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Morey R, Soncin F, Kallol S, Sah N, Manalo Z, Bui T, Slamecka J, Cheung VC, Pizzo D, Requena DF, Chang CW, Farah O, Kittle R, Meads M, Horii M, Fisch K, Parast MM. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal differences between chorionic and basal plate cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.12.603155. [PMID: 39071344 PMCID: PMC11275976 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.12.603155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cytotrophoblast (CTB) of the early gestation human placenta are bipotent progenitor epithelial cells, which can differentiate into invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Trophoblast stem cells (TSC), derived from early first trimester placentae, have also been shown to be bipotential. In this study, we set out to probe the transcriptional diversity of first trimester CTB and compare TSC to various subgroups of CTB. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on six normal placentae, four from early (6-8 weeks) and two from late (12-14 weeks) first trimester, of which two of the early first trimester cases were separated into basal (maternal) and chorionic (fetal) fractions prior to sequencing. We also sequenced three TSC lines, derived from 6-8 week placentae, to evaluate similarities and differences between primary CTB and TSC. CTB clusters displayed notable distinctions based on gestational age, with early first trimester placentae showing enrichment for specific CTB subtypes, further influenced by origin from the basal or chorionic plate. Differential expression analysis of CTB from basal versus chorionic plate highlighted pathways associated with proliferation, unfolded protein response, and oxidative phosphorylation. We identified trophoblast states representing initial progenitor CTB, precursor STB, precursor and mature EVT, and multiple CTB subtypes. CTB progenitors were enriched in early first trimester placentae, with basal plate cells biased toward EVT, and chorionic plate cells toward STB, precursors. Clustering and trajectory inference analysis indicated that TSC were most like EVT precursor cells, with only a small percentage of TSC on the pre-STB differentiation trajectory. This was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of 6 different TSC lines, which showed uniform expression of proximal column markers ITGA2 and ITGA5. Additionally, we found that ITGA5+ CTB could be plated in 2D, forming only EVT upon spontaneous differentiation, but failed to form self-renewing organoids; conversely, ITGA5-CTB could not be plated in 2D, but readily formed organoids. Our findings suggest that distinct CTB states exist in different regions of the placenta as early as six weeks gestation and that current TSC lines most closely resemble ITGA5+ CTB, biased toward the EVT lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zoe Manalo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jaroslav Slamecka
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Virginia Chu Cheung
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen Fisch
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Antony AS, Devika AS, Sudheer S. Directed Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Cytotrophoblast and Syncytiotrophoblast. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2767:175-188. [PMID: 36773273 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2022_469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) form an ideal system to study the formation of placental cells, from an undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell state. The conventional human in vitro model systems to study the human placenta cannot be employed for understanding placental dysfunctions or the development of specialized placental cell types. Hence, human PSCs make an ideal model system to study human placental development and disorders. Here, we describe an efficient and validated protocol to reproducibly study the formation of human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and syncytiotrophoblast (STBs) from undifferentiated hPSCs. CTBs are the trophoblast stem cells that can differentiate into specialized placental cell types such as STBs. The multinucleated STB plays vital role in the exchange of nutrients and gases across the placenta and secretes several hormones during pregnancy, such as human chorionic gonadotropin β (hCGβ). Here we describe two methods of seeding the hPSCs: chemical (clumps method) and enzymatic methods (single cells) to differentiate them to CTB and STB, activating BMP (B) signaling and inhibiting ACTIVIN/NODAL and FGF signaling pathways (2i), thus naming our protocol as "B2i" (Sudheer et al., Stem Cells Dev 21:2987-3000, 2012). This protocol forms the perfect model system for understanding in vitro placentation, modeling diseases arising from abnormal placentation that cause complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and drug discovery for placental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Shaji Antony
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
| | - A S Devika
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
| | - Smita Sudheer
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
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Mukherjee I, Singh S, Karmakar A, Kashyap N, Mridha AR, Sharma JB, Luthra K, Sharma RS, Biswas S, Dhar R, Karmakar S. New immune horizons in therapeutics and diagnostic approaches to Preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13670. [PMID: 36565013 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the commonest maladies, affecting 5%-10% of pregnancies worldwide. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) identifies four categories of HDP, namely gestational hypertension (GH), Preeclampsia (PE), chronic hypertension (CH), and CH with superimposed PE. PE is a multisystem, heterogeneous disorder that encompasses 2%-8% of all pregnancy-related complications, contributing to about 9% to 26% of maternal deaths in low-income countries and 16% in high-income countries. These translate to 50 000 maternal deaths and over 500 000 fetal deaths worldwide, therefore demanding high priority in understanding clinical presentation, screening, diagnostic criteria, and effective management. PE is accompanied by uteroplacental insufficiency leading to vascular and metabolic changes, vasoconstriction, and end-organ ischemia. PE is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who were previously normotensive or hypertensive. Besides shallow trophoblast invasion and inadequate remodeling of uterine arteries, dysregulation of the nonimmune system has been the focal point in PE. This results from aberrant immune system activation and imbalanced differentiation of T cells. Further, a failure of tolerance toward the semi-allogenic fetus results due to altered distribution of Tregs such as CD4+FoxP3+ or CD4+CD25+CD127(low) FoxP3+ cells, thereby creating a cytotoxic environment by suboptimal production of immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13. Also, intracellular production of complement protein C5a may result in decreased FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. With immune system dysfunction as a major driver in PE pathogenesis, it is logical that therapeutic targeting of components of the immune system with pharmacologic agents like anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating molecules are either being used or under clinical trial. Cholesterol synthesis inhibitors like Pravastatin may improve placental perfusion in PE, while Eculizumab (monoclonal antibody inhibiting C5) and small molecular inhibitor of C5a, Zilucoplan are under investigation. Monoclonal antibody against IL-17(Secukinumab) has been proposed to alter the Th imbalance in PE. Autologous Treg therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors like anti-CTLA-4 are emerging as new candidates in immune horizons for PE management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.,Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB), Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sunil Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhibrato Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neha Kashyap
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Asit Ranjan Mridha
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jai Bhagwan Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kalpana Luthra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Ex-Head and Scientist G, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhrajit Biswas
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Ruby Dhar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhradip Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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4
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Karvas RM, David L, Theunissen TW. Accessing the human trophoblast stem cell state from pluripotent and somatic cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:604. [PMID: 36434136 PMCID: PMC9702929 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts are specialized epithelial cells that perform critical functions during blastocyst implantation and mediate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy. However, our understanding of human trophoblast biology remains limited since access to first-trimester placental tissue is scarce, especially between the first and fourth weeks of development. Moreover, animal models inadequately recapitulate unique aspects of human placental physiology. In the mouse system, the isolation of self-renewing trophoblast stem cells has provided a valuable in vitro model system of placental development, but the derivation of analogous human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) has remained elusive until recently. Building on a landmark study reporting the isolation of bona fide hTSCs from blastocysts and first-trimester placental tissues in 2018, several groups have developed methods to derive hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cell sources. Here we review the biological and molecular properties that define authentic hTSCs, the trophoblast potential of distinct pluripotent states, and methods for inducing hTSCs in somatic cells by direct reprogramming. The generation of hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cells presents exciting opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human placental development and the etiology of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Biocore, US 016, UAR 3556, 44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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5
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Single-cell transcriptional profiling reveals cellular and molecular divergence in human maternal-fetal interface. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10892. [PMID: 35764880 PMCID: PMC9240006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta plays essential role in successful pregnancy, as the most important organ connecting and interplaying between mother and fetus. However, the cellular characteristics and molecular interaction of cell populations within the fetomaternal interface is still poorly understood. Here, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of human full-term placenta and revealed the heterogeneity of cytotrophoblast cell (CTB) and stromal cell (STR) with the fetal/maternal origin consecutively localized from fetal section (FS), middle section (Mid_S) to maternal section (Mat_S) of maternal–fetal interface. Then, we highlighted a subpopulation of CTB, named trophoblast progenitor-like cells (TPLCs) existed in the full-term placenta and mainly distributed in Mid_S, with high expression of a pool of putative cell surface markers. Further, we revealed the putative key transcription factor PRDM6 that might promote the differentiation of endovascular extravillous trophoblast cells (enEVT) by inhibiting cell proliferation, and down-regulation of PRDM6 might lead to an abnormal enEVT differentiation process in PE. Together, our study offers important resources for better understanding of human placenta and stem cell-based therapy, and provides new insights on the study of tissue heterogeneity, the clinical prevention and control of PE as well as the maternal–fetal interface.
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Leon-Martinez D, Robinson JF, Zdravkovic T, Genbacev O, Gormley M, Mcmaster M, Fisher SJ, Bianco K. Trisomy 21 is Associated with Caspase-2 Upregulation in Cytotrophoblasts at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:100-109. [PMID: 32046398 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00002-x] [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: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Impaired placentation is implicated in poor perinatal outcomes associated with Trisomy 21. Earlier studies revealed abnormal cytotrophoblast differentiation along the invasive pathway as a contributing mechanism. To further elucidate the causes, we evaluated Caspase-2 expression at the protein level (immunolocalization and immunoblot) in samples from Trisomy 21 (n = 9) and euploid (n = 4) age-matched placentas. Apoptosis was investigated via the TUNEL assay. An immunolocalization approach was used to characterize Caspase-3, Fas (CD95), and Fas ligand in the same samples. Caspase-2 was significantly overexpressed in Trisomy 21 placentas, with the highest expression in villous cores and invasive cytotrophoblasts. Immunolocalization showed that Caspase-3 had a similar expression pattern as Caspase-2. Using the TUNEL approach, we observed high variability in the number of apoptotic cells in biopsies from different regions of the same placenta and among different placentas. However, Trisomy 21 placentas had more apoptotic cells, specifically in cell columns and basal plates. Furthermore, Caspase-2 co-immunolocalized with Fas (CD95) and FasL in TUNEL-positive extravillous cytotrophoblasts, but not in villous cores. These results help explain the higher levels of apoptosis among placental cells of Trisomy 21 pregnancies in molecular terms. Specifically, the co-expression of Caspase-2 and Caspase-3 with other regulators of the apoptotic process in TUNEL-positive cells suggests these molecules may cooperate in launching the observed apoptosis. Among trophoblasts, only the invasive subpopulation showed this pattern, which could help explain the higher rates of adverse outcomes in these pregnancies. In future experiments, this relationship will be further examined at a functional level in cultured human trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Leon-Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua F Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Tamara Zdravkovic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Olga Genbacev
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Matthew Gormley
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Michael Mcmaster
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Katherine Bianco
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr. HH333 MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Pereira L, Tabata T, Petitt M, Fang-Hoover J. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection undermines early development and functions of the human placenta. Placenta 2017; 59 Suppl 1:S8-S16. [PMID: 28477968 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major viral cause of birth defects, including microcephaly, neurological deficits, loss of hearing and vision, and intrauterine growth restriction. Despite its public health significance, there is no approved treatment for congenital infection during pregnancy; existing antivirals have unacceptable toxicities. The mechanisms of HCMV-induced placental injury, reduced capacity for compensatory development and transmission to the fetus are poorly understood, limiting the development of alternative strategies for clinical management of the disease. Recently, self-renewing, multipotent trophoblast progenitor cells (TBPCs) were reported to reside in the chorion of the human placenta and differentiate into the mature trophoblast subtypes - transport syncytiotrophoblasts and invasive cytotrophoblasts - forming chorionic villi, the functional units of the placenta. HCMV infects TBPCs, reducing the population of progenitor cells and their functional capacity to self-renew, migrate and differentiate. Human TBPCs and chorionic villus explants from first trimester represent relevant models for evaluating efficacies of new antiviral agents in protecting and restoring growth of the developing placenta in response to adverse conditions. Correlating pathology from complications of congenital HCMV infection with impaired development in the tissue environment of anchoring villus explants and defects in TBPC differentiation may enable identification of molecular pathways that could serve as targets for intervention. Here we summarize studies that could open up novel avenues of research on potential therapeutics to sustain placental development, promote differentiation and improve function and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore Pereira
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Takako Tabata
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Matthew Petitt
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - June Fang-Hoover
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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8
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Ilekis JV, Tsilou E, Fisher S, Abrahams VM, Soares MJ, Cross JC, Zamudio S, Illsley NP, Myatt L, Colvis C, Costantine MM, Haas DM, Sadovsky Y, Weiner C, Rytting E, Bidwell G. Placental origins of adverse pregnancy outcomes: potential molecular targets: an Executive Workshop Summary of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:S1-S46. [PMID: 26972897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although much progress is being made in understanding the molecular pathways in the placenta that are involved in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related disorders, a significant gap exists in the utilization of this information for the development of new drug therapies to improve pregnancy outcome. On March 5-6, 2015, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health sponsored a 2-day workshop titled Placental Origins of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Potential Molecular Targets to begin to address this gap. Particular emphasis was given to the identification of important molecular pathways that could serve as drug targets and the advantages and disadvantages of targeting these particular pathways. This article is a summary of the proceedings of that workshop. A broad number of topics were covered that ranged from basic placental biology to clinical trials. This included research in the basic biology of placentation, such as trophoblast migration and spiral artery remodeling, and trophoblast sensing and response to infectious and noninfectious agents. Research findings in these areas will be critical for the formulation of the development of future treatments and the development of therapies for the prevention of a number of pregnancy disorders of placental origin that include preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and uterine inflammation. Research was also presented that summarized ongoing clinical efforts in the United States and in Europe that has tested novel interventions for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, including agents such as oral arginine supplementation, sildenafil, pravastatin, gene therapy with virally delivered vascular endothelial growth factor, and oxygen supplementation therapy. Strategies were also proposed to improve fetal growth by the enhancement of nutrient transport to the fetus by modulation of their placental transporters and the targeting of placental mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress to improve placental health. The roles of microRNAs and placental-derived exosomes, as well as messenger RNAs, were also discussed in the context of their use for diagnostics and as drug targets. The workshop discussed the aspect of safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of potential existing and new therapeutics that will need to be determined, especially in the context of the unique pharmacokinetic properties of pregnancy and the hurdles and pitfalls of the translation of research findings into practice. The workshop also discussed novel methods of drug delivery and targeting during pregnancy with the use of macromolecular carriers, such as nanoparticles and biopolymers, to minimize placental drug transfer and hence fetal drug exposure. In closing, a major theme that developed from the workshop was that the scientific community must change their thinking of the pregnant woman and her fetus as a vulnerable patient population for which drug development should be avoided, but rather be thought of as a deprived population in need of more effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Ilekis
- Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Ekaterini Tsilou
- Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Susan Fisher
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, CT
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - James C Cross
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary Health Sciences Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stacy Zamudio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ
| | - Nicholas P Illsley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - Christine Colvis
- Therapeutics Discovery Program, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - David M Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Carl Weiner
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Erik Rytting
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Gene Bidwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Genbacev O, Larocque N, Ona K, Prakobphol A, Garrido-Gomez T, Kapidzic M, Bárcena A, Gormley M, Fisher SJ. Integrin α4-positive human trophoblast progenitors: functional characterization and transcriptional regulation. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1300-14. [PMID: 27083540 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the functional characteristics and transcriptional regulators of human trophoblast progenitor cells (TBPCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER TBPC lines established from the human smooth chorion by cell sorting for integrin α4 expressed markers of stemness and trophoblast (TB) stage-specific antigens, invaded Matrigel substrates and contributed to the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) layer of smooth chorion explants with high-mobility group protein HMGI-C (HMGA2) and transcription factor GATA-4 (GATA4) controlling their progenitor state and TB identity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previously, we reported the derivation of TBPC lines by trypsinization of colonies that formed in cultures of chorionic mesenchyme cells that were treated with an activin nodal inhibitor. Microarray analyses showed that, among integrins, α4 was most highly expressed, and identified HMGA2 and GATA4 as potential transcriptional regulators. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The aim of this study was to streamline TBPC derivation across gestation. High-cell surface expression of integrin α4 enabled the use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) approach for TBPC isolation from the human smooth chorion (n = 6 lines). To confirm their TBPC identity, we profiled their expression of stemness and TB markers, and growth factor receptors. At a functional level, we assayed their invasive capacity (n = 3) and tropism for the CTB layer of the smooth chorion (n = 3). At a molecular level, we studied the roles of HMGA2 and GATA4. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Cells were enzymatically disassociated from the human smooth chorion across gestation. FACS was used to isolate the integrin α4-positive population. In total, we established six TBPC lines, two per trimester. Their identity was determined by immunolocalization of a suite of antigens. Function was assessed via Matrigel invasion and co-culture with explants of the human smooth chorion. An siRNA approach was used to down-regulate HMGA2 and GATA4 expression and the results were confirmed by immunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses. The endpoints analyzed included proliferation, as determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrDU) incorporation, and the expression of stage-specific antigens and hormones, as determined by qRT-PCR and immunostaining approaches. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE As with the original cell lines, the progenitors expressed a combination of human embryonic stem cell and TB markers. Upon differentiation, they primarily formed CTBs, which were capable of Matrigel invasion. Co-culture of the cells with smooth chorion explants enabled their migration through the mesenchyme after which they intercalated within the chorionic CTB layer. Down-regulation of HMGA2 showed that this DNA-binding protein governed their self-renewal. Both HMGA2 and GATA4 had pleitropic effects on the cells' progenitor state and TB identity. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study supported our hypothesis that TBPCs from the chorionic mesenchyme can contribute to the subpopulation of CTBs that reside in the smooth chorion. In the absence of in vivo data, which is difficult to obtain in humans, the results have the limitations common to all in vitro studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The accepted view is that progenitors reside among the villous CTB subpopulation. Here, we show that TBPCs also reside in the mesenchymal layer of the smooth chorion throughout gestation. We theorize that they can contribute to the CTB layer in this region. This phenomenon may be particularly important in pathological situations when CTBs of the smooth chorion might provide a functional reserve for CTBs of the placenta proper. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under award P50HD055764. O.G., N.L., K.O., A.P., T.G.-G., M.K., A.B., M.G. have nothing to disclose. S.J.F. received licensing fees and royalties from SeraCare Life Sciences for trisomic TBPC lines that were derived according to the methods described in this manuscript. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Genbacev
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - N Larocque
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - K Ona
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - A Prakobphol
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - T Garrido-Gomez
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundacion IVI, Instituto Universitario IVI, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Kapidzic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - A Bárcena
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - M Gormley
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - S J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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10
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Weber M, Göhner C, San Martin S, Vattai A, Hutter S, Parraga M, Jeschke U, Schleussner E, Markert UR, Fitzgerald JS. Unique trophoblast stem cell- and pluripotency marker staining patterns depending on gestational age and placenta-associated pregnancy complications. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:56-65. [PMID: 26914354 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1142035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) are rare but severe pregnancy complications that are associated with placental insufficiency often resulting in premature birth. The clinical pathologies are related to gross placental pathologies and trophoblastic deficiencies that might derive from inflammatory processes and oxidative stress injury. The mesenchymal core of placental villi has been identified as a possible niche for trophoblast progenitor cells that are called upon to replenish the injured syncytiotrophoblast layer. These progenitor cells are known to express trophoblast stem cell (CDX2) and pluripotency (SOX2, NANOG and OCT4A) markers, however only little data is available characterizing the expression of these transcription factors beyond the blastocyst stage. We aimed to describe the expression of these factors in healthy 1st and 3rd trimester placentae as well as PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR placentae. We analyzed 8 respective samples derived from 1st trimester (elective abortions), and 3rd trimester (healthy controls, PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR). We accomplished immunoperoxidase staining to detect the stem cell markers: CDX2 (trophectoderm), SOX2, NANOG and OCT4A (embryonal). Immunoreative scoring was used for objective analyses of staining patterns. All markers display clearly elevated signals in 1st trimester villous samples as compared to healthy 3rd trimester counterparts. Especially CDX2 and NANOG were specific to the cytotrophoblast layer and the mesenchymal core. Specific and differential expression patterns were visible in the villous/extravillous compartment of each placenta-associated pregnancy complication (PE: pan elevated expression; IUGR elevated SOX2 in basal plate; combined PE+IUGR pan loss of expression). Reduction of stem cell transcription factor expression in term placentae indicates temporal regulation, and probably a specific function which is yet to be elucidated. The differential expression patterns within placentae complicated with placenta-associated pregnancy complications indicate that PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR are separate entities. It is unclear whether the alterations are the cause or the effect of the clinical pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Weber
- a Department of Obstetrics , Placenta Lab, University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Claudia Göhner
- a Department of Obstetrics , Placenta Lab, University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian San Martin
- c Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaiso , Chile
| | - Aurelia Vattai
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Stefan Hutter
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Mario Parraga
- c Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaiso , Chile
| | - Udo Jeschke
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Ekkehard Schleussner
- a Department of Obstetrics , Placenta Lab, University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- a Department of Obstetrics , Placenta Lab, University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany
| | - Justine S Fitzgerald
- a Department of Obstetrics , Placenta Lab, University Hospital Jena , Jena , Germany.,e Praxisklinik am Anger, Kinderwunschzentrum Erfurt , Erfurt , Germany
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11
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Extensive Nuclear Reprogramming Underlies Lineage Conversion into Functional Trophoblast Stem-like Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2015; 17:543-56. [PMID: 26412562 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) undergo extensive nuclear reprogramming and are generally indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in their functional capacity and transcriptome and DNA methylation profiles. However, direct conversion of cells from one lineage to another often yields incompletely reprogrammed, functionally compromised cells, raising the question of whether pluripotency is required to achieve a high degree of nuclear reprogramming. Here, we show that transient expression of Gata3, Eomes, and Tfap2c in mouse fibroblasts induces stable, transgene-independent trophoblast stem-like cells (iTSCs). iTSCs possess transcriptional profiles highly similar to blastocyst-derived TSCs, with comparable methylation and H3K27ac patterns and genome-wide H2A.X deposition. iTSCs generate trophoectodermal lineages upon differentiation, form hemorrhagic lesions, and contribute to developing placentas in chimera assays, indicating a high degree of nuclear reprogramming, with no evidence of passage through a transient pluripotent state. Together, these data demonstrate that extensive nuclear reprogramming can be achieved independently of pluripotency.
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12
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Genbačev O, Vićovac L, Larocque N. The role of chorionic cytotrophoblasts in the smooth chorion fusion with parietal decidua. Placenta 2015; 36:716-22. [PMID: 26003500 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Human placenta and chorion are rapidly growing transient embryonic organs built from diverse cell populations that are of either, ectodermal [placenta and chorion specific trophoblast (TB) cells], or mesodermal origin [villous core and chorionic mesenchyme]. The development of placenta and chorion is synchronized from the earliest phase of implantation. Little is known about the formative stages of the human chorion, in particular the steps between the formation of a smooth chorion and its fusion with the parietal decidua. METHODS We examined the available histological material using immunohistochemistry, and further analyzed in vitro the characteristics of the recently established and reported human self-renewing trophoblast progenitor cells (TBPC) derived from chorionic mesoderm. RESULTS Here, we provided evidence that the mechanism by which smooth chorion fuses with parietal decidua is the invasion of smooth chorionic cytotrophoblasts (schCTBs) into the uterine wall opposite to the implantation side. This process, which partially replicates some of the mechanisms of the blastocyst implantation, leads to the formation of a new zone of contacts between fetal and maternal cells. CONCLUSION We propose the schCTBs invasion of the parietal decidua as a mechanism of 'fusion' of the membranes, and that schCTBs in vivo contribute to the pool of the invasive schCTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Genbačev
- The Ely and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - L Vićovac
- Laboratory for Biology of Reproduction, Institute INEP, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - N Larocque
- The Ely and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
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13
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Kunath T, Yamanaka Y, Detmar J, MacPhee D, Caniggia I, Rossant J, Jurisicova A. Developmental differences in the expression of FGF receptors between human and mouse embryos. Placenta 2014; 35:1079-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Roberts RM, Loh KM, Amita M, Bernardo AS, Adachi K, Alexenko AP, Schust DJ, Schulz LC, Telugu BPVL, Ezashi T, Pedersen RA. Differentiation of trophoblast cells from human embryonic stem cells: to be or not to be? Reproduction 2014; 147:D1-12. [PMID: 24518070 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
It is imperative to unveil the full range of differentiated cell types into which human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can develop. The need is twofold: it will delimit the therapeutic utility of these stem cells and is necessary to place their position accurately in the developmental hierarchy of lineage potential. Accumulated evidence suggested that hPSC could develop in vitro into an extraembryonic lineage (trophoblast (TB)) that is typically inaccessible to pluripotent embryonic cells during embryogenesis. However, whether these differentiated cells are truly authentic TB has been challenged. In this debate, we present a case for and a case against TB differentiation from hPSCs. By analogy to other differentiation systems, our debate is broadly applicable, as it articulates higher and more challenging standards for judging whether a given cell type has been genuinely produced from hPSC differentiation.
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15
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Zydek M, Petitt M, Fang-Hoover J, Adler B, Kauvar LM, Pereira L, Tabata T. HCMV infection of human trophoblast progenitor cells of the placenta is neutralized by a human monoclonal antibody to glycoprotein B and not by antibodies to the pentamer complex. Viruses 2014; 6:1346-64. [PMID: 24651029 PMCID: PMC3970154 DOI: 10.3390/v6031346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the major viral cause of congenital infection and birth defects. Primary maternal infection often results in virus transmission, and symptomatic babies can have permanent neurological deficiencies and deafness. Congenital infection can also lead to intrauterine growth restriction, a defect in placental transport. HCMV replicates in primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), the specialized cells of the placenta, and inhibits differentiation/invasion. Human trophoblast progenitor cells (TBPCs) give rise to the mature cell types of the chorionic villi, CTBs and multi-nucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs). Here we report that TBPCs are fully permissive for pathogenic and attenuated HCMV strains. Studies with a mutant virus lacking a functional pentamer complex (gH/gL/pUL128-131A) showed that virion entry into TBPCs is independent of the pentamer. In addition, infection is blocked by a potent human neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb), TRL345, reactive with glycoprotein B (gB), but not mAbs to the pentamer proteins pUL130/pUL131A. Functional studies revealed that neutralization of infection preserved the capacity of TBPCs to differentiate and assemble into trophospheres composed of CTBs and STBs in vitro. Our results indicate that mAbs to gB protect trophoblast progenitors of the placenta and could be included in antibody treatments developed to suppress congenital infection and prevent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zydek
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Matthew Petitt
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - June Fang-Hoover
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Barbara Adler
- Division of Virology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 9A, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Lawrence M Kauvar
- Trellis Bioscience, LLC, 2-B Corporate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Lenore Pereira
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Takako Tabata
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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