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Liu H, Franken A, Bielfeld AP, Fehm T, Niederacher D, Cheng Z, Neubauer H, Stamm N. Progesterone-induced progesterone receptor membrane component 1 rise-to-decline changes are essential for decidualization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:20. [PMID: 38308254 PMCID: PMC10837943 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization of endometrial cells is the prerequisite for embryo implantation and subsequent placenta formation and is induced by rising progesterone levels following ovulation. One of the hormone receptors contributing to endometrial homeostasis is Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1), a non-classical membrane-bound progesterone receptor with yet unclear function. In this study, we aimed to investigate how PGRMC1 contributes to human decidualization. METHODS We first analyzed PGRMC1 expression profile during a regular menstrual cycle in RNA-sequencing datasets. To further explore the function of PGRMC1 in human decidualization, we implemented an inducible decidualization system, which is achieved by culturing two human endometrial stromal cell lines in decidualization-inducing medium containing medroxyprogesterone acetate and 8-Br-cAMP. In our system, we measured PGRMC1 expression during hormone induction as well as decidualization status upon PGRMC1 knockdown at different time points. We further conferred proximity ligation assay to identify PGRMC1 interaction partners. RESULTS In a regular menstrual cycle, PGRMC1 mRNA expression is gradually decreased from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. In in vitro experiments, we observed that PGRMC1 expression follows a rise-to-decline pattern, in which its expression level initially increased during the first 6 days after induction (PGRMC1 increasing phase) and decreased in the following days (PGRMC1 decreasing phase). Knockdown of PGRMC1 expression before the induction led to a failed decidualization, while its knockdown after induction did not inhibit decidualization, suggesting that the progestin-induced 'PGRMC1 increasing phase' is essential for normal decidualization. Furthermore, we found that the interactions of prohibitin 1 and prohibitin 2 with PGRMC1 were induced upon progestin treatment. Knocking down each of the prohibitins slowed down the decidualization process compared to the control, suggesting that PGRMC1 cooperates with prohibitins to regulate decidualization. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, PGRMC1 expression followed a progestin-induced rise-to-decline expression pattern during human endometrial decidualization process; and the correct execution of this expression program was crucial for successful decidualization. Thereby, the results of our in vitro model explained how PGRMC1 dysregulation during decidualization may present a new perspective on infertility-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - André Franken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of OB/GYN & REI, UniKiD, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Niederacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Nadia Stamm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Science Center, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Wendler A, Wehling M. Many or too many progesterone membrane receptors? Clinical implications. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:850-868. [PMID: 36384863 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Several receptors for nongenomically initiated actions of progesterone (P4) exist, namely membrane-associated P4 receptors (MAPRs), membrane progestin receptors (mPRs), receptors for neurosteroids [GABAA receptor (GABAAR), NMDA receptor, sigma-1 and -2 receptors (S1R/S2R)], the classical genomic P4 receptor (PGR), and α/β hydrolase domain-containing protein 2 (ABHD2). Two drugs related to this field have been approved: brexanolone (Zulresso™) for the treatment of postpartum depression, and ganaxolone (Ztalmy™) for the treatment of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Both are derivatives of P4 and target the GABAAR. Several other indications are in clinical testing. CT1812 (Elayta™) is also being tested for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Phase 2 clinical trials, targeting the P4 receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1)/S2R complex. In this Review, we highlight emerging knowledge on the mechanisms of nongenomically initiated actions of P4 and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wendler
- Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Wehling
- Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Effect of Steroid Hormones, Prostaglandins (E2 and F2α), Oxytocin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha on Membrane Progesterone (P4) Receptors Gene Expression in Bovine Myometrial Cells. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040519. [PMID: 35203226 PMCID: PMC8868417 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myometrium tissue shows the expression of non-genomic membrane progesterone (P4) receptors, such as progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMC) 1 and 2 and membrane progestin receptors (mPR) alpha (mPRα), beta (mPRβ), and gamma (mPRγ). Their variable expression in the bovine uterus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy suggests that ovarian steroids and luteotropic and/or luteolytic factors may regulate the expression of these receptors in the myometrium. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of P4, estradiol (E2), P4 with E2, prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2α, oxytocin (OT), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) on the gene expression of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, serpine-1 mRNA-binding protein (SERBP1), and mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ in bovine myometrial cells from days 6 to 10 and 11 to 16 of the estrous cycle. The PGE2 concentration and mRNA expression were determined by EIA and real-time PCR, respectively. The data indicated that P4 and E2 can affect the mRNA expression of all studied receptors and SERPB1. However, PGE2, OT, and TNFα could only modulate the expression of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and SERPB1, respectively. Steroids/factors changed the expression of PGRMC and mPR genes depending on the dose, the stage of the estrous cycle, and the types of receptors. This suggests that the local hormonal milieu may influence the activity of these receptors and P4 action in myometrial cells during the estrous cycle.
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Medina-Laver Y, Rodríguez-Varela C, Salsano S, Labarta E, Domínguez F. What Do We Know about Classical and Non-Classical Progesterone Receptors in the Human Female Reproductive Tract? A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11278. [PMID: 34681937 PMCID: PMC8538361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The progesterone hormone regulates the human menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and parturition by its action via the different progesterone receptors and signaling pathways in the female reproductive tract. Progesterone actions can be exerted through classical and non-classical receptors, or even a combination of both. The former are nuclear receptors whose activation leads to transcriptional activity regulation and thus in turn leads to slower but long-lasting responses. The latter are composed of progesterone receptors membrane components (PGRMC) and membrane progestin receptors (mPRs). These receptors rapidly activate the appropriate intracellular signal transduction pathways, and they can subsequently initiate specific cell responses or even modulate genomic cell responses. This review covers our current knowledge on the mechanisms of action and the relevance of classical and non-classical progesterone receptors in female reproductive tissues ranging from the ovary and uterus to the cervix, and it exposes their crucial role in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassmin Medina-Laver
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (Y.M.-L.); (C.R.-V.); (S.S.); (E.L.)
| | | | - Stefania Salsano
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (Y.M.-L.); (C.R.-V.); (S.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Elena Labarta
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (Y.M.-L.); (C.R.-V.); (S.S.); (E.L.)
- IVI RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (Y.M.-L.); (C.R.-V.); (S.S.); (E.L.)
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Piette PC. The pharmacodynamics and safety of progesterone. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 69:13-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Lozovyy V, Richardson L, Saade G, Menon R. Progesterone receptor membrane components: key regulators of fetal membrane integrity. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:445-456. [PMID: 33048113 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-pregnancy hormone progesterone (P4) helps to maintain a quiescent status of uterine tissues during gestation. However, P4's functional role in maintaining fetal membrane (amniochorion) integrity remains unclear. P4 functions through its membrane receptors (progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMCs)) as fetal membrane cells lack nuclear receptors. This study screened the differential expression of PGRMCs in the fetal membranes and tested P4-PGRMC interactions under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions expected that can disrupt P4-PGRMC interactions impacting fetal membrane stability resulting in parturition. Human fetal membranes were collected from term and preterm deliveries (N = 5). Immunohistochemistry and western blot localized and determined differential expression of P4 receptors. Primary amnion epithelial, mesenchymal (AMCs), and chorion cell were treated with P4 alone or co-treated (P4 + OS induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE)). Proximity ligation assay (PLA) documented P4-receptor binding, whereas P4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay documented culture supernatant levels. Immunohistology confirmed lack of nuclear progesterone receptors; however, confirmed expressions of PGRMC 1 and 2. Term labor (P = 0.01) and preterm rupture (P = 0.01) are associated with significant downregulation of PGRMC2. OS-induced differential downregulation of PGRMCs in both amnion and chorion cells (all P < 0.05) and downregulates P4 release (AMCs; P = 0.01). The PLA showed preferential receptor-ligand binding in amnion and chorion cells. Co-treatment of P4 + CSE did not reverse CSE-induced effects. In conclusion, P4-PGRMCs interaction maintains fetal membranes' functional integrity throughout pregnancy. Increased OS reduces endogenous P4 production and cell type-dependent downregulation of PGRMCs. These changes can lead to fetal membrane-specific "functional progesterone withdrawal," contributing to the dysfunctional fetal membrane status seen at term and preterm conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Lozovyy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - George Saade
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
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Feng L, Allen TK, Marinello WP, Murtha AP. Roles of Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 in Oxidative Stress-Induced Aging in Chorion Cells. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:394-403. [PMID: 29783884 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118776790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxidative stress-mediated fetal membrane cell aging is activated prematurely in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROMs). The mechanism of this phenomenon is largely understudied. Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) has been recognized as a potential protective component for maintaining fetal membrane integrity and healthy pregnancies. We aimed to investigate the effects of oxidative stress (represented by hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]) on fetal membrane and chorion cell senescence, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and to examine the roles of PGRMC1 in these effects. METHODS Following serum starvation for 24 hours, full-thickness fetal membrane explants and primary chorion cells were treated with H2O2 at 100, 300, and 500 µM for 24 hours. Cells were fixed for cell senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay. Cell lysates were harvested for quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to quantify SIRT3 messenger RNA. Cell lysates were harvested for Western blot to semi-quantify SIRT3 protein and p38 MAPK phosphorylation levels, respectively. To examine the role of PGRMC1, primary chorion cells underwent the same treatment mentioned above following PGRMC1 knockdown using validated PGRMC1-specific small-interfering RNA. RESULTS Hydrogen peroxide significantly induced cell senescence and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and it significantly decreased SIRT3 expression in full-thickness fetal membrane explants and chorion cells. These effects were enhanced by PGRMC1 knockdown. DISCUSSION This study further demonstrated that oxidative stress-induced cell aging is one of the mechanisms of PPROM and PGRMC1 acts as a protective element for maintaining fetal membrane integrity by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced chorion cell aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Feng
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,2 Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Terrence K Allen
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Amy P Murtha
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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