advantages. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108415. [PMID: 38309193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108415] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
An increasing number of harmful environmental factors are causing serious impacts on human health, and there is an urgent need to accurately identify the toxic effects and mechanisms of these harmful environmental factors. However, traditional toxicity test methods (e.g., animal models and cell lines) often fail to provide accurate results. Fortunately, organoids differentiated from stem cells can more accurately, sensitively and specifically reflect the effects of harmful environmental factors on the human body. They are also suitable for specific studies and are frequently used in environmental toxicology nowadays. As a combination of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technology, organoids-on-a-chip has great potential in environmental toxicology. It is more controllable to the physicochemical microenvironment and is not easy to be contaminated. It has higher homogeneity in the size and shape of organoids. In addition, it can achieve vascularization and exchange the nutrients and metabolic wastes in time. Multi-organoids-chip can also simulate the interactions of different organs. These advantages can facilitate better function and maturity of organoids, which can also make up for the shortcomings of common organoids to a certain extent. This review firstly discussed the limitations of traditional toxicology testing platforms, leading to the introduction of new platforms: organoids and organoids-on-a-chip. Next, the applications of different organoids and organoids-on-a-chip in environmental toxicology were summarized and prospected. Since the advantages of the new platforms have not been sufficiently considered in previous literature, we particularly emphasized them. Finally, this review also summarized the opportunities and challenges faced by organoids and organoids-on-a-chip, with the expectation that readers will gain a deeper understanding of their value in the field of environmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, China
| | - Yiling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, China
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China; Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
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Mulaudzi PE, Abrahamse H, Crous A. Insights on Three Dimensional Organoid Studies for Stem Cell Therapy in Regenerative Medicine. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:509-523. [PMID: 38095787 PMCID: PMC10837234 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10655-6] [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] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine has developed as a promising discipline that utilizes stem cells to address limitations in traditional therapies, using innovative techniques to restore and repair damaged organs and tissues. One such technique is the generation of three-dimensional (3D) organoids in stem cell therapy. Organoids are 3D constructs that resemble specific organs' structural and functional characteristics and are generated from stem cells or tissue-specific progenitor cells. The use of 3D organoids is advantageous in comparison to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture by bridging the gap between in vivo and in vitro research. This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements made towards regenerative medicine using stem cells to generate organoids, explore the techniques used in generating 3D organoids and their applications and finally elucidate the challenges and future directions in regenerative medicine using 3D organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Precious Earldom Mulaudzi
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Anine Crous
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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Li Q, Sharkey A, Sheridan M, Magistrati E, Arutyunyan A, Huhn O, Sancho-Serra C, Anderson H, McGovern N, Esposito L, Fernando R, Gardner L, Vento-Tormo R, Turco MY, Moffett A. Human uterine natural killer cells regulate differentiation of extravillous trophoblast early in pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:181-195.e9. [PMID: 38237587 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.013] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, balanced invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine mucosa, the decidua, is critical for successful pregnancy. Evidence suggests that this process is regulated by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, but how they influence reproductive outcomes is unclear. Here, we used our trophoblast organoids and primary tissue samples to determine how uNK cells affect placentation. By locating potential interaction axes between trophoblast and uNK cells using single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro modeling of these interactions in organoids, we identify a uNK cell-derived cytokine signal that promotes trophoblast differentiation at the late stage of the invasive pathway. Moreover, it affects transcriptional programs involved in regulating blood flow, nutrients, and inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, as well as gene signatures associated with disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia. Our findings suggest mechanisms on how optimal immunological interactions between uNK cells and trophoblast enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Megan Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Elisa Magistrati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Carmen Sancho-Serra
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Holly Anderson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Esposito
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ridma Fernando
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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Hu C, Deng J, Liu M, Ni T, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Li Y. Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae002. [PMID: 38195194 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal-fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion. However, whether there is dysregulation of endometrial BMP2 expression in patients with RIF remains unknown. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BMP2 on human trophoblast invasion and early placentation remain to be further elucidated. METHODS Midluteal phase endometrial samples were biopsied from patients with RIF and from routine control in vitro fertilization followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses. Human trophoblast organoids, primary human trophoblast cells, and an immortalized trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) were used as study models. RESULTS We found that BMP2 was aberrantly low in midluteal phase endometrial tissues from patients with RIF. Recombinant human BMP2 treatment upregulated integrin β3 (ITGB3) in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner in both HTR8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated integrin β3 downregulation reduced both basal and BMP2-upregulated trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry in HTR8/SVneo cells. Importantly, shRNA-mediated ITGB3 knockdown significantly decreased the formation ability of human trophoblast organoids. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate endometrial BMP2 deficiency in patients with RIF. ITGB3 mediates both basal and BMP2-promoted human trophoblast invasion and is essential for early placentation. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the regulation of early placentation and provide candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Hu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jianye Deng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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Gabriel V, Zdyrski C, Sahoo DK, Ralston A, Wickham H, Bourgois-Mochel A, Ahmed B, Merodio MM, Paukner K, Piñeyro P, Kopper J, Rowe EW, Smith JD, Meyerholz D, Kol A, Viall A, Elbadawy M, Mochel JP, Allenspach K. Adult Animal Stem Cell-Derived Organoids in Biomedical Research and the One Health Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:701. [PMID: 38255775 PMCID: PMC10815683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020701] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical biomedical research is limited by the predictiveness of in vivo and in vitro models. While in vivo models offer the most complex system for experimentation, they are also limited by ethical, financial, and experimental constraints. In vitro models are simplified models that do not offer the same complexity as living animals but do offer financial affordability and more experimental freedom; therefore, they are commonly used. Traditional 2D cell lines cannot fully simulate the complexity of the epithelium of healthy organs and limit scientific progress. The One Health Initiative was established to consolidate human, animal, and environmental health while also tackling complex and multifactorial medical problems. Reverse translational research allows for the sharing of knowledge between clinical research in veterinary and human medicine. Recently, organoid technology has been developed to mimic the original organ's epithelial microstructure and function more reliably. While human and murine organoids are available, numerous other organoids have been derived from traditional veterinary animals and exotic species in the last decade. With these additional organoid models, species previously excluded from in vitro research are becoming accessible, therefore unlocking potential translational and reverse translational applications of animals with unique adaptations that overcome common problems in veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Gabriel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (H.W.); (B.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | | | - Dipak K. Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.K.S.); (A.B.-M.); (J.K.)
| | - Abigail Ralston
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.Z.); (A.R.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Hannah Wickham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (H.W.); (B.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Agnes Bourgois-Mochel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.K.S.); (A.B.-M.); (J.K.)
| | - Basant Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (H.W.); (B.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Maria M. Merodio
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.Z.); (A.R.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Karel Paukner
- Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Pablo Piñeyro
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (P.P.); (J.D.S.)
| | - Jamie Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.K.S.); (A.B.-M.); (J.K.)
| | - Eric W. Rowe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (H.W.); (B.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Jodi D. Smith
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (P.P.); (J.D.S.)
| | - David Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Amir Kol
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 94143, USA; (A.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Austin Viall
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 94143, USA; (A.K.); (A.V.)
| | - Mohamed Elbadawy
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30530, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Jonathan P. Mochel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (H.W.); (B.A.); (J.P.M.)
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.Z.); (A.R.); (M.M.M.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30530, USA;
| | - Karin Allenspach
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.Z.); (A.R.); (M.M.M.)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (D.K.S.); (A.B.-M.); (J.K.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30530, USA;
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Zhong J, Li J, Burton GJ, Koistinen H, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yao Y, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. The functional roles of protein glycosylation in human maternal-fetal crosstalk. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:81-108. [PMID: 37699855 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included. OUTCOMES The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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49
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Haider S, Knöfler M, Latos PA. Trophoblast Organoids as a Novel Tool to Study Human Placental Development and Function. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:195-222. [PMID: 38019403 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_17] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta provides the site of exchange between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams, acts as an endocrine organ, and has immunological functions. The majority of pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction have their roots in pathological placentation. Yet, the underlying molecular causes of these complications remain largely unknown, not least due to the lack of reliable in vitro models. Recent establishment of 2D human trophoblast stem cells and 3D trophoblast organoids has been a major advancement that opened new avenues for trophoblast research. Here we provide a protocol detailing isolation of cytotrophoblast from the first trimester human placenta, establishment of trophoblast organoids, their culture and differentiation conditions. Overall, we describe an in vitro system that offers an excellent model to study the molecular basis of placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulina A Latos
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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50
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Sun C, James JL, Murthi P. Three-Dimensional In Vitro Human Placental Organoids from Mononuclear Villous Trophoblasts or Trophoblast Stem Cells to Understand Trophoblast Dysfunction in Fetal Growth Restriction. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:235-245. [PMID: 38019405 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_19] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in the efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus to maintain normal fetal growth. Human placental development and function is a highly orchestrated process, which is spatially and temporally controlled by hormones and growth factors. Specialized epithelial cells called trophoblasts play key roles in placental exchange capacity, and their abnormal function and development contribute to many pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition in which the fetus does not reach its full growth potential in utero. Great variation in the anatomy and development of the placenta in animal model systems (in vivo) and 2D culture model systems of trophoblasts (in vitro) limits our ability to understand pregnancy disorders. Generating in vitro models that recapitulate the unique features of the human placenta has been challenging. Here, we describe detailed methods to isolate mononuclear villous trophoblasts (containing cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells) from first trimester placentae, and use both these and trophoblast stem cell populations that can be grown long term in a three-dimensional (3D) placental organoid culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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