1
|
Fazzio A, Caponnetto A, Ferrara C, Purrello M, Di Pietro C, Battaglia R. From Germ Cells to Implantation: The Role of Extracellular Vesicles. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:22. [PMID: 39311117 PMCID: PMC11417829 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles represent a large heterogeneous class of near and long-distance intercellular communication mediators, released by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Specifically, the scientific community has shown growing interest in exosomes, which are nano-sized vesicles with an endosomal origin. Not so long ago, the physiological goal of exosome generation was largely unknown and required more investigation; at first, it was hypothesized that exosomes are able to remove excess, reject and unnecessary constituents from cells to preserve cellular homeostasis. However, thanks to recent studies, the central role of exosomes in regulating cellular communication has emerged. Exosomes act as vectors in cell-cell signaling by their cargo, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and influence physiological and pathological processes. The findings on exosomes are widespread in a large spectrum of biomedical applications from diagnosis and prognosis to therapies. In this review, we describe exosome biogenesis and the current methods for their isolation and characterization, emphasizing the role of their cargo in female reproductive processes, from gametogenesis to implantation, and the potential involvement in human female disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fazzio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Carmen Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jijo A, Munshi I, Uppangala S, Rajendran R, LakshmiKumar RVP, Kalthur G, Kovacic B, Sachdeva G, Adiga SK. Secretomes from Conventional Insemination and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Derived Embryos Differentially Modulate Endometrial Cells In Vitro. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2080-2091. [PMID: 38472711 PMCID: PMC11217100 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01504-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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Conventional Insemination (CI) and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are routinely used insemination methods in clinical Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) settings. However, the existing data on the developmental competence and implantation potential of CI and ICSI derived embryos are not unequivocal. This prospective study on 23 patients undergoing ART treatment explored whether the secretomes of CI- and ICSI-derived embryo differentially alter the expression of integrins (αv and β3 integrin) and MUCIN-1 (MUC-1) in a human endometrial epithelial cell line (Ishikawa). Immunocytochemical data demonstrated that the secretome of CI-derived top quality (GI) embryos induced higher (p < 0.05) expression of ɑv β3 compared to sibling ICSI derived G1 embryos in Ishikawa cells. Though, relative levels of the transcript for MUC-1, anti-adhesion molecule did not show a significant difference between the study groups, immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated significantly (p < 0.0001) higher expression of MUC-1 in cells treated with ICSI-derived embryo secretome, compared to that treated with CI -derived embryo secretome. These results suggest that secretomes from CI and ICSI embryos differentially modulate the endometrial cells in vitro. This hints at differences in the ability of CI- and ICSI- derived embryos to alter endometrial profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Jijo
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Itti Munshi
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Rithika Rajendran
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - R Vani Pratap LakshmiKumar
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre, Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Geetanjali Sachdeva
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Poh QH, Rai A, Pangestu M, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Rapid generation of functional nanovesicles from human trophectodermal cells for embryo attachment and outgrowth. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300056. [PMID: 37698557 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of embryo attachment and outgrowth critical for successful implantation. While EVs have garnered immense interest in their therapeutic potential in assisted reproductive technology by improving implantation success, their large-scale generation remains a major challenge. Here, we report a rapid and scalable production of nanovesicles (NVs) directly from human trophectoderm cells (hTSCs) via serial mechanical extrusion of cells; these NVs can be generated in approximately 6 h with a 20-fold higher yield than EVs isolated from culture medium of the same number of cells. NVs display similar biophysical traits (morphologically intact, spherical, 90-130 nm) to EVs, and are laden with hallmark players of implantation that include cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix organisation proteins (ITGA2/V, ITGB1, MFGE8) and antioxidative regulators (PRDX1, SOD2). Functionally, NVs are readily taken up by low-receptive endometrial HEC1A cells and reprogram their proteome towards a receptive phenotype that support hTSC spheroid attachment. Moreover, a single dose treatment with NVs significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of mouse embryo trophoblast on fibronectin matrix. Thus, we demonstrate the functional potential of NVs in enhancing embryo implantation and highlight their rapid and scalable generation, amenable to clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Skentou C, Bouba I, Dafopoulos K, Georgiou I. Evolution of Minimally Invasive and Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing: An Overview. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2160. [PMID: 38673433 PMCID: PMC11050362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has become a common supplementary diagnοstic/testing tοol for in vitro fertilization (ΙVF) cycles due to a significant increase in cases of PGT fοr mοnogenic cοnditions (ΡGT-M) and de novο aneuplοidies (ΡGT-A) over the last ten years. This tendency is mostly attributable to the advancement and application of novel cytogenetic and molecular techniques in clinical practice that are capable of providing an efficient evaluation of the embryonic chromosomal complement and leading to better IVF/ICSI results. Although PGT is widely used, it requires invasive biopsy of the blastocyst, which may harm the embryo. Non-invasive approaches, like cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, have lower risks but have drawbacks in consistency and sensitivity. This review discusses new developments and opportunities in the field of preimplantation genetic testing, enhancing the overall effectiveness and accessibility of preimplantation testing in the framework of developments in genomic sequencing, bioinformatics, and the integration of artificial intelligence in the interpretation of genetic data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK;
| | - Charikleia Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ioannina, University General Hospital, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Ioanna Bouba
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Konstantinos Dafopoulos
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.); (I.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caamaño D, Cabezas J, Aguilera C, Martinez I, Wong YS, Sagredo DS, Ibañez B, Rodriguez S, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. DNA Content in Embryonic Extracellular Vesicles Is Independent of the Apoptotic Rate in Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1041. [PMID: 38612280 PMCID: PMC11011075 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071041] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pre-implantation embryos release extracellular vesicles containing different molecules, including DNA. The presence of embryonic DNA in E-EVs released into the culture medium during in vitro embryo production could be useful for genetic diagnosis. However, the vesicles containing DNA might be derived from embryos suffering from apoptosis, i.e., embryos of bad quality. This work intended to confirm that embryos release DNA that is useful for genotyping by evaluating the effect of embryonic apoptosis on DNA content in E-EVs. Bovine embryos were produced by parthenogenesis and in vitro fertilization (IVF). On Day 5, morulae were transferred to individual cultures in an EV-depleted SOF medium. On Day 7, embryos were used to evaluate cellular apoptosis, and each culture medium was collected to evaluate E-EV concentration, characterization, and DNA quantification. While no effect of the origin of the embryo on the apoptotic rate was found, arrested morulae had a higher apoptotic rate. E-EVs containing DNA were identified in all samples, and the concentration of those vesicles was not affected by the origin or quality of the embryos. However, the concentration of DNA was higher in EVs released by the arrested parthenogenetic embryos. There was a correlation between the concentration of E-EVs, the concentration of DNA-positive E-EVs, and the concentration of DNA. There was no negative effect of apoptotic rate on DNA-positive E-EVs and DNA concentration; however, embryos of the best quality with a low apoptotic rate still released EVs containing DNA. This study confirms that the presence of DNA in E-EVs is independent of embryo quality. Therefore, E-EVs could be used in liquid biopsy for noninvasive genetic diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillán 3780000, Chile; (D.C.); (J.C.); (C.A.); (I.M.); (Y.S.W.); (D.S.S.); (B.I.); (S.R.); (F.O.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Makieva S, Giacomini E, Scotti GM, Lazarevic D, Pavone V, Ottolina J, Bartiromo L, Schimberni M, Morelli M, Alteri A, Minetto S, Tonon G, Candiani M, Papaleo E, Viganò P. Extracellular vesicles secreted by human aneuploid embryos present a distinct transcriptomic profile and upregulate MUC1 transcription in decidualised endometrial stromal cells. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae014. [PMID: 38559895 PMCID: PMC10980593 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by aneuploid human embryos possess a unique transcriptomic profile that elicits a relevant transcriptomic response in decidualized primary endometrial stromal cells (dESCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER Aneuploid embryo-derived EVs contain transcripts of PPM1J, LINC00561, ANKRD34C, and TMED10 with differential abundance from euploid embryo-derived EVs and induce upregulation of MUC1 transcript in dESCs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY We have previously reported that IVF embryos secrete EVs that can be internalized by ESCs, conceptualizing that successful implantation to the endometrium is facilitated by EVs. Whether these EVs may additionally serve as biomarkers of ploidy status is unknown. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Embryos destined for biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) were grown under standard conditions. Spent media (30 μl) were collected from euploid (n = 175) and aneuploid (n = 140) embryos at cleavage (Days 1-3) stage and from euploid (n = 187) and aneuploid (n = 142) embryos at blastocyst (Days 3-5) stage. Media samples from n = 35 cleavage-stage embryos were pooled in order to obtain five euploid and four aneuploid pools. Similarly, media samples from blastocysts were pooled to create one euploid and one aneuploid pool. ESCs were obtained from five women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS EVs were isolated from pools of media by differential centrifugation and EV-RNA sequencing was performed following a single-cell approach that circumvents RNA extraction. ESCs were decidualized (estradiol: 10 nM, progesterone: 1 µM, cAMP: 0.5 mM twice every 48 h) and incubated for 24 h with EVs (50 ng/ml). RNA sequencing was performed on ESCs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Aneuploid cleavage stage embryos secreted EVs that were less abundant in RNA fragments originating from the genes PPM1J (log2fc = -5.13, P = 0.011), LINC00561 (log2fc = -7.87, P = 0.010), and ANKRD34C (log2fc = -7.30, P = 0.017) and more abundant in TMED10 (log2fc = 1.63, P = 0.025) compared to EVs of euploid embryos. Decidualization per se induced downregulation of MUC1 (log2fc = -0.54, P = 0.0028) in ESCs as a prerequisite for the establishment of receptive endometrium. The expression of MUC1 transcript in decidualized ESCs was significantly increased following treatment with aneuploid compared to euploid embryo-secreted EVs (log2fc = 0.85, P = 0.0201). LARGE SCALE DATA Raw data have been uploaded to GEO (accession number GSE234338). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The findings of the study will require validation utilizing a second cohort of EV samples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The discovery that the transcriptomic profile of EVs secreted from aneuploid cleavage stage embryos differs from that of euploid embryos supports the possibility to develop a non-invasive methodology for PGT-A. The upregulation of MUC1 in dESCs following aneuploid embryo EV treatment proposes a new mechanism underlying implantation failure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The study was supported by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowship awarded to SM by the European Commission (CERVINO grant agreement ID: 79620) and by a BIRTH research grant from Theramex HQ UK Ltd. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Makieva
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Giacomini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Scotti
- Centre for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Dejan Lazarevic
- Centre for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Ottolina
- Centro Scienze della Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Bartiromo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Schimberni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Morelli
- Centre for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Centro Scienze della Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Minetto
- Centro Scienze della Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Centre for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Centro Scienze della Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lacconi V, Massimiani M, Carriero I, Bianco C, Ticconi C, Pavone V, Alteri A, Muzii L, Rago R, Pisaturo V, Campagnolo L. When the Embryo Meets the Endometrium: Identifying the Features Required for Successful Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2834. [PMID: 38474081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052834] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the optimal number of embryos, their quality, and the precise timing for transfer are critical determinants in reproductive success, although still remaining one of the main challenges in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Indeed, the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments relies on a multitude of events and factors involving both the endometrium and the embryo. Despite concerted efforts on both fronts, the overall success rates of IVF techniques continue to range between 25% and 30%. The role of the endometrium in implantation has been recently recognized, leading to the hypothesis that both the "soil" and the "seed" play a central role in a successful pregnancy. In this respect, identification of the molecular signature of endometrial receptivity together with the selection of the best embryo for transfer become crucial in ART. Currently, efforts have been made to develop accurate, predictive, and personalized tests to identify the window of implantation and the best quality embryo. However, the value of these tests is still debated, as conflicting results are reported in the literature. The purpose of this review is to summarize and critically report the available criteria to optimize the success of embryo transfer and to better understand current limitations and potential areas for improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Carriero
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bianco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dehghan Z, Rezaee D, Noori E, Pilehchi T, Saberi F, Taheri Z, Darya G, Mehdinejadiani S. Exosomes as modulators of embryo implantation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:284. [PMID: 38324178 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes, known as extracellular vehicles (EVs), are found in biological fluids. They have the capability to carry and transfer signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, facilitating intercellular communication and regulating the gene expression profile in target cells. EVs have the potential to be used as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and also as feasible therapeutic targets. The available evidence suggests that exosomes play critical roles in the reproductive system, particularly during implantation, which is widely recognized as a crucial step in early pregnancy. A proper molecular dialogue between a high-quality embryo and a receptive endometrium is essential for the establishment of a normal pregnancy. This review focuses on the key role of exosomes originated from various sources, including the embryo, seminal fluid, and uterus fluid, based on the available evidence. It explores their potential applications as a novel approach in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Dehghan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Delsuz Rezaee
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Effat Noori
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Pilehchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saberi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Taheri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gholamhossein Darya
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu Q, Zhou Z, Yan Z, Connel M, Garzo G, Yeo A, Zhang W, Su HI, Zhong S. A temporal extracellular transcriptome atlas of human pre-implantation development. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100464. [PMID: 38216281 PMCID: PMC10794780 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasively evaluating gene expression products in human pre-implantation embryos remains a significant challenge. Here, we develop a non-invasive method for comprehensive characterization of the extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) in a single droplet of spent media that was used to culture human in vitro fertilization embryos. We generate the temporal extracellular transcriptome atlas (TETA) of human pre-implantation development. TETA consists of 245 exRNA sequencing datasets for five developmental stages. These data reveal approximately 4,000 exRNAs at each stage. The exRNAs of the developmentally arrested embryos are enriched with the genes involved in negative regulation of the cell cycle, revealing an exRNA signature of developmental arrest. Furthermore, a machine-learning model can approximate the morphology-based rating of embryo quality based on the exRNA levels. These data reveal the widespread presence of coding gene-derived exRNAs at every stage of human pre-implantation development, and these exRNAs provide rich information on the physiology of the embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Wu
- Shu Chien-Gene Ley Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zixu Zhou
- Genemo, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
| | - Zhangming Yan
- Shu Chien-Gene Ley Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Megan Connel
- Reproductive Partners San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gabriel Garzo
- Reproductive Partners San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Analisa Yeo
- Reproductive Partners San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Partners San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - H Irene Su
- Reproductive Partners San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Shu Chien-Gene Ley Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Genemo, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xiong M, Wang Q, Zhang X, Wen L, Zhao A. Decidual stromal cells-derived exosomes incurred insufficient migration and invasion of trophoblast by disturbing of β-TrCP-mediated snail ubiquitination and degradation in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:39. [PMID: 38195659 PMCID: PMC10775448 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes released from decidual stromal cells (DSC-exos) play a crucial role in facilitating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of trophoblasts and insufficient trophoblasts EMT are associated with URSA (unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion). However, the mechanisms underlying DSC-exos inducing EMT is not completely understood. METHODS DSC-exos of normal pregnant women (N-DSC-exos) and URSA patients (URSA-DSC-exos) were extracted and characterized. Characterization of the isolated DSC-exos was performed using with TEM (transmission electron microscopy), NTA (nanoparticle tracking analysis), and WB (western blot) techniques. Subsequently, these DSC-exos were co-cultured with trophoblasts cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo). The influence of both N-DSC-exos and URSA-DSC-exos on trophoblasts proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as on the expression of EMT-related proteins, was evaluated through a series of assays including CCK8 assays, wound healing assays, transwell assays, and western blot, respectively. Then rescue experiments were performed by β-TrCP knockdown or β-TrCP overexpressing trophoblasts with snail-siRNA transfection or β-TrCP overexpressing Lentivirus infection, respectively. Finally, animal experiments were employed to explore the effect of N-DSC-exos on embryo absorption in mice. RESULTS We found increased β-TrCP expression in the villus of URSA patients when compared to the normal pregnant women, alongside reduction in the levels of both snail and N-cadherin within URSA patients. N-DSC-exos can promote the EMT of the trophoblast by inhibiting β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of transcription factor snail. Moreover the capacity to promote EMT was found to be more potent in N-DSC-exos than URSA-DSC-exos. Down-regulation of snail or overexpression of β-TrCP can reverse the effects of N-DSC-exos on trophoblast. Finally, in vivo experiment suggested that N-DSC-exos significantly reduced the embryo resorption rate of spontaneous abortion mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that URSA-DSC-exos caused insufficient migration and invasion of trophoblast because of disturbing of β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of EMT transcription factor snail. Elucidating the underlying mechanism of this dysregulation may shed light on the novel pathways through which DSC-exos influence trophoblast function, thereby contributing to our understanding of their role in URSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaohong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Beal JR, Ma Q, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK. Role of Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles in Mediating Cell-to-Cell Communication in the Uterus: A Review. Cells 2023; 12:2584. [PMID: 37998319 PMCID: PMC10670844 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several critical events that occur in the uterus during early pregnancy which are necessary for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. These events include blastocyst implantation, uterine decidualization, uterine neoangiogenesis, differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into different trophoblast cell lineages, and formation of a placenta. These processes involve several different cell types within the pregnant uterus. Communication between these cell types must be intricately coordinated for successful embryo implantation and the formation of a functional maternal-fetal interface in the placenta. Understanding how this intricate coordination transpires has been a focus of researchers in the field for many years. It has long been understood that maternal endometrial tissue plays a key role in intercellular signaling during early pregnancy, sending signals to nearby tissues in a paracrine manner. Recently, insights have been obtained into the mechanisms by which these signaling events occur. Notably, the endometrium has been shown to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain crucial cargo (proteins, lipids, RNA, miRNA) that are taken up by recipient cells to initiate a response leading to the occurrence of critical events during implantation and placentation. In this review, we aim to summarize the role that endometrium-derived EVs play in mediating cell-to-cell communications within the pregnant uterus to orchestrate the events that must occur to establish and maintain pregnancy. We will also discuss how aberrant endometrial EV signaling may lead to pathophysiological conditions, such as endometriosis and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R. Beal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Qiuyan Ma
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Indrani C. Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Milan K. Bagchi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Farrelly R, Kennedy MG, Spencer R, Forbes K. Extracellular vesicles as markers and mediators of pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2023; 601:4973-4988. [PMID: 37070801 DOI: 10.1113/jp282849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In high income countries, approximately 10% of pregnancies are complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE), preterm birth (PTB), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and/or macrosomia resulting from gestational diabetes (GDM). Despite the burden of disease this places on pregnant people and their newborns, there are still few, if any, effective ways of preventing or treating these conditions. There are also gaps in our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies and our ability to predict which mothers will be affected. The placenta plays a crucial role in pregnancy, and alterations in placental structure and function have been implicated in all of these conditions. As extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important molecules in cell-to-cell communication in health and disease, recent research involving maternal- and placental-derived EV has demonstrated their potential as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers of obstetric disorders. This review will consider how placental and maternal EVs have been investigated in pregnancies complicated by PE, PTB, FGR and GDM and aims to highlight areas where further research is required to enhance the management and eventual treatment of these pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Farrelly
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Spencer
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sui C, Liao Z, Bai J, Hu D, Yue J, Yang S. Current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:471. [PMID: 37899459 PMCID: PMC10614333 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01459-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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity has been widely understood as the capacity of the endometrium to receive implantable embryos. The establishment of endometrial receptivity involves multiple biological processes including decidualization, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, immune regulation, and oxidative metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer-membrane nanosized vesicles mediating cell-to-cell communication. Recently, EVs and their cargo have been proven as functional factors in the establishment of endometrial receptivity. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the alteration of endometrium/embryo-derived EVs during the receptive phase and retrospected the current findings which revealed the pivotal role and potential mechanism of EVs to promote successful implantation. Furthermore, we highlight the potentiality and limitations of EVs being translated into clinical applications such as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity or reproductive therapeutic mediators, and point out the direction for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang M, Zheng L, Ma S, Lin R, Li J, Yang S. Biogenesis and function of exosome lncRNAs and their role in female pathological pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1191721. [PMID: 37745705 PMCID: PMC10515720 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1191721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and recurrent spontaneous abortion are common maternal pregnancy complications that seriously endanger women's lives and health, and their occurrence is increasing year after year with a rejuvenation trend. In contrast to biomarkers found freely in tissues or body fluids, exosomes exist in a relatively independent environment and provide a higher level of stability. As backbone molecules, guidance molecules, and signaling molecules in the nucleus, lncRNAs can regulate gene expression. In the cytoplasm, lncRNAs can influence gene expression levels by modifying mRNA stability, acting as competitive endogenous RNAs to bind miRNAs, and so on. Exosomal lncRNAs can exist indefinitely and are important in intercellular communication and signal transduction. Changes in maternal serum exosome lncRNA expression can accurately and timely reflect the progression and regression of pregnancy-related diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for clinical research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of pregnancy-related diseases by reviewing the role of exosome lncRNAs in female pathological pregnancy and related molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruixin Lin
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuli Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mao J, Feng Y, Zhu X, Ma F. The Molecular Mechanisms of HLA-G Regulatory Function on Immune Cells during Early Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1213. [PMID: 37627278 PMCID: PMC10452754 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule with the membrane-bound and soluble types. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells located at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and is essential in establishing immune tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple molecular mechanisms by which HLA-G regulates the immune function of NK cells. It highlights that HLA-G binds to microRNA to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and stimulate the secretion of growth factors to support fetal growth. The interactions between HLA-G and NK cells also activate senescence signaling, promoting spiral artery remodeling and maintaining the balance of maternal-fetal immune responses. In addition, HLA-G can inhibit the function of decidual T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Overall, the interaction between trophoblast cells and immune cells mediated by HLA-G plays a crucial role in understanding immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface and offers insights into potential treatments for pregnancy-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Muhandiram S, Dissanayake K, Orro T, Godakumara K, Kodithuwakku S, Fazeli A. Secretory Proteomic Responses of Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Trophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11924. [PMID: 37569298 PMCID: PMC10418763 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is integral to pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both embryonic and endometrial origin is a critical component of embryo-maternal communication during peri-implantation. Here, we investigated whether embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the endometrial epithelial cell secretome. Receptive endometrial analog RL95-2 cells were supplemented with trophoblast analog JAr cell-derived EVs, and the secretory protein changes occurring in the RL95-2 cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry. EVs of non-trophoblastic origin (HEK 293 cells) were used as the control EV source to supplement endometrial cells. Trophoblast cell-derived EVs enriched endometrial epithelial cell secretions with proteins that support embryo development, attachment, or implantation, whereas control EVs were unable to induce the same effect. The present study suggests that embryonic signals in the form of EVs may prime receptive endometrial epithelial cells to enrich their secretory proteome with critical proteomic molecules with functional importance for periconception milieu formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhashini Muhandiram
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 14B, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Toomos Orro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Suranga Kodithuwakku
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 14B, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Segura-Benítez M, Bas-Rivas A, Juárez-Barber E, Carbajo-García MC, Faus A, De Los Santos MJ, Pellicer A, Ferrero H. Human blastocysts uptake extracellular vesicles secreted by endometrial cells containing miRNAs related to implantation. Hum Reprod 2023:dead138. [PMID: 37407281 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the maternal endometrium uptaken by human embryos and is their miRNA cargo involved in implantation and embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER Data suggest that EVs secreted by human endometrial epithelial cells are internalized by human blastocysts, and transport miRNAs to modulate biological processes related to implantation events and early embryo development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Successful implantation is dependent on coordination between maternal endometrium and embryo, and EVs role in the required cell-to-cell crosstalk has recently been established. In this regard, our group previously showed that protein cargo of EVs secreted by primary human endometrial epithelial cells (pHEECs) is implicated in biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and early embryo development. However, little is known about the regulation of these biological processes through EVs secreted by the endometrium at a transcriptomic level. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective descriptive study was performed. Endometrial biopsies were collected from healthy oocyte donors with confirmed fertility on the day of oocyte retrieval, 36 h after the LH surge. pHEECs were isolated from endometrial biopsies (n = 8 in each pool) and cultured in vitro. Subsequently, conditioned medium was collected and EVs were isolated and characterized. Uptake of EVs by human blastocysts and miRNA cargo of these EVs (n = 3 pools) was analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS EVs were isolated from the conditioned culture media using ultracentrifugation, and characterization was performed using western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. EVs were fluorescently labeled with Bodipy-TR ceramide, and their uptake by human blastocysts was analyzed using confocal microscopy. Analysis of the miRNA cargo of EVs was performed using miRNA sequencing, target genes of the most expressed miRNA were annotated, and functional enrichment analysis was performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE EVs measured 100-300 nm in diameter, a concentration of 1.78 × 1011 ± 4.12 × 1010 (SD) particles/ml and expressed intraluminal protein markers Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101 (TSG101), in addition to CD9 and CD81 transmembrane proteins. Human blastocysts efficiently internalized fluorescent EVs within 1-2 h, and more pronounced internalization was observed in the hatched pole of the embryos. miRNA-seq analysis featured 149 annotated miRNAs, of which 37 were deemed most relevant. The latter had 6592 reported gene targets, that in turn, have functional implications in several processes related to embryo development, oxygen metabolism, cell cycle, cell differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, cellular organization, and gene expression. Among the relevant miRNAs contained in these EVs, we highlight hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-let-7a-5p as master regulators of the biological processes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study in which conditions of endometrial cell culture could not mimic the intrauterine environment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study defines potential biomarkers of endometrial receptivity and embryo competence that could be useful diagnostic and therapeutic targets for implantation success, as well as open insight further investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms implicated in a successful implantation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education through FPU awarded to M.S.-B. (FPU18/03735), the Health Institute Carlos III awarded to E.J.-B. (FI19/00110) and awarded to H.F. by the Miguel Servet Program 'Fondo Social Europeo «El FSE invierte en tu futuro»' (CP20/00120), and Generalitat Valenciana through VALi+d Programme awarded to M.C.C.-G. (ACIF/2019/139). The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Segura-Benítez
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Bas-Rivas
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José De Los Santos
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guzewska MM, Szuszkiewicz J, Kaczmarek MM. Extracellular vesicles: Focus on peri-implantation period of pregnancy in pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:634-645. [PMID: 36645872 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of cell-to-cell communication between the endometrium and the developing embryo is the most important step in successful mammalian pregnancy. Close interaction between the uterine luminal epithelium and trophoblast cells requires triggering timely molecular dialog for successful maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryo implantation, and placenta development. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying unique molecular cargo emerged as evolutionarily conserved mediators of cell-to-cell communication during early pregnancy. To date, the presence of EVs at the embryo-maternal interface has been demonstrated in numerous mammals, including domestic livestock, such as pigs. However, few studies have focused on revealing the mechanism of EV-mediated crosstalk between developing early embryos and receptive endometrium. Over the past years, it has appeared that understanding the role of EVs in mammalian reproduction can substantially improve our understanding of the biological challenges of successful reproductive performance. This review describes current knowledge of EVs, specifically in relation to the peri-implantation period in pigs, characterized by common features of embryo implantation and high embryonic mortality in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Guzewska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Handayani N, Aubry D, Boediono A, Wiweko B, Sirait B, Sini I, Polim AA, Dwiranti A, Bowolaksono A. The origin and possible mechanism of embryonic cell-free DNA release in spent embryo culture media: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1231-1242. [PMID: 37129724 PMCID: PMC10310623 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02813-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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of cell-free DNA in spent embryo culture media (SECM) has unveiled its possible utilization for embryonic ploidy determination, opening new frontiers for the development of a non-invasive pre-implantation genetic screening technique. While a growing number of studies have shown a high concordance between genetic screening using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and trophectoderm (TE), the mechanism pertaining to the release of cfDNA in SECM is largely unknown. This review aims to evaluate research evidence on the origin and possible mechanisms for the liberations of embryonic DNA in SECM, including findings on the self-correction abilities of embryos which might contribute to the presence of cfDNA. Several databases including EMBASE, PUBMED, and SCOPUS were used to retrieve original articles, reviews, and opinion papers. The keywords used for the search were related to the origins and release mechanism of cfDNA. cfDNA in SECM originates from embryonic cells and, at some levels, non-embryonic cells such as maternal DNA and exogenous foreign DNA. The apoptotic pathway has been demonstrated to eliminate aneuploid cells in developing mosaic embryos which might culminate to the release of cfDNA in SECM. Nonetheless, there is a recognized need for exploring other pathways such as cross-talk molecules called extracellular vesicles (EVs) made of small, round bi-layer membranes. During in vitro development, embryos physiologically and actively expel EVs containing not only protein and microRNA but also embryonic DNA, hence, potentially releasing cfDNA of embryonic origin into SECM through EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nining Handayani
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Daniel Aubry
- Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arief Boediono
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Batara Sirait
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ivan Sini
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arie A Polim
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atmajaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Astari Dwiranti
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Biological System (CEMBIOS) Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus FMIPA, Depok, UI, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Anom Bowolaksono
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Biological System (CEMBIOS) Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus FMIPA, Depok, UI, 16424, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aguilera C, Velásquez AE, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Wong YS, Melo-Baez B, Cabezas J, Caamaño D, Navarrete F, Rojas D, Riadi G, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Pre-Hatching Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro and In Vivo Alter the Expression of IFNtau-Stimulated Genes in Bovine Endometrial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087438. [PMID: 37108601 PMCID: PMC10138918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo-maternal interaction occurs during the early stages of embryo development and is essential for the implantation and full-term development of the embryo. In bovines, the secretion of interferon Tau (IFNT) during elongation is the main signal for pregnancy recognition, but its expression starts around the blastocyst stage. Embryos release extracellular vesicles (EVs) as an alternative mechanism of embryo-maternal communication. The aim of the study was to determine whether EVs secreted by bovine embryos during blastulation (D5-D7) could induce transcriptomic modifications, activating IFNT signaling in endometrial cells. Additionally, it aims to assess whether the EVs secreted by embryos produced in vivo (EVs-IVV) or in vitro (EVs-IVP) have different effects on the transcriptomic profiles of the endometrial cells. In vitro- and in vivo-produced bovine morulae were selected and individually cultured for 48 h to collect embryonic EVs (E-EVs) secreted during blastulation. E-EVs stained with PKH67 were added to in vitro-cultured bovine endometrial cells to assess EV internalization. The effect of EVs on the transcriptomic profile of endometrial cells was determined by RNA sequencing. EVs from both types of embryos induced several classical and non-classical IFNT-stimulated genes (ISGs) and other pathways related to endometrial function in epithelial endometrial cells. Higher numbers of differentially expressed genes (3552) were induced by EVs released by IVP embryos compared to EVs from IVV (1838). Gene ontology analysis showed that EVs-IVP/IVV induced the upregulation of the extracellular exosome pathway, the cellular response to stimulus, and the protein modification processes. This work provides evidence regarding the effect of embryo origin (in vivo or in vitro) on the early embryo-maternal interaction mediated by extracellular vesicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Aguilera
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Alejandra Estela Velásquez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Miguel Angel Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Yat Sen Wong
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Barbara Melo-Baez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Joel Cabezas
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Diego Caamaño
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Daniela Rojas
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Riadi
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Center for Bioinformatics, Simulation and Modeling, CBSM, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Engineering, Campus Talca, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Llretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bovine embryos release extracellular vesicles with differential miRNA signature during the compaction and blastulation stages. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100725. [PMID: 36565511 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation embryos release extracellular vesicles (EVs) to extracellular environment. In this work it is hypothesized that the EVs miRNA cargo will vary during pre-implantation development due to the constant changes in gene expression that take place through this period. The concentration, size and miRNA cargo of EVs secreted by competent bovine embryos during the period from compaction to blastulation (Day 3-7) were analyzed. For this analysis tow developmental windows were defined: W2 from 8-cells (D3) to morula (D5) and W3 from morula (D5) to blastocyst (D7). For W2, in vitro produced embryos were individually cultured in EVs-depleted medium from D3 to D5; culture media were collected and assigned to Group W2. Morulae were kept in culture up to blastocyst stage to determine the developmental competence. For W3, D5 morulae were collected and cultured individually in EVs-depleted medium up to blastocyst stage; culture media were assigned to Group W3, and blastocysts were kept in culture up to day 11 to define their competence. The mean size of EVs was similar between groups, however, EVs concentration was lower in W2. A total of 140 miRNAs were identified. From them, 79 were differentially expressed between the groups, 28 upregulated and 51 downregulated. miRNAs differentially detected between both developmental windows participate in the regulation of signaling pathways which crucial for embryonic development. It was concluded that the secretion of EVs is regulated by the developmental progress of the embryo during the pre-implantation period.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gonzalez Fernandez J, Moncayo Arlandi J, Ochando A, Simon C, Vilella F. The role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication in human reproduction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:281-301. [PMID: 36762584 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Embryo-maternal cross-talk has emerged as a vitally important process for embryo development and implantation, which is driven by secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV cargo of bioactive molecules significantly influences target cells and primes them for critical stages of reproductive biology, including embryo development, adhesion, and implantation. Recent research has suggested that EVs and their cargo represent a powerful non-invasive tool that can be leveraged to assess embryo and maternal tissue quality during assisted reproduction treatments. Here, we review the current scientific literature regarding the intercellular cross-talk between embryos and maternal tissues from fertilization to implantation, focusing on human biology and signaling mechanisms identified in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gonzalez Fernandez
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Moncayo Arlandi
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ochando
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Vilella
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Extracellular vesicles throughout development: A potential roadmap for emerging glioblastoma therapies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 133:32-41. [PMID: 35697594 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-delimited vesicular bodies carrying different molecules, classified according to their size, density, cargo, and origin. Research on this topic has been actively growing through the years, as EVs are associated with critical pathological processes such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Despite that, studies exploring the physiological functions of EVs are sparse, with particular emphasis on their role in organismal development, initial cell differentiation, and morphogenesis. In this review, we explore the topic of EVs from a developmental perspective, discussing their role in the earliest cell-fate decisions and neural tissue morphogenesis. We focus on the function of EVs through development to highlight possible conserved or novel processes that can impact disease progression. Specifically, we take advantage of what was learned about their role in development so far to discuss EVs impact on glioblastoma, a particular brain tumor of stem-cell origin and poor prognosis, and how their function can be hijacked to improve current therapies.
Collapse
|
24
|
Kakourou G, Mamas T, Vrettou C, Traeger-Synodinos J. An Update on Non-invasive Approaches for Genetic Testing of the Preimplantation Embryo. Curr Genomics 2022; 23:337-352. [PMID: 36778192 PMCID: PMC9878856 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666220927111158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) aims to reduce the chance of an affected pregnancy or improve success in an assisted reproduction cycle. Since the first established pregnancies in 1990, methodological approaches have greatly evolved, combined with significant advances in the embryological laboratory. The application of preimplantation testing has expanded, while the accuracy and reliability of monogenic and chromosomal analysis have improved. The procedure traditionally employs an invasive approach to assess the nucleic acid content of embryos. All biopsy procedures require high technical skill, and costly equipment, and may impact both the accuracy of genetic testing and embryo viability. To overcome these limitations, many researchers have focused on the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) at the preimplantation stage, sampled either from the blastocoel or embryo culture media, to determine the genetic status of the embryo non-invasively. Studies have assessed the origin of cfDNA and its application in non-invasive testing for monogenic disease and chromosomal aneuploidies. Herein, we discuss the state-of-the-art for modern non-invasive embryonic genetic material assessment in the context of PGT. The results are difficult to integrate due to numerous methodological differences between the studies, while further work is required to assess the suitability of cfDNA analysis for clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kakourou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece,Address correspondence to this author at the Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece; Tel/Fax: +302107467467; E-mail:
| | - Thalia Mamas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Vrettou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang X, Miao S, Lu L, Yuan J, Pan S, Wu X. miR‑519d‑3p released by human blastocysts negatively regulates endometrial epithelial cell adhesion by targeting HIF1α. Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:123. [PMID: 35959792 PMCID: PMC9387561 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5179] [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: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires a competent embryo, a receptive endometrium and synchronized communication between them. The selection of embryos with the highest implantation potential remains a challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology. Moreover, little is known about the precise molecular mechanisms underlying embryo‑endometrium crosstalk. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been detected in the spent embryo culture medium (SCM); however, their functions at the preimplantation stage remain unclear. In the present study, human SCM samples were collected during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‑embryo transfer and divided into implanted and not‑implanted groups according to the clinical pregnancy outcomes. Total RNA was extracted and six miRNAs (miR‑372‑3p, miR‑373‑3p, miR‑516b‑5p, miR‑517a‑3p, miR‑519d‑3p and miR‑520a‑3p) were selected for reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) analysis. The results revealed that miR‑372‑3p and miR‑519d‑3p were markedly increased in SCM from blastocysts that failed to implant compared with in blastocysts that implanted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that miR‑519d‑3p was superior to miR‑372‑3p in predicting pregnancy outcomes. In vitro miRNA uptake and cell adhesion assays were performed to determine whether miR‑519d‑3p could be taken up by endometrial epithelial cells and to examine the biological roles of miR‑519d‑3p after internalization. Potential targets of miR‑519d‑3p were verified using a dual‑luciferase reporter system. The results demonstrated that miR‑519d‑3p was taken up by human endometrial epithelial cells and that it may inhibit embryo adhesion by targeting HIF1α. Using RT‑qPCR, western blot analysis and flow cytometry assay, HIF1α was shown to inhibit the biosynthesis of fucosyltransferase 7 and sialyl‑Lewis X (sLex), a cell‑surface oligosaccharide that serves an important role in embryonic apposition and adhesion. In addition, a mouse model was established and the results suggested that miR‑519d‑3p overexpression hampered embryo implantation in vivo. Taken together, miRNAs in SCM may serve as novel biomarkers for embryo quality. Furthermore, miR‑519d‑3p was shown to mediate embryo‑endometrium crosstalk and to negatively regulate embryo implantation by targeting HIF1α/FUT7/sLex pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Suibing Miao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Linqi Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Jingchuan Yuan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Shuhong Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Esmaeilivand M, Fattahi A, Abedelahi A, Hamdi K, Farzadi L, Goharitaban S, Niknafs B. microRNAs in the blastocoel fluid as accessible indicators of chromosomal normality. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100695. [PMID: 36081236 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) derived from the pre-implantation blastocoel fluid (BF) have attracted interest as accessible biomarkers indicative of embryonic health in ongoing IVF cycles. Therefore, we investigated expression levels of some aneuploidy-associated miRNAs and implantation-related mRNAs as predictive markers for embryo chromosomal normality. In this study, the BF of 25 blastocysts that had been checked for aneuploidy (aneuploid=17 and euploid=8) was aspirated and the expression of 10 miRNAs (miR-20a, miR-30c, miR-661, miR-372, miR-142, miR-191, miR-345, miR-339, miR-141, and miR-27b) and four genes (ERBB4, SELL, ITGB3, ITGAV) were evaluated using real time-PCR. Results showed that the levels of miR-661 and miR-20a were significantly higher in the BF of the aneuploid embryos compared to the euploid group (p = 0.0017 and 0.004, respectively). A comparison of the mRNA levels between the aneuploid and euploid groups also demonstrated a significant difference in ITGAV (p = 0.013) and SELL (p = 0.0317) levels. In the euploid group, a negative correlation was found between ITGB3 and miR-30c (r = -0.71, p = 0.08), and in the aneuploid group, a positive correlation was found between ERBB4 and miR-345 (r = 0.71, p = 0.02). It can be suggested that miR-20a, miR-661, and ITGAV levels of BF could be used as less-invasive biomarkers to evaluate embryonic health. Moreover, aneuploidy-related miRNA levels were associated with levels of genes involved in embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Esmaeilivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepide Goharitaban
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Szuszkiewicz J, Myszczynski K, Reliszko ZP, Heifetz Y, Kaczmarek MM. Early steps of embryo implantation are regulated by exchange of extracellular vesicles between the embryo and the endometrium. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22450. [PMID: 35848638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200677r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In early pregnancy, as the embryo arrives in the uterus, intensive communication between the embryo and uterus begins. Hundreds of molecules are known to be involved, but despite numerous findings, full understanding of the complexity of the embryo-maternal dialog remains elusive. Recently, extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles able to transfer functionally active cargo between cells, have emerged as important players in cell-cell communication, and as such, they have gained great attention over the past decade also in reproductive biology. Here, we use a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation because of its advantage in studding uterine luminal fluid extracellular vesicles. We show that during early pregnancy, the uterine lumen is abundant with extracellular vesicles that carry a plethora of miRNAs able to target genes involved in embryonic and organismal development. These extracellular vesicles, upon the delivery to primary trophoblast cells, affect genes governing development as well as cell-to-cell signaling and interactions, consequently having an impact on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We conclude that the exchange of a unique population of extracellular vesicles and their molecular cargo at the maternal-embryo interface is the key to the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zaneta P Reliszko
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Maligianni I, Yapijakis C, Nousia K, Bacopoulou F, Chrousos G. Exosomes and exosomal non‑coding RNAs throughout human gestation (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:582. [PMID: 35949320 PMCID: PMC9353550 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11518] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research on exosomes and their content has been intensive, which has revealed their important role in cell-to-cell communication, and has implicated exosomal biomolecules in a broad spectrum of physiological processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Pregnancy and its normal progression rely highly on the efficient communication between the mother and the fetus, mainly mediated by the placenta. Recent studies have established the placenta as an important source of circulating exosomes and have demonstrated that exosome release into the maternal circulation gradually increases during pregnancy, starting from six weeks of gestation. This orchestrates maternal-fetal crosstalk, including maternal immune tolerance and pregnancy-associated metabolic adaptations. Furthermore, an increased number of secreted exosomes, along with altered patterns of exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been observed in a number of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. The early detection of exosomes and specific exosomal ncRNAs in various biological fluids during pregnancy highlights them as promising candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of numerous pregnancy disorders in adolescents and adults. The present review aimed to provide insight into the current knowledge regarding the potential, only partially elucidated, role of exosomes and exosomal cargo in the regulation and progression of normal pregnancy, as well as their potential dysregulation and contribution to pathological pregnancy situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Maligianni
- First Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Orofacial Genetics, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Yapijakis
- First Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Orofacial Genetics, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Nousia
- First Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Orofacial Genetics, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction: a review. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:440-463. [PMID: 35652626 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to be implicated in a complex universal mechanism of communication between different cell types. EVs are nanostructures of lipid nature that have an exosomal or ectosomal biogenesis, responsible for the intercellular transport of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ions, among other molecules. The content of EVs can vary due to various factors such as hormonal stimuli, non-physiological conditions, metabolic state, etc. Once EVs reach their target cell, they can modulate processes such as gene expression, metabolism, response to external factors, and can even be associated with the delivery of molecules involved in epigenetic inheritance processes in germ cells. In mammalian reproduction, EVs have been shown to play an important role, either in vivo or in vitro, modulating a variety of processes in sperm, oocytes and embryos, and in their respective environments. Moreover, EVs represent a biodegradable, harmless and specific vehicle, which makes them attractive allies to consider when improving assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Therefore, the present review aims to describe the content of the main EVs involved in mammalian reproduction and how they can vary due to different factors, as well as to detail how EVs modulate, directly or indirectly, different molecular processes in gametes and embryos. In addition, we will highlight the mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. We will also propose new perspectives according to the characteristics of each particular EV to improve the different ARTs.
Collapse
|
30
|
The role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapeutics and diagnosis. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100645. [PMID: 35594727 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, nanometre sized, membrane-enclosed structures released by cells and are thought to be crucial in cellular communication. The cargo of these vesicles includes lipids, proteins, RNAs and DNA, and control various biological processes in their target tissues depending on the parental and receiver cell's origin and phenotype. Recently data has accumulated in the role of EVs in embryo implantation and pregnancy, with EVs identified in the uterine cavity of women, sheep, cows, horses, and mice, in which they aid blastocyst and endometrial preparation for implantation. Herein is a critical review to decipher the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapies and diagnosis. The current knowledge of the function of embryo and endometrial derived EVs and their cargoes, with regards to their effect on implantation and receptivity are summarized and evaluated. The findings of the below review highlight that the combined knowledge on EVs deriving from the endometrium and embryo have the potential to be translated to various clinical applications including treatment, a diagnostic biomarker for diseases and a drug delivery tool to ultimately improve pregnancy rates.
Collapse
|
31
|
Hua R, Liu Q, Lian W, Gao D, Huang C, Lei M. Transcriptome regulation of extracellular vesicles derived from porcine uterine flushing fluids during peri-implantation on endometrial epithelial cells and embryonic trophoblast cells. Gene 2022; 822:146337. [PMID: 35182676 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular vesicles (EVs) in uterine fluids play a vital role in embryo implantation by mediating intrauterine communication between conceptus and maternal endometrium in pigs. However, the regulatory mechanism of EVs in uterine fluids is largely unclear. In order to understand the effect of EVs in uterine flushing fluids (UFs) during embryo implantation on endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and embryonic trophoblast cells (PTr2 cells). The UFs-EVs on day 13 of pregnancy (D13) were added to the culture medium of EECs and PTr2 cells. It was found that PKH-67 labeled UFs-EVs could be taken up in EECs and PTr2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that a total of 1793 and 6279 genes were differentially expressed in the EECs and PTr2 cells after the treatment of UFs-EVs on D13, respectively. Among these genes, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results indicated that ID2, ITGA5, CXCL10 and CXCL11 genes were differentially expressed in both EECs and PTr2 cells after treatment. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the differentially expressed (DE) genes in EECs and PTr2 cells after treatment are involved in immune regulation, cell migration, cell adhesion and the secretion and uptake of EVs. Our research offers novel insight into the regulation mechanism of UFs-EVs on D13 in EECs and PTr2 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renwu Hua
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Qiaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Dengying Gao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Minggang Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; National Engineering Research Center for Livestock, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, 430000 Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sun B, Yeh J. Non-Invasive and Mechanism-Based Molecular Assessment of Endometrial Receptivity During the Window of Implantation: Current Concepts and Future Prospective Testing Directions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:863173. [PMID: 36303672 PMCID: PMC9580756 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.863173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal endometrial receptivity and altered embryo-endometrial crosstalk account for approximately two-thirds of human implantation failures. Current tests of the window of implantation, such as endometrial thickness measurements and the endometrial receptivity assay, do not consistently improve clinical outcomes as measured by live birth rates. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation is a critical step toward developing clinically meaningful tests. In this narrative review, the available literature is evaluated regarding mechanisms that regulate the endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation and the current tests developed. Overall, both animal and human studies point to five possible and interrelated mechanisms regulating the endometrial window of implantation: suitable synchrony between endometrial cells, adequate synchrony between the endometrium and the embryo, standard progesterone signaling and endometrial responses to progesterone, silent genetic variations, and typical morphological characteristics of the endometrial glands. The biological basis of current clinical markers or tests of window of implantation is poor. Future studies to elucidate the mechanisms shaping the window of implantation and to investigate the potential markers based on these mechanisms are required. In addition, molecular testing of the endometrium at single-cell resolution should be an initial step toward developing clinically meaningful tests for the optimal window of implantation. As understanding of the optimal window of implantation continues to evolve, one can envision the future development of non-invasive, mechanism-based testing of the window of implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Sun
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John Yeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: John Yeh
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Esmaeilivand M, Abedelahi A, Hamdi K, Farzadi L, Goharitaban S, Fattahi A, Niknafs B. Role of miRNAs in preimplantation embryo development and their potential as embryo selection biomarkers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:589-597. [PMID: 35440361 DOI: 10.1071/rd21274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play different roles in oocyte fertilisation, degradation of maternal transcripts, embryo development, and implantation. During in vitro fertilisation (IVF), different miRNAs are released from embryos into the spent culture media (SCM) that can potentially reflect the status of the embryo. AIMS This study is the assessment of miRNAs, which secreted in SCM during the IVF cycles can be used as noninvasive biomarkers to predict an embryo's ability to form a blastocyst, implant, and give live birth. METHODS Systematic literature search was conducted to review all recent studies about miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for selecting the best embryos in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. KEY RESULTS Studies have shown that levels of some miRNAs in the SCM have an association with the implantation potential and pregnancy outcome of the embryo. CONCLUSIONS Embryo-secreted miRNAs can be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers for selecting the best embryos in the ART cycle. Unfortunately, few human studies evaluated the association between ART outcomes and miRNAs in SCM. IMPLICATIONS This review can pave the way for further miRNAs transcriptomic studies on human embryo culture media and introducing a specific miRNA profile as a multivariable prediction model for embryo selection in IVF cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Esmaeilivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepide Goharitaban
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; and Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
HLA-G and Other Immune Checkpoint Molecules as Targets for Novel Combined Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062925. [PMID: 35328349 PMCID: PMC8948858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is an HLA-class Ib molecule that is involved in the establishment of tolerance at the maternal/fetal interface during pregnancy. The expression of HLA-G is highly restricted in adults, but the de novo expression of this molecule may be observed in different hematological and solid tumors and is related to cancer progression. Indeed, tumor cells expressing high levels of HLA-G are able to suppress anti-tumor responses, thus escaping from the control of the immune system. HLA-G has been proposed as an immune checkpoint (IC) molecule due to its crucial role in tumor progression, immune escape, and metastatic spread. We here review data available in the literature in which the interaction between HLA-G and other IC molecules is reported, in particular PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, but also IDO and TIGIT. Clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against HLA-G and other IC are currently ongoing with cancer patients where antibodies and inhibitors of PD-1 and CTLA-4 showed encouraging results. With this background, we may envisage that combined therapies using antibodies targeting HLA-G and another IC may be successful for clinical purposes. Indeed, such immunotherapeutic protocols may achieve a better rescue of effective anti-tumor immune response, thus improving the clinical outcome of patients.
Collapse
|
35
|
Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cellular and Molecular Nature of Fragmentation of Human Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031349. [PMID: 35163271 PMCID: PMC8836137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo fragmentation represents a phenomenon generally characterized by the presence of membrane-bound extracellular cytoplasm into the perivitelline space. Recent evidence supports the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of embryo fragments. In this narrative review, we described the different embryo fragment-like cellular structures in their morphology, molecular content, and supposed function and have reported the proposed theories on their origin over the years. We identified articles related to characterization of embryo fragmentation with a specific literature search string. The occurrence of embryo fragmentation has been related to various mechanisms, of which the most studied are apoptotic cell death, membrane compartmentalization of altered DNA, cytoskeletal disorders, and vesicle formation. These phenomena are thought to result in the extrusion of entire blastomeres, release of apoptotic bodies and other vesicles, and micronuclei formation. Different patterns of fragmentation may have different etiologies and effects on embryo competence. Removal of fragments from the embryo before embryo transfer with the aim to improve implantation potential should be reconsidered on the basis of the present observations
Collapse
|
37
|
Aleksejeva E, Zarovni N, Dissanayake K, Godakumara K, Vigano P, Fazeli A, Jaakma Ü, Salumets A. Extracellular vesicle research in reproductive science- Paving the way for clinical achievements. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:408-424. [PMID: 34982163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian conception involves a multitude of reciprocal interactions via a molecular dialogue between mother and conceptus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membrane-encapsulated particles that mediate cell-to-cell communication in various contexts. EVs, which are present in seminal, follicular, oviductal, and endometrial fluids, as well as in embryo secretions, carry molecular constituents that impact gamete maturation, fertilization, early embryo development, and embryo-maternal communication. The distribution, concentration, and molecular cargo of EVs are regulated by steroid hormones and the health status of the tissue of origin, and thus are influenced by menstrual phase, stage of conception, and the presence of infertility-associated diseases. EVs have been recognized as a novel source of biomarkers and potential reproductive medicine therapeutics, particularly for assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are still many technological and scientific hindrances to be overcome before EVs can be used in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic ART applications. Issues to be resolved include the lack of standardized measurement protocols and an absence of absolute EV quantification technologies. Additionally, clinically suitable and robust EV isolation methods have yet to be developed. In this review, we provide an overview of EV-mediated interactions during the early stages of reproduction from gamete maturation to embryo implantation and then outline the technological progress that must be made for EV applications to be translated to clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aleksejeva
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paola Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen K, Liang J, Qin T, Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang Z. The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo Implantation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:809596. [PMID: 35154016 PMCID: PMC8831238 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.809596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coating nanoparticles derived from cells. The effect of cell-to-cell communication mediated by EVs has been investigated in different fields of physio-logical as well as pathological process in recent years. Reproduction, regarded as a definitive characteristic of organisms, has been a focus in both animal and medical sciences. It is well agreed that implantation is a critical event during early pregnancy in viviparous animals, and a proper implantation is essential for the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. However, successful implantation requires the synchronized development of both the uterus and the embryo, therefore, in which well communication and opportune regulation are necessary. This review focuses on the progression of studies that reveal the role of EVs in early pregnancy, especially during implantation. Based on current evidence, EVs are produced and exist in the environment for implantation. It has been proved that EVs of different origins such as endometrium and embryo, have positive influences on embryo implantation. With their cargos of proteins and nucleic acids (especially microRNAs), EVs exert their effects including information transportation, immune stimulation and regulation of gene expression.
Collapse
|
39
|
Shi S, Tan Q, Liang J, Cao D, Wang S, Liang J, Chen K, Wang Z. Placental trophoblast cell-derived exosomal microRNA-1290 promotes the interaction between endometrium and embryo by targeting LHX6. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 34729246 PMCID: PMC8526418 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Communication between the maternal uterus and the embryo is vital for a successful pregnancy. Exosomes, subtypes of extracellular vesicles comprising many bioactive factors, regulate the early stages of pregnancy, specifically during embryo implantation. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from placental trophoblasts regulate embryo implantation remains elusive. We isolated and identified exosomes derived from placental trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo). Subsequently, we evaluated the loading miRNA in exosomes by small RNA sequencing. Consequently, we showed that trophoblast cell-derived exosomes could transfer to endometrial epithelial cells. Besides, these exosomes promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as migration of endometrial cells and were implicated in the regulation of inflammation. Further, the specific miRNAs were screened in exosomes, and as a result, miRNA (miR)-1290 was enriched specifically in exosomes. miR-1290 promoted the expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-8) and migration of endometrial epithelial cells. In addition, exosomal miR-1290 promoted angiogenesis in vitro. More importantly, by targeting LHX6, trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cell-derived exosomal miR-1290 promoted the EMT process of endometrial epithelial cell HEC-1-A. Altogether, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of trophoblast cell-derived exosomes during embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shi
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Qiang Tan
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jingjie Liang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Dingren Cao
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shaoyu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Junyong Liang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Kaiyu Chen
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Epigenetic Modifications at the Center of the Barker Hypothesis and Their Transgenerational Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312728. [PMID: 34886453 PMCID: PMC8656758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryo/fetal nutrition and the environment in the reproductive tract influence the subsequent risk of developing adult diseases and disorders, as formulated in the Barker hypothesis. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension in adulthood have all been linked to unwanted epigenetic programing in embryos and fetuses. Multiple studies support the conclusion that environmental challenges, such as a maternal low-protein diet, can change one-carbon amino acid metabolism and, thus, alter histone and DNA epigenetic modifications. Since histones influence gene expression and the program of embryo development, these epigenetic changes likely contribute to the risk of adult disease onset not just in the directly affected offspring, but for multiple generations to come. In this paper, we hypothesize that the effects of parental nutritional status on fetal epigenetic programming are transgenerational and warrant further investigation. Numerous studies supporting this hypothesis are reviewed, and potential research techniques to study these transgenerational epigenetic effects are offered.
Collapse
|
41
|
Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Xie Y, Liu G, Zang X, Hu Q, Zhou C, Li Y, Liu D, Hong L. Differential Expression Pattern of Goat Uterine Fluids Extracellular Vesicles miRNAs during Peri-Implantation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092308. [PMID: 34571957 PMCID: PMC8470123 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy failure occurs when a mature embryo attaches to an unreceptive endometrium. During the formation of a receptive endometrium, extracellular vesicles (EVs) of the uterine fluids (UFs) deliver regulatory molecules such as small RNAs to mediate intrauterine communication between the embryo and the endometrium. However, profiling of small RNAs in goat UFs’ EVs during pregnancy recognition (day 16) has not been carried out. In this study, EVs were isolated from UFs on day 16 of the estrous cycle or gestation. They were isolated by Optiprep™ Density G radient (ODG) and verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blotting. Immunostaining demonstrated that CD63 was present both in the endometrial epithelium and glandular epithelium, and stain intensity was greater in the pregnant endometrium compared to the non-pregnant endometrium. Small RNA sequencing revealed that UFs’ EVs contained numerous sRNA families and a total of 106 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Additionally, 1867 target genes of the DEMs were obtained, and miRNA–mRNA interaction networks were constructed. GO and KEGG analysis showed that miRNAs were significantly associated with the formation of a receptive endometrium and embryo implantation. In addition, the fluorescence in situ hybridization assay (FISH) showed that chi-miR-451-5p was mainly expressed in stromal cells of the endometrium and a higher level was detected in the endometrial luminal epithelium in pregnant states. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that chi-miR-451-5p directly binds to PSMB8 and may play an important role in the formation of a receptive endometrium and embryo implantation. In conclusion, these results reveal that UFs’ EVs contain various small RNAs that may be vital in the formation of a receptive endometrium and embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guangbin Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xupeng Zang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qun Hu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaokun Li
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.X.); (G.L.); (X.Z.); (Q.H.); (C.Z.); (Y.L.)
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poutry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ntostis P, Swanson G, Kokkali G, Iles D, Huntriss J, Pantou A, Tzetis M, Pantos K, Picton HM, Krawetz SA, Miller D. The effects of aging on molecular modulators of human embryo implantation. iScience 2021; 24:102751. [PMID: 34278260 PMCID: PMC8271113 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancing age has a negative impact on female fertility. As implantation rates decline during the normal maternal life course, age-related, embryonic factors are altered and our inability to monitor these factors in an unbiased genome-wide manner in vivo has severely limited our understanding of early human embryo development and implantation. Our high-throughput methodology uses trophectoderm samples representing the full spectrum of maternal reproductive ages with embryo implantation potential examined in relation to trophectoderm transcriptome dynamics and reproductive maternal age. Potential embryo-endometrial interactions were tested using trophectoderm sampled from young women, with the receptive uterine environment representing the most 'fertile' environment for successful embryo implantation. Potential roles for extracellular exosomes, embryonic metabolism and regulation of apoptosis were revealed. These biomarkers are consistent with embryo-endometrial crosstalk/developmental competency, serving as a mediator for successful implantation. Our data opens the door to developing a diagnostic test for predicting implantation success in women undergoing fertility treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Ntostis
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Genetics Department, Medical school, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Grace Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Georgia Kokkali
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Athens, 152 32, Greece
| | - David Iles
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - John Huntriss
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Agni Pantou
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Athens, 152 32, Greece
| | - Maria Tzetis
- Genetics Department, Medical school, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | | | - Helen M. Picton
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - David Miller
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Godakumara K, Ord J, Lättekivi F, Dissanayake K, Viil J, Boggavarapu NR, Faridani OR, Jääger K, Velthut-Meikas A, Jaakma Ü, Salumets A, Fazeli A. Trophoblast derived extracellular vesicles specifically alter the transcriptome of endometrial cells and may constitute a critical component of embryo-maternal communication. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:115. [PMID: 34289864 PMCID: PMC8293585 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00801-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The period of time when the embryo and the endometrium undergo significant morphological alterations to facilitate a successful implantation-known as "window of implantation"-is a critical moment in human reproduction. Embryo and the endometrium communicate extensively during this period, and lipid bilayer bound nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) are purported to be integral to this communication. METHODS To investigate the nature of the EV-mediated embryo-maternal communication, we have supplemented trophoblast analogue spheroid (JAr) derived EVs to an endometrial analogue (RL 95-2) cell layer and characterized the transcriptomic alterations using RNA sequencing. EVs derived from non-trophoblast cells (HEK293) were used as a negative control. The cargo of the EVs were also investigated through mRNA and miRNA sequencing. RESULTS Trophoblast spheroid derived EVs induced drastic transcriptomic alterations in the endometrial cells while the non-trophoblast cell derived EVs failed to induce such changes demonstrating functional specificity in terms of EV origin. Through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we found that the response in endometrial cells was focused on extracellular matrix remodelling and G protein-coupled receptors' signalling, both of which are of known functional relevance to endometrial receptivity. Approximately 9% of genes downregulated in endometrial cells were high-confidence predicted targets of miRNAs detected exclusively in trophoblast analogue-derived EVs, suggesting that only a small proportion of reduced expression in endometrial cells can be attributed directly to gene silencing by miRNAs carried as cargo in the EVs. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that trophoblast derived EVs have the ability to modify the endometrial gene expression, potentially with functional importance for embryo-maternal communication during implantation, although the exact underlying signalling mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasun Godakumara
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - James Ord
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Freddy Lättekivi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janeli Viil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nageswara Rao Boggavarapu
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Omid R Faridani
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kersti Jääger
- Competence Centre On Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre On Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Extracellular vesicles as a potential diagnostic tool in assisted reproduction. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 32:179-184. [PMID: 32205524 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Extracellular vesicles have emerged as a promising field of research for their potential to serve as biomarkers. In the pathophysiology of reproduction, they have attracted significant attention because of their diverse roles in gametogenesis and embryo-endometrial cross-talk. Advances in extracellular vesicle translational potential are herein reviewed with a particular focus in oocyte competence, semen quality diagnostics, embryo selection and detection of endometrial receptivity. RECENT FINDINGS Specific miRNAs present in follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles have been associated with follicle development and oocyte maturation. Some proteins known to regulate sperm function and capacitation such as glycodelin, and CRISP1 have been found as overrepresented in semen exosomes isolated from severe asthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic men. In vitro developed human embryos can secrete extracellular vesicles whose propitiousness for preimplantation genetic testing is being increasingly investigated. Endometrial cell-derived extracellular vesicles recovered from uterine flushings might represent a reservoir of molecular markers potentially exploited for monitoring the endometrial status. SUMMARY Accumulated knowledge on extracellular vesicles deriving from endometrium, follicular fluid, embryos or male reproductive system may be translated to clinical practice to inform diagnostics in assisted reproduction technology (ART). Validation studies and technology developments are required to implement the profiling of extracellular vesicles as diagnostic tests in ART.
Collapse
|
46
|
Organ-on-a-chip technology for the study of the female reproductive system. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:461-478. [PMID: 33831478 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, organs-on-a-chip and microphysiological systems have emerged as a disruptive in vitro technology for biopharmaceutical applications. By enabling new capabilities to engineer physiological living tissues and organ units in the precisely controlled environment of microfabricated devices, these systems offer great promise to advance the frontiers of basic and translational research in biomedical sciences. Here, we review an emerging body of interdisciplinary work directed towards harnessing the power of organ-on-a-chip technology for reproductive biology and medicine. The focus of this topical review is to provide an overview of recent progress in the development of microengineered female reproductive organ models with relevance to drug delivery and discovery. We introduce the engineering design of these advanced in vitro systems and examine their applications in the study of pregnancy, infertility, and reproductive diseases. We also present two case studies that use organ-on-a-chip design principles to model placental drug transport and hormonally regulated crosstalk between multiple female reproductive organs. Finally, we discuss challenges and opportunities for the advancement of reproductive organ-on-a-chip technology.
Collapse
|
47
|
Hawke DC, Ahmed DB, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Murine Blastocysts Release Mature MicroRNAs Into Culture Media That Reflect Developmental Status. Front Genet 2021; 12:655882. [PMID: 34122510 PMCID: PMC8193861 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.655882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular microRNA (miRNA) sequences derived from the pre-implantation embryo have attracted interest for their possible contributions to the ongoing embryonic-uterine milieu, as well as their potential for use as accessible biomarkers indicative of embryonic health. Spent culture media microdroplets used to culture late-stage E4.0 murine blastocysts were screened for 641 mature miRNA sequences using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based array. We report here 39 miRNAs exclusively detected in the conditioned media, including the implantation-relevant miR-126a-3p, miR-101a, miR-143, and miR-320, in addition to members of the highly expressed embryonic miR-125 and miR-290 families. Based on these results, an miRNA panel was assembled comprising five members of the miR-290 family (miR-291-295) and five conserved sequences with significance to the embryonic secretome (miR-20a, miR-30c, miR-142-3p, miR-191, and miR-320). Panel profiling of developing embryo cohort lysates and accompanying conditioned media microdroplets revealed extensive similarities in relative quantities of miRNAs and, as a biomarker proof of concept, enabled distinction between media conditioned with differently staged embryos (zygote, 4-cell, and blastocyst). When used to assess media conditioned with embryos of varying degrees of degeneration, the panel revealed increases in all extracellular panel sequences, suggesting cell death is an influential and identifiable factor detectable by this assessment. In situ hybridization of three panel sequences (miR-30c, miR-294, and miR-295) in late-stage blastocysts revealed primarily inner cell mass expression with a significant presence of miR-294 throughout the blastocyst cavity. Furthermore, extracellular miR-290 sequences responded significantly to high centrifugal force, suggesting a substantial fraction of these sequences may exist within a vesicle such as an exosome, microvesicle, or apoptotic bleb. Together, these results support the use of extracellular miRNA to assess embryonic health and enable development of a non-invasive viability diagnostic tool for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Connor Hawke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danyal Baber Ahmed
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew John Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dean Harvey Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Melo-Báez B, Mellisho EA, Cabezas J, Velásquez AE, Veraguas D, Escobar DAC, Castro FO, Rodríguez-Álvarez L. Nanoparticles from culture media are internalized by in vitro-produced bovine embryos and its depletion affect expression of pluripotency genes. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200028. [PMID: 34122648 PMCID: PMC8189351 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0028] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are nanoparticles secreted by cell and have been proposed as suitable markers to identify competent embryos produced in vitro. Characterizing EVs secreted by individual embryos is challenging because culture medium itself contributes to the pool of nanoparticles that are co-isolated. To avoid this, culture medium must be depleted of nanoparticles that are present in natural protein source. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the culture medium subjected to nanoparticle depletion can support the proper in vitro development of bovine embryos. Zygotes were cultured in groups on depleted or control medium for 8 days. Nanoparticles from the medium were characterized by their morphology, size and expression of EVs surface markers. Isolated nanoparticles were labelled and added to depleted medium containing embryos at different developmental stages and evaluated after 24 hours at 2, 8-16 cells, morula and blastocyst stages. There were no statistical differences on blastocyst rate at day 7 and 8, total cell count neither blastocyst diameter between groups. However, morphological quality was better in blastocysts cultured in non-depleted medium and the expression of SOX2 was significantly lower whereas NANOG expression was significantly higher. Few nanoparticles from medium had a typical morphology of EVs but were positive to specific surface markers. Punctuated green fluorescence near the nuclei of embryonic cells was observed in embryos from all developmental stages. In summary, nanoparticles from culture medium are internalized by in vitro cultured bovine embryos and their depletion affects the capacity of medium to support the proper embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Melo-Báez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Edwin A Mellisho
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Centro de investigación en Tecnología de Embriones, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
| | - Joel Cabezas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Alejandra E Velásquez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Daniel Veraguas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Diego Andrés Caamaño Escobar
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel O Castro
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Lleretny Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Poh QH, Rai A, Carmichael II, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Proteome reprogramming of endometrial epithelial cells by human trophectodermal small extracellular vesicles reveals key insights into embryo implantation. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000210. [PMID: 33860638 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the receptive endometrium is critical in pregnancy establishment, initially requiring reciprocal signalling between outer layer of the blastocyst (trophectoderm cells) and endometrial epithelium; however, factors regulating this crosstalk remain poorly understood. Although endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to signal to the embryo during implantation, the role of embryo-derived EVs remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive proteomic characterisation of a major class of EVs, termed small EVs (sEVs), released by human trophectoderm cells (Tsc-sEVs) and their capacity to reprogram protein landscape of endometrial epithelium in vitro. Highly purified Tsc-sEVs (30-200 nm, ALIX+ , TSG101+ , CD9/63/81+ ) were enriched in known players of implantation (LIFR, ICAM1, TAGLN2, WNT5A, FZD7, ROR2, PRICKLE2), antioxidant activity (SOD1, PRDX1/4/6), tissue integrity (EZR, RAC1, RHOA, TNC), and focal adhesions (FAK, ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3). Functionally, Tsc-sEVs were taken up by endometrial cells, altered transepithelial electrical resistance, and upregulated proteins implicated in embryo attachment (ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3), immune regulation (CD59, CD276, LGALS3), and antioxidant activity (GPX1/3/4, PRDX1/2/4/5/6): processes that are critical for successful implantation. Collectively, we provide critical insights into Tsc-sEV-mediated regulation of endometrial function that contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irena Iśka Carmichael
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Fernández L, Grasso E, Soczewski E, Gori S, Calo G, Hauk V, Sabbione F, Gallino L, Martínez G, Irigoyen M, Bestach Y, Pérez Leirós C, Ramhorst R. Understanding the natural selection of human embryos: blastocyst quality modulates the inflammatory response during the peri-implantation period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13423. [PMID: 33764560 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decidualized cells display an active role during embryo implantation sensing blastocyst quality, allowing the implantation of normal developed blastocysts and preventing the invasion of impaired developed ones. Here, we characterized the immune microenvironment generated by decidualized cells in response to soluble factors secreted by blastocysts that shape the receptive milieu. METHOD OF STUDY We used an in vitro model of decidualization based on the Human Endometrial Stromal Cells line (HESC) differentiated with medroxiprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP, then treated with human blastocysts-conditioned media (BCM) classified according to their quality. RESULTS Decidualized cells treated with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increased IL-1β production. Next, we evaluated the ability of decidualized cells to modulate other mediators associated with menstruation as chemokines. Decidualized cells responded to stimulation with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increasing CXCL12 expression and CXCL8 secretion. The modulation of these markers was associated with the recruitment and activation of neutrophils, while regulatory T cells recruitment was restrained. These changes were not observed in the presence of BCM from normal developed blastocysts. CONCLUSION Soluble factors released by impaired developed blastocysts induce an exacerbated inflammatory response associated with neutrophils recruitment and activation, providing new clues to understand the molecular basis of the embryo-endometrial dialogue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Soczewski
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad Gori
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Calo
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Sabbione
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX)- CONICET, Academia Nacional de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Gallino
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Irigoyen
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yesica Bestach
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|