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Quan Q, Gu H, Wang Y, Yu M. Immune micro-environment analysis and drug screening for ovarian endometriosis. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:803-815. [PMID: 38776050 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01497-8] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients of ovary endometriosis have an abnormal immune micro-environment, leading to endometrial tissue that from retrograde menstruation evade immune surveillance and subsequently develop into ectopic lesions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to elucidate the crucial immune cells and molecular pathways that are associated with an aberrant immune micro-environment of endometriosis. METHOD In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes between ovarian ectopic endometrial tissue (OVE) and eutopic endometrial tissue from patients with endometriosis (PE) and non-endometriosis patients (CON) by analyzing the mRNA sequencing data. Additionally, we used WGCNA(Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis) to screen for key genes related to immune cell infiltration and compared the sub-types of infiltrating immune cells using CIBERSORT(cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript). Subsequently, we conducted a single-cell analysis on the identified key genes. Furthermore, we analyzed potential drugs suitable for ovarian endometriosis treatment using pRRophertic. RESULTS Seven key genes associated with immune cell infiltration were screened out. The expression of these genes in OVE was significantly lower than that in PE and CON. These key genes were mainly enriched in the NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway, especially for CD16 + CD56dim NK. Moreover, NK cells infiltration in ovarian endometriosis was significantly reduced compared with PE and CON, while M2 macrophage shown the opposite. Results of the single-cell analysis showed that the expression of the seven key genes in NK cells and monocyte-macrophages in OVE was significantly lower than that in PE or CON. Additionally, we identified potential drugs suitable for ovarian endometriosis treatment. CONCLUSION The decreased infiltration of NK cells and increased infiltration of M2 macrophages contribute to the evasion of immune surveillance against endometrial tissue, promoting the progression of OVE. Therefore, potential strategies for the treatment of OVE include increasing NK cell activation and decreasing M2 macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Quan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), PO Box 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), PO Box 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongxia Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), PO Box 510600, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Meixing Yu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, PO Box 510623, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Agostinis C, Toffoli M, Zito G, Balduit A, Pegoraro S, Spazzapan M, Pascolo L, Romano F, Di Lorenzo G, Mangogna A, Santin A, Spedicati B, Valencic E, Girotto G, Ricci G, Kishore U, Bulla R. Proangiogenic properties of complement protein C1q can contribute to endometriosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1405597. [PMID: 38983846 PMCID: PMC11231091 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1405597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is defined as the engraftment and proliferation of functional endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to a chronic inflammatory condition. While the precise etiology of EM remains elusive, recent studies have highlighted the crucial involvement of a dysregulated immune system. The complement system is one of the predominantly altered immune pathways in EM. Owing to its involvement in the process of angiogenesis, here, we have examined the possible role of the first recognition molecule of the complement classical pathway, C1q. C1q plays seminal roles in several physiological and pathological processes independent of complement activation, including tumor growth, placentation, wound healing, and angiogenesis. Gene expression analysis using the publicly available data revealed that C1q is expressed at higher levels in EM lesions compared to their healthy counterparts. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of C1q protein, being localized around the blood vessels in the EM lesions. CD68+ macrophages are the likely producer of C1q in the EM lesions since cultured EM cells did not produce C1q in vitro. To explore the underlying reasons for increased C1q expression in EM, we focused on its established pro-angiogenic role. Employing various angiogenesis assays on primary endothelial endometriotic cells, such as migration, proliferation, and tube formation assays, we observed a robust proangiogenic effect induced by C1q on endothelial cells in the context of EM. C1q promoted angiogenesis in endothelial cells isolated from EM lesions (as well as healthy ovary that is also rich in C1q). Interestingly, endothelial cells from EM lesions seem to overexpress the receptor for the globular heads of C1q (gC1qR), a putative C1q receptor. Experiments with siRNA to silence gC1qR resulted in diminished capacity of C1q to perform its angiogenic functions, suggesting that C1q is likely to engage gC1qR in the pathophysiology of EM. gC1qR can be a potential therapeutic target in EM patients that will disrupt C1q-mediated proangiogenic activities in EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Miriam Toffoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Balduit
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Pegoraro
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Aurora Santin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Spedicati
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Erica Valencic
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Girotto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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3
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Madasu C, Liao Z, Parks SE, Sharma KL, Bohren KM, Ye Q, Li F, Palaniappan M, Tan Z, Yuan F, Creighton CJ, Tang S, Masand RP, Guan X, Young DW, Monsivais D, Matzuk MM. Identification of potent pan-ephrin receptor kinase inhibitors using DNA-encoded chemistry technology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322934121. [PMID: 38701119 PMCID: PMC11087803 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322934121] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
EPH receptors (EPHs), the largest family of tyrosine kinases, phosphorylate downstream substrates upon binding of ephrin cell surface-associated ligands. In a large cohort of endometriotic lesions from individuals with endometriosis, we found that EPHA2 and EPHA4 expressions are increased in endometriotic lesions relative to normal eutopic endometrium. Because signaling through EPHs is associated with increased cell migration and invasion, we hypothesized that chemical inhibition of EPHA2/4 could have therapeutic value. We screened DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DECL) to rapidly identify EPHA2/4 kinase inhibitors. Hit compound, CDD-2693, exhibited picomolar/nanomolar kinase activity against EPHA2 (Ki: 4.0 nM) and EPHA4 (Ki: 0.81 nM). Kinome profiling revealed that CDD-2693 bound to most EPH family and SRC family kinases. Using NanoBRET target engagement assays, CDD-2693 had nanomolar activity versus EPHA2 (IC50: 461 nM) and EPHA4 (IC50: 40 nM) but was a micromolar inhibitor of SRC, YES, and FGR. Chemical optimization produced CDD-3167, having picomolar biochemical activity toward EPHA2 (Ki: 0.13 nM) and EPHA4 (Ki: 0.38 nM) with excellent cell-based potency EPHA2 (IC50: 8.0 nM) and EPHA4 (IC50: 2.3 nM). Moreover, CDD-3167 maintained superior off-target cellular selectivity. In 12Z endometriotic epithelial cells, CDD-2693 and CDD-3167 significantly decreased EFNA5 (ligand) induced phosphorylation of EPHA2/4, decreased 12Z cell viability, and decreased IL-1β-mediated expression of prostaglandin synthase 2 (PTGS2). CDD-2693 and CDD-3167 decreased expansion of primary endometrial epithelial organoids from patients with endometriosis and decreased Ewing's sarcoma viability. Thus, using DECL, we identified potent pan-EPH inhibitors that show specificity and activity in cellular models of endometriosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekhar Madasu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Sydney E. Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Kiran L. Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Kurt M. Bohren
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Qiuji Ye
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Murugesan Palaniappan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Chad J. Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ramya P. Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Damian W. Young
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
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Li R, Tran DN, Lessey BA, Young SL, Kim TH, Jeong JW. Transcriptomic changes in eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions during endometriosis progression in a mouse model. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:182-194. [PMID: 38342342 PMCID: PMC11116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.02.001] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrial tissues during the progression of endometriosis, we performed transcriptomic analysis in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Academic medical center. ANIMALS Four fertile and 4 subfertile Pgrcre/+Rosa26mTmG/+ mice with endometriosis, and 4 sham mice for each group of endometriosis mice as control. These mice underwent either surgery to induce endometriosis or sham surgery. Fertile sham and mice with endometriosis were used 1 month after surgery, whereas subfertile ones were used 3 months after surgery. INTERVENTIONS Early and chronic effects of endometriosis on transcriptomics of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES RNA-sequencing analysis and identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways in the ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with endometriosis and sham mice at day 3.5 of pregnancy. RESULTS Our mouse model recapitulates the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with or without endometriosis during the progression of the disease. Estrogen activity, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis pathways were consistently elevated in all the ectopic lesions compared with eutopic endometrium. Cholesterol/glucose synthesis and stem cell pluripotency pathways were more enhanced in ectopic lesions from subfertile mice compared with their eutopic endometrium. Dysregulation of infiltration of macrophage, dendritic, T and B cells was validated with the use of immunohistochemistry in ectopic lesions. Multiple ligand-receptor pairs between the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were altered compared with the sham endometrium. Suppressed WNT and EGF pathways were only found in the eutopic endometrium from subfertile not fertile mice compared with sham. CONCLUSIONS Our mouse endometriosis model recapitulates the transcriptomics of ectopic lesions in humans. Our transcriptomic analysis during endometriosis progression in our mouse model will help us understand the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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5
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Oskotsky TT, Bhoja A, Bunis D, Le BL, Tang AS, Kosti I, Li C, Houshdaran S, Sen S, Vallvé-Juanico J, Wang W, Arthurs E, Govil A, Mahoney L, Lang L, Gaudilliere B, Stevenson DK, Irwin JC, Giudice LC, McAllister SL, Sirota M. Identifying therapeutic candidates for endometriosis through a transcriptomics-based drug repositioning approach. iScience 2024; 27:109388. [PMID: 38510116 PMCID: PMC10952035 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing medical treatments for endometriosis-related pain are often ineffective, underscoring the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we applied a computational drug repurposing pipeline to stratified and unstratified disease signatures based on endometrial gene expression data to identify potential therapeutics from existing drugs, based on expression reversal. Of 3,131 unique genes differentially expressed by at least one of six endometriosis signatures, only 308 (9.8%) were in common; however, 221 out of 299 drugs identified, (73.9%) were shared. We selected fenoprofen, an uncommonly prescribed NSAID that was the top therapeutic candidate for further investigation. When testing fenoprofen in an established rat model of endometriosis, fenoprofen successfully alleviated endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia, a surrogate marker for endometriosis-related pain. These findings validate fenoprofen as a therapeutic that could be utilized more frequently for endometriosis and suggest the utility of the aforementioned computational drug repurposing approach for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomiko T. Oskotsky
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arohee Bhoja
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Bunis
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian L. Le
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alice S. Tang
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Idit Kosti
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Li
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Houshdaran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin Arthurs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arpita Govil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren Mahoney
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Lang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brice Gaudilliere
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Juan C. Irwin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
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6
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Wang T, Ji M, Sun J. Identification and validation of an endoplasmic-reticulum-stress-related gene signature as an effective diagnostic marker of endometriosis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17070. [PMID: 38549776 PMCID: PMC10977089 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological diseases and is characterized by chronic pain and infertility. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a cellular adaptive response that plays a pivotal role in many cellular processes, including malignant transformation. However, whether ER stress is involved in endometriosis remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the potential role of ER stress in endometriosis, as well as its diagnostic value. Methods We retrieved data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Data from the GSE7305 and GSE23339 datasets were integrated into a merged dataset as the training cohort. Differentially expressed ER stress-related genes (DEG-ERs) were identified by integrating ER stress-related gene profiles downloaded from the GeneCards database with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the training cohort. Next, an ER stress-related gene signature was identified using LASSO regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the discriminatory ability of the constructed model, which was further validated in the GSE51981 and GSE105764 datasets. Online databases were used to explore the possible regulatory mechanisms of the genes in the signature. Meanwhile, the CIBERSORT algorithm and Pearson correlation test were applied to analyze the association between the gene signature and immune infiltration. Finally, expression levels of the signature genes were further detected in clinical specimens using qRT-PCR and validated in the Turku endometriosis database. Results In total, 48 DEG-ERs were identified in the training cohort. Based on LASSO regression analysis, an eight-gene-based ER stress-related gene signature was constructed. This signature exhibited excellent diagnostic value in predicting endometriosis. Further analysis indicated that this signature was associated with a compromised ER stress state. In total, 12 miRNAs and 23 lncRNAs were identified that potentially regulate the expression of ESR1, PTGIS, HMOX1, and RSAD2. In addition, the ER stress-related gene signature indicated an immunosuppressive state in endometriosis. Finally, all eight genes showed consistent expression trends in both clinical samples and the Turku database compared with the training dataset. Conclusions Our work not only provides new insights into the impact of ER stress in endometriosis but also provides a novel biomarker with high clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji Medical University, Shanghai, Pudong New Area, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji Medical University, Shanghai, Pudong New Area, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji Medical University, Shanghai, Pudong New Area, China
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7
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Zheng W, Fu Z, Tan X, Liang X, Cao L. Bioinformatic Analysis of m6A Regulator-Mediated RNA Methylation Modification Patterns and Immune Microenvironment Characterization in Endometriosis. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10725-5. [PMID: 38451401 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10725-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an essential role in immunity and inflammation in endometriosis. In this study, we aimed to explore differences in m6A regulators between endometriosis patients and normal women and analyze the effect of m6A modification on immune and inflammatory microenvironment. The samples for analysis were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including ectopic endometrium (EC), eutopic endometrium (EU), and normal eutopic endometrium (NM) samples from non-endometriosis women. The validation process involved utilizing our previous RNA-sequencing data. Subsequently, a correlation analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between m6A and the inflammatory microenvironment profile, encompassing infiltrating immunocytes, immune-inflammation reaction gene sets, and human leukocyte antigen genes. LASSO analyses were used to develop risk signature. The findings of this study indicate that the m6A regulators FTO were observed to be significantly up-regulated, while YTHDF2, CBLL1, and METTL3 were down-regulated in endometriosis tissues. The CIBERSORT analysis revealed that the local inflammatory microenvironment of ectopic lesions plays a crucial role in the development of endometriosis. Notably, M2 macrophages exhibited a significant difference between the EC and NM groups. Moreover, M2 macrophages demonstrated a positive correlation with FTO (0.39) and a negative correlation with CBLL1 (- 0.35). Furthermore, consistent clustering of EC and EU samples resulted in the identification of three distinct cell subtypes. Among different cell subtypes, significant differences were in immunoinfiltrating cells, plasma cells, naive CD4 T cells, memory activated CD4 T cells, gamma delta T cells, resting NK cells and activated NK cells but not in macrophages. Furthermore, the identification of various compounds capable of targeting these m6A genes was achieved. In conclusions, our integrated bioinformatics analysis results demonstrated that m6A-related genes METTL3, CBLL1 and YTHDF2 may be useful biomarkers for endometriosis in ectopic endometrium. The potential therapeutic approach of targeting m6A regulators holds promise for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Zheng
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyi Fu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Tan
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuefang Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixing Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Song Y, Huang R, Hu X, Wu S, Chen S, Liu G, Ou M, Guo H. Downregulation of lncRNA LINC01465 predicts ovarian endometriosis and its prognosis. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:163-168. [PMID: 37256422 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02219-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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The well-known impact of ovarian endometriosis on female quality of life and the established role of lncRNA LINC01465 in ovarian cancer pathogenesis have been extensively documented; however, the relationship between LINC01465 and ovarian endometriosis is still not clear. This study seeks to explore the potential involvement of LINC01465 in the disease. The study analyzed a sample of 80 endometriosis patients and 80 healthy women. The expression of LINC01465 was measured in ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues through RT-qPCR. The diagnostic potential of serum LINC01465 levels was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, and the patients were followed up for 3 years after treatment to monitor recurrence. The results revealed that the expression of LINC01465 was significantly lower in ectopic endometrial tissues in comparison to paired eutopic tissues for most of the patients. No correlation was found between the patient's age or lifestyle and serum LINC01465 levels. After treatment, the serum LINC01465 level increased, and patients who experienced recurrence had significantly lower levels compared to those who did not. In conclusion, the study findings suggest that the downregulation of LINC01465 plays a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis and may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Song
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiangmei Hu
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Sihe Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guangshen Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mingzhi Ou
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Haichun Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 416 Chengnan Dong Lu, Yuhua District, 410007, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
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9
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Dunn TN, Cope DI, Tang S, Sirupangi T, Parks SE, Liao Z, Yuan F, Creighton CJ, Masand RP, Alpuing Radilla L, Guan X, Detti L, Monsivais D, Matzuk MM. Inhibition of CSF1R and KIT With Pexidartinib Reduces Inflammatory Signaling and Cell Viability in Endometriosis. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae003. [PMID: 38227801 PMCID: PMC10948355 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and debilitating disease, affecting ∼170 million women worldwide. Affected patients have limited therapeutic options such as hormonal suppression or surgical excision of the lesions, though therapies are often not completely curative. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) could provide a nonhormonal treatment option for endometriosis. We determined that 2 RTKs, macrophage-colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT (KIT), are overexpressed in endometriotic lesions and could be novel nonhormonal therapeutic targets for endometriosis. The kinase activity of CSF1R and KIT is suppressed by pexidartinib, a small molecule inhibitor that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Using immunohistochemistry, we detected CSF1R and KIT in endometriotic tissues obtained from peritoneal lesions, colorectal lesions, and endometriomas. Specifically, we show that KIT is localized to the epithelium of the lesions, while CSF1R is expressed in the stroma and macrophages of the endometriotic lesions. Given the high epithelial expression of CSF1R and KIT, 12Z endometriotic epithelial cells were used to evaluate the efficacy of dual CSF1R and KIT inhibition with pexidartinib. We found that pexidartinib suppressed activation in 12Z cells of JNK, STAT3, and AKT signaling pathways, which control key proinflammatory and survival networks within the cell. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we determined that pexidartinib suppressed interleukin 8 (IL8) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression. Lastly, we demonstrated that pexidartinib decreased cell growth and viability. Overall, these results indicate that pexidartinib-mediated CSF1R and KIT inhibition reduces proinflammatory signaling and cell viability in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N Dunn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tirupataiah Sirupangi
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Linda Alpuing Radilla
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Laura Detti
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Marla S, Mortlock S, Heinosalo T, Poutanen M, Montgomery GW, McKinnon BD. Gene expression profiles separate endometriosis lesion subtypes and indicate a sensitivity of endometrioma to estrogen suppressive treatments through elevated ESR2 expression. BMC Med 2023; 21:460. [PMID: 37996888 PMCID: PMC10666321 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03166-1] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common, gynaecological disease characterised by the presence of endometrial-like cells growing outside the uterus. Lesions appear at multiple locations, present with variation in appearance, size and depth of invasion. Despite hormones being the recommended first-line treatment, their efficacy, success and side effects vary widely amongst study populations. Current, hormonal medication for endometriosis is designed to suppress systemic oestrogen. Whether these hormones can influence the lesions themselves is not yet clear. Evidence of hormone receptor expression in endometriotic lesions and their ability to respond is conflicting. A variation in their expression, activation of transcriptional co-regulators and the potential to respond may contribute to their variation in patient outcomes. Identifying patients who would benefit from hormonal treatments remain an important goal in endometriosis research. METHODS Using gene expression data from endometriosis lesions including endometrioma (OMA, n = 28), superficial peritoneal lesions (SUP, n = 72) and deeply infiltrating lesions (DIE, n = 78), we performed principal component analysis, differential gene expression and gene correlation analyses to assess the impact of menstrual stage, lesion subtype and hormonal treatment on the gene expression. RESULTS The gene expression profiles did not vary based on menstrual stage, but could distinguish lesion subtypes with OMA significantly differentiating from both SUP and DIE. Additionally, the effect of oestrogen suppression medication altered the gene expression profile in OMA, while such effect was not observed in SUP or DIE. Analysis of the target receptors for hormonal medication indicated ESR2 was differentially expressed in OMA and that genes that correlated with ESR2 varied significantly between medicated and non-medicated OMA samples. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate of the different lesion types OMA present with strongest response to hormonal treatment directly through ESR2. The data suggests that there may be the potential to target treatment options to individual patients based on pre-surgical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Marla
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Carmody Rd, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Sally Mortlock
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Carmody Rd, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Taija Heinosalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modelling, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Grant W Montgomery
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Carmody Rd, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Brett David McKinnon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Carmody Rd, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia.
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11
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Zhou C, Feng M, Chen Y, Lv S, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhang R, Huang X. Unraveling immunotherapeutic targets for endometriosis: a transcriptomic and single-cell analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1288263. [PMID: 38035102 PMCID: PMC10687456 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1288263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EMs), a common gynecological disorder, adversely affects the quality of life of females. The pathogenesis of EMs has not been elucidated and the diagnostic methods for EMs have limitations. This study aimed to identify potential molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of EMs. Methods Differential gene expression (DEG) and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the R language. WGCNA, Random Forest, SVM-REF and LASSO methods were used to identify core immune genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was then used to analyse the differences in immune cell infiltration and to explore the correlation between immune cells and core genes. In addition, the extent of immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune core genes were investigated using single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data. Finally, we performed molecular docking of three core genes with dienogest and goserelin to screen for potential drug targets. Results DEGs enriched in immune response, angiogenesis and estrogen processes. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 were identified as core immune genes. RT-PCR confirmed that the expression of CXCL12 and SCG2 was significantly upregulated in 12Z cells compared to hESCs cells. ROC curves showed high diagnostic value for these genes. Abnormal immune cell distribution, particularly increased macrophages, was observed in endometriosis. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 correlated with immune cell levels. Molecular docking suggested their potential as drug targets. Conclusion This study investigated the correlation between EMs and the immune system and identified potential immune-related biomarkers. These findings provided valuable insights for developing clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cankun Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Minqing Feng
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yonglian Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Side Lv
- Southern Medical University, Graduate School, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiebo Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Rujian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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12
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Teh WT, Chung J, Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Donoghue JF, Healey M, Rees HC, Bittinger S, Obers V, Sloggett C, Kendarsari R, Fung JN, Mortlock S, Montgomery GW, Girling JE, Rogers PAW. A molecular staging model for accurately dating the endometrial biopsy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6222. [PMID: 37798294 PMCID: PMC10556104 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41979-z] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural variability in menstrual cycle length, coupled with rapid changes in endometrial gene expression, makes it difficult to accurately define and compare different stages of the endometrial cycle. Here we develop and validate a method for precisely determining endometrial cycle stage based on global gene expression. Our 'molecular staging model' reveals significant and remarkably synchronised daily changes in expression for over 3400 endometrial genes throughout the cycle, with the most dramatic changes occurring during the secretory phase. Our study significantly extends existing data on the endometrial transcriptome, and for the first time enables identification of differentially expressed endometrial genes with increasing age and different ethnicities. It also allows reinterpretation of all endometrial RNA-seq and array data that has been published to date. Our molecular staging model will significantly advance understanding of endometrial-related disorders that affect nearly all women at some stage of their lives, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and recurrent implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- W T Teh
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Chung
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Bioinformatics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S J Holdsworth-Carson
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - J F Donoghue
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Healey
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - H C Rees
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Bittinger
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - V Obers
- Melbourne Pathology, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Sloggett
- Melbourne Bioinformatics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Kendarsari
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Illumina Inc. 11 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - J N Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Mortlock
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - G W Montgomery
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - P A W Rogers
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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Yotova I, Proestling K, Haslinger I, Witzmann-Stern M, Widmar B, Kuessel L, Husslein H, Wenzl R, Hudson QJ. DIRAS3 regulates autophagy in an endometriosis epithelial cell line. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103251. [PMID: 37598541 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.06.006] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the role of DIRAS3 in endometriosis pathogenesis? DESIGN Prospective patient cohort study combined with experiments in the 12Z human endometriosis epithelial cell line model to determine the role of DIRAS3 in endometriosis. Endometrium and endometriosis lesion samples were collected from premenopausal women from 24 control and 40 endometriosis patients by laparoscopic surgery. The role of DIRAS3 in endometriosis was assessed by siRNA knockdown in 12Z cells followed by proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and autophagy assays. Autophagy was induced by serum starvation and the levels of autophagy determined by assessing changes in the expression levels and localization of autophagy marker proteins, such as LC3. RESULTS DIRAS3 mRNA showed a large increase in expression in ectopic endometriosis lesions compared with endometrium from control patients, with expression largely localized to the epithelium. DIRAS3 knockdown in 12Z endometriosis epithelial cells caused a significant reduction in the number of proliferating cells (1.6-fold, adjusted P = 0.0007) and increased apoptosis (AnnexinV/7AAD double-positive cells +48%, P = 0.01), indicating an effect on cell proliferation. Induction of autophagy by serum starvation caused significant upregulation in DIRAS3 expression after 24 h (mRNA +2.4-fold [adjusted P = 0.017], protein +8.1-fold (adjusted P = 0.029), reduced LC3I/LC3II ratio (-2.2-fold, adjusted P = 0.044) and an increase in the number of double positive LC3/DIRAS3 puncta (+2.3-fold, P = 0.02). Knockdown of DIRAS3 in serum-starved cells led to a reduction in autophagy, indicated by an overall decrease in LC3 expression and significant increase in LC3I/LC3II ratio. CONCLUSIONS DIRAS3 is highly upregulated in endometriosis lesions. Studies in an endometriosis epithelial cell line indicate that DIRAS3 facilitates cell survival in this context by inducing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Yotova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria..
| | - Katharina Proestling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Witzmann-Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Widmar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kuessel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Husslein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - René Wenzl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Quanah J Hudson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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14
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Giudice LC, Oskotsky TT, Falako S, Opoku‐Anane J, Sirota M. Endometriosis in the era of precision medicine and impact on sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan and in diverse populations. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23130. [PMID: 37641572 PMCID: PMC10503213 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300907] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent disorder wherein uterine lining tissue (endometrium) is found mainly in the pelvis where it causes inflammation, chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and menses, and infertility. Recent evidence also supports a systemic inflammatory component that underlies associated co-morbidities, e.g., migraines and cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Genetics and environment contribute significantly to disease risk, and with the explosion of omics technologies, underlying mechanisms of symptoms are increasingly being elucidated, although novel and effective therapeutics for pain and infertility have lagged behind these advances. Moreover, there are stark disparities in diagnosis, access to care, and treatment among persons of color and transgender/nonbinary identity, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and adolescents, and a disturbing low awareness among health care providers, policymakers, and the lay public about endometriosis, which, if left undiagnosed and under-treated can lead to significant fibrosis, infertility, depression, and markedly diminished quality of life. This review summarizes endometriosis epidemiology, compelling evidence for its pathogenesis, mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology in the age of precision medicine, recent biomarker discovery, novel therapeutic approaches, and issues around reproductive justice for marginalized populations with this disorder spanning the past 100 years. As we enter the next revolution in health care and biomedical research, with rich molecular and clinical datasets, single-cell omics, and population-level data, endometriosis is well positioned to benefit from data-driven research leveraging computational and artificial intelligence approaches integrating data and predicting disease risk, diagnosis, response to medical and surgical therapies, and prognosis for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C. Giudice
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Reproductive SciencesUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tomiko T. Oskotsky
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences InstituteUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Simileoluwa Falako
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jessica Opoku‐Anane
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Division of Gynecologic Specialty SurgeryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Marina Sirota
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences InstituteUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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15
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Tummers FHMP, Bazelmans MK, Jansen FW, Blikkendaal MD, Vahrmeijer AL, Kuppen PJK. Biomarker identification for endometriosis as a target for real-time intraoperative fluorescent imaging: A new approach using transcriptomic analysis to broaden the search for potential biomarkers. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:114-123. [PMID: 37506597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.007] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Intra-operative fluorescent imaging of endometriosis could help to optimize surgical treatment. Potential biomarkers to use as target for endometriosis-binding fluorescent probes were identified using a new five-phase transcriptomics-based approach to broaden the search for biomarkers. Using publicly available datasets, a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was performed for endometriosis versus surgically relevant surrounding tissue (peritoneum, bladder, sigmoid, rectum, transverse colon, small intestine, vagina, and fallopian tubes) for which data was available. The remaining relevant surrounding tissues were analyzed for low expression levels. DEGs with a predicted membranous or extracellular location and with low expression levels in surrounding tissue were identified as candidate targets. Modified Target Selection Criteria were used to rank candidate targets based on the highest potential for use in fluorescent imaging. 29 potential biomarkers were ranked, resulting in Folate receptor 1 as the most potential biomarker. This is a first step towards finding a fluorescent tracer for intra-operative visualization of endometriosis. Additionally, this approach, using transcriptomics analysis to identifying candidate targets for a specific type of tissue for use in fluorescence-guided surgery could be translated to other surgical fields. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A new approach using transcriptomics analysis is shown to identify candidate targets for intra-operative fluorescent imaging for endometriosis, resulting in 29 potential candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokkedien H M P Tummers
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Maria K Bazelmans
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Willem Jansen
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs D Blikkendaal
- Nederlandse Endometriose Kliniek, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander L Vahrmeijer
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Zhang L, Mohankumar K, Martin G, Mariyam F, Park Y, Han SJ, Safe S. Flavonoids Quercetin and Kaempferol Are NR4A1 Antagonists and Suppress Endometriosis in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad133. [PMID: 37652054 PMCID: PMC10502789 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad133] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) plays an important role in endometriosis progression; levels of NR4A1 in endometriotic lesions are higher than in normal endometrium, and substituted bis-indole analogs (NR4A1) antagonists suppress endometriosis progression in mice with endometriosis. In addition, the flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin are natural products that directly bind NR4A1 and significantly repress the intrinsic NR4A1-dependent transcriptional activity in human endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells and Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells. NR4A1 knockdown and inhibition of NR4A1 by kaempferol and quercetin suppressed proliferation of human endometriotic epithelial cells and Ishikawa cells by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor/c-Myc/survivin-mediated growth-promoting and survival pathways, The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and αSMA/CTGF/COL1A1/FN-mediated fibrosis signaling but increasing Thioredoxin domain Containing 5/SESN2-mediated oxidative/estrogen receptors stress signaling. In human endometriotic stromal cells, NR4A1 knockdown and inhibition of NR4A1 by kaempferol and quercetin primarily inhibited mTOR signaling by suppressing proliferation of human endometrial stromal cells. In addition, kaempferol and quercetin treatment also effectively suppressed the growth of endometriotic lesions in mice with endometriosis compared with the vehicle without any body weight changes. Therefore, kaempferol and quercetin are NR4A1 antagonists with potential as nutritional therapy for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gregory Martin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Fuada Mariyam
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yuri Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sang Jun Han
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Li R, Wang T, Marquardt RM, Lydon JP, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. TRIM28 modulates nuclear receptor signaling to regulate uterine function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4605. [PMID: 37528140 PMCID: PMC10393996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone, acting through their cognate receptors the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor (PR) respectively, regulate uterine biology. Using rapid immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (RIME) and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified TRIM28 (Tripartite motif containing 28) as a protein which complexes with ERα and PR in the regulation of uterine function. Impairment of TRIM28 expression results in the inability of the uterus to support early pregnancy through altered PR and ERα action in the uterine epithelium and stroma by suppressing PR and ERα chromatin binding. Furthermore, TRIM28 ablation in PR-expressing uterine cells results in the enrichment of a subset of TRIM28 positive and PR negative pericytes and epithelial cells with progenitor potential. In summary, our study reveals the important roles of TRIM28 in regulating endometrial cell composition and function in women, and also implies its critical functions in other hormone regulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Yang YT, Jiang XY, Xu HL, Chen G, Wang SL, Zhang HP, Hong L, Jin QQ, Yao H, Zhang WY, Zhu YT, Mei J, Tian L, Ying J, Hu JJ, Zhou SG. Autoimmune Disease-Related Hub Genes are Potential Biomarkers and Associated with Immune Microenvironment in Endometriosis. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2897-2921. [PMID: 37457751 PMCID: PMC10348380 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s417430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis, a common gynecological condition, can cause symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, and abnormal bleeding, which can negatively affect a woman's quality of life. In the current study, the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis are unknown, but this study suggests that endometriosis is associated with dysregulation of the autoimmune system. This study identify hub genes involved in the prevalence, identification and diagnostic value of endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, and explore the central genes and immune infiltrates, the diagnosis of endometriosis provides a new sight of thinking about diagnosis and treatment. Methods and Results The relevant datasets for endometriosis GSE141549, GSE7305 and autoimmune disease-related genes (AIDGs) were downloaded from online database. Using the "limma" package and WGCNA to screen out the autoimmune disease related genes and endometriosis related genes, the autoimmune disease gene-related differential genes (AID-DEGs) progressive GO, KEGG enrichment analysis, and then using the protein interaction network and Cytoscape software to select hub genes (CXCL12, PECAM1, NGF, CTGF, WNT5A), using the "pROC" package to analyze the hub genes for the diagnostic value of endometriosis. The difference in the importance of hub genes for the diagnosis of endometriosis was analyzed by machine learning random forest, and the combined diagnostic value of hub genes was analyzed by using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. The eutopic (EU) and ectopic endometrium (EC) immune microenvironment of endometriosis was evaluated using CIBERSORT, the correlation of hub genes to the immune microenvironment was analyzed. Conclusion The hub genes associated with AIDGs are differentially expressed in EC and EU of endometriosis and possess important value for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The hub genes have a very important impact on the immune microenvironment of endometriosis, which is important for exploring the connection between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases and provides a new insight for the subsequent study of immunotherapy and diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ting Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ya Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sen-Lin Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics Center, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - He-Ping Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin-Qin Jin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Ying
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Guang Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Ruan J, Tian Q, Cheng Q, Chang K, Yi X. Distinct subtypes of endometriosis identified based on stromal-immune microenvironment and gene expression: implications for hormone therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133672. [PMID: 37426659 PMCID: PMC10324653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is highly heterogeneous. Current clinical staging fails to accurately predict drug responses and prognosis. In this study, we aimed to reveal the heterogeneity of ectopic lesions and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms using transcriptomic data and clinical information. Methods The EMs microarray dataset GSE141549 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed to identify EMs subtypes, which was followed by the functional enrichment analysis and estimation of immune infiltrates. Subtype-associated gene signatures were identified and further validated in other independent datasets, including GSE25628, E-MTAB-694, and GSE23339. Additionally, tissue microarrays (TMAs) were generated from premenopausal patients with EMs to investigate the potential clinical implications of the two identified subtypes. Results The unsupervised clustering analysis revealed that ectopic EMs lesions can be classified into two distinct subtypes: stroma-enriched (S1) and immune-enriched (S2). The functional analysis revealed that S1 correlated with fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the ectopic milieu, whereas S2 was characterized by the upregulation of immune pathways and a higher positive correlation with the immunotherapy response. Moreover, we identified a subtype signature composed of FHL1 and SORBS1, and constructed a subtype diagnostic model. Based on the cohort data from the TMAs, we found that S2 was strongly associated with the failure of/intolerance to hormone therapy. Conclusions This study identified two distinct subtypes that are varyingly associated with hormone resistance, stroma-immunity, and molecular features, thereby highlighting the importance of this stromal-immune heterogeneity in identifying EMs subtypes and providing novel insights into future personalized hormone-free therapy in EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinping Xiao
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyao Ruan
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaikai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Yi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wei J, Huang B, Nong Y, Zhang Q, Liu W, Xie Y, Peng T, Wang W, Liang X, Li Q, Liu F. Identification of a Novel Cuproptosis-Related Gene Signature in Eutopic Endometrium of Women with Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1841-1853. [PMID: 36474131 PMCID: PMC10229735 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01130-7] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs) is a life-long endocrine disorder and a common cause for female infertility and pelvic pain. The key characteristics of eutopic endometrium of EMs patients are high proliferative and migratory potentials. Cuproptosis is a recently identified copper- and-mitochondrial-dependent regulated cell death. Regretfully, its role in EMs remains unclear. In this study, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated strong activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and biological process analysis reported positive regulation of kinase activity. Next, we screened 11 cuproptosis-related DEGs and found all of them were downregulated in the EMs group, which indicated the suppression of cuproptosis in EMs. One key cuproptosis-related gene, PDHA1, was selected via support vector machine, random forest algorithm and lasso regularization to build a risk-scoring model, which was tested in both internal and external validations. In conclusion, the downregulation and kinase activity of PDHA1 may function with the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in some way, which could suppress the cuproptosis level and account for the cancer-like pathology in EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wei
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511495, China
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Baoyi Huang
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511495, China
| | - Yingqi Nong
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Yanni Xie
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Tong Peng
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511495, China
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Xiangping Liang
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511495, China
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Qiuyun Li
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511495, China
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Fenghua Liu
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China.
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Yang M, Li L, Huang X, Xing H, Hong L, Jiang C. The DNA demethylation-regulated SFRP2 dictates the progression of endometriosis via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:12. [PMID: 36991319 PMCID: PMC10053136 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-023-00470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Endometriosis cause decreases in life quality and pelvic pain in reproductive-age women. Methylation abnormalities played a functional role in the progression of endometriosis, this study aimed to explore the mechanisms mediated by abnormal methylation in the development of EMS.
Materials and methods
Next-generation sequencing dataset and methylation profiling dataset were used to screen out the key gene SFRP2. Western bolt, Real-time PCR, Aza-2?deoxycytidine treatment, luciferase reporter assay, Methylation-specific PCR , Bisulfite sequencing PCR and lentivirus infection were carried out to detect the methylation status and signaling pathway with the primary epithelial cells. Transwell assay and wound scratch assay were implemented to observe the differences of migration ability with the intervening with the expression of SFRP2.
Results
To define the role of the DNA methylation-regulated genes in the pathogenesis of EMS, we performed both DNA methylomic and expression analyses of ectopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium epithelial cells(EEECs) and found that SFRP2 is demethylated/upregulated in ectopic endometrium and EEECs. The expression of lentivirus carrying SFRP2 cDNA up-regulates the activity of Wnt signaling and the protein expression of ?-catenin in EEECs. SFRP2 impact on the invasion and migration of ectopic endometrium by modulating the activities of the Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway. The invasion and migration ability of EEECs were significantly strengthened after demethylation treatment including 5-Aza and the knockdown of DNMT1.
Conclusion
In summary, the increased SFRP2 expression-induced Wnt/?-catenin signaling due to the demethylation of the SFRP2 promoter plays an important role in the pathogenesis of EMS, suggesting that SFRP2 might be a therapeutic target for EMS treatment.
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ASPN Is a Potential Biomarker and Associated with Immune Infiltration in Endometriosis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081352. [PMID: 36011263 PMCID: PMC9407481 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease characterized by distant metastasis. Previous studies have discovered abnormal numbers and function of immune cells in endometriotic lesions. We aimed to find potential biomarkers of endometriosis and to explore the relationship between ASPN and the immune microenvironment of endometriosis. Methods: We obtained the GSE141549 and GSE7305 datasets containing endometriosis and normal endometrial samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). In the GSE141549 dataset, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) regression and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to screen new biomarkers. The expression levels and diagnostic utility of biomarkers were assessed in GSE7305, and biomarker expression levels were further validated using qRT-PCR and western blot. We identified DEGs between high and low expression groups of key biomarkers. Enrichment analysis was carried out to discover the target gene’s biological function. We analyzed the relationship between key biomarker expression and patient clinical features. Finally, the immune cells that infiltrate endometriosis were assessed using the Microenvironment Cell Population-Counter (MCP-counter), and the correlation of biomarker expression with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints genes was studied. Results: There were a total of 38 DEGs discovered. Two machine learning techniques were used to identify 10 genes. Six biomarkers (SCG2, ASPN, SLIT2, GEM, EGR1, and FOS) had good diagnostic efficiency (AUC > 0.7) by internal and external validation. We excluded previously reported related genes (SLIT2, EGR1, and FOS). ASPN was the most significantly differentially expressed biomarker between normal and ectopic endometrial tissues, as verified by qPCR. The western blot assay revealed a significant upregulation of ASPN expression in endometriotic tissues. The investigation for DEGs in the ASPN high- and low-expression groups revealed that the DEGs were particularly enriched in extracellular matrix tissue, vascular smooth muscle contraction, cytokine interactions, the calcium signaling pathway, and the chemokine signaling pathway. High ASPN expression was related to r-AFS stage (p = 0.006), age (p = 0.03), and lesion location (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ASPN expression was an independent influencing factor in patients with endometriosis. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed a significant increase in T-cell, B-cell, and fibroblast infiltration in endometriosis lesions; cytotoxic lymphocyte, NK-cell, and endothelial cell infiltration were reduced. Additionally, the percentage of T cells, B cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells was favorably connected with ASPN expression, while the percentage of cytotoxic lymphocytes and NK cells was negatively correlated. Immune checkpoint gene (CTLA4, LAG3, CD27, CD40, and ICOS) expression and ASPN expression were positively associated. Conclusions: Increased expression of ASPN is associated with immune infiltration in endometriosis, and ASPN can be used as a diagnostic biomarker as well as a potential immunotherapeutic target in endometriosis.
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Endometrium as Control of Endometriosis in Experimental Research: Assessment of Sample Suitability. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040970. [PMID: 35454018 PMCID: PMC9032605 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that causes numerous severe symptoms in affected women. Revealing alterations of the molecular processes in ectopic endometrial tissue is the current policy for understanding the pathomechanisms and discovering potential novel therapeutic targets. Examining molecular processes of eutopic endometrium is likely to be a convenient method to compare it with the molecular alterations observed in ectopic tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine what proportion of the surgically resected eutopic endometrial samples is suitable for further experiments so that these can be comparable with endometriosis. Final hospital reports and histopathology reports of a 3-year-long period (1162 cases) were analysed. The application of a retrospective screening method promoted the categorization of these cases, and quantification of the categorized cases was accomplished. In addition, results obtained from cultured endometrium samples were also detailed. Only a small number of the harvested endometrial samples was suitable for further molecular analysis, while preoperative screening protocol could enlarge this fraction. Applying clinical and histopathological selection and exclusion criteria for tissue screening and histopathological examination of samples could ensure the comparability of healthy endometrium with endometriosis. The present study could be useful for researchers who intend to perform molecular experiments to compare endometriosis with the physiological processes of the endometrium.
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Impact of Musashi-1 and Musashi-2 Double Knockdown on Notch Signaling and the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052851. [PMID: 35269992 PMCID: PMC8911246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell marker and RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 is overexpressed in endometriosis. Musashi-1-siRNA knockdown in Ishikawa cells altered the expression of stem cell related genes, such as OCT-4. To investigate the role of both human Musashi homologues (MSI-1 and MSI-2) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, immortalized endometriotic 12-Z cells and primary endometriotic stroma cells were treated with Musashi-1- and Musashi-2-siRNA. Subsequently, the impact on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell necrosis, spheroid formation, stem cell phenotype and the Notch signaling pathway was studied in vitro. Using the ENDOMET Turku Endometriosis database, the gene expression of stem cell markers and Notch signaling pathway constituents were analyzed according to localization of the endometriosis lesions. The database analysis demonstrated that expression of Musashi and Notch pathway-related genes are dysregulated in patients with endometriosis. Musashi-1/2-double-knockdown increased apoptosis and necrosis and reduced stem cell gene expression, cell proliferation, and the formation of spheroids. Musashi silencing increased the expression of the anti-proliferation mediator p21. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the Musashi–Notch axis. We conclude that the Musashi genes have an impact on Notch signaling and the pathogenesis of endometriosis through the downregulation of proliferation, stemness characteristics and the upregulation of apoptosis, necrosis and of the cell cycle regulator p21.
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Huang Y, Li Q, Hu R, Li R, Yang Y. Five immune-related genes as diagnostic markers for endometriosis and their correlation with immune infiltration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1011742. [PMID: 36277723 PMCID: PMC9582281 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1011742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic disease that can cause dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, among other symptoms. EMS diagnosis is often delayed compared to other chronic diseases, and there are currently no accurate, easily accessible, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanism of EMS and explore potential biomarkers and diagnostic tools for its accurate diagnosis and treatment. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed the differential expression, immune infiltration, and interactions of EMS-related genes in three Homo sapiens datasets. Our results identified 332 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with EMS. Gene ontology analysis showed that these changes mainly focused on the positive regulation of endometrial cell proliferation, cell metabolism, and extracellular space, and EMS involved the integrin, complement activation, folic acid metabolism, interleukin, and lipid signaling pathways. The LASSO regression model was established using immune DEGs with an area under the curve of 0.783 for the internal dataset and 0.656 for the external dataset. Five genes with diagnostic value, ACKR1, LMNB1, MFAP4, NMU, and SEMA3C, were screened from M1 and M2 macrophages, activated mast cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, follicular T helper cells, CD8+, and CD4+ cells. A protein-protein interaction network based on the immune DEGs was constructed, and ten hub genes with the highest scores were identified. Our results may provide a framework for the development of pathological molecular networks in EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minqin People’s Hospital, Minqin, China
| | - Rui Hu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruiyun Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The 1st Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Yang,
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Zhang H, Wu J, Li Y, Jin G, Tian Y, Kang S. Identification of Key Differentially Methylated/Expressed Genes and Pathways for Ovarian Endometriosis by Bioinformatics Analysis. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1630-1643. [PMID: 34671938 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00751-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to identify genes that were differentially methylated and differentially expressed and their related signaling pathways in ovarian endometriosis tissue. First, the DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in the endometrial tissue of patients with ovarian endometriosis were studied using Illumina 450K methylation microarray analysis and the GSE141549 gene expression dataset. Second, differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes, herein referred to as differentially methylated/expressed genes, were identified and protein-protein interaction networks and functional analysis of these genes were determined. Third, qPCR and immunohistochemistry of patient samples was used to confirm the differential expression of a subset of differentially methylated/expressed genes. Finally, the GSE7305 dataset was used confirm the expression profile of differentially methylated/expressed genes and to determine the potential usefulness of these genes for diagnosis of endometriosis. A total of 37 hypermethylated low-expression genes and 66 hypomethylated high-expression genes were identified in ovarian endometriosis patients. Protein-protein interaction and functional analysis highlighted 8 hypermethylated low-expression genes (KRT19, KRT8, ESR1, PRL, SFN, IL20RA, IL2RB, and PAX8) and 4 hypomethylated high-expression genes (CYP11A1, NR5A1, ME1, and GSTM1). Significantly, both of these gene sets had a diagnostic value for patients with ovarian endometriosis. Signaling pathways that were identified included JAK-STAT (involving IL20RA and IL2RB), prolactin (involving PRL and ESR1), Staphylococcus aureus infection (involving KRT19), viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor (involving IL20RA and IL2RB), cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction (involving IL20RA and IL2RB), and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 (involving GSTM1). The differentially methylated/expressed genes and enriched signaling pathways identified in this study are likely to be associated with the process of ovarian endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Jiankanglu 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlei Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Jiankanglu 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Jin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Medical University Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjie Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Jiankanglu 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Kang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Jiankanglu 12, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Wang L, Li L, Li Y, Huang C, Lian R, Wu T, Ma J, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Diao L, Zeng Y. A History of Endometriosis Is Associated With Decreased Peripheral NK Cytotoxicity and Increased Infiltration of Uterine CD68 + Macrophages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:711231. [PMID: 34531861 PMCID: PMC8438297 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.711231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis may have a defective immune system. However, evidence of the immune responses of endometriosis patients with a history of endometriosis surgery is lacking, and the association between the location of endometriosis lesions and immune responses is unclear. This retrospective study included 117 females with reproductive failure and a history of endometriosis and 200 females with reproductive failure but without endometriosis to analyze their endometrial and peripheral immune responses. The results show that endometriosis was associated with decreased peripheral natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity and increased uterine macrophages. Peripheral NK cytotoxicity at effector-to-target ratios of 25:1 and 50:1 was significantly reduced in women with a history of endometriosis from that of the control group (26.6% versus 33.3% and 36.1% versus 43.3%, respectively, both P < 0.001). Furthermore, after further division of patients into three subgroups according to the location of endometriosis lesions, we observed that NK cytotoxicity in the endometriosis subgroups, especially the mixed endometriosis group, was strongly decreased from that of the controls (P = 0.001). The endometrial CD68+ macrophage proportion in the mixed endometriosis subgroup was higher than that in the control group (2.8% versus 2.1%, P = 0.043). In addition, the baseline estradiol (E2) level was weakly correlated with the percentage of endometrial macrophages (r = 0.251, P = 0.009), indicating a potential association among the endocrine system, endometrial immune environment, and endometriosis. This study indicated that peripheral NK cytotoxicity and endometrial immune cell profiles could be useful for diagnosing and treating endometriosis and endometriosis-related reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tonghua Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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28
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Agostinis C, Zorzet S, Balduit A, Zito G, Mangogna A, Macor P, Romano F, Toffoli M, Belmonte B, Morello G, Martorana A, Borelli V, Ricci G, Kishore U, Bulla R. The Inflammatory Feed-Forward Loop Triggered by the Complement Component C3 as a Potential Target in Endometriosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:693118. [PMID: 34489939 PMCID: PMC8418148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.693118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a major component of humoral innate immunity, acting as a first line of defense against microbes via opsonization and lysis of pathogens. However, novel roles of the complement system in inflammatory and immunological processes, including in cancer, are emerging. Endometriosis (EM), a benign disease characterized by ectopic endometrial implants, shows certain unique features of cancer, such as the capacity to invade surrounding tissues, and in severe cases, metastatic properties. A defective immune surveillance against autologous tissue deposited in the peritoneal cavity allows immune escape for endometriotic lesions. There is evidence that the glandular epithelial cells found in endometriotic implants produce and secrete the complement component C3. Here, we show, using immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR, the presence of locally synthesized C3 in the ectopic endometriotic tissue, but not in the eutopic tissue. We generated a murine model of EM via injection of minced uterine tissue from a donor mouse into the peritoneum of recipient mice. The wild type mice showed greater amount of cyst formation in the peritoneum compared to C3 knock-out mice. Peritoneal washings from the wild type mice with EM showed more degranulated mast cells compared to C3 knock-out mice, consistent with higher C3a levels in the peritoneal fluid of EM patients. We provide evidence that C3a participates in an auto-amplifying loop leading to mast cell infiltration and activation, which is pathogenic in EM. Thus, C3 can be considered a marker of EM and its local synthesis can promote the engraftment of the endometriotic cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sonia Zorzet
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Balduit
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Miriam Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Martorana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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29
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Liu Y, Chen P, Fei H, Li M, Li X, Li T. Natural killer cells contributed to recurrent miscarriage by SP1-CASP3-PARP1. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107424. [PMID: 33556666 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107424] [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: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is an early pregnancy complication. Natural Killer cells are an important part of the innate immune system of endometrial. In this study, weighted gene correlation network analysis was used to study the expression profile data of the endometrial tissue of patients with recurrent miscarriage and selected brown module as key module positively related to the numbers of miscarriages. With metascape tool, natural killer cells mediated cytotoxicity related genes, such as CASP3, were selected. DisNor database showed that CASP3 down-regulates PARP1. According to TRRUST database, CASP3 was regulated by SP1. Through comprehensive analysis of uNK cell related genes, we proposed that natural killer cells contribute to recurrent miscarriage by SP1-CASP3-PARP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Hui Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Mengxiong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Xian Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
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30
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Garcia-Alonso L, Handfield LF, Roberts K, Nikolakopoulou K, Fernando RC, Gardner L, Woodhams B, Arutyunyan A, Polanski K, Hoo R, Sancho-Serra C, Li T, Kwakwa K, Tuck E, Lorenzi V, Massalha H, Prete M, Kleshchevnikov V, Tarkowska A, Porter T, Mazzeo CI, van Dongen S, Dabrowska M, Vaskivskyi V, Mahbubani KT, Park JE, Jimenez-Linan M, Campos L, Kiselev VY, Lindskog C, Ayuk P, Prigmore E, Stratton MR, Saeb-Parsy K, Moffett A, Moore L, Bayraktar OA, Teichmann SA, Turco MY, Vento-Tormo R. Mapping the temporal and spatial dynamics of the human endometrium in vivo and in vitro. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1698-1711. [PMID: 34857954 PMCID: PMC8648563 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium, the mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes dynamic changes throughout the menstrual cycle in response to ovarian hormones. We have generated dense single-cell and spatial reference maps of the human uterus and three-dimensional endometrial organoid cultures. We dissect the signaling pathways that determine cell fate of the epithelial lineages in the lumenal and glandular microenvironments. Our benchmark of the endometrial organoids reveals the pathways and cell states regulating differentiation of the secretory and ciliated lineages both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro downregulation of WNT or NOTCH pathways increases the differentiation efficiency along the secretory and ciliated lineages, respectively. We utilize our cellular maps to deconvolute bulk data from endometrial cancers and endometriotic lesions, illuminating the cell types dominating in each of these disorders. These mechanistic insights provide a platform for future development of treatments for common conditions including endometriosis and endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Garcia-Alonso
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kenny Roberts
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Konstantina Nikolakopoulou
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ridma C. Fernando
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin Woodhams
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Krzysztof Polanski
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Regina Hoo
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tong Li
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Tuck
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hassan Massalha
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Prete
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Tarryn Porter
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Stijn van Dongen
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Monika Dabrowska
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vasyl Vaskivskyi
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Krishnaa T. Mahbubani
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.454369.9Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jong-eun Park
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mercedes Jimenez-Linan
- grid.24029.3d0000 0004 0383 8386Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lia Campos
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Cecilia Lindskog
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paul Ayuk
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Women’s Services, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elena Prigmore
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- grid.454369.9Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luiza Moore
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.24029.3d0000 0004 0383 8386Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Omer A. Bayraktar
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Margherita Y. Turco
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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