1
|
Lestari B, Fukushima T, Utomo RY, Wahyuningsih MSH. Apoptotic and non-apoptotic roles of caspases in placenta physiology and pathology. Placenta 2024; 151:37-47. [PMID: 38703713 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, are pivotal regulators of apoptosis, the tightly controlled cell death process crucial for eliminating excessive or unnecessary cells during development, including placental development. Collecting research has unveiled the multifaceted roles of caspases in the placenta, extending beyond apoptosis. Apart from their involvement in placental tissue remodeling via apoptosis, caspases actively participate in essential regulatory processes, such as trophoblast fusion and differentiation, significantly influencing placental growth and functionality. In addition, growing evidence indicates an elevation in caspase activity under pathological conditions like pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), leading to excessive cell death as well as inflammation. Drawing from advancements in caspase research and placental development under both normal and abnormal conditions, we examine the significance of caspases in both cell death (apoptosis) and non-cell death-related processes within the placenta. We also discuss potential therapeutics targeting caspase-related pathways for placenta disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beni Lestari
- Department Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Toshiaki Fukushima
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan.
| | - Rohmad Yudi Utomo
- Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mae Sri Hartati Wahyuningsih
- Department Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Parameshwar PK, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineering placental trophoblast fusion: A potential role for biomechanics in syncytialization. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00054-7. [PMID: 38448351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The process by which placental trophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast around the chorionic villi is not fully understood. Mechanical features of the in vivo and in vitro culture environments have recently emerged as having the potential to influence fusion efficiency, and considering these mechanical cues may ultimately allow predictive control of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we review recent studies that suggest that biomechanical factors such as shear stress, tissue stiffness, and dimensionally-related stresses affect villous trophoblast fusion efficiency. We then discuss how these stimuli might arise in vivo and how they can be incorporated in cultures to study and enhance villous trophoblast fusion. We believe that this mechanical paradigm will provide novel insight into manipulating the syncytialization process to better engineer improved models, understand disease progression, and ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, H7B 1B7, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3L 1K5, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada; Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shimode S. Acquisition and Exaptation of Endogenous Retroviruses in Mammalian Placenta. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1482. [PMID: 37892164 PMCID: PMC10604696 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are retrovirus-like sequences that were previously integrated into the host genome. Although most ERVs are inactivated by mutations, deletions, or epigenetic regulation, some remain transcriptionally active and impact host physiology. Several ERV-encoded proteins, such as Syncytins and Suppressyn, contribute to placenta acquisition, a crucial adaptation in mammals that protects the fetus from external threats and other risks while enabling the maternal supply of oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies. In primates, Syncytin-1 and Syncytin-2 facilitate cell-cell fusion for placental formation. Suppressyn is the first ERV-derived protein that inhibits cell fusion by binding to ASCT2, the receptor for Syncytin-1. Furthermore, Syncytin-2 likely inserted into the genome of the common ancestor of Anthropoidea, whereas Syncytin-1 and Suppressyn likely inserted into the ancestor of catarrhines; however, they were inactivated in some lineages, suggesting that multiple exaptation events had occurred. This review discusses the role of ERV-encoded proteins, particularly Syncytins and Suppressyn, in placental development and function, focusing on the integration of ERVs into the host genome and their contribution to the genetic mechanisms underlying placentogenesis. This review provides valuable insights into the molecular and genetic aspects of placentation, potentially shedding light on broader evolutionary and physiological processes in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Shimode
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan;
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Su AL, Lash LH, Loch-Caruso R. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and aminooxyacetic acid differentially modulate toxicity of the trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine in human placental villous trophoblast BeWo cells. Toxicology 2023; 495:153611. [PMID: 37544576 PMCID: PMC10874504 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153611] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a known human carcinogen with toxicity attributed to its metabolism. S-(1,2-Dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) is a metabolite of TCE formed downstream in TCE glutathione (GSH) conjugation and is upstream of several toxic metabolites. Despite knowledge that DCVC stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis in placental cells, the extent to which these outcomes are attributable to DCVC metabolism is unknown. The current study used N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) at 5 mM and aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) at 1 mM as pharmacological modifiers of DCVC metabolism to investigate DCVC toxicity at concentrations of 5-50 µM in the human placental trophoblast BeWo cell model capable of forskolin-stimulated syncytialization. Exposures of unsyncytialized BeWo cells, BeWo cells undergoing syncytialization, and syncytialized BeWo cells were studied. NAC pre/co-treatment with DCVC either failed to inhibit or exacerbated DCVC-induced H2O2 abundance, PRDX2 mRNA expression, and BCL2 mRNA expression. Although NAC increased mRNA expression of CYP3A4, which would be consistent with increased generation of the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-DCVC sulfoxide (NAcDCVCS), a CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole did not significantly alter BeWo cell responses. Moreover, AOAA failed to inhibit cysteine conjugate β-lyase (CCBL), which bioactivates DCVC, and did not affect the percentage of nuclei condensed or fragmented, a measure of apoptosis, in all BeWo cell models. However, syncytialized cells had higher CCBL activity compared to unsyncytialized cells, suggesting that the former may be more sensitive to DCVC toxicity. Together, although neither NAC nor AOAA mitigated DCVC toxicity, differences in CCBL activity and potentially CYP3A4 expression dictated the differential toxicity derived from DCVC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Lawrence H Lash
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Su AL, Harris SM, Elkin ER, Karnovsky A, Colacino J, Loch-Caruso RK. Trichloroethylene Metabolite S-(1,2-Dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine Stimulates Changes in Energy Metabolites and Amino Acids in the BeWo Human Placental Trophoblast Model during Syncytialization. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:882-899. [PMID: 37162359 PMCID: PMC10499396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Syncytialization, the fusion of cytotrophoblasts into an epithelial barrier that constitutes the maternal-fetal interface, is a crucial event of placentation. This process is characterized by distinct changes to amino acid and energy metabolism. A metabolite of the industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC), modifies energy metabolism and amino acid abundance in HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblasts. In the current study, we investigated DCVC-induced changes to energy metabolism and amino acids during forskolin-stimulated syncytialization in BeWo cells, a human villous trophoblastic cell line that models syncytialization in vitro. BeWo cells were exposed to forskolin at 100 μM for 48 h to stimulate syncytialization. During syncytialization, BeWo cells were also treated with DCVC at 0 (control), 10, or 20 μM. Following treatment, the targeted metabolomics platform, "Tricarboxylic Acid Plus", was used to identify changes in energy metabolism and amino acids. DCVC treatment during syncytialization decreased oleic acid, aspartate, proline, uridine diphosphate (UDP), UDP-d-glucose, uridine monophosphate, and cytidine monophosphate relative to forskolin-only treatment controls, but did not increase any measured metabolite. Notable changes stimulated by syncytialization in the absence of DCVC included increased adenosine monophosphate and guanosine monophosphate, as well as decreased aspartate and glutamate. Pathway analysis revealed multiple pathways in amino acid and sugar metabolisms that were altered with forskolin-stimulated syncytialization alone and DCVC treatment during syncytialization. Analysis of ratios of metabolites within the pathways revealed that DCVC exposure during syncytialization changed metabolite ratios in the same or different direction compared to syncytialization alone. Building off our oleic acid findings, we found that extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2, which is downstream in oleic acid signaling, underwent the same changes as oleic acid. Together, the metabolic changes stimulated by DCVC treatment during syncytialization suggest changes in energy metabolism and amino acid abundance as potential mechanisms by which DCVC could impact syncytialization and pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Sean M. Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Elana R. Elkin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Alla Karnovsky
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Justin Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rita Karen Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Farfán-Labonne B, Leff-Gelman P, Pellón-Díaz G, Camacho-Arroyo I. Cellular senescence in normal and adverse pregnancy. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100734. [PMID: 36773450 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence (CS) is defined as a state of terminal proliferation arrest accompanied by morphological alterations, pro-inflammatory phenotype, and metabolic changes. In recent years, the implications of senescence in numerous physiological and pathological conditions such as development, tissue repair, aging, or cancer have been evident. Some inductors of senescence are tissue repair pathways, telomere shortening, DNA damage, degenerative disorders, and wound healing. Lately, it has been demonstrated that CS plays a decisive role in the development and progression of healthy pregnancy and labor. Premature maternal-fetal tissues senescence (placenta, choriamniotic membranes, and endothelium) is implicated in many adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine fetal death. Here we discuss cellular senescence and its association with normal pregnancy development and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Current evidence allows us to establish the relevance of CS in processes associated with the appropriate development of placentation, the progression of pregnancy, and the onset of labor; likewise, it allows us to understand the undeniable participation of CS deregulation in pathological processes associated with pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Farfán-Labonne
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología "Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes", México.
| | - Philippe Leff-Gelman
- Coordinación de Salud Mental, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología "Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes", México
| | - Gabriela Pellón-Díaz
- Coordinación de Salud Mental, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología "Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes", México
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Su AL, Loch-Caruso R. Apoptotic responses stimulated by the trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine depend on cell differentiation state in BeWo human trophoblast cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 86:105514. [PMID: 36336211 PMCID: PMC9949904 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the placental villous cytotrophoblasts differentiate via cell fusion and multinucleation to create syncytiotrophoblasts, a cell type at the maternal-fetal interface. Apoptosis of syncytiotrophoblasts is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The human trophoblast BeWo cell line has been used as an in vitro model for this differentiation process, also known as syncytialization. In the current study, we exposed unsyncytialized BeWo cells, BeWo cells undergoing syncytialization, and syncytialized BeWo cells to S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC), a metabolite of the industrial chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). DCVC exposure at 50 μM for 48 h decreased cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, increased caspase 3/7 activity, and increased nuclear condensation or fragmentation in BeWo cells regardless of their differentiation status. Investigating mechanisms of apoptosis, DCVC increased H2O2 abundance and decreased PRDX2 mRNA in all three BeWo cell models. DCVC decreased tumor necrosis factor-receptor 1 (TNF-R1) concentration in media and decreased NFKB1 and PRDX1 mRNA expression in syncytialized BeWo cells only. DCVC decreased BCL2 mRNA expression in syncytializing BeWo cells and in syncytialized BeWo cells only. Decreased LGALS3 mRNA was seen in unsyncytialized BeWo cells only. Together, these data suggest roles for oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mechanisms underlying apoptosis in BeWo cells with differences depending on differentiation state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou H, Zhao C, Wang P, Yang W, Zhu H, Zhang S. Regulators involved in trophoblast syncytialization in the placenta of intrauterine growth restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1107182. [PMID: 36798658 PMCID: PMC9927020 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction refers to the insufficiency of placental perfusion and chronic hypoxia during early pregnancy, which impairs placental function and causes inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, affecting fetal development and health. Fetal intrauterine growth restriction, one of the most common outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertensions, can be caused by placental dysfunction, resulting from deficient trophoblast syncytialization, inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired vascular remodeling. During placental development, cytotrophoblasts fuse to form a multinucleated syncytia barrier, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to meet the metabolic demands for fetal growth. A reduction in the cell fusion index and the number of nuclei in the syncytiotrophoblast are found in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that the occurrence of IUGR may be related to inadequate trophoblast syncytialization. During the multiple processes of trophoblasts syncytialization, specific proteins and several signaling pathways are involved in coordinating these events and regulating placental function. In addition, epigenetic modifications, cell metabolism, senescence, and autophagy are also involved. Study findings have indicated several abnormally expressed syncytialization-related proteins and signaling pathways in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that these elements may play a crucial role in the occurrence of IUGR. In this review, we discuss the regulators of trophoblast syncytialization and their abnormal expression in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiong Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Imakawa K, Kusama K, Kaneko-Ishino T, Nakagawa S, Kitao K, Miyazawa T, Ishino F. Endogenous Retroviruses and Placental Evolution, Development, and Diversity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152458. [PMID: 35954303 PMCID: PMC9367772 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main roles of placentas include physical protection, nutrient and oxygen import, export of gasses and fetal waste products, and endocrinological regulation. In addition to physical protection of the fetus, the placentas must provide immune protection throughout gestation. These basic functions are well-conserved; however, placentas are undoubtedly recent evolving organs with structural and cellular diversities. These differences have been explained for the last two decades through co-opting genes and gene control elements derived from transposable elements, including endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). However, the differences in placental structures have not been explained or characterized. This manuscript addresses the sorting of ERVs and their integration into the mammalian genomes and provides new ways to explain why placental structures have diverged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-96-386-2652
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | | | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Nakagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Koichi Kitao
- Laboratory of Virus-Host Coevolution, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takayuki Miyazawa
- Laboratory of Virus-Host Coevolution, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martin E, Suzanne M. Functions of Arp2/3 Complex in the Dynamics of Epithelial Tissues. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:886288. [PMID: 35557951 PMCID: PMC9089454 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.886288] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelia are sheets of cells that communicate and coordinate their behavior in order to ensure their barrier function. Among the plethora of proteins involved in epithelial dynamics, actin nucleators play an essential role. The branched actin nucleation complex Arp2/3 has numerous functions, such as the regulation of cell-cell adhesion, intracellular trafficking, the formation of protrusions, that have been well described at the level of individual cells. Here, we chose to focus on its role in epithelial tissue, which is rising attention in recent works. We discuss how the cellular activities of the Arp2/3 complex drive epithelial dynamics and/or tissue morphogenesis. In the first part, we examined how this complex influences cell-cell cooperation at local scale in processes such as cell-cell fusion or cell corpses engulfment. In the second part, we summarized recent papers dealing with the impact of the Arp2/3 complex at larger scale, focusing on different morphogenetic events, including cell intercalation, epithelial tissue closure and epithelial folding. Altogether, this review highlights the central role of Arp2/3 in a diversity of epithelial tissue reorganization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Martin
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.,FR3743 Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Toulouse, France
| | - Magali Suzanne
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.,FR3743 Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tamanna S, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, van Helden DF, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) enzymes and placental trophoblast syncytialisation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 547:111609. [PMID: 35202745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components; prorenin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin (Ang) II type 1 receptor (AT1R) are upregulated during syncytialisation. This study examined whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2 and neprilysin (NEP) are also altered during syncytialisation. Two in vitro models of syncytialisation were used: forskolin-treated BeWo cells and spontaneously syncytialising primary human trophoblast cells. Term placentae and primary trophoblasts had the highest levels of ACE, ACE2 and NEP mRNA. In primary trophoblasts, ACE mRNA levels significantly increased with syncytialisation, ACE2 and NEP mRNA levels decreased. ACE, ACE2 and NEP protein levels and ACE2 activity did not change. Syncytialisation of primary trophoblasts decreased soluble (s)ACE and sNEP but not sACE2 levels. In primary trophoblasts, the balance between the enzymes controlling the two opposing pathways of the RAS was maintained. These findings were unable to be reproduced in BeWo cells. Future studies exploring placental levels of these enzymes in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tamanna
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saije K Morosin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Dirk F van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Samara A, Khalil A, Brien PO, Herlenius E. The effect of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in maternal infection and pregnancy. iScience 2022; 25:104295. [PMID: 35492217 PMCID: PMC9040522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A greater proportion of pregnant women with COVID-19 have mild disease compared with their non-pregnant counterparts. Paradoxically, however, they are at higher risk of developing severe disease, requiring respiratory support and admission to intensive care. The delta SARS-Cov-2 variant is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and morbidity in unvaccinated pregnant populations. However, it is not known whether the worse pregnancy outcomes associated with the delta variant are due to a direct effect of the virus on the pregnancy, or whether this effect is mediated through more severe maternal infection. Here, we synthesize studies of COVID-19 pregnancies, focusing on the different routes of SARS-CoV-2 infection of lung and placenta, and the mechanisms of syncytial formation for each SARS-CoV-2 variant. To delineate COVID-19 complications in pregnant women, future studies should explore whether the delta variant causes greater placental infection compared to other variants and contributes to increased syncytial formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athina Samara
- Division of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asma Khalil
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.,University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick O' Brien
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Herlenius
- Division of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang YN, Ye Y, Zhou D, Guo ZW, Xiong Z, Gong XX, Jiang SW, Chen H. The Role of Syncytin in Placental Angiogenesis and Fetal Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852561. [PMID: 35493107 PMCID: PMC9039138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Syncytin, a retroviral envelope protein, is specifically expressed on trophoblast cells and mediates formation of the syncytiotrophoblast through fusogenic activity. Decreased expression of Syncytin was found in fetal growth restriction placentas. Results: By generating an inducible knockout of the syncytin-a gene in mice, we show a specific disruption of placental angiogenesis with abnormal formation of two syncytiotrophoblast layers. Consistent with the defects observed in vivo, conditioned medium collected from trophoblast cells, following Syncytin-1 knockdown, contains lower expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, and higher levels of soluble fms-like protein kinase-1 in BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo cells which related with suppressed PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and is reduced in ability to induce tube formation by HUVECs. Conclusion: Syncytin participates in angiogenesis during placental development was first identified both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we give a new sight on understanding syncytin and pathophysiology of placenta related disease such as fetal growth restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yixin Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Da Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ze-Wen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Zhelei Xiong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang YN, Ye YX, Guo ZW, Xiong ZL, Sun QS, Zhou D, Jiang SW, Chen H. Inducible knockout of syncytin-a leads to poor placental glucose transport in mice. Placenta 2022; 121:155-163. [PMID: 35349915 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell-cell fusion of cytotrophoblasts into the syncytiotrophoblast layer is a key process in placental development. Syncytin, an endogenous retroviral envelope protein, is expressed in placental trophoblasts and specifically mediates syncytiotrophoblast layer formation. Syncytin deficiency has been observed in fetal growth-restricted placentas. Abnormal fetal growth, especially fetal growth restriction, is associated with the decreased expression of glucose transporters. Here, we aimed to determine the role of syncytin in fetal growth restriction in placental glucose transport capacity. METHODS To better explore the function of syncytin in fetal growth-restricted placenta, we generated an inducible knockout mouse model of syncytin-a gene. The expression levels of glucose transporters in BeWo cells were measured before and after HERV-W knockdown. RESULTS Syncytin-A disruption was associated with significant abnormalities in placental and fetal development in mice. Syncytin-A destruction causes extensive abnormalities in the maternal-fetal exchange structures in the labyrinth, including an extremely reduced number and dramatically irregular distribution of fetal vessels. Moreover, glucose transporter 1, glucose transporters 3, and connexin 26 expression levels decreased after E14.5. Consistently, low glucose transporter 1, glucose transporter 3, and connexin 26 levels were observed in HERV-W-silenced BeWo cells. DISCUSSION Syncytin-A is crucial for both syncytiotrophoblast layer development and morphogenesis, suggesting that syncytin-A disruption leads to fetal growth restriction associated with abnormalities in the maternal-fetal exchange barrier and decreased glucose transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Yi-Xin Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Ze-Wen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shantou Central Hospital, China
| | - Zhe-Lei Xiong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Qi-Si Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Da Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhou H, Pan Y, Yang W, Zhao C, Sun X, Hong B, Jin X, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Liu N, Zhang S, Zhu H. S100P promotes trophoblast syncytialization during early placenta development by regulating YAP1. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:860261. [PMID: 36187124 PMCID: PMC9515983 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.860261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a severe complication of pregnancy that is caused by genetic abnormalities, immune dysfunction, aberrant cell biology, and tissue structure destruction. Among which, placental dysfunction is crucial in the pathogenetic progression of RPL. Although some regulatory factors associated with RPL have been reported, the placental changes correlated with RPL still need to be elucidated. Here, we found that a portion of RPL patients presented with low serum and placental S100P expression. Using a human trophoblast stem cell model, we demonstrated that S100P was exclusively expressed in syncytiotrophoblast (ST)-like syncytia (ST(2D)-TSCT) and that loss of S100P expression in ST(2D)-TSCT cells impaired β-hCG secretion, leading to syncytialization failure during early placental development. Moreover, we found that S100P is involved in regulating trophoblast syncytialization by downregulating the protein level of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), which plays a pivotal role in maintaining trophoblast stemness. Together, our findings suggest that S100P plays an essential role in regulating trophoblast syncytialization during early placental development in humans via YAP1. Additionally, lower serum S100P levels may predict poor pregnancy outcomes and represent a potentially useful marker for evaluating placental biological function during early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiong Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohe Sun
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Hong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tai Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinli Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Liu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Haiyan Zhu, ; Songying Zhang,
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Haiyan Zhu, ; Songying Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dawid M, Mlyczyńska E, Jurek M, Respekta N, Pich K, Kurowska P, Gieras W, Milewicz T, Kotula-Balak M, Rak A. Apelin, APJ, and ELABELA: Role in Placental Function, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development-An Overview. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010099. [PMID: 35011661 PMCID: PMC8750556 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apelinergic system, which includes the apelin receptor (APJ) as well as its two specific ligands, namely apelin and ELABELA (ELA/APELA/Toddler), have been the subject of many recent studies due to their pleiotropic effects in humans and other animals. Expression of these factors has been investigated in numerous tissues and organs—for example, the lungs, heart, uterus, and ovary. Moreover, a number of studies have been devoted to understanding the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the most important processes in the body, starting from early stages of human life with regulation of placental function and the proper course of pregnancy. Disturbances in the balance of placental processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, or hormone secretion may lead to specific pregnancy pathologies; therefore, there is a great need to search for substances that would help in their early diagnosis or treatment. A number of studies have indicated that compounds of the apelinergic system could serve this purpose. Hence, in this review, we summarized the most important reports about the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the regulation of placental physiology and pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Ewa Mlyczyńska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Jurek
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Natalia Respekta
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Karolina Pich
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Wiktoria Gieras
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Tomasz Milewicz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Kotula-Balak
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-1-2664-5003
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Fournier C, Girard S, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Disease-specific extracellular matrix composition regulates placental trophoblast fusion efficiency. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:7247-7256. [PMID: 34608901 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00799h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The placental syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that regulates transport between the mother and fetus. Fusion of trophoblasts is essential to form this layer, but this process can be disrupted in pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia. Disease progression is also associated with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), but whether disease-specific ECM compositions play any causal role in establishing syncytiotrophoblast disease phenotypes remains unknown. Here, we develop a decellularization-based platform to isolate and characterize the role of human placental ECM composition on cell function, while controlling for the confounding effects of matrix structure and mechanics that can arise in conventional tissue decellularization/recellularization experiments. Using this approach, we demonstrate that ECM compositional changes that occur in preeclampsia have a statistically significant effect on adhesion, spreading, and fusion of placental trophoblasts. Proteomic analysis of ECM content then allowed us to identify and recreate selected differences in matrix composition; indicating that replacement of normally present Type IV Collagen by Type I Collagen in preeclampsia significantly affects fusion efficiency. These results indicate that disease-specific matrix compositions can play an important role in trophoblast fusion, suggesting novel matrix-targeting therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related disorders. More broadly, this work demonstrates the utility of a decellularization-based approach in understanding the functional contributions of matrix composition in driving cellular disease phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Sagrillo-Fagundes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Fournier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Belansky J, Yelin D. Formation of Large Intracellular Actin Networks Following Plasmonic Cell Fusion. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2021; 20:271-277. [PMID: 33950843 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2021.3077638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Following fusion between two or more individual cells, the resulting cellular entity must undergo extensive restructuring of its plasma membrane and cytoskeleton in order to maintain its mechanical and physiological function. In artificial cell fusion that is executed by external triggering, such restructuring could be problematic due to the absence of preconditioning biological signals. In this work we study the reorganization of the actin filaments in adenocarcinoma cells that were fused using plasmonic triggering, i.e. the irradiation by resonant femtosecond laser pulses of cells specifically targeted by gold nanoparticles. Time-lapse confocal microscopy of the fusing cells has revealed the formation of large-scale actin networks that preserve the local orientations of the original actin cytoskeletons. The results confirm the local nature of the plasmonic interactions that were confined to the cells' plasma membranes and would help studying the development and dynamics of actin networks by offering a relatively stable, living cellular environment that supports large-scale actin growth.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen X, Guo DY, Yin TL, Yang J. Non-Coding RNAs Regulate Placental Trophoblast Function and Participate in Recurrent Abortion. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:646521. [PMID: 33967782 PMCID: PMC8100504 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.646521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a serious pregnancy complication with an increasing clinical incidence. The various causes of recurrent abortion are complicated. Developments in genetics, immunology, and cell biology have identified important roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the occurrence and progress of recurrent abortion. NcRNAs can affect the growth, migration, and invasion of placental trophoblasts by regulating cell processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Therefore, their abnormal expression might lead to the occurrence and development of RSA. NcRNAs include small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer, RNA (tRNA), circular RNA (cRNA), and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA). In this review, we discuss recent research that focused on the function and mechanism of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNA) in regulating placental trophoblasts. The use of ncRNAs as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in RSA is also discussed to provide future research insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Duan-Ying Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Trophoblast Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010433. [PMID: 33406768 PMCID: PMC7795665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) belong to the transcription factor family, and they are highly expressed in all types of trophoblast during pregnancy. The present review discusses currently published papers that are related to the regulation of PPARs via lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and amino acid metabolism to affect trophoblast physiological conditions, including differentiation, maturation, secretion, fusion, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Recent pieces of evidence have proven that the dysfunctions of PPARs in trophoblast lead to several related pregnancy diseases such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of PPARs in the control of these processes have been discussed as well. Finally, this review's purposes are to provide more knowledge about the role of PPARs in normal and disturbed pregnancy with trophoblast, so as to find PPAR ligands as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Pham A, Zhang J, Feng L. Exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid disrupts the production of angiogenesis factors and stress responses in human placental syncytiotrophoblast. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:269-277. [PMID: 33144174 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted widespread attention in recent years due to their bioaccumulation, toxicity, and ubiquitous nature. We and others have reported that maternal exposure to PFAS is associated with adverse birth outcomes due to altered placental functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of two major PFAS compounds, perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), on the regulation of the production of angiogenic factors and stress response in placental multinucleated syncytial BeWo cells using qRT-PCR and ELISA. Using this in vitro model, we showed that 1) PFOS or PFBS treatment did not seem to interrupt BeWo cell fusion through syncytins; 2) Exposure to PFOS at 10 μM decreased a potent angiogenic factor PlGF gene expression, which is implicated in preeclampsia; 3) Exposure to either PFOS or PFBS significantly decreased the production of CGB7 and hCG except hCG secretion in PFOS (10 nM) and PFBS (100 nM) treatment groups; 4) Exposure to PFOS (10 μM) increased the gene expression of the stress response molecules CRH while neither PFOS nor PFBS treatment affected a stress mitigation factor 11β-HSD2 expression. Our results demonstrate that exposure to PFOS or PFBS impacts several key pathways involved in placental cell functions. PFOS seems more potent than PFBS. These novel findings provide a potential explanation for the adverse reproductive complications associated with prenatal exposure to PFOS or PFBS, including preeclampsia and contribute to our knowledge of the reproductive toxicity of PFAS, specifically PFOS and PFBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kretschmer T, Turnwald EM, Janoschek R, Zentis P, Bae-Gartz I, Beers T, Handwerk M, Wohlfarth M, Ghilav M, Bloch W, Hucklenbruch-Rother E, Dötsch J, Appel S. Maternal high fat diet-induced obesity affects trophoblast differentiation and placental function in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1260-1274. [PMID: 32915209 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that maternal obesity (MO) can aggravate placental function causing severe pathologies during the perinatal window. However, molecular changes and mechanisms of placental dysfunction remain largely unknown. This work aimed to decipher structural and molecular alterations of the placental transfer zone associated with MO. To this end, mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before mating, and pregnant dams were sacrificed at E15.5 to receive placentas for molecular, histological, and ultrastructural analysis and to assess unidirectional materno-fetal transfer capacity. Laser-capture microdissection was used to collect specifically placental cells of the labyrinth zone for proteomics profiling. Using BeWo cells, fatty acid-mediated mechanisms of adherens junction stability, cell layer permeability, and lipid accumulation were deciphered. Proteomics profiling revealed downregulation of cell adhesion markers in the labyrinth zone of obese dams, and disturbed syncytial fusion and detachment of the basement membrane (BM) within this zone was observed, next to an increase in materno-fetal transfer in vivo across the placenta. We found that fetuses of obese dams develop a growth restriction and in those placentas, labyrinth zone volume-fraction was significantly reduced. Linoleic acid was shown to mediate beta-catenin level and increase cell layer permeability in vitro. Thus, MO causes fetal growth restriction, molecular and structural changes in the transfer zone leading to impaired trophoblast differentiation, BM disruption, and placental dysfunction despite increased materno-fetal transfer capacity. These adverse effects are probably mediated by fatty acids found in HFD demonstrating the need for obesity treatment to mitigate placental dysfunction and prevent offspring pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kretschmer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Turnwald
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ruth Janoschek
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Zentis
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Core Facility Imaging, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Inga Bae-Gartz
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Beers
- Department of Anatomy I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marion Handwerk
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Wohlfarth
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mojgan Ghilav
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Hucklenbruch-Rother
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sarah Appel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
The Role of LIN28- let-7-ARID3B Pathway in Placental Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103637. [PMID: 32455665 PMCID: PMC7279312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental disorders are a major cause of pregnancy loss in humans, and 40–60% of embryos are lost between fertilization and birth. Successful embryo implantation and placental development requires rapid proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of molecular pathways involved in trophoblast function. A miRNA binds its target mRNA in the 3ʹ-untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR), causing its degradation or translational repression. Lethal-7 (let-7) miRNAs induce cell differentiation and reduce cell proliferation by targeting proliferation-associated genes. The oncoprotein LIN28 represses the biogenesis of mature let-7 miRNAs. Proliferating cells have high LIN28 and low let-7 miRNAs, whereas differentiating cells have low LIN28 and high let-7 miRNAs. In placenta, low LIN28 and high let-7 miRNAs can lead to reduced proliferation of trophoblast cells, resulting in abnormal placental development. In trophoblast cells, let-7 miRNAs reduce the expression of proliferation factors either directly by binding their mRNA in 3ʹ-UTR or indirectly by targeting the AT-rich interaction domain (ARID)3B complex, a transcription-activating complex comprised of ARID3A, ARID3B, and histone demethylase 4C (KDM4C). In this review, we discuss regulation of trophoblast function by miRNAs, focusing on the role of LIN28-let-7-ARID3B pathway in placental development.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang Y, Le T, Grabau R, Mohseni Z, Kim H, Natale DR, Feng L, Pan H, Yang H. TMEM16F phospholipid scramblase mediates trophoblast fusion and placental development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba0310. [PMID: 32494719 PMCID: PMC7202889 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion or syncytialization is fundamental to the reproduction, development, and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. In addition to various cell type-specific fusogenic proteins, cell surface externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), a universal eat-me signal in apoptotic cells, has been observed in different cell fusion events. Nevertheless, the molecular underpinnings of PS externalization and cellular mechanisms of PS-facilitated cell-cell fusion are unclear. Here, we report that TMEM16F, a Ca2+-activated phospholipid scramblase (CaPLSase), plays an essential role in placental trophoblast fusion by translocating PS to cell surface independent of apoptosis. The placentas from the TMEM16F knockout mice exhibit deficiency in trophoblast syncytialization and placental development, which lead to perinatal lethality. We thus identified a new biological function of TMEM16F CaPLSase in trophoblast fusion and placental development. Our findings provide insight into understanding cell-cell fusion mechanism of other cell types and on mitigating pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Trieu Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Grabau
- The USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zahra Mohseni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hoejeong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David R. Natale
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Pan
- The USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ma Z, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Mok S, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Mechanobiological regulation of placental trophoblast fusion and function through extracellular matrix rigidity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5837. [PMID: 32246004 PMCID: PMC7125233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that plays a critical role in regulating functions of the human placenta during pregnancy. Maintaining the syncytiotrophoblast layer relies on ongoing fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts throughout pregnancy, and errors in this fusion process are associated with complications such as preeclampsia. While biochemical factors are known to drive fusion, the role of disease-specific extracellular biophysical cues remains undefined. Since substrate mechanics play a crucial role in several diseases, and preeclampsia is associated with placental stiffening, we hypothesize that trophoblast fusion is mechanically regulated by substrate stiffness. We developed stiffness-tunable polyacrylamide substrate formulations that match the linear elasticity of placental tissue in normal and disease conditions, and evaluated trophoblast morphology, fusion, and function on these surfaces. Our results demonstrate that morphology, fusion, and hormone release is mechanically-regulated via myosin-II; optimal on substrates that match healthy placental tissue stiffness; and dysregulated on disease-like and supraphysiologically-stiff substrates. We further demonstrate that stiff regions in heterogeneous substrates provide dominant physical cues that inhibit fusion, suggesting that even focal tissue stiffening limits widespread trophoblast fusion and tissue function. These results confirm that mechanical microenvironmental cues influence fusion in the placenta, provide critical information needed to engineer better in vitro models for placental disease, and may ultimately be used to develop novel mechanically-mediated therapeutic strategies to resolve fusion-related disorders during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucas Sagrillo-Fagundes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Courson JA, Smith I, Do T, Landry PT, Hargrave A, Behzad AR, Hanlon SD, Rumbaut RE, Smith CW, Burns AR. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy reveals neuronal-epithelial cell fusion in the mouse cornea. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224434. [PMID: 31721785 PMCID: PMC6853292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the most highly innervated tissue in the body. It is generally accepted that corneal stromal nerves penetrate the epithelial basal lamina giving rise to intra-epithelial nerves. During the course of a study wherein we imaged corneal nerves in mice, we observed a novel neuronal-epithelial cell interaction whereby nerves approaching the epithelium in the cornea fused with basal epithelial cells, such that their plasma membranes were continuous and the neuronal axoplasm freely abutted the epithelial cytoplasm. In this study we sought to determine the frequency, distribution, and morphological profile of neuronal-epithelial cell fusion events within the cornea. Serial electron microscopy images were obtained from the anterior stroma in the paralimbus and central cornea of 8–10 week old C57BL/6J mice. We found evidence of a novel alternative behavior involving a neuronal-epithelial interaction whereby 42.8% of central corneal nerve bundles approaching the epithelium contain axons that fuse with basal epithelial cells. The average surface-to-volume ratio of a penetrating nerve was 3.32, while the average fusing nerve was smaller at 1.39 (p ≤ 0.0001). Despite this, both neuronal-epithelial cell interactions involve similarly sized discontinuities in the basal lamina. In order to verify the plasma membrane continuity between fused neurons and epithelial cells we used the lipophilic membrane tracer DiI. The majority of corneal nerves were labeled with DiI after application to the trigeminal ganglion and, consistent with our ultrastructural observations, fusion sites recognized as DiI-labeled basal epithelial cells were located at points of stromal nerve termination. These studies provide evidence that neuronal-epithelial cell fusion is a cell-cell interaction that occurs primarily in the central cornea, and fusing nerve bundles are morphologically distinct from penetrating nerve bundles. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of neuronal-epithelial cell fusion in the literature adding a new level of complexity to the current understanding of corneal innervation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Courson
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ian Smith
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Thao Do
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Paul T. Landry
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Aubrey Hargrave
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Ali R. Behzad
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Core Labs, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sam D. Hanlon
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Rolando E. Rumbaut
- Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Nutrition Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - C. Wayne Smith
- Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Nutrition Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Alan R. Burns
- University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Nutrition Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Skirmuntt EC, Katzourakis A. The evolution of endogenous retroviral envelope genes in bats and their potential contribution to host biology. Virus Res 2019; 270:197645. [PMID: 31271763 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bats are the primary reservoirs and carriers of a wide range of viruses of unknown infectivity and pathogenic potential. Some of those if transmitted to other species can cause enormous economic losses in agriculture, and mortality in humans. Bats can be persistently infected with viruses while not showing any symptoms of disease, despite having high virus titre levels in their tissues and shedding virions for months or years after primary infection. It has been suggested that the lack of symptoms of viral infections and low mortality rate in bats might be due to immune adaptations that result from their long-term co-evolution with viruses. In this study, we screened all publicly available bat genomes from six bat families within which we have identified several envelope sequences of retroviral origin (gammaretroviruses). We analysed the identified sequences with Bayesian methods and maximum-likelihood inference to generate a phylogenetic tree with additional reference sequences of known endogenous and exogenous viral envelope genes. We also identified groups of orthologous viral envelopes and analysed them to determine if any of them might be an EVE (endogenous virus element) with an EDI (EVE- derived immunity) function or a candidate for a bat syncytin gene, which is an endogenized viral envelope, mostly known from its function in placentation in animals. Our study shows that bat genomes contain a substantial number of large, intact envelopes with open reading frames, which were found clustering closely on a phylogenetic tree reconstruction with syncytin sequences of other species. That might indicate that such sequences are good candidates for further bat-syncytin/EDI search.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Cecylia Skirmuntt
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Aris Katzourakis
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
New Insights into the Process of Placentation and the Role of Oxidative Uterine Microenvironment. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9174521. [PMID: 31341539 PMCID: PMC6615000 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9174521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
For a successful pregnancy to occur, a predecidualized receptive endometrium must be invaded by placental differentiated cells (extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs)) and, at the same time, continue decidualization. EVT invasion is aimed at anchoring the placenta to the maternal uterus and ensuring local blood supply increase necessary to provide normal placental and foetal development. The first is achieved by migrating through the maternal endometrium and deeper into the myometrium, while the second by transforming uterine spiral arteries into large vessels. This process is a tightly regulated battle comprising interests of both the mother and the foetus. Invading EVTs are required to perform a scope of functions: move, adhere, proliferate, differentiate, interact, and digest the extracellular matrix (ECM); tolerate hypoxia; transform the maternal spiral arteries; and die by apoptosis. All these functions are modulated by their surrounding microenvironment: oxygen, soluble factors (e.g., cytokines, growth factors, and hormones), ECM proteins, and reactive oxygen species. A deeper comprehension of oxidative uterine microenvironment contribution to trophoblast function will be addressed in this review.
Collapse
|
29
|
Haram K, Mortensen JH, Myking O, Roald B, Magann EF, Morrison JC. Early development of the human placenta and pregnancy complications. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:3538-3545. [PMID: 30810433 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1578745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An adequately sized placenta at a suitable site with appropriate depth and centripetal progression of implantation are the major factors for optimal fetal development. The cytotrophoblasts surround the blastocyst fuses at the site of the uterine attachment. This forms a second layer of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts that constitutes the inner epithelial boundary of the chorionic villous against the intervillous space. In a normal pregnancy, extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVT) invade and obstruct the spiral arteries and remodel them. Vacuoles in the syncytial cell layer fuse and develop the intervillous space. The inner cell mass (embryoblast) gives rise to the umbilical cord and the mesenchyme in the chorionic villi. Vasculogenesis starts with the formation of hemangioblastic cords in this mesenchyme. The trophoblastic cell columns anchor the placenta. A variety of molecular pathways participate in the placentation process. Placental morphogenesis occurs mainly through complex cellular interactions between the chorionic villous and the extravillous cytotrophoblasts. The formation of the normal structure of the chorionic villi, syncytiotrophoblast layer and vasculature is essential for placental function, hormone production, and regulation of fetal growth. At each stage of placental development, genetic variants, exposure to infection, poor vascular function, oxidative stress, or failure of normal development can all lead to abnormal formation resulting in the clinical complications of pregnancy such as fetal growth disorders, neonatal neurologic abnormalities, placental adhesions, and inflammatory problems as well as maternal disease such as preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Haram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Helge Mortensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Myking
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bodil Roald
- Department of Pathology, Center for Pediatric and Pregnancy Related Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - John C Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang Y, Yang H. A simple and robust fluorescent labeling method to quantify trophoblast fusion. Placenta 2019; 77:16-18. [PMID: 30827351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast fusion into syncytiotrophoblasts is a specialized yet enigmatic cellular process, which is essential for placental development and function. To facilitate mechanistic understanding of this critical process, here we re-purposed a widely used fluorescent membrane potential dye, Di-8-ANEPPS, to stably label the plasma membrane of live BeWo trophoblast cells. Compared to the methods currently available to quantify trophoblast fusion, our new fluorescent labeling method is simple, economical, robust and versatile, enabling quick and accurate quantification of fusion index in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Huanghe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guterman-Ram G, Pesic M, Orenbuch A, Czeiger T, Aflalo A, Levaot N. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 regulates osteoclast fusion in a cell heterotypic manner. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:617-629. [PMID: 28332708 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Monocyte fusion into osteoclasts, bone resorbing cells, plays a key role in bone remodeling and homeostasis; therefore, aberrant cell fusion may be involved in a variety of debilitating bone diseases. Research in the last decade has led to the discovery of genes that regulate osteoclast fusion, but the basic molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms underlying the fusion process are not completely understood. Here, we reveal a role for Dyrk2 in osteoclast fusion. We demonstrate that Dyrk2 down regulation promotes osteoclast fusion, whereas its overexpression inhibits fusion. Moreover, Dyrk2 also promotes the fusion of foreign-body giant cells, indicating that Dyrk2 plays a more general role in cell fusion. In an earlier study, we showed that fusion is a cell heterotypic process initiated by fusion-founder cells that fuse to fusion-follower cells, the latter of which are unable to initiate fusion. Here, we show that Dyrk2 limits the expansion of multinucleated founder cells through the suppression of the fusion competency of follower cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gali Guterman-Ram
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Milena Pesic
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ayelet Orenbuch
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Czeiger
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Anastasia Aflalo
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Levaot
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Imakawa K, Nakagawa S. The Phylogeny of Placental Evolution Through Dynamic Integrations of Retrotransposons. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 145:89-109. [PMID: 28110755 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts, a major constituent of the placenta, are known to express genes derived from various endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) as well as LTR retrotransposons. However, the evolutionary significance of ERV-derived genes involved in placental development has not been well characterized. In this review, we catalog the diverse morphology of placental structure among mammalian species with note of counterintuitive developments. We then detail the history of ancient placenta development with paternally expressed gene 10 (Peg10/Sirh1), Peg11/Sirh2, and Sirh7/Ldoc1 as LTR retrotransposons, followed by independent captures of ERV-env-related genes such as Syncytin-1, -2, -A, -B, -Rum1, and Fematrin-1 responsible for trophoblast cell fusion, resulting in multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast formation, and possibly morphological diversification of placentas. Because the endogenization of retroviral infections has occurred multiple times independently in different mammalian lineages, and some use the same molecules in their transcriptional activation, we speculate that ERV gene variants integrated into mammalian genomes in a locus-specific manner have replaced the genes previously responsible for cell fusion. Moreover, ERVs also work as transcriptional regulators of various genes such as interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. The "baton pass" hypothesis suggests that evolutionary events caused by multiple successive retrotransposon integrations, possibly resulting in effective fusogenic activity, downstream gene transcription in a temporal and spatial manner, and/or increased diversity of placental structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Imakawa
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Japan.
| | - S Nakagawa
- Biomedical Informatics Laboratory, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shpiz A, Ben-Yosef D, Kalma Y. Impaired function of trophoblast cells derived from translocated hESCs may explain pregnancy loss in women with balanced translocation (11;22). J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1493-1499. [PMID: 27503403 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to study whether the trophoblasts carrying unbalanced translocation 11,22 [t(11;12)] display abnormal expression of trophoblastic genes and impaired functional properties that may explain implantation failure. METHODS t(11;22) hESCs and control hESCs were differentiated in vitro into trophoblast cells in the presence of BMP4, and trophoblast vesicles (TBVs) were created in suspension. The expression pattern of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) genes was compared between translocated and control TBVs. The functional properties of the TBVs were evaluated by their attachment to endometrium cells (ECC1) and invasion through trans-well inserts. RESULTS TBVs derived from control hESCs expressed EVT genes from functioning trophoblast cells. In contrast, TBVs differentiated from the translocated hESC line displayed impaired expression of EVT genes. Moreover, the number of TBVs that were attached to endometrium cells was significantly lower compared to the controls. Correspondingly, invasiveness of trophoblast-differentiated translocated cells was also significantly lower than that of the control cells. CONCLUSIONS These results may explain the reason for implantation failure in couple carriers of t(11;22). They also demonstrate that translocated hESCs comprise a valuable in vitro human model for studying the mechanisms underlying implantation failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Shpiz
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
| | - Yael Kalma
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen TW, Liu HW, Liou YJ, Lee JH, Lin CH. Over-expression of stomatin causes syncytium formation in nonfusogenic JEG-3 choriocarcinoma placental cells. Cell Biol Int 2016; 40:926-33. [PMID: 27306251 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Placental trophoblast differentiation involves the continuous fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts. However, except for syncytin, little is known about the detailed mechanisms underlying trophoblast fusion. A previous study indicated that lipid rafts play an important role in HTLV-1 syncytium formation. To identify proteins that may be involved in placental trophoblast differentiation, we examined stomatin, an important lipid-raft protein that localizes to detergent-resistant membrane domains. The syncytium and human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG; a marker of placental trophoblast differentiation) were visualized by immunofluorescence staining. We found that overexpression of stomatin in the nonfusogenic JEG-3 cell line caused syncytium formation and increased the fusion index of cells. Treating these cells with N(6) ,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate further increased cell fusion by stomatin. β-hCG was found in a few JEG-3 cells overexpressing stomatin at 48 h, and its levels increased dramatically at 72 h along with the formation of the multinuclear syncytium. RNA interference was used to decrease stomatin expression in BeWo cells, a fusogenic human choriocarcinoma cell line. After knockdown for 72 h, stomatin levels decreased by almost 95%. The fusion indexes of control and stomatin-knockdown cells at 72 h were 9.4 and 6.5%, respectively. Our data indicated that stomatin could trigger syncytium formation and upregulate β-hCG for cell fusion in nonfusogenic JEG-3 cells. Downregulation of stomatin slightly inhibited the fusion index of fusogenic BeWo cells. Thus, these data suggested that stomatin plays an important role in trophoblast differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Wei Chen
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong, Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC
| | - Hong-Wen Liu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC
| | - Yi-Jia Liou
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC
| | - Jui-Hao Lee
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC.,Institute of Biochemistry, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong, Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan, 112,, ROC.,Department of Health, New Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lu X, He Y, Zhu C, Wang H, Chen S, Lin HY. Twist1 is involved in trophoblast syncytialization by regulating GCM1. Placenta 2016; 39:45-54. [PMID: 26992674 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) is maintained and regenerated by the fusion of underlying cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs) and is responsible for a number of functions in the human placenta. Deficiencies in this structure may result in pregnancy-associated diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying trophoblast syncytialization await further investigation. METHODS The location of the transcription factor Twist1 in human placental tissues was identified by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Twist1 and glial cells missing-1 (GCM1) was evaluated by qPCR or western blotting in two cell-fusion models including forskolin-induced fusion of BeWo cells and spontaneous syncytialization of CTBs. The key role of Twist1 in trophoblast differentiation was identified using BeWo cells transfected with Twist1-specific siRNA. We investigated the effect of hypoxia on the expression of Twist1 and GCM1 in primary CTBs cultured with 2% oxygen. The Twist1 binding region in the GCM1 gene was detected by chromatin-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Twist1 was expressed in human placental tissues, and the expression of Twist1 and GCM1 increased in a time-dependent manner during spontaneous syncytialization of primary CTBs and forskolin-induced fusion of BeWo cells. A reduction in Twist1 and GCM1 expression was observed under hypoxic conditions and was accompanied by inhibition of trophoblast syncytialization. Moreover, siRNA-mediated silencing of Twist1 resulted in inhibition of BeWo cells fusion and down-regulation of GCM1 expression. Furthermore, Twist1 was found to bind to the E-box-enriched region in intron 2 of the GCM1 gene during forskolin-induced fusion of BeWo cells. DISCUSSION The above results suggest that Twist1 is required during trophoblast syncytialization. Twist1 may promote trophoblast syncytialization by regulating the expression of GCM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Yuxia He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Shiling Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
| | - Hai-Yan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Otto T, Gellhaus A, Lüschen N, Scheidler J, Bendix I, Dunk C, Wolf N, Lennartz K, Köninger A, Schmidt M, Kimmig R, Fandrey J, Winterhager E. Oxygen Sensitivity of Placental Trophoblast Connexins 43 and 46: A Role in Preeclampsia? J Cell Biochem 2015; 116:2924-37. [PMID: 26018820 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several gap junction connexins have been shown to be essential for appropriate placental development and function. It is known that the expression and distribution of connexins change in response to environmental oxygen levels. The placenta develops under various oxygen levels, beginning at a low oxygen tension of approximately 2% and increasing to a tension of 8% after the onset of the uteroplacental circulation. Moreover, it has been shown that during preeclampsia (PE) placentas are subjected to chronic hypoxia. Therefore, we investigated oxygen sensitivity of placental connexins 43 and 46. Using the trophoblast cell line Jar, we demonstrated that the expression of connexin43 increased during acute hypoxia but decreased during chronic hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia resulted in the translocation of connexin43 from the membrane to the cytoplasm and in a reduction in its communication properties. In contrast, the expression of connexin46 was down-regulated during chronic hypoxia and was translocated from perinuclear areas to the cell membrane. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) knockdown showed that the translocation of connexin43 but not that of connexin46 was HIF-2α dependent and was mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase. The up-regulation of connexin43 in combination with the down-regulation of connexin46 was confirmed in placental explants cultivated under low oxygen and in placentas with early-onset PE. Taken together, in Jar cells, placental connexins 43 and 46 are regulated during periods of low oxygen in opposite manners. The oxygen sensing of connexins in the trophoblast may play a role in physiological and pathophysiological oxygen conditions and thus may contribute to PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Otto
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Navina Lüschen
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Scheidler
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ivo Bendix
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus Lennartz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Levaot N, Ottolenghi A, Mann M, Guterman-Ram G, Kam Z, Geiger B. Osteoclast fusion is initiated by a small subset of RANKL-stimulated monocyte progenitors, which can fuse to RANKL-unstimulated progenitors. Bone 2015; 79:21-8. [PMID: 26008608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Osteoclasts are multinucleated, bone-resorbing cells formed via fusion of monocyte progenitors, a process triggered by prolonged stimulation with RANKL, the osteoclast master regulator cytokine. Monocyte fusion into osteoclasts has been shown to play a key role in bone remodeling and homeostasis; therefore, aberrant fusion may be involved in a variety of bone diseases. Indeed, research in the last decade has led to the discovery of genes regulating osteoclast fusion; yet the basic cellular regulatory mechanism underlying the fusion process is poorly understood. Here, we applied a novel approach for tracking the fusion processes, using live-cell imaging of RANKL-stimulated and non-stimulated progenitor monocytes differentially expressing dsRED or GFP, respectively. We show that osteoclast fusion is initiated by a small (~2.4%) subset of precursors, termed "fusion founders", capable of fusing either with other founders or with non-stimulated progenitors (fusion followers), which alone, are unable to initiate fusion. Careful examination indicates that the fusion between a founder and a follower cell consists of two distinct phases: an initial pairing of the two cells, typically lasting 5-35 min, during which the cells nevertheless maintain their initial morphology; and the fusion event itself. Interestingly, during the initial pre-fusion phase, a transfer of the fluorescent reporter proteins from nucleus to nucleus was noticed, suggesting crosstalk between the founder and follower progenitors via the cytoplasm that might directly affect the fusion process, as well as overall transcriptional regulation in the developing heterokaryon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noam Levaot
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Aner Ottolenghi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mati Mann
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Gali Guterman-Ram
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zvi Kam
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Benjamin Geiger
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Imakawa K, Nakagawa S, Miyazawa T. Baton pass hypothesis: successive incorporation of unconserved endogenous retroviral genes for placentation during mammalian evolution. Genes Cells 2015; 20:771-88. [PMID: 26442811 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It is well accepted that numerous RNAs derived from endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are expressed in mammalian reproductive structures, particularly in the uterus, trophoblast, and placenta. Syncytin 1 and syncytin 2 in humans and syncytin A and syncytin B in mice are membrane proteins originating from Env genes of ERVs. These ERVs are involved in the fusion of trophoblast cells, resulting in multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast formation. Evidence accumulated indicates that syncytin-like fusogenic proteins are expressed in the placenta of rabbits, dogs/cats, ruminant ungulates, tenrecs, and opossums. The syncytin genes so far characterized are known to be endogenized to the host genome only within the past 12-80 million years, more recently than the appearance of mammalian placentas, estimated to be 160-180 million years ago. We speculate that ERVs including syncytin-like gene variants integrated into mammalian genomes in a locus-specific manner have replaced the genes previously responsible for cell fusion. We therefore propose the 'baton pass' hypothesis, in which multiple successive ERV variants 'take over' cell-fusion roles, resulting in increased trophoblast cell fusion, morphological variations in placental structures, and enhanced reproductive success in placental mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Animal Breeding, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Biomedical Informatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takayuki Miyazawa
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lee YL, Fong SW, Chen AC, Li T, Yue C, Lee CL, Ng EH, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Establishment of a novel human embryonic stem cell-derived trophoblastic spheroid implantation model. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2614-26. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
40
|
Islam R, Bae HS, Yoon WJ, Woo KM, Baek JH, Kim HH, Uchida T, Ryoo HM. Pin1 regulates osteoclast fusion through suppression of the master regulator of cell fusion DC-STAMP. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:2166-74. [PMID: 24891219 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion is a fundamental biological event that is essential for the development of multinucleated cells such as osteoclasts. Fusion failure leads to the accumulation of dense bone such as in osteopetrosis, demonstrating the importance of fusion in osteoclast maturity and bone remodeling. In a recent study, we reported that Pin1 plays a role in the regulation of bone formation and Runx2 regulation. In this study, we explored the role of Pin1 in osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Pin1 null mice have low bone mass and increased TRAP staining in histological sections of long bones, compared to Pin1 wild-type mice. In vitro osteoclast forming assays with bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage revealed that Pin1-deficient osteoclasts are larger than wild-type osteoclasts and have higher nuclei numbers, indicating greater extent of fusion. Pin1 deficiency also highly enhanced foreign body giant cell formation both in vitro and in vivo. Among the known fusion proteins, only DC-STAMP was significantly increased in Pin1(-/-) osteoclasts. Immunohistochemistry showed that DC-STAMP expression was also significantly increased in tibial metaphysis of Pin1 KO mice. We found that Pin1 binds and isomerizes DC-STAMP and affects its expression levels and localization at the plasma membrane. Taken together, our data indicate that Pin1 is a determinant of bone mass through the regulation of the osteoclast fusion protein DC-STAMP. The identification of Pin1 as a factor involved in cell fusion contributes to the understanding of osteoclast-associated diseases, including osteoporosis, and opens new avenues for therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Islam
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-749, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chatzizacharias NA, Giaginis CT, Agapitos E, Theocharis SE. The role of ephrins' receptors and ephrins' ligands in normal placental development and disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 18:269-75. [PMID: 24329716 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.864638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ephrin (Eph) receptors and their membrane-anchored ligands, the ephrins, participate in a wide spectrum of pathophysiological processes, regulating cellular adhesion, migration or chemo-repulsion and tissue/cell boundary formation. Recent evidence has further extended the role of Eph receptors and their ligands as critical regulators of vascular remodelling during embryogenesis. The role of Ephs/ephrins signalling in the angiogenic development of murine placentas and in the invasion of the maternal tissues and the development of the placental vasculature in humans has currently attracted considerable interest. AREAS COVERED A literature review summarising the most recent data in terms of the role of Ephs/ephrins in normal placental development and disease, highlighting on their expression status in the different cellular populations of the placental vascularity. EXPERT OPINION Despite the fact that the role of Eph/ephrins signalling in normal placental development is still unclear, some studies tried to investigate their potential implication in placental pathologies, such as preeclampsia and placenta accreta. Even though no evidence for their direct implication occurred, their role is an interesting field for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos A Chatzizacharias
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, First Department of Pathology , Athens , Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Shape changes and topological remodeling of membranes are essential for the identity of organelles and membrane trafficking. Although all cellular membranes have common features, membranes of different organelles create unique environments that support specialized biological functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a prime example of this specialization, as its lipid bilayer forms an interconnected system of cisternae, vesicles, and tubules, providing a highly compartmentalized structure for a multitude of biochemical processes. A variety of peripheral and integral membrane proteins that facilitate membrane curvature generation, fission, and/or fusion have been identified over the past two decades. Among these, the dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) have emerged as key players. Here, we review recent advances in our functional and molecular understanding of fusion DRPs, exemplified by atlastin, an ER-resident DRP that controls ER structure, function, and signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A McNew
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005;
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
The human genome contains a hidden and large layer of biologic information that is not accessible by proteomic or metabolic methods. Insight into the nature, size, function and importance of this information is increasing rapidly. This additional layer of information includes non-coding RNA and DNA and can be retrieved and analyzed using nucleic acids that circulate in the maternal plasma during pregnancy, originate from the developing placenta and provide information on fetal well being. This review explains why, when and how fetal information as carried on and provided by the placental DNA and RNA molecules circulating in the plasma of pregnant women can be explored to understand and to analyze the primary placental processes, that underlie pre-eclampsia and related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cees Bm Oudejans
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Chemistry, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands +31 20 444 3867 ; +31 20 444 3895 ;
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Reduced syncytin-1 expression levels in placental syndromes correlates with epigenetic hypermethylation of the ERVW-1 promoter region. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56145. [PMID: 23457515 PMCID: PMC3573012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal differentiation of villous cytotrophoblasts (CT) ends in formation of the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast representing the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrations during this cell-fusion process are associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Preeclampsia (PE) and High Elevated Liver and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome. Syncytin-1, the envelope gene of the human Endogenous Retrovirus ERVW-1, is one of the most important genes involved in cell-fusion and showed decreased gene expression during these pathological pregnancies. The aim of this study was to determine the methylation pattern of the entire promoter of ERVW-1 and to correlate these findings with the expression profile of Syncytin-1 in the placental syndromes. 14 isolated villous cytotrophoblasts from control (n = 3), IUGR (n = 3), PE (n = 3), PE/IUGR (n = 3) and HELLP/IUGR (n = 2) placentae were used to determine the mean methylation level (ML) for the ERVW-1 promoter region. ML rose significantly from 29% in control CTs to 49% in IUGR, 53% in PE, 47% in PE/IUGR and 64% in HELLP/IUGR indicating an epigenetic down-regulation of Syncytin-1 by promoter hypermethylation. DNA demethylation of the trophoblast like cell lines BeWo, JEG-3 and JAR with 5-AZA-2′desoxycytidine (AZA) showed an increased Syncytin-1 expression and fusion ability in all cell lines. Promoter activity of the 5′LTR could be inhibited by hypermethylation 42-fold using a luciferase based reporter-gene assay. Finally overexpression of the methyltransferases DNMT3a and LSH could be responsible for a decreased Syncytin-1 expression by promoter hypermethylation of ERVW-1. Our study linked decreased Syncytin-1 expression to an epigenetic hypermethylation of the entire promoter of ERVW-1. Based on our findings we are predicting a broad aberrant epigenetic DNA-methylation pattern in pathological placentae affecting placentogenesis, but also the development of the fetus and the mother during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
45
|
Brouillet S, Murthi P, Hoffmann P, Salomon A, Sergent F, De Mazancourt P, Dakouane-Giudicelli M, Dieudonné MN, Rozenberg P, Vaiman D, Barbaux S, Benharouga M, Feige J, Alfaidy N. EG-VEGF controls placental growth and survival in normal and pathological pregnancies: case of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:511-25. [PMID: 22941044 PMCID: PMC11113665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identifiable causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) account for 30 % of cases, but the remainders are idiopathic and are frequently associated with placental dysfunction. We have shown that the angiogenic factor endocrine gland-derived VEGF (EG-VEGF) and its receptors, prokineticin receptor 1 (PROKR1) and 2, (1) are abundantly expressed in human placenta, (2) are up-regulated by hypoxia, (3) control trophoblast invasion, and that EG-VEGF circulating levels are the highest during the first trimester of pregnancy, the period of important placental growth. These findings suggest that EG-VEGF/PROKR1 and 2 might be involved in normal and FGR placental development. To test this hypothesis, we used placental explants, primary trophoblast cultures, and placental and serum samples collected from FGR and age-matched control women. Our results show that (1) EG-VEGF increases trophoblast proliferation ([(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and Ki67-staining) via the homeobox-gene, HLX (2) the proliferative effect involves PROKR1 but not PROKR2, (3) EG-VEGF does not affect syncytium formation (measurement of syncytin 1 and 2 and β hCG production) (4) EG-VEGF increases the vascularization of the placental villi and insures their survival, (5) EG-VEGF, PROKR1, and PROKR2 mRNA and protein levels are significantly elevated in FGR placentas, and (6) EG-VEGF circulating levels are significantly higher in FGR patients. Altogether, our results identify EG-VEGF as a new placental growth factor acting during the first trimester of pregnancy, established its mechanism of action, and provide evidence for its deregulation in FGR. We propose that EG-VEGF/PROKR1 and 2 increases occur in FGR as a compensatory mechanism to insure proper pregnancy progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Brouillet
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - P. Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - P. Hoffmann
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
- Département de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - A. Salomon
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - F. Sergent
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - P. De Mazancourt
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - M. Dakouane-Giudicelli
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - M. N. Dieudonné
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - P. Rozenberg
- Université de Versailles-St Quentin, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire EA2493, Poissy, France
| | - D. Vaiman
- Département Génétique et Développement, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - S. Barbaux
- Département Génétique et Développement, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - M. Benharouga
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5249, Grenoble, France
| | - J.–J. Feige
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - N. Alfaidy
- Laboratoire BCI -iRTSV, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1036, Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, CEA Grenoble, 17, rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Recherche en Technologie et Sciences pour le Vivant, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bauer MA, Carmona-Gutiérrez D, Ruckenstuhl C, Reisenbichler A, Megalou EV, Eisenberg T, Magnes C, Jungwirth H, Sinner FM, Pieber TR, Fröhlich KU, Kroemer G, Tavernarakis N, Madeo F. Spermidine promotes mating and fertilization efficiency in model organisms. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:346-52. [PMID: 23255134 PMCID: PMC3575463 DOI: 10.4161/cc.23199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine involved in multiple biological processes, including DNA metabolism, autophagy and aging. Like other polyamines, spermidine is also indispensable for successful reproduction at several stages. However, a direct influence on the actual fertilization process, i.e., the fusion of an oocyte with a spermatocyte, remains uncertain. To explore this possibility, we established the mating process in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for fertilization in higher eukaryotes. During human fertilization, the sperm capacitates and the acrosome reaction is necessary for penetration of the oocyte. Similarly, sexually active yeasts form a protrusion called "shmoo" as a prerequisite for mating. In this study, we demonstrate that pheromone-induced shmoo formation requires spermidine. In addition, we show that spermidine is essential for mating in yeast as well as for egg fertilization in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In both cases, this occurs independently from autophagy. In synthesis, we identify spermidine as an important mating component in unicellular and multicellular model organisms, supporting an unprecedented evolutionary conservation of the mechanisms governing fertilization-related cellular fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Angela Reisenbichler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Evgenia V. Megalou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas; Heraklion, Greece
| | - Tobias Eisenberg
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Magnes
- Institute of Medical Technologies and Health Management; Joanneum Research; Graz, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Diabetes and Metabolism; Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Jungwirth
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Frank M. Sinner
- Institute of Medical Technologies and Health Management; Joanneum Research; Graz, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Diabetes and Metabolism; Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas R. Pieber
- Institute of Medical Technologies and Health Management; Joanneum Research; Graz, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Diabetes and Metabolism; Medical University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Kai-Uwe Fröhlich
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM; U848 and Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
- Metabolomics Platform; Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
- Pôle de Biologie; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou; Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris 5; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas; Heraklion, Greece
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Karl-Franzens University of Graz; Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ruebner M, Langbein M, Strissel PL, Henke C, Schmidt D, Goecke TW, Faschingbauer F, Schild RL, Beckmann MW, Strick R. Regulation of the human endogenous retroviral Syncytin-1 and cell-cell fusion by the nuclear hormone receptors PPARγ/RXRα in placentogenesis. J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:2383-96. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
48
|
Abstract
Cdc42p is the master regulator of morphogenesis in eukaryotic cells. It has an additional role in cell fusion, acting later in the pathway, after cells have undergone the changes in polarization and growth required for fusion. Cdc42p acts in concert with Fus2p to allow cell fusion. Cell fusion is the key event of fertilization that gives rise to the diploid zygote and is a nearly universal aspect of eukaryotic biology. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, several mutants have been identified that are defective for cell fusion, and yet the molecular mechanism of this process remains obscure. One obstacle has been that genetic screens have mainly focused on mating-specific factors, whereas the process likely involves housekeeping proteins as well. Here we implicate Cdc42p, an essential protein with roles in multiple aspects of morphogenesis, as a core component of the yeast cell fusion pathway. We identify a point mutant in the Rho-insert domain of CDC42, called cdc42-138, which is specifically defective in cell fusion. The cell fusion defect is not a secondary consequence of ineffective signaling or polarization. Genetic and morphological data show that Cdc42p acts at a late stage in cell fusion in concert with a key cell fusion regulator, Fus2p, which contains a Dbl-homology domain. We find that Fus2p binds specifically with activated Cdc42p, and binding is blocked by the cdc42-138 mutation. Thus, in addition to signaling and morphogenetic roles in mating, Cdc42p plays a role late in cell fusion via activation of Fus2p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey A Ydenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
RhoE is regulated by cyclic AMP and promotes fusion of human BeWo choriocarcinoma cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30453. [PMID: 22272352 PMCID: PMC3260294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of placental villous cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast is essential for the maintenance of successful pregnancy, and disturbances in this process have been implicated in pathological conditions such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation. In this study we examined the role of the Rho GTPase family member RhoE in trophoblast differentiation and fusion using the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line, a model of villous cytotrophoblast fusion. Treatment of BeWo cells with the cell permeable cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) resulted in a strong upregulation of RhoE at 24h, coinciding with the onset of fusion. Using the protein kinase A (PKA)-specific cAMP analogue N6-phenyl-cAMP, and a specific inhibitor of PKA (14–22 amide, PKI), we found that upregulation of RhoE by cAMP was mediated through activation of PKA signalling. Silencing of RhoE expression by RNA interference resulted in a significant decrease in dbcAMP-induced fusion. However, expression of differentiation markers human chorionic gonadotrophin and placental alkaline phosphatase was unaffected by RhoE silencing. Finally, we found that RhoE upregulation by dbcAMP was significantly reduced under hypoxic conditions in which cell fusion is impaired. These results show that induction of RhoE by cAMP is mediated through PKA and promotes BeWo cell fusion but has no effect on functional differentiation, supporting evidence that these two processes may be controlled by separate or diverging pathways.
Collapse
|
50
|
Roje D, Zekic Tomas S, Kuzmic Prusac I, Capkun V, Tadin I. Trophoblast apoptosis in human term placentas from pregnancies complicated with idiopathic intrauterine growth retardation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 24:745-51. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.526158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|