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Jiang X, Zhai J, Xiao Z, Wu X, Zhang D, Wan H, Xu Y, Qi L, Wang M, Yu D, Liu Y, Wu H, Sun R, Xia S, Yu K, Guo J, Wang H. Identifying a dynamic transcriptomic landscape of the cynomolgus macaque placenta during pregnancy at single-cell resolution. Dev Cell 2023; 58:806-821.e7. [PMID: 37054708 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the cellular hierarchy and underlying molecular mechanisms in the primate placenta during gestation. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptome-wide view of the cynomolgus macaque placenta throughout gestation. Bioinformatics analyses and multiple validation experiments suggested that placental trophoblast cells exhibited stage-specific differences across gestation. Interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual cells also showed gestational stage-dependent differences. The trajectories of the villous core cells indicated that placental mesenchymal cells were derived from extraembryonic mesoderm (ExE.Meso) 1, whereas placental Hofbauer cells, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells were derived from ExE.Meso2. Comparative analyses of human and macaque placentas uncovered conserved features of placentation across species, and the discrepancies of extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) between human and macaque correlated to their differences in invasion patterns and maternal-fetal interactions. Our study provides a groundwork for elucidating the cellular basis of primate placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxiang Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jinglei Zhai
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xulun Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Luqing Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meijiao Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dainan Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Run Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuwei Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kunyuan Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingtao Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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2
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Shestakova MA, Vishnyakova PA, Fatkhudinov TK. Placenta: an organ with high energy requirements. RUDN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.22363/2313-0245-2022-26-4-353-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is a unique organ, without which the very phenomenon of human pregnancy is impossible. Semiallogeneous nature, localization of the placenta, complex and heterogeneous cellular composition determines its complex and multifaceted role in the course of physiological pregnancy, indicates the importance of studying this organ in a number of reproductive pathologies. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature sources illustrating the importance of energydependent processes in placental metabolism and to determine the molecular basis of placental energy conversion. Publications of foreign and Russian authors from PubMed database and scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.ru were used when writing the review. The review highlights the main functions of the placenta: transport and synthetic functions in terms of their place in the structure of energy expenditure of the organ. The systems by which the transport of ions and gases from maternal blood through the placental barrier is performed, are considered. The role of the placenta in the synthesis of steroid hormones and glucocorticoids is detailed. The main bioenergetic systems are also considered: placental glucose metabolism, the functional activity of mitochondria and the creatine kinase system of the placenta. These data allow us to put the placenta on a par with other organs with high energy requirements (brain, transverse striated skeletal muscles, heart, kidneys, liver), which are most susceptible to metabolic disorders. Maintaining a balance between expenditure and synthesis of macroergic compounds in the placenta is critical for an adequate course of physiological pregnancy, and imbalances can lead to such pathologies as fetal retardation syndrome or preeclampsia. Further study of placental energy supply systems seems important for understanding the mechanisms of intrauterine development disorders and developing their pathogenetic treatment.
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3
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Siriwardena D, Boroviak TE. Evolutionary divergence of embryo implantation in primates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210256. [PMID: 36252209 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of the conceptus into the uterus is absolutely essential for successful embryo development. In humans, our understanding of this process has remained rudimentary owing to the inaccessibility of early implantation stages. Non-human primates recapitulate many aspects of human embryo development and provide crucial insights into trophoblast development, uterine receptivity and embryo invasion. Moreover, primate species exhibit a variety of implantation strategies and differ in embryo invasion depths. This review examines conservation and divergence of the key processes required for embryo implantation in different primates and in comparison with the canonical rodent model. We discuss trophectoderm compartmentalization, endometrial remodelling and embryo adhesion and invasion. Finally, we propose that studying the mechanism controlling invasion depth between different primate species may provide new insights and treatment strategies for placentation disorders in humans. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Siriwardena
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
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4
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Chen Y, Siriwardena D, Penfold C, Pavlinek A, Boroviak TE. An integrated atlas of human placental development delineates essential regulators of trophoblast stem cells. Development 2022; 149:275917. [PMID: 35792865 PMCID: PMC9340556 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The trophoblast lineage safeguards fetal development by mediating embryo implantation, immune tolerance, nutritional supply and gas exchange. Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) provide a platform to study lineage specification of placental tissues; however, the regulatory network controlling self-renewal remains elusive. Here, we present a single-cell atlas of human trophoblast development from zygote to mid-gestation together with single-cell profiling of hTSCs. We determine the transcriptional networks of trophoblast lineages in vivo and leverage probabilistic modelling to identify a role for MAPK signalling in trophoblast differentiation. Placenta- and blastoid-derived hTSCs consistently map between late trophectoderm and early cytotrophoblast, in contrast to blastoid-trophoblast, which correspond to trophectoderm. We functionally assess the requirement of the predicted cytotrophoblast network in an siRNA-screen and reveal 15 essential regulators for hTSC self-renewal, including MAZ, NFE2L3, TFAP2C, NR2F2 and CTNNB1. Our human trophoblast atlas provides a powerful analytical resource to delineate trophoblast cell fate acquisition, to elucidate transcription factors required for hTSC self-renewal and to gauge the developmental stage of in vitro cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Chen
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Dylan Siriwardena
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Christopher Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | | | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
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5
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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6
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Ai Z, Yin Y, Niu B, Li T. Deconstructing human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on embryos and embryoids. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:212-225. [PMID: 35552636 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac096] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The peri-implantation period from blastula to gastrula is one of the crucial stages of human embryo and stem cell development. During development, human embryos undergo many crucial events, such as embryonic lineage differentiation and development, structural self-assembly, pluripotency state transition, cell communication between lineages, and crosstalk between the embryo and uterus. Abnormalities in these developmental events will result in implantation failure or pregnancy loss. However, because of ethical and technical limits, the developmental dynamics of human peri-implantation embryos and the underlying mechanisms of abnormal development remain in a "black box". In this review, we summarize recent progress made towards our understanding of human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on extended in vitro cultured embryos and stem cell-based embryoids. These findings lay an important foundation for understanding early life, promoting research into human stem cells and their application, and preventing and treating infertility. We also propose key scientific issues regarding peri-implantation embryogenesis and provide an outlook on future study directions. Finally, we sum up China's contribution to the field and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyong Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Baohua Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Tianqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
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7
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Guettler J, Forstner D, Gauster M. Maternal platelets at the first trimester maternal-placental interface - Small players with great impact on placenta development. Placenta 2021; 125:61-67. [PMID: 34920861 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In human pregnancy, maternal platelet counts decrease with each trimester, reaching a reduction by approximately ten percent at term in uncomplicated cases and recover to the levels of the non-pregnant state a few weeks postpartum. The time when maternal platelets start to occur in the early human placenta most likely coincides with the appearance of loosely cohesive endovascular trophoblast plugs showing capillary-sized channels by mid first trimester. At that time, platelets accumulate in intercellular gaps of anchoring parts of trophoblast columns and start to adhere to the surface of placental villi and the chorionic plate. This is considered as normal process that contributes to placenta development by acting on both the extravillous- and the villous trophoblast compartment. Release of platelet cargo into intercellular gaps of anchoring cell columns may affect partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness of extravillous trophoblasts as well as deposition of fibrinoid in the basal plate. Activation of maternal platelets on the villous surface leads to perivillous fibrin-type fibrinoid deposition, contributing to the shaping of the developing placental villi and the intervillous space. In contrast, excess platelet activation at the villous surface leads to deregulation of the endocrine activity, sterile inflammation and local apoptosis of the syncytiotrophoblast. Platelets and their released cargo are adapted to pregnancy, and may be altered in high-risk pregnancies. Identification of different maternal platelet subpopulations, which show differential procoagulant ability and different response to anti-platelet therapy, are promising new future directions in deciphering the role of maternal platelets in human placenta physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology; Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria.
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8
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Jones CJP, Aplin JD. A re-examination of the origins of placental bed giant cells. Placenta 2021; 114:39-41. [PMID: 34419717 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In view of controversy about the source of placental multinuclear giant cells, we have re-examined the literature which clearly shows they are derived from trophoblastic elements that have populated the decidua. Archival material for electron microscopy from 17 to 18 week placentae demonstrates they can be found connected via desmosomes to the outer extravillous cytotrophoblast cells of anchoring columns, thus identifying a primary source. We suggest their formation is a terminal differentiation step occurring at all stages of invasion from the cell column to the myometrium, progressively reducing the invasive population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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9
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Albrecht ED, Babischkin JS, Aberdeen GW, Burch MG, Pepe GJ. Maternal systemic vascular dysfunction in a primate model of defective uterine spiral artery remodeling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1712-H1723. [PMID: 33666502 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00613.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Uterine spiral artery remodeling (UAR) is essential for placental perfusion and fetal development. A defect in UAR underpins placental ischemia disorders, e.g., preeclampsia, that result in maternal systemic vascular endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. We have established a model of impaired UAR by prematurely elevating maternal serum estradiol levels during the first trimester of baboon pregnancy. However, it is unknown whether this experimental paradigm is associated with maternal vascular endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, in the present study baboons were administered estradiol on days 25-59 of gestation to suppress UAR and maternal vascular function determined on day 165 (term = 184 days) peripherally and in skeletal muscle, which accounts for over 40% of body mass and 25% of resting systemic vascular resistance. Maternal serum sFlt-1 levels were 2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05), and skeletal muscle arteriolar endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression and luminal area, and skeletal muscle capillary density were 30-50% lower (P < 0.05) in UAR suppressed baboons. Coinciding with these changes in eNOS expression, luminal area, and capillary density, maternal brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and volume flow were 70% and 55% lower (P < 0.05), respectively, and mean arterial blood pressure 29% higher (P < 0.01) in UAR defective baboons. In summary, maternal vascular function was disrupted in a baboon model of impaired UAR. These results highlight the translational impact of this primate model and relevance to adverse conditions of human pregnancy underpinned by improper uterine artery transformation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maternal vascular dysfunction is a hallmark of abnormal human pregnancy, particularly early-onset preeclampsia, elicited by impaired UAR. The present study makes the novel discovery that maternal systemic vascular dysfunction was induced in a baboon experimental model of impaired UAR. This study highlights the translational relevance of this nonhuman primate model to adverse conditions of human pregnancy underpinned by defective UAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene D Albrecht
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffery S Babischkin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graham W Aberdeen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marcia G Burch
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Gerald J Pepe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
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10
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Guettler J, Forstner D, Cvirn G, Maninger S, Brugger BA, Nonn O, Kupper N, Pritz E, Wernitznig S, Dohr G, Hutter H, Juch H, Isermann B, Kohli S, Gauster M. Maternal platelets pass interstices of trophoblast columns and are not activated by HLA-G in early human pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 144:103280. [PMID: 33530024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In early human gestation, maternal arterial blood flow into the intervillous space of the developing placenta is obstructed by invaded trophoblasts, which form cellular plugs in uterine spiral arteries. These trophoblast plugs have recently been described to be loosely cohesive with clear capillary-sized channels into the intervillous space by 7 weeks of gestation. Here, we analysed localisation of maternal platelets at the maternal-foetal interface of human first trimester pregnancy, and tested the hypothesis whether HLA-G, which is primarily expressed by extravillous trophoblasts, affects aggregation and adhesion of isolated platelets. Immunohistochemistry of first trimester placental sections localised maternal platelets in vessel-like channels and adjacent intercellular gaps of extravillous trophoblasts in distal parts of columns. Furthermore, this localisation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Neither co-incubation of HLA-G overexpressing JAR cells with isolated platelets, nor incubation with cell-derived soluble HLA-G or recombinant HLA-G affected platelet adhesion and aggregation. Our study suggests that maternal platelets flow through vessel-like channels of distal trophoblast columns and spread into adjacent lateral intercellular gaps, where platelet-derived factors could contribute to trophoblast differentiation into the invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Cvirn
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Maninger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Beatrice A Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pritz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gottfried Dohr
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Heinz Hutter
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Herbert Juch
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shrey Kohli
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Burton GJ, Jauniaux E. Placentation in the Human and Higher Primates. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2021; 234:223-254. [PMID: 34694484 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77360-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Placentation in humans is precocious and highly invasive compared to other mammals. Implantation is interstitial, with the conceptus becoming completely embedded within the endometrium towards the end of the second week post-fertilization. Villi initially form over the entire surface of the chorionic sac, stimulated by histotrophic secretions from the endometrial glands. The secondary yolk sac never makes contact with the chorion, and a choriovitelline placenta is never established. However, recent morphological and transcriptomic analyses suggest that the yolk sac plays an important role in the uptake of nutrients from the coelomic fluid. Measurements performed in vivo demonstrate that early development takes place in a physiological, low-oxygen environment that protects against teratogenic free radicals and maintains stem cells in a multipotent state. The maternal arterial circulation to the placenta is only fully established around 10-12 weeks of gestation. By then, villi have regressed over the superficial, abembryonic pole, leaving the definitive discoid placenta, which is of the villous, hemochorial type. Remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries is essential to ensure a high-volume but low-velocity inflow into the mature placenta. Extravillous trophoblast cells migrate from anchoring villi and surround the arteries. Their interactions with maternal immune cells release cytokines and proteases that are key to remodeling, and a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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12
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Czika A, Gorleku PN, Ullah A, Panhwar Z, Ruan LL, Ding YB, Wang YX. The Involvement of Cell Adhesion Molecules, Tight Junctions, and Gap Junctions in Human Placentation. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:305-320. [PMID: 33146876 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Placentation is a major determinant of the success of pregnancy. It is regulated by several factors such as cell adhesion molecules, tight junctions, and gap junctions. The cell adhesion molecules are integrins, cadherins, immunoglobulins, nectins, and selectins. The tight junctions are composed of claudins, occludin, and junction adhesion molecule proteins while the gap junctions are composed of connexins of varying molecular weights. During placentation, some of these molecules regulate trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast fusion, trophoblast migration, trophoblast invasion, trophoblast-endothelium adhesion, glandular remodeling, and spiral artery remodeling. There is a dysregulated placental expression of some of these molecules during obstetric complications. We have, hereby, indicated the expression patterns of the subunits of each of these molecules in the various trophoblast subtypes and in the decidua, and have highlighted their involvement in physiological and pathological placentation. The available evidence points to the relevance of these molecules as distinguishing markers of the various trophoblast lineages and as potential therapeutic targets in the management of malplacentation-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Armin Czika
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Philip Narteh Gorleku
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Republic of Ghana
| | - Amin Ullah
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulqarnain Panhwar
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ling Ruan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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Albrecht ED, Pepe GJ. Regulation of Uterine Spiral Artery Remodeling: a Review. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1932-1942. [PMID: 32548805 PMCID: PMC7452941 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblast remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries is essential for promoting blood flow to the placenta and fetal development, but little is known about the regulation of this process. A defect in spiral artery remodeling underpins adverse conditions of human pregnancy, notably early-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, which result in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Many in vitro studies have been conducted to determine the ability of growth and other factors to stimulate trophoblast cells to migrate across a synthetic membrane. Clinical studies have investigated whether the maternal levels of various factors are altered during abnormal human pregnancy. Animal models have been established to assess the ability of various factors to recapitulate the pathophysiological symptoms of preeclampsia. This review analyzes the results of the in vitro, clinical, and animal studies and describes a nonhuman primate experimental paradigm of defective uterine artery remodeling to study the regulation of vessel remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene D Albrecht
- Bressler Research Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Gerald J Pepe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
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14
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Babischkin JS, Aberdeen GW, Lindner JR, Bonagura TW, Pepe GJ, Albrecht ED. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Delivery to Placental Basal Plate Promotes Uterine Artery Remodeling in the Primate. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1492-1505. [PMID: 31002314 PMCID: PMC6542484 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) uterine artery remodeling (UAR) promotes placental blood flow, but UAR regulation is unproven. Elevating estradiol (E2) in early baboon pregnancy suppressed UAR and EVT vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, but this did not prove that VEGF mediated this process. Therefore, our primate model of prematurely elevating E2 and contrast-enhanced ultrasound cavitation of microbubble (MB) carriers was used to deliver VEGF DNA to the placental basal plate (PBP) to establish the role of VEGF in UAR. Baboons were treated on days 25 to 59 of gestation (term, 184 days) with E2 alone or with E2 plus VEGF DNA-conjugated MBs briefly infused via a maternal peripheral vein on days 25, 35, 45, and 55. At each of these times an ultrasound beam was directed to the PBP to collapse the MBs and release VEGF DNA. VEGF DNA-labeled MBs per contrast agent was localized in the PBP but not the fetus. Remodeling of uterine arteries >25 µm in diameter on day 60 was 75% lower (P < 0.001) in E2-treated (7% ± 2%) than in untreated baboons (30% ± 4%) and was restored to normal by E2/VEGF. VEGF protein levels (signals/nuclear area) within the PBP were twofold lower (P < 0.01) in E2-treated (4.2 ± 0.9) than in untreated (9.8 ± 2.8) baboons and restored to normal by E2/VEGF (11.9 ± 1.6), substantiating VEGF transfection. Thus, VEGF gene delivery selectively to the PBP prevented the decrease in UAR elicited by prematurely elevating E2 levels, establishing the role of VEGF in regulating UAR in vivo during primate pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery S Babischkin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graham W Aberdeen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jonathan R Lindner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Gerald J Pepe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Eugene D Albrecht
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Correspondence: Eugene D. Albrecht, PhD, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Bressler Research Laboratories 11-019, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. E-mail:
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15
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The cytotrophoblastic shell and complications of pregnancy. Placenta 2017; 60:134-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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16
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Garrido-Gomez T, Ona K, Kapidzic M, Gormley M, Simón C, Genbacev O, Fisher SJ. Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with alterations in cytotrophoblasts of the smooth chorion. Development 2017; 144:767-777. [PMID: 28232601 PMCID: PMC5374356 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE), which affects ∼8% of first pregnancies, is associated with faulty placentation. Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) fail to differentiate properly, contributing to shallow uterine invasion and deficient spiral artery remodeling. We studied the effects of severe PE (sPE) on the smooth chorion portion of the fetal membranes. The results showed a significant expansion of the CTB layer. The cells displayed enhanced expression of stage-specific antigens that extravillous CTBs normally upregulate as they exit the placenta. Transcriptomics revealed the dysregulated expression of many genes (e.g. placental proteins, markers of oxidative stress). We confirmed an sPE-related increase in production of PAPPA1, which releases IGF1 from its binding protein. IGF1 enhanced proliferation of smooth chorion CTBs, a possible explanation for expansion of this layer, which may partially compensate for the placental deficits. Highlighted article: Cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) within the smooth chorion of the human placenta are implicated in severe pre-eclampsia, undergoing significant expansion and changes in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Garrido-Gomez
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI, INCLIVA, Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia University, Valencia, 46010, Spain.,Fundación Igenomix, Valencia, 46980, Spain
| | - Katherine Ona
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mirhan Kapidzic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew Gormley
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI, INCLIVA, Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia University, Valencia, 46010, Spain.,Fundación Igenomix, Valencia, 46980, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olga Genbacev
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,The Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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17
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Aliota MT, Bassit L, Bradrick SS, Cox B, Garcia-Blanco MA, Gavegnano C, Friedrich TC, Golos TG, Griffin DE, Haddow AD, Kallas EG, Kitron U, Lecuit M, Magnani DM, Marrs C, Mercer N, McSweegan E, Ng LFP, O'Connor DH, Osorio JE, Ribeiro GS, Ricciardi M, Rossi SL, Saade G, Schinazi RF, Schott-Lerner GO, Shan C, Shi PY, Watkins DI, Vasilakis N, Weaver SC. Zika in the Americas, year 2: What have we learned? What gaps remain? A report from the Global Virus Network. Antiviral Res 2017; 144:223-246. [PMID: 28595824 PMCID: PMC5920658 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In response to the outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the Western Hemisphere and the recognition of a causal association with fetal malformations, the Global Virus Network (GVN) assembled an international taskforce of virologists to promote basic research, recommend public health measures and encourage the rapid development of vaccines, antiviral therapies and new diagnostic tests. In this article, taskforce members and other experts review what has been learned about ZIKV-induced disease in humans, its modes of transmission and the cause and nature of associated congenital manifestations. After describing the make-up of the taskforce, we summarize the emergence of ZIKV in the Americas, Africa and Asia, its spread by mosquitoes, and current control measures. We then review the spectrum of primary ZIKV-induced disease in adults and children, sites of persistent infection and sexual transmission, then examine what has been learned about maternal-fetal transmission and the congenital Zika syndrome, including knowledge obtained from studies in laboratory animals. Subsequent sections focus on vaccine development, antiviral therapeutics and new diagnostic tests. After reviewing current understanding of the mechanisms of emergence of Zika virus, we consider the likely future of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Aliota
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bryan Cox
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Center for AIDS Research, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Diane E Griffin
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Andrew D Haddow
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Esper G Kallas
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Uriel Kitron
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit and INSERM Unit 1117, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Necker- Enfants Malades University Hospital, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Diogo M Magnani
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Caroline Marrs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Mercer
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lisa F P Ng
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - David H O'Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Jorge E Osorio
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Guilherme S Ribeiro
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz and Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - George Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for AIDS Research, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Geraldine O Schott-Lerner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Chao Shan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David I Watkins
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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18
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Novel Regulators of Hemodynamics in the Pregnant Uterus. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 145:181-216. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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19
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Placental Evolution within the Supraordinal Clades of Eutheria with the Perspective of Alternative Animal Models for Human Placentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/639274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Here a survey of placental evolution is conducted. Placentation is a key factor for the evolution of placental mammals that had evolved an astonishing diversity. As a temporary organ that does not allow easy access, it is still not well understood. The lack of data also is a restriction for better understanding of placental development, structure, and function in the human. Animal models are essential, because experimental access to the human placenta is naturally restricted. However, there is not a single ideal model that is entirely similar to humans. It is particularly important to establish other models than the mouse, which is characterised by a short gestation period and poorly developed neonates that may provide insights only for early human pregnancy. In conclusion, current evolutionary studies have contributed essentially to providing a pool of experimental models for recent and future approaches that may also meet the requirements of a long gestation period and advanced developmental status of the newborn in the human. Suitability and limitations of taxa as alternative animal models are discussed. However, further investigations especially in wildlife taxa should be conducted in order to learn more about the full evolutionary plasticity of the placenta system.
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Esnault C, Cornelis G, Heidmann O, Heidmann T. Differential evolutionary fate of an ancestral primate endogenous retrovirus envelope gene, the EnvV syncytin, captured for a function in placentation. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003400. [PMID: 23555306 PMCID: PMC3610889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytins are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been co-opted for a role in placentation. They promote cell–cell fusion and are involved in the formation of a syncytium layer—the syncytiotrophoblast—at the materno-fetal interface. They were captured independently in eutherian mammals, and knockout mice demonstrated that they are absolutely required for placenta formation and embryo survival. Here we provide evidence that these “necessary” genes acquired “by chance” have a definite lifetime with diverse fates depending on the animal lineage, being both gained and lost in the course of evolution. Analysis of a retroviral envelope gene, the envV gene, present in primate genomes and belonging to the endogenous retrovirus type V (ERV-V) provirus, shows that this captured gene, which entered the primate lineage >45 million years ago, behaves as a syncytin in Old World monkeys, but lost its canonical fusogenic activity in other primate lineages, including humans. In the Old World monkeys, we show—by in situ analyses and ex vivo assays—that envV is both specifically expressed at the level of the placental syncytiotrophoblast and fusogenic, and that it further displays signs of purifying selection based on analysis of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates. We further show that purifying selection still operates in the primate lineages where the gene is no longer fusogenic, indicating that degeneracy of this ancestral syncytin is a slow, lineage-dependent, and multi-step process, in which the fusogenic activity would be the first canonical property of this retroviral envelope gene to be lost. Syncytins are “new” genes encoding the envelope protein of captured endogenous retroviral elements. Their unambiguous status of “cellular gene” was recently demonstrated by knocking them out in genetically modified mice, showing their absolute requirement for placenta formation and embryo survival, via formation by cell–cell fusion of the feto-maternal syncytium interface. These genes are remarkable, as they are “necessary” for a basic function in placental mammals and yet they were acquired “by chance” on multiple occasions and independently in diverse mammalian species. We proposed that syncytins have been pivotal for the emergence of animals with a placenta from those laying eggs via the capture of a founding retroviral env gene, then subsequently replaced in the diverse mammalian lineages upon successive and independent germline infections by new retroviruses and co-optation of their env gene, each new gene providing its host with a positive selective advantage. This hypothesis would account for the diversity of the captured syncytins that can be currently found, concomitant with the diversity of placental architectures. A consequence of this paradigm is that evidence for “decaying syncytins” in eutherian mammals should exist, and this is precisely what we sought—and found—in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Esnault
- Unité des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Éléments Rétroïdes des Eucaryotes Supérieurs, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8122, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Guillaume Cornelis
- Unité des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Éléments Rétroïdes des Eucaryotes Supérieurs, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8122, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Paris Sorbonne Cité, Paris, France
| | - Odile Heidmann
- Unité des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Éléments Rétroïdes des Eucaryotes Supérieurs, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8122, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Thierry Heidmann
- Unité des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Éléments Rétroïdes des Eucaryotes Supérieurs, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8122, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
- * E-mail:
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21
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Bondarenko GI, Durning M, Golos TG. Immunomorphological changes in the rhesus monkey endometrium and decidua during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:309-321. [PMID: 22784010 PMCID: PMC3440518 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Throughout the reproductive cycle and into early pregnancy, the normal endometrium undergoes changes in a range of leukocytes, epithelia, stromal fibroblasts, and vascular structures caused by intersecting effects of hormone balance and embryo implantation. The direct investigation in humans of reproductive tract responses during normal and physiologically altered cycles is not practical or feasible. METHOD AND STUDY: The aim of this study was to define immunological and morphological changes through immunohistological and morphometric evaluation of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the decidua during early gestation in the rhesus monkey, a tractable experimental animal model. RESULTS A zone-dependent method for the immunohistological description of the rhesus uterine mucosa was established and showed that leukocyte infiltration, stromal cell decidualization, glandular and vascular responses were zone- and cell type-dependent, and changed throughout the cycle and early pregnancy. Morphological heterogeneity of uterine natural killer cells in the cycling endometrium and gestational decidua were consistent with the recent characterization of phenotypic subsets. CONCLUSIONS These data establish a morphological platform upon which to further study the regulation of endometrial responses to the hormonal mileau of pregnancy, the control of local leukocyte populations, and the responses to threatened pregnancy, infection, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennadiy I. Bondarenko
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maureen Durning
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Dept. of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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22
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Chang TC, Eddy CA, Ying Y, Liu YG, Holden AE, Brzyski RG, Schenken RS. Ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, and effects of culture conditions on baboon preimplantation embryo development. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1217-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.06.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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LUO J, QIAO F, YIN X. Hypoxia Induces FGF2 Production by Vascular Endothelial Cells and Alters MMP9 and TIMP1 Expression in Extravillous Trophoblasts and Their Invasiveness in a Cocultured Model. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:84-91. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-008k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianying LUO
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University
| | - Fuyuan QIAO
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Xianghua YIN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University
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24
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Wright JK, Dunk CE, Amsalem H, Maxwell C, Keating S, Lye SJ. HER1 signaling mediates extravillous trophoblast differentiation in humans. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:1036-45. [PMID: 20739666 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.083246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the role of HER1 signaling in the differentiation of proliferative extravillous trophoblast (EVT) into invasive EVT. Using the JAR choriocarcinoma cell line and placental villous explants as experimental models and immunohistochemical assessment of protein markers of EVT differentiation (downregulation of HER1 and Cx40 and upregulation of HER2 and alpha1 integrin), we show that the ability of decidual conditioned medium (DCM) to induce HER1/2 switching was abrogated in the presence of the HER1 antagonist, AG1478. Similarly, epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment resulted in the downregulation of HER1 and an upregulation of HER2 expression, whereas co-incubation of EGF with AG1478 inhibited this response. However, EGF did not downregulate Cx40 or induce migration of EVT. In contrast, heparin-binding epidermal-like growth factor (HBEGF) stimulated dose-dependent JAR cell migration, which was inhibited by both AG1478 and AG825 (HER2 antagonist). Western blot analysis of HER1 activation demonstrated that HBEGF-mediated phosphorylation of the HER1 Tyr992 and Tyr1068 sites, while EGF activated the Tyr1045 site. Moreover, HBEGF induced a stronger and more sustained activation of both the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PIK3) signaling pathways. Migration assays using a panel of signaling pathway inhibitors demonstrated that the HBEGF-mediated migration was dependent on the PIK3 pathway. These results demonstrate that HBEGF-mediated HER1 signaling through PIK3 is an important component of EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Wright
- Women's and Infants' Health Research Centre, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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25
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Harris L, Jones C, Aplin J. Adhesion Molecules in Human Trophoblast – A Review. II. Extravillous Trophoblast. Placenta 2009; 30:299-304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 12/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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26
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Bonagura TW, Pepe GJ, Enders AC, Albrecht ED. Suppression of extravillous trophoblast vascular endothelial growth factor expression and uterine spiral artery invasion by estrogen during early baboon pregnancy. Endocrinology 2008; 149:5078-87. [PMID: 18566115 PMCID: PMC2582926 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have shown that advancing the increase in maternal serum estrogen levels from the second to the first third of baboon pregnancy suppressed extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) spiral artery invasion. Because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes EVT invasion, the present study determined whether EVT VEGF expression is altered by prematurely elevating estrogen in early pregnancy. Placental basal plate was obtained on d 60 of gestation (term is 184 d) from baboons treated daily on d 25-59 with estradiol (0.35 mg/d sc), which increased maternal peripheral serum estradiol levels 3-fold above normal. Overall percentage of uterine arteries (25 to more than 100 microm in diameter) invaded by EVT assessed by image analysis in untreated baboons (29.11+/-5.78%) was decreased 4.5-fold (P<0.001) by prematurely elevating estrogen (6.55+/-1.83%). VEGF mRNA levels in EVT isolated by laser capture microdissection from the anchoring villi of untreated baboons (6.77+/-2.20) were decreased approximately 5-fold (P<0.05, ANOVA) by estradiol (1.37+/-0.29). Uterine vein serum levels of the truncated soluble fms-like receptor, which controls VEGF bioavailability, in untreated baboons (403+/-37 pg/ml) were increased 3-fold (P<0.01) by estrogen treatment (1127+/-197 pg/ml). Thus, placental EVT expression of VEGF mRNA was decreased and serum soluble truncated fms-like receptor levels increased in baboons in which EVT invasion of the uterine spiral arteries was suppressed by advancing the rise in estrogen from the second to the first third of pregnancy. We suggest that VEGF mediates the decline in EVT vessel invasion induced by estrogen in early primate pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Bonagura
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Bressler Research Laboratories 11-019, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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27
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Malassiné A, Cronier L. Involvement of gap junctions in placental functions and development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2005; 1719:117-24. [PMID: 16271349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2005.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2005] [Revised: 09/23/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) expression and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) are involved in development and differentiation processes. Mediating exchanges between mother and fetus, the placenta is formed when fetal membranes are apposed or even fusing or destroying the uterine mucosa. Therefore, an extraordinary variability of placental structures is observed throughout the mammalian species. This variability affect mainly, the maternofetal blood flow interrelationships, the kind and number of tissue layers separating maternal and fetal bloods, the trophoblast invasiveness and the formation of a syncytium (syncytiotrophoblast). Here, the expression, the localisation and the possible role of Cx and GJIC in placental functions and development are discussed. In rodents, gene knock out in mice have vastly improved our understanding of the role of Cx genes in mouse placental development: Cx26 in transplacental uptake of glucose, Cx31 in the proliferative process of trophoblastic cells and Cx45 in placental vascularisation. In human, it appears that Cx43 allows a GJIC required for the fusion process of cytotrophoblastic cells leading to the formation of the syncytiotrophoblast, the site of the numerous placental functions. On other hands, Cx40 plays a critical role in the switch from a proliferative to an invasive phenotype of the trophoblastic cells invading the endometrium. Owing to the striking diversity of Cx expression in placental structures, we must be careful when extrapolating findings from one species to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malassiné
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U427, Faculté des sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Université René Descartes, 4 Av. de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris cedex 6, France.
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28
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Vizza E, Correr S, Barberini F, Heyn R, Bianchi S, Macchiarelli G. 3-D Ultrastructural Distribution of Collagen in Human Placental Villi at Term in Relation to Vascular Tree. J Reprod Dev 2005; 51:433-43. [PMID: 15846046 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to understand the 3-D distribution of collagen in relation to vascularization, chorionic villi of human placentae, belonging to normal pregnancies at term, were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after alkali maceration techniques, and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The villous tree appeared made of an uninterrupted structure of collagen fibres. The collagen fibres connected the chorionic villi axis with their basal plates and organised differently according to the various levels of villous branching. The collagen of stem villi showed copious fibres. The external fibres (facing the villous surface) were arranged mainly longitudinally. The central core of the villi (inner fibres) were arranged concentrically around the wall of the fetal vessels. Both external and internal fibres formed stratified lamellae or small parallel bundles. The inner core of stem villi showed small holes housing capillary spaces. Mature intermediate and terminal villi showed a scarce amount of collagen arranged in thin concentric layer within the villous core, surrounding numerous dilated capillary and sinusoid spaces.These observations demonstrated that the extracellular matrix of human chorionic villi is highly compartmentalised and shows a variable structural 3-D distribution depending on the branching level of the villous tree, such a distribution ensures the most favourable microenvironment for feto-maternal exchanges and it is likely able to provide a modulated support to the developing chorionic fetal vessels and trophoblastic layer as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Vizza
- Gynaecologic Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit, Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
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29
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Chen Q, Stone PR, McCowan LME, Chamley LW. Interaction of Jar choriocarcinoma cells with endothelial cell monolayers. Placenta 2004; 26:617-25. [PMID: 16085041 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2004] [Revised: 08/09/2004] [Accepted: 09/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
During human pregnancy the uterine spiral arteries are invaded by placental trophoblasts which replace the endothelial cells that line the non-pregnant spiral arteries and transform these vessels into large-bore conduits enabling adequate perfusion of the placenta with maternal blood. Failure of this process may predispose to preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction [Brosens I, Robertson WB, Dixon HG. The physiological response of the vessels of the placental bed to normal pregnancy. Journal of Pathology and Bacteriology 1967;93:569-79; Khong TY, De Wolf F, Robertson WB, Brosens I. Inadequate maternal vascular response to placentation in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and by small-for-gestational age infants. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1986;93:1049-59]. There is a paucity of data on the role of maternal endothelial cells in this process. In this study we investigated the cellular interactions between trophoblast-derived Jar cells and endothelial cells (HUVECs and HMEC-1). The effect of coculturing Jar cells with endothelial cell monolayers was determined by confocal microscopy, DNA fragmentation assay and flow cytometry. We demonstrated that Jar cells migrate into focal areas in endothelial cell monolayers, where they induce endothelial cell death and, then phagocytose the dead endothelial cells. Our results suggest that endothelial cells may not simply be passive targets for invading trophoblasts during the remodeling of the spiral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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30
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Wei P, Yu FQ, Chen XL, Tao SX, Han CS, Liu YX. VEGF, bFGF and their receptors at the fetal-maternal interface of the rhesus monkey. Placenta 2004; 25:184-96. [PMID: 14972451 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2003.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2003] [Revised: 07/18/2003] [Accepted: 08/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Placental development involves trophoblast outgrowth and a coordinated angiogenesis in the implantation site. In this study, expression of angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), VEGF receptors, kinase insert domain-containing region (KDR), and bFGF receptor Flg was characterized at the maternal-embryonic boundary of the rhesus monkey on Day 17, 19, 28 and 34 of pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization showed that VEGF mRNA and protein were both strongly expressed in the cytotrophoblast, the blood vessels and certain immunocytes. These sites were also immunopositive for KDR. In addition to the vascular endothelial cells and the vascular smooth muscle cells, the protein and mRNA for bFGF were also detected in cyto/syncytiotrophoblast bilayer, whereas the staining for Flg protein was mainly localized in the cytotrophoblast cells. The staining degree of VEGF and bFGF in the villi gradually decreased with the development of placenta. Strong expression of bFGF, Flg and KDR was also detected in the decidual cells. These data suggest that VEGF and bFGF may be involved in angiogenesis, cytotrophoblast proliferation and migration during early stage of placentation in the rhesus monkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Road Zhongguancun, Box no. 9, Beijing 100080, China
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31
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Nishimura T, Dunk C, Lu Y, Feng X, Gellhaus A, Winterhager E, Rossant J, Lye SJ. Gap junctions are required for trophoblast proliferation in early human placental development. Placenta 2004; 25:595-607. [PMID: 15193866 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the role of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human trophoblast differentiation, particularly during the formation of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell columns and their subsequent differentiation into invasive cells. We have identified transcripts for five connexin gap junction proteins in the early human placenta (Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45). Of these, Cx40 and Cx45 proteins immunolocalize to EVT in anchoring cell columns. Cx40 expression is prominent in the anchoring column throughout the first trimester of pregnancy (6-14 weeks gestation). We used first trimester placental villous explant cultures to determine the functional significance of the inhibition of GJIC in EVT cell proliferation and differentiation using two known GJIC inhibitors, carbenoxolone (CBX) and heptanol. The morphology of EVT outgrowths changed dramatically upon GJIC-blockade, from compact and organized outgrowths into a scattered group of rounded individual trophoblast cells, reminiscent of an early invasive phenotype. Furthermore, the inhibition of GJIC in placental explants by CBX or heptanol induced a switch away from the proliferative and towards an invasive EVT phenotype, as evident from (a) the loss of the proliferation marker Ki67 and (b) an increase in the invasive marker alpha1 integrin. We also utilized antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit Cx40 protein expression in placental explants. Cx40 antisense treatment also resulted in the abolishment of outgrowth EVT cell proliferation (as determined by Ki67 immunostaining). Together, these results suggest that gap junctions composed particularly of Cx40 channels are required for the proliferation of EVT cells in anchoring cell columns, and that a loss of GJIC contributes to differentiation to the invasive EVT phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nishimura
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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32
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Slukvin II, Breburda EE, Golos TG. Dynamic Changes in Primate Endometrial Leukocyte Populations: Differential Distribution of Macrophages and Natural Killer Cells at the Rhesus Monkey Implantation Site and in Early Pregnancy. Placenta 2004; 25:297-307. [PMID: 15028422 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2003.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Revised: 07/24/2003] [Accepted: 08/02/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of uterine leukocytes during the periimplantation period cannot be readily evaluated in human pregnancy. Using immunohistochemistry we examined the distribution of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells in the non-pregnant endometrium and in the decidua at early stages of implantation and pregnancy in the rhesus monkey. CD68+ macrophages, CD56+ lymphocytes and CD3+ T cells were present in the proliferative and secretory endometrium. The number of macrophages and CD56+ lymphocytes dramatically increased at implantation (day 14-15 of pregnancy) and continued to be high in early pregnancy decidua. Macrophages were conspicuously more numerous in proximity to implantation site (decidua basalis) as compared to sites peripheral to the developing placenta (decidua parietalis), and were found in close association with cytotrophoblasts adjacent to the decidua, as well as around arteries invaded by extravillous cytotrophoblasts. In contrast to macrophages, CD56+ lymphocytes were more evenly distributed throughout the decidua. Few CD3+ T cells were seen in pregnancy, being scattered in the endometrial stroma with occasional aggregate formation. The distribution of uterine leukocytes vis-à-vis trophoblasts at the rhesus monkey implantation site and in early pregnancy suggests different roles for macrophages and uterine NK cells in the response to trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299, USA
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