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Togo A, Mitsuzuka K, Hanawa S, Nakajima R, Izumi K, Sato K, Ishimoto H. Downregulation of SPARC Expression Enhances the Fusion of BeWo Choriocarcinoma Cells. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2342-2353. [PMID: 38728000 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01563-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Syncytiotrophoblasts, which are formed by the fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts, play an essential role in maintaining a successful pregnancy. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a non-structural Ca2+-binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein involved in tissue remodeling and cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Previous studies have revealed that SPARC is expressed in villous and extravillous cytotrophoblasts in the first trimester and that RNA interference targeted at SPARC significantly inhibited invasion of human extravillous trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cells. However, the involvement of SPARC in cytotrophoblast fusion remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of SPARC in cytotrophoblast fusion, using the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line as a model of villous cytotrophoblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess SPARC expression in normal human placentas using placental tissues obtained during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. We investigated the effects of SPARC knockdown on trophoblast differentiation markers and cell fusion in BeWo cells using small interfering RNA. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SPARC expression was high in the early gestational chorionic villi and low in the late gestational chorionic villi. SPARC knockdown increased the expressions of human chorionic gonadotropin and Ovo-like transcriptional repressor 1; however, glial cells missing transcription factor 1, syncytin-1, and syncytin-2 showed no significant changes. The assessment revealed that SPARC knockdown significantly enhanced cell fusion compared to the non-silencing control. Our data suggest that SPARC plays a vital role in regulating trophoblast fusion and differentiation during placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Togo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan.
| | - Kanako Mitsuzuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Sachiko Hanawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Kenji Izumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Kenji Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan
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Cesana M, Tufano G, Panariello F, Zampelli N, Soldati C, Mutarelli M, Montefusco S, Grieco G, Sepe LV, Rossi B, Nusco E, Rossignoli G, Panebianco G, Merciai F, Salviati E, Sommella EM, Campiglia P, Martello G, Cacchiarelli D, Medina DL, Ballabio A. TFEB controls syncytiotrophoblast formation and hormone production in placenta. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01337-y. [PMID: 38965447 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
TFEB, a bHLH-leucine zipper transcription factor belonging to the MiT/TFE family, globally modulates cell metabolism by regulating autophagy and lysosomal functions. Remarkably, loss of TFEB in mice causes embryonic lethality due to severe defects in placentation associated with aberrant vascularization and resulting hypoxia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype has remained elusive. By integrating in vivo analyses with multi-omics approaches and functional assays, we have uncovered an unprecedented function for TFEB in promoting the formation of a functional syncytiotrophoblast in the placenta. Our findings demonstrate that constitutive loss of TFEB in knock-out mice is associated with defective formation of the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Indeed, using in vitro models of syncytialization, we demonstrated that TFEB translocates into the nucleus during syncytiotrophoblast formation and binds to the promoters of crucial placental genes, including genes encoding fusogenic proteins (Syncytin-1 and Syncytin-2) and enzymes involved in steroidogenic pathways, such as CYP19A1, the rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of 17β-Estradiol (E2). Conversely, TFEB depletion impairs both syncytial fusion and endocrine properties of syncytiotrophoblast, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the secretion of placental hormones and E2 production. Notably, restoration of TFEB expression resets syncytiotrophoblast identity. Our findings identify that TFEB controls placental development and function by orchestrating both the transcriptional program underlying trophoblast fusion and the acquisition of endocrine function, which are crucial for the bioenergetic requirements of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Cesana
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Tufano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Panariello
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicolina Zampelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Soldati
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Mutarelli
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems "Eduardo Caianiello", Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sandro Montefusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Grieco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Vittoria Sepe
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Merciai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084, Salerno, Italy
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
- SSM School for Advanced Studies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Luis Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- SSM School for Advanced Studies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ning J, Yan J, Wang S, Cui Z, Xue Y, Juan J, Yang H. Demethylase FTO-mediated m6A modification of SIK1 modulates placental cytotrophoblast syncytialization in type 2 diabetes mellitus. iScience 2024; 27:109900. [PMID: 38883837 PMCID: PMC11177141 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109900] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a common complication during pregnancy that affects fetoplacental development. We demonstrated the existence of impaired trophoblast syncytialization under hyperglycemic conditions. However, the exact mechanism remains unknown. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an emerging regulatory mechanism of mRNA and participates in various biological processes. We described the global m6A modification pattern in T2DM placenta by the combined analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Both the m6A modification and expression of SIK1, which is critical for syncytialization, were significantly decreased in trophoblast exposed to hyperglycemic conditions. In addition, the m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) affects the expression and mRNA stability of SIK1 by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (UTR) m6A site. This work reveals that the FTO-m6A-SIK1 axis plays critical roles in regulating syncytialization in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zifeng Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Juan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
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Lapehn S, Nair S, Firsick EJ, MacDonald J, Thoreson C, Litch JA, Bush NR, Kadam L, Girard S, Myatt L, Prasad B, Sathyanarayana S, Paquette AG. Transcriptomic comparison of in vitro models of the human placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.598695. [PMID: 38915703 PMCID: PMC11195179 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.598695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Studying the human placenta through in vitro cell culture methods is necessary due to limited access and amenability of human placental tissue to certain experimental methods as well as distinct anatomical and physiological differences between animal and human placentas. Selecting an in vitro culture model of the human placenta is challenging due to representation of different trophoblast cell types with distinct biological roles and limited comparative studies that define key characteristics of these models. Therefore, the aim of this research was to create a comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of common in vitro models of the human placenta compared to bulk placental tissue from the CANDLE and GAPPS cohorts (N=1083). We performed differential gene expression analysis on publicly available RNA sequencing data from 6 common in vitro models of the human placenta (HTR-8/SVneo, BeWo, JEG-3, JAR, Primary Trophoblasts, and Villous Explants) and compared to CANDLE and GAPPS bulk placental tissue or cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, and extravillous trophoblast cell types derived from bulk placental tissue. All in vitro placental models had a substantial number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs, FDR<0.01) compared to the CANDLE and GAPPS placentas (Average DEGs=10,873), and the individual trophoblast cell types (Average DEGs=5,346), indicating that there are vast differences in gene expression compared to bulk and cell-type specific human placental tissue. Hierarchical clustering identified 53 gene clusters with distinct expression profiles across placental models, with 22 clusters enriched for specific KEGG pathways, 7 clusters enriched for high-expression placental genes, and 7 clusters enriched for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion genes. In vitro placental models were classified by fetal sex based on expression of Y-chromosome genes that identified HTR-8/SVneo cells as being of female origin, while JEG-3, JAR, and BeWo cells are of male origin. Overall, none of the models were a close approximation of the transcriptome of bulk human placental tissue, highlighting the challenges with model selection. To enable researchers to select appropriate models, we have compiled data on differential gene expression, clustering, and fetal sex into an accessible web application: "Comparative Transcriptomic Placental Model Atlas (CTPMA)" which can be utilized by researchers to make informed decisions about their selection of in vitro placental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lapehn
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children!s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
| | - Sidharth Nair
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children!s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
| | - Evan J. Firsick
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children!s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
| | - James MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195 United States
| | - Ciara Thoreson
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Lynwood, WA 98036 United States
| | - James A Litch
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Lynwood, WA 98036 United States
| | - Nicole R. Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 United States
| | - Leena Kadam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 United States
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 United States
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 United States
| | - Bhagwat Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202 United States
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195 United States
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children!s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
| | - Alison G. Paquette
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children!s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 United States
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195 United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195 United States
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Gardner JJ, Cushen SC, Oliveira da Silva RDN, Bradshaw JL, Hula N, Gorham IK, Tucker SM, Zhou Z, Cunningham RL, Phillips NR, Goulopoulou S. Oxidative stress induces release of mitochondrial DNA into the extracellular space in human placental villous trophoblast BeWo cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1776-C1788. [PMID: 38738304 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00091.2024] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) is an indicator of cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress. ccf-mtDNA in pregnancies with placental dysfunction differs from that in healthy pregnancies, and the direction of this difference depends on gestational age and method of mtDNA quantification. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger release of mtDNA, yet it is unknown whether trophoblast cells release mtDNA in response to oxidative stress, a common feature of pregnancies with placental pathology. We hypothesized that oxidative stress would induce cell death and release of mtDNA from trophoblast cells. BeWo cells were treated with antimycin A (10-320 µM) or rotenone (0.2-50 µM) to induce oxidative stress. A multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was used to quantify mtDNA and nuclear DNA in membrane-bound, non-membrane-bound, and vesicle-bound forms in cell culture supernatants and cell lysates. Treatment with antimycin A increased ROS (P < 0.0001), induced cell necrosis (P = 0.0004) but not apoptosis (P = 0.6471), and was positively associated with release of membrane-bound and non-membrane-bound mtDNA (P < 0.0001). Antimycin A increased mtDNA content in exosome-like extracellular vesicles (vesicle-bound form; P = 0.0019) and reduced autophagy marker expression (LC3A/B, P = 0.0002; p62, P < 0.001). Rotenone treatment did not influence mtDNA release or cell death (P > 0.05). Oxidative stress induces release of mtDNA into the extracellular space and causes nonapoptotic cell death and a reduction in autophagy markers in BeWo cells, an established in vitro model of human trophoblast cells. Intersection between autophagy and necrosis may mediate the release of mtDNA from the placenta in pregnancies exposed to oxidative stress.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to test whether trophoblast cells release mitochondrial (mt)DNA in response to oxidative stress and to identify mechanisms of release and biological forms of mtDNA from this cellular type. This research identifies potential cellular mechanisms that can be used in future investigations to establish the source and biomarker potential of circulating mtDNA in preclinical experimental models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Gardner
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Spencer C Cushen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Reneé de Nazaré Oliveira da Silva
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Departments of Basic Sciences, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Jessica L Bradshaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Nataliia Hula
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Departments of Basic Sciences, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Isabelle K Gorham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Selina M Tucker
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- Department of Population & Community Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Nicole R Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Departments of Basic Sciences, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States
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7
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Kim E, Cai L, Choi H, Kim M, Hyun SH. Distinct properties of putative trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear-transferred pig blastocysts. Biol Res 2024; 57:35. [PMID: 38812008 PMCID: PMC11137969 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetically modified pigs are considered ideal models for studying human diseases and potential sources for xenotransplantation research. However, the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique utilized to generate these cloned pig models has low efficiency, and fetal development is limited due to placental abnormalities. RESULTS In this study, we unprecedentedly established putative porcine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) using SCNT and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts through the activation of Wing-less/Integrated (Wnt) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathways, inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathways, and supplementation with ascorbic acid. We also compared the transcripts of putative TSCs originating from SCNT and IVF embryos and their differentiated lineages. A total of 19 porcine TSCs exhibiting typical characteristics were established from SCNT and IVF blastocysts (TSCsNT and TSCsIVF). Compared with the TSCsIVF, TSCsNT showed distinct expression patterns suggesting unique TSCsNT characteristics, including decreased mRNA expression of genes related to apposition, steroid hormone biosynthesis, angiopoiesis, and RNA stability. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable information and a powerful model for studying the abnormal development and dysfunction of trophoblasts and placentas in cloned pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Lab. of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Slaby EM, Hansen N, Sharma R, Pirrotte P, Weaver JD. Engineered 3D Hydrogel Matrices to Modulate Trophoblast Stem Cell-Derived Placental Organoid Phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.594007. [PMID: 38798435 PMCID: PMC11118344 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.594007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Placental organoid models are a promising platform to study human placental development and function. Organoid systems typically use naturally derived hydrogel extracellular matrices (ECM), resulting in batch-to-batch variability that limits experimental reproducibility. As an alternative, synthetic ECM-mimicking hydrogel matrices offer greater consistency and control over environmental cues. Here, we generated trophoblast stem cell-derived placental organoids using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with tunable degradability and placenta-derived ECM cues to evaluate trophoblast differentiation relative to Matrigel and two-dimensional (2D) culture controls. Our data demonstrate that PEG hydrogels support trophoblast viability and metabolic function comparable to gold standard Matrigel. Additionally, phenotypic characterization via proteomic analysis revealed that PEG and Matrigel matrices drive syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast-dominant placental organoid phenotypes, respectively. Further, three-dimensional (3D) environments promoted greater integrin expression and ECM production than 2D culture. This study demonstrates that engineered 3D culture environments can be used to reliably generate placental organoids and guide trophoblast differentiation.
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9
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Gallagher LT, Bardill J, Sucharov CC, Wright CJ, Karimpour-Fard A, Zarate M, Breckenfelder C, Liechty KW, Derderian SC. Dysregulation of miRNA-mRNA expression in fetal growth restriction in a caloric restricted mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5579. [PMID: 38448721 PMCID: PMC10918062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with aberrant placentation and accounts for a significant proportion of perinatal deaths. microRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in FGR. The purpose of this study was to determine microRNA-regulated molecular pathways altered using a caloric restricted mouse model of FGR. Pregnant mice were subjected to a 50% caloric restricted diet beginning at E9. At E18.5, RNA sequencing of placental tissue was performed to identify differences in gene expression between caloric restricted and control placentas. Significant differences in gene expression between caloric restricted and control placentas were observed in 228 of the 1546 (14.7%) microRNAs. Functional analysis of microRNA-mRNA interactions demonstrated enrichment of several biological pathways with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways upregulated and angiogenesis and signal transduction pathways downregulated. Ingenuity pathway analysis also suggested that ID1 signaling, a pathway integral for trophoblast differentiation, is also dysregulated in caloric restricted placentas. Thus, a maternal caloric restriction mouse model of FGR results in aberrant microRNA-regulated molecular pathways associated with angiogenesis, oxidative stress, signal transduction, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. As several of these pathways are dysregulated in human FGR, our findings suggest that this model may provide an excellent means to study placental microRNA derangements seen in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Gallagher
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James Bardill
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carmen C Sucharov
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Clyde J Wright
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anis Karimpour-Fard
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Miguel Zarate
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Courtney Breckenfelder
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth W Liechty
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - S Christopher Derderian
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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10
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Shukla V, Moreno-Irusta A, Varberg KM, Kuna M, Iqbal K, Galligos AM, Aplin JD, Choudhury RH, Okae H, Arima T, Soares MJ. NOTUM-MEDIATED WNT SILENCING DRIVES EXTRAVILLOUS TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE DEVELOPMENT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.579974. [PMID: 38405745 PMCID: PMC10888853 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.579974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells have the unique capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types, including extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. EVT cells invade into and transform the uterus where they act to remodel the vasculature facilitating the redirection of maternal nutrients to the developing fetus. Disruptions in EVT cell development and function are at the core of pregnancy-related disease. WNT-activated signal transduction is a conserved regulator of morphogenesis of many organ systems, including the placenta. In human TS cells, activation of canonical WNT signaling is critical for maintenance of the TS cell stem state and its downregulation accompanies EVT cell differentiation. We show that aberrant WNT signaling undermines EVT cell differentiation. Notum, palmitoleoyl-protein carboxylesterase (NOTUM), a negative regulator of canonical WNT signaling, was prominently expressed in first trimester EVT cells developing in situ and upregulated in EVT cells derived from human TS cells. Furthermore, NOTUM was required for human TS cell differentiation to EVT cells. Activation of NOTUM in EVT cells is driven, at least in part, by endothelial PAS domain 1 (also called hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha). Collectively, our findings indicate that canonical WNT signaling is essential for maintenance of human trophoblast cell stemness and prevention of human TS cell differentiation. Downregulation of canonical WNT signaling via the actions of NOTUM is required for EVT cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kaela M. Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Marija Kuna
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Anna M. Galligos
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - John D. Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Ruhul H. Choudhury
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811 Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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11
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Slaby EM, Plaisier SB, Brady SR, Hiremath SC, Weaver JD. Controlling placental spheroid growth and phenotype using engineered synthetic hydrogel matrices. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:933-948. [PMID: 38204396 PMCID: PMC10922805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01393f] [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: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta is a complex organ comprised of multiple trophoblast subtypes, and inadequate models to study the human placenta in vitro limit the current understanding of human placental behavior and development. Common in vitro placental models rely on two-dimensional culture of cell lines and primary cells, which do not replicate the native tissue microenvironment, or poorly defined three-dimensional hydrogel matrices such as Matrigel™ that provide limited environmental control and suffer from high batch-to-batch variability. Here, we employ a highly defined, synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel system with tunable degradability and presentation of extracellular matrix-derived adhesive ligands native to the placenta microenvironment to generate placental spheroids. We evaluate the capacity of a hydrogel library to support the viability, function, and phenotypic protein expression of three human trophoblast cell lines modeling varied trophoblast phenotypes and find that degradable synthetic hydrogels support the greatest degree of placental spheroid viability, proliferation, and function relative to standard Matrigel controls. Finally, we show that trophoblast culture conditions modulate cell functional phenotype as measured by proteomics analysis and functional secretion assays. Engineering precise control of placental spheroid development in vitro may provide an important new tool for the study of early placental behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Slaby
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
| | - Sarah R Brady
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Shivani C Hiremath
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
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12
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Chen Z, Dragan M, Sun P, Haensel D, Vu R, Cui L, Shi Y, Dai X. An AhR-Ovol1-Id1 regulatory axis in keratinocytes promotes skin homeostasis against atopic dermatitis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577821. [PMID: 38352592 PMCID: PMC10862726 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Skin is our outer permeability and immune defense barrier against myriad external assaults. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) senses environmental factors and regulates barrier robustness and immune homeostasis. AhR agonist is in clinical trial for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment, but the underlying mechanism of action remains ill-defined. Here we report OVOL1/Ovol1 as a conserved and direct transcriptional target of AhR in epidermal keratinocytes. We show that OVOL1/Ovol1 impacts AhR regulation of keratinocyte gene expression, and Ovol1 deletion in keratinocytes hampers AhR's barrier promotion function and worsens AD-like inflammation. Mechanistically, we identify Ovol1's direct downstream targets genome-wide, and provide in vivo evidence for Id1's critical role in barrier maintenance and disease suppression. Furthermore, our findings reveal an IL-1/dermal γδT cell axis exacerbating both type 2 and type 3 immune responses downstream of barrier perturbation in Ovol1 -deficient AD skin. Finally, we present data suggesting the clinical relevance of OVOL1 and ID1 function in human AD. Our study highlights a keratinocyte-intrinsic AhR-Ovol1-Id1 regulatory axis that promotes both epidermal and immune homeostasis against AD-like inflammation, implicating new therapeutic targets for AD.
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13
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Jaremek A, Renaud SJ. Analyzing Trophoblast Fusion Using Immunofluorescence and Split Protein Complementation Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:87-98. [PMID: 38019393 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_7] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of cytotrophoblasts into a multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast is essential for placental development. For studies investigating syncytiotrophoblast formation, various methods are available to analyze the fusion efficiency of trophoblast cells in vitro. Here, we describe protocols for measuring trophoblast fusion using immunofluorescence and an assay employing complementary parts of a split green fluorescent protein that self-reassociates and generates a fluorescent signal following cell fusion. Together, these approaches allow for a comprehensive and robust analysis of the fusion index in trophoblast cells and can strengthen the accuracy and throughput of investigations into factors that may regulate syncytiotrophoblast development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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14
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Shimizu T, Oike A, Kobayashi EH, Sekiya A, Kobayashi N, Shibata S, Hamada H, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Suyama M, Arima T, Okae H. CRISPR screening in human trophoblast stem cells reveals both shared and distinct aspects of human and mouse placental development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311372120. [PMID: 38085778 PMCID: PMC10742386 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311372120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, facilitating the exchange of gases and nutrients between their separate blood circulation systems. Trophoblasts in the placenta play a central role in this process. Our current understanding of mammalian trophoblast development relies largely on mouse models. However, given the diversification of mammalian placentas, findings from the mouse placenta cannot be readily extrapolated to other mammalian species, including humans. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed CRISPR knockout screening in human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). We targeted genes essential for mouse placental development and identified more than 100 genes as critical regulators in both human hTSCs and mouse placentas. Among them, we further characterized in detail two transcription factors, DLX3 and GCM1, and revealed their essential roles in hTSC differentiation. Moreover, a gene function-based comparison between human and mouse trophoblast subtypes suggests that their relationship may differ significantly from previous assumptions based on tissue localization or cellular function. Notably, our data reveal that hTSCs may not be analogous to mouse TSCs or the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) in which in vivo TSCs reside. Instead, hTSCs may be analogous to progenitor cells in the mouse ectoplacental cone and chorion. This finding is consistent with the absence of ExE-like structures during human placental development. Our data not only deepen our understanding of human trophoblast development but also facilitate cross-species comparison of mammalian placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Shimizu
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
| | - Eri H. Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
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15
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Li X, Li ZH, Wang YX, Liu TH. A comprehensive review of human trophoblast fusion models: recent developments and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:372. [PMID: 37816723 PMCID: PMC10564767 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential component of the maternal-fetal interface, the placental syncytiotrophoblast layer contributes to a successful pregnancy by secreting hormones necessary for pregnancy, transporting nutrients, mediating gas exchange, balancing immune tolerance, and resisting pathogen infection. Notably, the deficiency in mononuclear trophoblast cells fusing into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Despite the availability of many models for the study of trophoblast fusion, there exists a notable disparity from the ideal model, limiting the deeper exploration into the placental development. Here, we reviewed the existing models employed for the investigation of human trophoblast fusion from several aspects, including the development history, latest progress, advantages, disadvantages, scope of application, and challenges. The literature searched covers the monolayer cell lines, primary human trophoblast, placental explants, human trophoblast stem cells, human pluripotent stem cells, three-dimensional cell spheres, organoids, and placenta-on-a-chip from 1938 to 2023. These diverse models have significantly enhanced our comprehension of placental development regulation and the underlying mechanisms of placental-related disorders. Through this review, our objective is to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the existing trophoblast fusion models, making it easier to select most suitable models to address specific experimental requirements or scientific inquiries. Establishment and application of the existing human placental trophoblast fusion models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo-Hang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Medical Laboratory Department, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yaan, 625099, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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16
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Wu H, Huang XY, Sun MX, Wang Y, Zhou HY, Tian Y, He B, Li K, Li DY, Wu AP, Wang H, Qin CF. Zika virus targets human trophoblast stem cells and prevents syncytialization in placental trophoblast organoids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5541. [PMID: 37684223 PMCID: PMC10491779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy threatens pregnancy and fetal health. However, the infectivity and pathological effects of ZIKV on placental trophoblast progenitor cells in early human embryos remain largely unknown. Here, using human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we demonstrated that hTSCs were permissive to ZIKV infection, and resistance to ZIKV increased with hTSC differentiation. Combining gene knockout and transcriptome analysis, we demonstrated that the intrinsic expression of AXL and TIM-1, and the absence of potent interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and IFNs contributed to the high sensitivity of hTSCs to ZIKV. Furthermore, using our newly developed hTSC-derived trophoblast organoid (hTSC-organoid), we demonstrated that ZIKV infection disrupted the structure of mature hTSC-organoids and inhibited syncytialization. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) further demonstrated that ZIKV infection of hTSC-organoids disrupted the stemness of hTSCs and the proliferation of cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs) and probably led to a preeclampsia (PE) phenotype. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that hTSCs represent the major target cells of ZIKV, and a reduced syncytialization may result from ZIKV infection of early developing placenta. These findings deepen our understanding of the characteristics and consequences of ZIKV infection of hTSCs in early human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing-Yao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Meng-Xu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hang-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Beijia He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - De-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ai-Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
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17
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Varberg KM, Dominguez EM, Koseva B, Varberg JM, McNally RP, Moreno-Irusta A, Wesley ER, Iqbal K, Cheung WA, Schwendinger-Schreck C, Smail C, Okae H, Arima T, Lydic M, Holoch K, Marsh C, Soares MJ, Grundberg E. Extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development is associated with active remodeling of the chromatin landscape. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4826. [PMID: 37563143 PMCID: PMC10415281 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40424-5] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extravillous trophoblast cell lineage is a key feature of placentation and successful pregnancy. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation driving extravillous trophoblast cell development is limited. Here, we map the transcriptome and epigenome landscape as well as chromatin interactions of human trophoblast stem cells and their transition into extravillous trophoblast cells. We show that integrating chromatin accessibility, long-range chromatin interactions, transcriptomic, and transcription factor binding motif enrichment enables identification of transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms critical for extravillous trophoblast cell development. We elucidate functional roles for TFAP2C, SNAI1, and EPAS1 in the regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell development. EPAS1 is identified as an upstream regulator of key extravillous trophoblast cell transcription factors, including ASCL2 and SNAI1 and together with its target genes, is linked to pregnancy loss and birth weight. Collectively, we reveal activation of a dynamic regulatory network and provide a framework for understanding extravillous trophoblast cell specification in trophoblast cell lineage development and human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Esteban M Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Boryana Koseva
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Joseph M Varberg
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ross P McNally
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Emily R Wesley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Carl Schwendinger-Schreck
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Craig Smail
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael Lydic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kristin Holoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
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18
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Wu Z, Zhang L, Jia Y, Bi B, Fang L, Cheng JC. GDF-11 downregulates placental human chorionic gonadotropin expression by activating SMAD2/3 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:179. [PMID: 37480123 PMCID: PMC10362589 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by the placental trophoblast cells is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy. Aberrant hCG levels are associated with reproductive disorders. The protein of hCG is a dimer consisting of an α subunit and a β subunit. The β subunit is encoded by the CGB gene and is unique to hCG. Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and can stimulate trophoblast cell invasion. However, whether the expression of CGB and the production of hCG are regulated by GDF-11 remains undetermined. METHODS Two human choriocarcinoma cell lines, BeWo and JEG-3, and primary cultures of human cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells were used as experimental models. The effects of GDF-11 on CGB expression and hCG production, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. RESULTS Our results show that treatment of GDF-11 downregulates the expression of CGB and the production of hCG in both BeWo and JEG-3 cells as well as in primary CTB cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that both ALK4 and ALK5 are required for the GDF-11-induced downregulation of CGB expression. In addition, treatment of GDF-11 activates SMAD2/3 but not SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways. Moreover, both SMAD2 and SMAD3 are involved in the GDF-11-downregulated CGB expression. ELISA results show that the GDF-11-suppressed hCG production requires the ALK4/5-mediated activation of SMAD2/3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study not only discovers the biological function of GDF-11 in the human placenta but also provides important insights into the regulation of the expression of hCG. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Beibei Bi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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19
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Jaremek A, Shaha S, Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Chowdhury D, Riddell M, Renaud SJ. Genome-Wide Analysis of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Binding Reveals Targets Implicated in Impaired Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast Formation under Low Oxygen. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:846-865. [PMID: 37028593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and serious complication of pregnancy with no cure except premature delivery. The root cause of PE is improper development of the placenta-the temporary organ supporting fetal growth and development. Continuous formation of the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) layer via differentiation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) is vital for healthy placentation and is impaired in preeclamptic pregnancies. In PE, there is reduced/intermittent placental perfusion, likely resulting in a persistently low O2 environment. Low O2 inhibits differentiation and fusion of CTBs into STB and may thus contribute to PE pathogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because low O2 activates a transcription factor complex in cells known as the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the objective of this study was to investigate whether HIF signaling inhibits STB formation by regulating genes required for this process. Culture of primary CTBs, the CTB-like cell line BeWo, and human trophoblast stem cells under low O2 reduced cell fusion and differentiation into STB. Knockdown of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (a key component of the HIF complex) in BeWo cells restored syncytialization and expression of STB-associated genes under different O2 levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing facilitated the identification of global aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator/HIF binding sites, including several near genes implicated in STB development, such as ERVH48-1 and BHLHE40, providing new insights into mechanisms underlying pregnancy diseases linked to poor placental O2 supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumaiyah Shaha
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diba Chowdhury
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Riddell
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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20
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Mizutani T, Orisaka M, Miyazaki Y, Morichika R, Uesaka M, Miyamoto K, Yoshida Y. Inhibition of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity induces cytotrophoblast differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast in human trophoblast. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6673154. [PMID: 35993908 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During placentation, placental cytotrophoblast (CT) cells differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. In the placenta, the expression of various genes is regulated by the Hippo pathway through a transcription complex, Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) (YAP/TAZ-TEAD) activity. YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity is controlled by multiple factors and signaling, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling. cAMP signaling is believed to be involved in the regulation of trophoblast function but is not yet fully understood. Here we showed that YAP/TAZ-TEAD expressions and their activities were altered by cAMP stimulation in BeWo cells, a human choriocarcinoma cell line. The repression of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity induced the expression of ST-specific genes without cAMP stimulation, and transduction of constitutively active YAP, i.e., YAP-5SA, resulted in the repression of 8Br-cAMP-induced expressions of ST-specific genes in a TEAD-dependent manner. We also investigated the role of YAP/TAZ-TEAD in maintaining CT cells and their differentiation into ST and EVT cells using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity was involved in maintaining the stemness of TS cells. Induction or repression of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity resulted in marked changes in the expression of ST-specific genes. Using primary CT cells, which spontaneously differentiate into ST-like cells, the effects of YAP-5SA transduction were investigated, and the expression of ST-specific genes was found to be repressed. These results indicate that the inhibition of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity, with or without cAMP stimulation, is essential for the differentiation of CT cells into ST cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Yumiko Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Ririko Morichika
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Miki Uesaka
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | | | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
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21
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Kojima J, Ono M, Kuji N, Nishi H. Human Chorionic Villous Differentiation and Placental Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148003. [PMID: 35887349 PMCID: PMC9325306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the placenta provides the only fetomaternal connection and is essential for establishing a pregnancy as well as fetal well-being. Additionally, it allows maternal physiological adaptation and embryonic immunological acceptance, support, and nutrition. The placenta is derived from extra-embryonic tissues that develop rapidly and dynamically in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is primarily composed of trophoblasts that differentiate into villi, stromal cells, macrophages, and fetal endothelial cells (FEC). Placental differentiation may be closely related to perinatal diseases, including fetal growth retardation (FGR) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and miscarriage. There are limited findings regarding human chorionic villous differentiation and placental development because conducting in vivo studies is extremely difficult. Placental tissue varies widely among species. Thus, experimental animal findings are difficult to apply to humans. Early villous differentiation is difficult to study due to the small tissue size; however, a detailed analysis can potentially elucidate perinatal disease causes or help develop novel therapies. Artificial induction of early villous differentiation using human embryonic stem (ES) cells/induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was attempted, producing normally differentiated villi that can be used for interventional/invasive research. Here, we summarized and correlated early villous differentiation findings and discussed clinical diseases.
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22
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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23
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Beyond fusion: A novel role for ERVW-1 in trophoblast proliferation and type I interferon receptor expression. Placenta 2022; 126:150-159. [PMID: 35816776 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Throughout human pregnancy there is a delicate balance between the maintenance of a proliferative, trophoblast stem cell pool (TSC) and the differentiation from TSC to placental cell sub-lineages like the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The STB is comprised of multinucleated cells that come into direct contact with maternal blood and provides the first line of defense to protect the fetus from maternal infections. The differentiation of TSC towards STB is primarily driven by human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), specifically Syncytin-1 (ERVW-1) and Syncytin-2 (ERVFRD-1). Beyond cell fusion, there is also evidence to suggest they can regulate cell proliferation and an antiviral response in other cell types. Therefore, we hypothesized that HERV can regulate cell proliferation as well as an antiviral response in TSCs. METHOD shRNA was used to knockdown ERVW-1 in TSCs and revealed reduction in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell fusion. RT-qPCR and flow cytometry was used to measure other HERV and the presence of Type I and Type II interferon receptors. RESULTS ERVW-1 knockdown (KD) TSCs had a significantly longer cell doubling time and reduced expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. ERVW-1 KD cells also demonstrated a marked deficiency in the ability to differentiate. Interestingly, ERVFRD-1 was upregulated in both ERVW-1 KD TSC and STB cells compared to controls. Finally, we found that the Type I interferon receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were significantly increased in ERVW-1 KD STB cells. DISCUSSION These findings uncover critical HERV functions in the trophoblasts and a novel role for ERVW-1 during early human placental development.
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24
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James JL, Lissaman A, Nursalim YNS, Chamley LW. Modelling human placental villous development: designing cultures that reflect anatomy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:384. [PMID: 35753002 PMCID: PMC9234034 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The use of in vitro tools to study trophoblast differentiation and function is essential to improve understanding of normal and abnormal placental development. The relative accessibility of human placentae enables the use of primary trophoblasts and placental explants in a range of in vitro systems. Recent advances in stem cell models, three-dimensional organoid cultures, and organ-on-a-chip systems have further shed light on the complex microenvironment and cell-cell crosstalk involved in placental development. However, understanding each model's strengths and limitations, and which in vivo aspects of human placentation in vitro data acquired does, or does not, accurately reflect, is key to interpret findings appropriately. To help researchers use and design anatomically accurate culture models, this review both outlines our current understanding of placental development, and critically considers the range of established and emerging culture models used to study this, with a focus on those derived from primary tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Abbey Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yohanes N S Nursalim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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25
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Transcription factor networks in trophoblast development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:337. [PMID: 35657505 PMCID: PMC9166831 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04363-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The placenta sustains embryonic development and is critical for a successful pregnancy outcome. It provides the site of exchange between the mother and the embryo, has immunological functions and is a vital endocrine organ. To perform these diverse roles, the placenta comprises highly specialized trophoblast cell types, including syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast. The coordinated actions of transcription factors (TFs) regulate their emergence during development, subsequent specialization, and identity. These TFs integrate diverse signaling cues, form TF networks, associate with chromatin remodeling and modifying factors, and collectively determine the cell type-specific characteristics. Here, we summarize the general properties of TFs, provide an overview of TFs involved in the development and function of the human trophoblast, and address similarities and differences to their murine orthologs. In addition, we discuss how the recent establishment of human in vitro models combined with -omics approaches propel our knowledge and transform the human trophoblast field.
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26
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Shang Y, Jiang T, Ran L, Hu W, Wu Y, Ye J, Peng Z, Chen L, Wang R. TET2-BCLAF1 transcription repression complex epigenetically regulates the expression of colorectal cancer gene Ascl2 via methylation of its promoter. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102095. [PMID: 35660018 PMCID: PMC9251787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102095] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascl2 has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC), although its epigenetic regulatory mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we found that methylation of the Ascl2 promoter (bp -1670 ∼ -1139) was significantly increased compared to the other regions of the Ascl2 locus in CRC cells and was associated with elevated Ascl2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, we found that promoter methylation was predictive of CRC patient survival after analyzing DNA methylation data, RNA-Seq data, and clinical data of 410 CRC patient samples from the MethHC database, the MEXPRESS database, and the Cbioportal website. Using the established TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) knockdown and ectopic TET2 catalytic domain–expression cell models, we performed glucosylated hydroxymethyl–sensitive quatitative PCR (qPCR), real-time PCR, and Western blot assays to further confirm that hypermethylation of the Ascl2 promoter, and elevated Ascl2 expression in CRC cells was partly due to the decreased expression of TET2. Furthermore, BCLAF1 was identified as a TET2 interactor in CRC cells by LC-MS/MS, coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence colocalization, and proximity ligation assays. Subsequently, we found the TET2–BCLAF1 complex bound to multiple elements around CCGG sites at the Ascl2 promoter and further restrained its hypermethylation by inducing its hydroxymethylation using chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR and glucosylated hydroxymethyl-qPCR assays. Finally, we demonstrate that TET2-modulated Ascl2-targeted stem gene expression in CRC cells was independent of Wnt signaling. Taken together, our data suggest an additional option for inhibiting Ascl2 expression in CRC cells through TET2–BCLAF1–mediated promoter methylation, Ascl2-dependent self-renewal of CRC progenitor cells, and TET2–BCLAF1–related CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Shang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lijian Ran
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology of 958 Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhihong Peng
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Rongquan Wang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China.
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27
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Karvas RM, Khan SA, Verma S, Yin Y, Kulkarni D, Dong C, Park KM, Chew B, Sane E, Fischer LA, Kumar D, Ma L, Boon ACM, Dietmann S, Mysorekar IU, Theunissen TW. Stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids model human placental development and susceptibility to emerging pathogens. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:810-825.e8. [PMID: 35523141 PMCID: PMC9136997 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast organoids derived from placental villi provide a 3D model system of human placental development, but access to first-trimester tissues is limited. Here, we report that trophoblast stem cells isolated from naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can efficiently self-organize into 3D stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids (SC-TOs) with a villous architecture similar to primary trophoblast organoids. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals the presence of distinct cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast clusters and a small cluster of extravillous trophoblasts, which closely correspond to trophoblast identities in the post-implantation embryo. These organoid cultures display clonal X chromosome inactivation patterns previously described in the human placenta. We further demonstrate that SC-TOs exhibit selective vulnerability to emerging pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus), which correlates with expression levels of their respective entry factors. The generation of trophoblast organoids from naive hPSCs provides an accessible 3D model system of the developing placenta and its susceptibility to emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sonam Verma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Devesha Kulkarni
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kyoung-Mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eshan Sane
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Adrianus C M Boon
- Division of Infection Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Nephrology and Institute for Informatics (I(2)), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 4515 McKinley Ave, Room 3313, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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OVOL1 inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by enhancing the degradation of TGF-β type I receptor. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:126. [PMID: 35484112 PMCID: PMC9050647 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovo-like transcriptional repressor 1 (OVOL1) is a key mediator of epithelial lineage determination and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The cytokines transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) control the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) of cancer cells, but whether this occurs through interplay with OVOL1 is not known. Here, we show that OVOL1 is inversely correlated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, and is an indicator of a favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients. OVOL1 suppresses EMT, migration, extravasation, and early metastatic events of breast cancer cells. Importantly, BMP strongly promotes the expression of OVOL1, which enhances BMP signaling in turn. This positive feedback loop is established through the inhibition of TGF-β receptor signaling by OVOL1. Mechanistically, OVOL1 interacts with and prevents the ubiquitination and degradation of SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7), which is a negative regulator of TGF-β type I receptor stability. Moreover, a small-molecule compound 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) was identified to activate OVOL1 expression and thereby antagonizing (at least in part) TGF-β-mediated EMT and migration in breast cancer cells. Our results uncover a novel mechanism by which OVOL1 attenuates TGF-β/SMAD signaling and maintains the epithelial identity of breast cancer cells.
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Functional antagonism between ΔNp63α and GCM1 regulates human trophoblast stemness and differentiation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1626. [PMID: 35338152 PMCID: PMC8956607 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29312-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of EGF, CHIR99021, A83-01, SB431542, VPA, and Y27632 (EGF/CASVY) facilitates the derivation of trophoblast stem (TS) cells from human blastocysts and first-trimester, but not term, cytotrophoblasts. The mechanism underlying this chemical induction of TS cells remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that the induction efficiency of cytotrophoblast is determined by functional antagonism of the placental transcription factor GCM1 and the stemness regulator ΔNp63α. ΔNp63α reduces GCM1 transcriptional activity, whereas GCM1 inhibits ΔNp63α oligomerization and autoregulation. EGF/CASVY cocktail activates ΔNp63α, thereby partially inhibiting GCM1 activity and reverting term cytotrophoblasts into stem cells. By applying hypoxia condition, we can further reduce GCM1 activity and successfully induce term cytotrophoblasts into TS cells. Consequently, we identify mitochondrial creatine kinase 1 (CKMT1) as a key GCM1 target crucial for syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and reveal decreased CKMT1 expression in preeclampsia. Our study delineates the molecular underpinnings of trophoblast stemness and differentiation and an efficient method to establish TS cells from term placentas. Trophoblast stem cells can be derived from human blastocysts and first-trimester, but not term, cytotrophoblasts. Here the authors show that induction efficiency of cytotrophoblast is determined by antagonism between GCM1 and ΔNp63α and manipulating this antagonism facilitates derivation of TS cells from term placenta.
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Dragan M, Sun P, Chen Z, Ma X, Vu R, Shi Y, Villalta SA, Dai X. Epidermis-Intrinsic Transcription Factor Ovol1 Coordinately Regulates Barrier Maintenance and Neutrophil Accumulation in Psoriasis-Like Inflammation. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:583-593.e5. [PMID: 34461129 PMCID: PMC9968377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.08.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Skin epidermis constitutes the exterior barrier that protects the body from dehydration and environmental assaults. Barrier defects underlie common inflammatory skin diseases, but the molecular mechanisms that maintain barrier integrity and regulate epidermal-immune cell cross-talk in inflamed skin are not fully understood. In this study, we show that skin epithelia-specific deletion of Ovol1, which encodes a skin disease‒linked transcriptional repressor, impairs the epidermal barrier and aggravates psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice in part by enhancing neutrophil accumulation and abscess formation. Through molecular studies, we identify IL-33, a cytokine with known pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities, and Cxcl1, a neutrophil-attracting chemokine, as potential weak and strong direct targets of Ovol1, respectively. Furthermore, we provide functional evidence that elevated Il33 expression reduces disease severity in imiquimod-treated Ovol1-deficient mice, whereas persistent accumulation and epidermal migration of neutrophils exacerbate it. Collectively, our study uncovers the importance of an epidermally expressed transcription factor that regulates both the integrity of the epidermal barrier and the behavior of neutrophils in psoriasis-like inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Dragan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianghui Ma
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Remy Vu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yuling Shi
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - S. Armando Villalta
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA,Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xing Dai
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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31
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Yoshida K, Yano A, Kusama K, Ishikawa G, Tamura K. Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Regulates Trophoblast Syncytialization and Inflammatory Factor Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041955. [PMID: 35216073 PMCID: PMC8879717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine protease inhibitor alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) may possess protective functions of impaired organs in a manner independent of its protease inhibitor activity. A1AT expression has been shown to fluctuate in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which suggests that A1AT may play a role in the syncytialization of villous trophoblasts. A1AT expression was knocked down in primary trophoblasts. RNA was extracted from these cells and subjected to RNA-sequencing analysis to determine the levels of expression of markers of syncytialization and inflammation. In addition, A1AT protein was localized in trophoblastic cells in placental tissues. Knockdown of A1AT upregulated the expression of FOSL1 and markers of syncytialization, as well as cell fusion, whereas overexpression of A1AT had the opposite effects. FOSL1 overexpression stimulated syncytialization, similar to the effects of A1AT knock down. Inhibitors of p38MAPK and JNK reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, whereas a p38MAPK inhibitor suppressed FOSL1 expression. Collectively, these findings indicated A1AT may negatively regulate inflammatory responses by controlling the activation of p38MAPK and JNK, and that p38MAPK mediates trophoblast syncytialization by altering FOSL1 expression. Therefore, a dysfunction in A1AT could be responsible for abnormal placental formation and pregnancy-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanoko Yoshida
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.Y.)
| | - Aruto Yano
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.Y.)
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-42-676-4530 (K.K.); +81-42-676-4526 (K.T.)
| | - Gen Ishikawa
- Department of Obstetrics, Miyagi Children’s Hospital, Sendai 989-3126, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiro Tamura
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-42-676-4530 (K.K.); +81-42-676-4526 (K.T.)
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Kaminker JD, Timoshenko AV. Expression, Regulation, and Functions of the Galectin-16 Gene in Human Cells and Tissues. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1909. [PMID: 34944551 PMCID: PMC8699332 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins comprise a family of soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins, which regulate a variety of key biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, survival, and death. This paper aims to address the current knowledge on the unique properties, regulation, and expression of the galectin-16 gene (LGALS16) in human cells and tissues. To date, there are limited studies on this galectin, with most focusing on its tissue specificity to the placenta. Here, we report the expression and 8-Br-cAMP-induced upregulation of LGALS16 in two placental cell lines (BeWo and JEG-3) in the context of trophoblastic differentiation. In addition, we provide the results of a bioinformatics search for LGALS16 using datasets available at GEO, Human Protein Atlas, and prediction tools for relevant transcription factors and miRNAs. Our findings indicate that LGALS16 is detected by microarrays in diverse human cells/tissues and alters expression in association with cancer, diabetes, and brain diseases. Molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of LGALS16 are also discussed based on the available bioinformatics resources.
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Jaremek A, Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Renaud SJ. Omics Approaches to Study Formation and Function of Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:674162. [PMID: 34211975 PMCID: PMC8240757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.674162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper development of the placenta is vital for pregnancy success. The placenta regulates exchange of nutrients and gases between maternal and fetal blood and produces hormones essential to maintain pregnancy. The placental cell lineage primarily responsible for performing these functions is a multinucleated entity called syncytiotrophoblast. Syncytiotrophoblast is continuously replenished throughout pregnancy by fusion of underlying progenitor cells called cytotrophoblasts. Dysregulated syncytiotrophoblast formation disrupts the integrity of the placental exchange surface, which can be detrimental to maternal and fetal health. Moreover, various factors produced by syncytiotrophoblast enter into maternal circulation, where they profoundly impact maternal physiology and are promising diagnostic indicators of pregnancy health. Despite the multifunctional importance of syncytiotrophoblast for pregnancy success, there is still much to learn about how its formation is regulated in normal and diseased states. ‘Omics’ approaches are gaining traction in many fields to provide a more holistic perspective of cell, tissue, and organ function. Herein, we review human syncytiotrophoblast development and current model systems used for its study, discuss how ‘omics’ strategies have been used to provide multidimensional insights into its formation and function, and highlight limitations of current platforms as well as consider future avenues for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP. Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:904-922. [PMID: 34125187 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy? SEARCH METHODS PubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged. OUTCOMES The synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Peng W, Liu Y, Qi H, Li Q. Alpha-actinin-4 is essential for maintaining normal trophoblast proliferation and differentiation during early pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:48. [PMID: 33757527 PMCID: PMC7986381 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper differentiation of trophoblasts in the human placenta is essential for a successful pregnancy, whereas abnormal regulation of this process may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially preeclampsia (PE). However, the underlying mechanism of trophoblast differentiation remains unclear. Previous studies have reported the involvement of alpha-actinin-4 (ACTN4) in the actin cytoskeleton dynamics and motility. Hence, we hypothesized that ACTN4 may act as an important regulator in the normal proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts during early pregnancy. METHOD To test this hypothesis, we collected villous tissues from women undergoing a legal pregnancy termination during 6-10 weeks of gestation and explanted them for cell culture and siRNA transfection. We also obtained placental tissues from PE patients and healthy pregnant women and isolated the primary cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells. The expression of ACTN4 in the CTBs of placental villi and during the differentiation of CTBs into STBs was detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and EdU proliferation assays. Besides, villous explant, Matrigel invasion, transwell migration assay, and Wound-healing assay were performed to identify the possible role of ACTN4 in the outgrowth of explants and the invasion, migration, and proliferation of cell column trophoblasts (CCTs). Western blot analysis was carried out to compare the protein expression level of AKT, Snail activities, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the villi or HTR8/SVneo cells with ACTN4 knockdown. RESULTS ACTN4 was highly expressed in CTB cells and interstitial extravillous trophoblast (iEVT) cells but not found in the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells in the first trimester villi. Downregulation of ACTN4 led to reduced trophoblast proliferation and explant outgrowth ex vivo, as well as iEVT invasion and migration in vitro due to disrupt of actin filaments organization. Such ACTN4 inhibition also decreased AKT and Snail activities and further impeded the EMT process. In addition, ACTN4 expression was found to be downregulated in the iEVTs from preeclamptic placentas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ACTN4 may act as an important regulator of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation during early pregnancy, and dysregulation of this protein may contribute to preeclampsia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingshu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Bieg M, Moskalev EA, Will R, Hebele S, Schwarzbach M, Schmeck S, Hohenberger P, Jakob J, Kasper B, Gaiser T, Ströbel P, Wardelmann E, Kontny U, Braunschweig T, Sirbu H, Grützmann R, Meidenbauer N, Ishaque N, Eils R, Wiemann S, Hartmann A, Agaimy A, Fritchie K, Giannini C, Haller F. Gene Expression in Solitary Fibrous Tumors (SFTs) Correlates with Anatomic Localization and NAB2-STAT6 Gene Fusion Variants. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:602-617. [PMID: 33497701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) harbor recurrent NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions, promoting constitutional up-regulation of oncogenic early growth response 1 (EGR1)-dependent gene expression. SFTs with the most common canonical NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 2 fusion variant are often located in the thorax (pleuropulmonary) and are less cellular with abundant collagen. In contrast, SFTs with NAB2 exon 6-STAT6 exon 16/17 fusion variants typically display a cellular round to ovoid cell morphology and are often located in the deep soft tissue of the retroperitoneum and intra-abdominal pelvic region or in the meninges. Here, we employed next-generation sequencing-based gene expression profiling to identify significant differences in gene expression associated with anatomic localization and NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion variants. SFTs with the NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 2 fusion variant showed a transcriptional signature enriched for genes involved in DNA binding, gene transcription, and nuclear localization, whereas SFTs with the NAB2 exon 6-STAT6 exon 16/17 fusion variants were enriched for genes involved in tyrosine kinase signaling, cell proliferation, and cytoplasmic localization. Specific transcription factor binding motifs were enriched among differentially expressed genes in SFTs with different fusion variants, implicating co-transcription factors in the modification of chimeric NGFI-A binding protein 2 (NAB2)-STAT6-dependent deregulation of EGR1-dependent gene expression. In summary, this study establishes a potential molecular biologic basis for clinicopathologic differences in SFTs with distinct NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bieg
- Center for Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evgeny A Moskalev
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Will
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Hebele
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Sanja Schmeck
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Frankfurt Höchst, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Hohenberger
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jens Jakob
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Kasper
- Sarcoma Unit, Interdisciplinary Tumor Center Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timo Gaiser
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philip Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Horia Sirbu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Norbert Meidenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Naveed Ishaque
- Center for Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Center for Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Health Data Science Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karen Fritchie
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, Italy
| | - Caterina Giannini
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, Italy; Anatomic Pathology, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e NeuroMotorie-DIBINEM-Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Florian Haller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Starks RR, Abu Alhasan R, Kaur H, Pennington KA, Schulz LC, Tuteja G. Transcription Factor PLAGL1 Is Associated with Angiogenic Gene Expression in the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218317. [PMID: 33171905 PMCID: PMC7664191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the placenta is important for transporting nutrients and waste between the maternal and fetal blood supply, secreting hormones, and serving as a protective barrier. To better understand placental development, we must understand how placental gene expression is regulated. We used RNA-seq data and ChIP-seq data for the enhancer associated mark, H3k27ac, to study gene regulation in the mouse placenta at embryonic day (e) 9.5, when the placenta is developing a complex network of blood vessels. We identified several upregulated transcription factors with enriched binding sites in e9.5-specific enhancers. The most enriched transcription factor, PLAGL1 had a predicted motif in 233 regions that were significantly associated with vasculature development and response to insulin stimulus genes. We then performed several experiments using mouse placenta and a human trophoblast cell line to understand the role of PLAGL1 in placental development. In the mouse placenta, Plagl1 is expressed in endothelial cells of the labyrinth layer and is differentially expressed in placentas from mice with gestational diabetes compared to placentas from control mice in a sex-specific manner. In human trophoblast cells, siRNA knockdown significantly decreased expression of genes associated with placental vasculature development terms. In a tube assay, decreased PLAGL1 expression led to reduced cord formation. These results suggest that Plagl1 regulates overlapping gene networks in placental trophoblast and endothelial cells, and may play a critical role in placental development in normal and complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah R. Starks
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (R.R.S.); (R.A.A.); (H.K.)
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Rabab Abu Alhasan
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (R.R.S.); (R.A.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Haninder Kaur
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (R.R.S.); (R.A.A.); (H.K.)
| | | | - Laura C. Schulz
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columba, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (R.R.S.); (R.A.A.); (H.K.)
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Correspondence:
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Protein O-GlcNAcylation Promotes Trophoblast Differentiation at Implantation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102246. [PMID: 33036308 PMCID: PMC7599815 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation begins with blastocyst trophectoderm (TE) attachment to the endometrial epithelium, followed by the breaching of this barrier by TE-derived trophoblast. Dynamic protein modification with O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) is mediated by O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), and couples cellular metabolism to stress adaptation. O-GlcNAcylation is essential for blastocyst formation, but whether there is a role for this system at implantation remains unexplored. Here, we used OGA inhibitor thiamet g (TMG) to induce raised levels of O-GlcNAcylation in mouse blastocysts and human trophoblast cells. In an in vitro embryo implantation model, TMG promoted mouse blastocyst breaching of the endometrial epithelium. TMG reduced expression of TE transcription factors Cdx2, Gata2 and Gata3, suggesting that O-GlcNAcylation stimulated TE differentiation to invasive trophoblast. TMG upregulated transcription factors OVOL1 and GCM1, and cell fusion gene ERVFRD1, in a cell line model of syncytiotrophoblast differentiation from human TE at implantation. Therefore O-GlcNAcylation is a conserved pathway capable of driving trophoblast differentiation. TE and trophoblast are sensitive to physical, chemical and nutritive stress, which can occur as a consequence of maternal pathophysiology or during assisted reproduction, and may lead to adverse neonatal outcomes and associated adult health risks. Further investigation of how O-GlcNAcylation regulates trophoblast populations arising at implantation is required to understand how peri-implantation stress affects reproductive outcomes.
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Saxena K, Srikrishnan S, Celia-Terrassa T, Jolly MK. OVOL1/2: Drivers of Epithelial Differentiation in Development, Disease, and Reprogramming. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 211:183-192. [PMID: 32932250 DOI: 10.1159/000511383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OVOL proteins (OVOL1 and OVOL2), vertebrate homologs of Drosophila OVO, are critical regulators of epithelial lineage determination and differentiation during embryonic development in tissues such as kidney, skin, mammary epithelia, and testis. OVOL can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition and/or can promote mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Moreover, they can regulate the stemness of cancer cells, thus playing an important role during cancer cell metastasis. Due to their central role in differentiation and maintenance of epithelial lineage, OVOL overexpression has been shown to be capable of reprogramming fibroblasts to epithelial cells. Here, we review the roles of OVOL-mediated epithelial differentiation across multiple contexts, including embryonic development, cancer progression, and cellular reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Toni Celia-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India,
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Izzicupo P, Alviano F, Di Mauro M, Di Baldassarre A, Ghinassi B. Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Unveil an Unexpected Differentiation Potential toward the Dopaminergic Neuronal Lineage. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186589. [PMID: 32916865 PMCID: PMC7555006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons represents the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases, with increasing incidence worldwide. The replacement of dead cells with new healthy ones may represent an appealing therapeutic approach to these pathologies, but currently, only pluripotent stem cells can generate dopaminergic neurons with high efficiency. However, with the use of these cells arises safety and/or ethical issues. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hFM-MSCs) are perinatal stem cells that can be easily isolated from the amniochorionic membrane after delivery. Generally considered multipotent, their real differentiative potential is not completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze their stemness characteristics and to evaluate whether they may overcome their mesenchymal fate, generating dopaminergic neurons. We demonstrated that hFM-MSCs expressed embryonal genes OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, KLF4, OVOL1, and ESG1, suggesting they have some features of pluripotency. Moreover, hFM-MSCs that underwent a dopaminergic differentiation protocol gradually increased the transcription of dopaminergic markers LMX1b, NURR1, PITX3, and DAT. We finally obtained a homogeneous population of cells resembling the morphology of primary midbrain dopaminergic neurons that expressed the functional dopaminergic markers TH, DAT, and Nurr1. In conclusion, our results suggested that hFM-MSCs retain the expression of pluripotency genes and are able to differentiate not only into mesodermal cells, but also into neuroectodermal dopaminergic neuron-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
| | - Francesco Alviano
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, Unit of Histology, Embriology and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michele Di Mauro
- Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Unit, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), 6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.G.); (A.D.C.); (P.I.); (B.G.)
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Ashary N, Bhide A, Chakraborty P, Colaco S, Mishra A, Chhabria K, Jolly MK, Modi D. Single-Cell RNA-seq Identifies Cell Subsets in Human Placenta That Highly Expresses Factors Driving Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:783. [PMID: 32974340 PMCID: PMC7466449 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) results in the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, which has posed a serious threat globally. Infection of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is associated with complications such as preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes, and a proportion of neonates born to infected mothers are also positive for the virus. During pregnancy, the placental barrier protects the fetus from pathogens and ensures healthy development. To predict if the placenta is permissive to SARS-CoV-2, we utilized publicly available single-cell RNA-seq data to identify if the placental cells express the necessary factors required for infection. SARS-CoV-2 binding receptor ACE2 and the S protein priming protease TMPRSS2 are co-expressed by a subset of syncytiotrophoblasts (STB) in the first trimester and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) in the second trimester human placenta. In addition, the non-canonical receptor BSG/CD147 and other proteases (CTSL, CTSB, and FURIN) are detected in most of the placental cells. Other coronavirus family receptors (ANPEP and DPP4) were also expressed in the first and second trimester placental cells. Additionally, the term placenta of multiple species including humans expressed ACE2, DPP4, and ANPEP along with the viral S protein proteases. The ACE2- and TMPRSS2-positive (ACE2 + TMPRSS2 +) placental subsets expressed mRNA for proteins involved in viral budding and replication. These cells also had the mRNA for proteins that physically interact with SARS-CoV-2 in host cells. Further, we discovered unique signatures of genes in ACE2 + TMPRSS2 + STBs and EVTs. The ACE2 + TMPRSS2 + STBs are highly differentiated cells and express genes involving mitochondrial metabolism and glucose transport. The second trimester ACE2 + TMPRSS2 + EVTs are enriched for markers of endovascular trophoblasts. Both these subtypes abundantly expressed genes in the Toll-like receptor pathway. The second trimester EVTs are also enriched for components of the JAK-STAT pathway that drives inflammation. We carried out a systematic review and identified that in 12% of pregnant women with COVID-19, the placenta was infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the virus was detected in STBs. To conclude, herein we have uncovered the cellular targets for SARS-CoV-2 entry and have shown that these cells can potentially drive viremia in the developing human placenta. Our results provide a basic framework toward understanding the paraphernalia involved in SARS-CoV-2 infections in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ashary
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
| | - Anshul Bhide
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
| | - Priyanka Chakraborty
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Stacy Colaco
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
| | - Anuradha Mishra
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
| | - Karisma Chhabria
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India
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Tazhitdinova R, Timoshenko AV. The Emerging Role of Galectins and O-GlcNAc Homeostasis in Processes of Cellular Differentiation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081792. [PMID: 32731422 PMCID: PMC7465113 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are a family of soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins with diverse glycan-dependent and glycan-independent functions outside and inside the cell. Human cells express twelve out of sixteen recognized mammalian galectin genes and their expression profiles are very different between cell types and tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the changes in the expression of individual galectins at mRNA and protein levels in different types of differentiating cells and the effects of recombinant galectins on cellular differentiation. A new model of galectin regulation is proposed considering the change in O-GlcNAc homeostasis between progenitor/stem cells and mature differentiated cells. The recognition of galectins as regulatory factors controlling cell differentiation and self-renewal is essential for developmental and cancer biology to develop innovative strategies for prevention and targeted treatment of proliferative diseases, tissue regeneration, and stem-cell therapy.
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Pivotal role of the transcriptional co-activator YAP in trophoblast stemness of the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:13562-13570. [PMID: 32482863 PMCID: PMC7306800 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002630117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pregnancy complications, such as severe forms of preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, are thought to arise from failures in the differentiation of human placental trophoblasts. Progenitors of the latter either develop into invasive extravillous trophoblasts, remodeling the uterine vasculature, or fuse into multinuclear syncytiotrophoblasts transporting oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. However, key regulatory factors controlling trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation have been poorly elucidated. Using primary cells, three-dimensional organoids, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome-edited JEG-3 clones, we herein show that YAP, the transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo signaling pathway, promotes maintenance of cytotrophoblast progenitors by different genomic mechanisms. Genetic or chemical manipulation of YAP in these cellular models revealed that it stimulates proliferation and expression of cell cycle regulators and stemness-associated genes, but inhibits cell fusion and production of syncytiotrophoblast (STB)-specific proteins, such as hCG and GDF15. Genome-wide comparisons of primary villous cytotrophoblasts overexpressing constitutively active YAP-5SA with YAP KO cells and syncytializing trophoblasts revealed common target genes involved in trophoblast stemness and differentiation. ChIP-qPCR unraveled that YAP-5SA overexpression increased binding of YAP-TEAD4 complexes to promoters of proliferation-associated genes such as CCNA and CDK6 Moreover, repressive YAP-TEAD4 complexes containing the histone methyltransferase EZH2 were detected in the genomic regions of the STB-specific CGB5 and CGB7 genes. In summary, YAP plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the human placental trophoblast epithelium. Besides activating stemness factors, it also directly represses genes promoting trophoblast cell fusion.
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Jaju Bhattad G, Jeyarajah MJ, McGill MG, Dumeaux V, Okae H, Arima T, Lajoie P, Bérubé NG, Renaud SJ. Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 drive differentiation and fusion of progenitor cells in human placental trophoblasts. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:311. [PMID: 32366868 PMCID: PMC7198514 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell fusion occurs when several cells combine to form a multinuclear aggregate (syncytium). In human placenta, a syncytialized trophoblast (syncytiotrophoblast) layer forms the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue, facilitates nutrient and gas exchange, and produces hormones vital for pregnancy. Syncytiotrophoblast development occurs by differentiation of underlying progenitor cells called cytotrophoblasts, which then fuse into the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Differentiation is associated with chromatin remodeling and specific changes in gene expression mediated, at least in part, by histone acetylation. However, the epigenetic regulation of human cytotrophoblast differentiation and fusion is poorly understood. In this study, we found that human syncytiotrophoblast development was associated with deacetylation of multiple core histone residues. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed chromosomal regions that exhibit dynamic alterations in histone H3 acetylation during differentiation. These include regions containing genes classically associated with cytotrophoblast differentiation (TEAD4, TP63, OVOL1, CGB), as well as near genes with novel regulatory roles in trophoblast development and function, such as LHX4 and SYDE1. Prevention of histone deacetylation using both pharmacological and genetic approaches inhibited trophoblast fusion, supporting a critical role of this process for trophoblast differentiation. Finally, we identified the histone deacetylases (HDACs) HDAC1 and HDAC2 as the critical mediators driving cytotrophoblast differentiation. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying trophoblast fusion during human placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Megan G McGill
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Patrick Lajoie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nathalie G Bérubé
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. .,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Hillier DM, Renaud SJ. The Transcription Factor OVOL2 Represses ID2 and Drives Differentiation of Trophoblast Stem Cells and Placental Development in Mice. Cells 2020; 9:E840. [PMID: 32244352 PMCID: PMC7226816 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblasts are the first cell type to be specified during embryogenesis, and they are essential for placental morphogenesis and function. Trophoblast stem (TS) cells are the progenitor cells for all trophoblast lineages; control of TS cell differentiation into distinct trophoblast subtypes is not well understood. Mice lacking the transcription factor OVO-like 2 (OVOL2) fail to produce a functioning placenta, and die around embryonic day 10.5, suggesting that OVOL2 may be critical for trophoblast development. Therefore, our objective was to determine the role of OVOL2 in mouse TS cell fate. We found that OVOL2 was highly expressed in mouse placenta and differentiating TS cells. Placentas and TS cells lacking OVOL2 showed poor trophoblast differentiation potential, including increased expression of stem-state associated genes (Eomes, Esrrb, Id2) and decreased levels of differentiation-associated transcripts (Gcm1, Tpbpa, Prl3b1, Syna). Ectopic OVOL2 expression in TS cells elicited precocious differentiation. OVOL2 bound proximate to the gene encoding inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2), a dominant negative helix-loop-helix protein, and directly repressed its activity. Overexpression of ID2 was sufficient to reinforce the TS cell stem state. Our findings reveal a critical role of OVOL2 as a regulator of TS cell differentiation and placental development, in-part by coordinating repression of ID2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariyan J. Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada; (M.J.J.)
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada; (M.J.J.)
| | - Dendra M. Hillier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada; (M.J.J.)
| | - Stephen J. Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada; (M.J.J.)
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C2V5, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C2R5, Canada
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46
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Szilagyi A, Gelencser Z, Romero R, Xu Y, Kiraly P, Demeter A, Palhalmi J, Gyorffy BA, Juhasz K, Hupuczi P, Kekesi KA, Meinhardt G, Papp Z, Draghici S, Erez O, Tarca AL, Knöfler M, Than NG. Placenta-Specific Genes, Their Regulation During Villous Trophoblast Differentiation and Dysregulation in Preterm Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020628. [PMID: 31963593 PMCID: PMC7013556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta maintains pregnancy and supports the developing fetus by providing nutrition, gas-waste exchange, hormonal regulation, and an immunological barrier from the maternal immune system. The villous syncytiotrophoblast carries most of these functions and provides the interface between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. The syncytiotrophoblast is generated by the biochemical and morphological differentiation of underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells. The dysfunction of the villous trophoblast development is implicated in placenta-mediated pregnancy complications. Herein, we describe gene modules and clusters involved in the dynamic differentiation of villous cytotrophoblasts into the syncytiotrophoblast. During this process, the immune defense functions are first established, followed by structural and metabolic changes, and then by peptide hormone synthesis. We describe key transcription regulatory molecules that regulate gene modules involved in placental functions. Based on transcriptomic evidence, we infer how villous trophoblast differentiation and functions are dysregulated in preterm preeclampsia, a life-threatening placenta-mediated obstetrical syndrome for the mother and fetus. In the conclusion, we uncover the blueprint for villous trophoblast development and its impairment in preterm preeclampsia, which may aid in the future development of non-invasive biomarkers for placental functions and early identification of women at risk for preterm preeclampsia as well as other placenta-mediated pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Szilagyi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Zsolt Gelencser
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20692, and Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (R.R.); (Y.X.); (O.E.); (A.L.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20692, and Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (R.R.); (Y.X.); (O.E.); (A.L.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Peter Kiraly
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Amanda Demeter
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Janos Palhalmi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Balazs A. Gyorffy
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.G.); (K.A.K.)
| | - Kata Juhasz
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
| | - Petronella Hupuczi
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary; (P.H.); (Z.P.)
| | - Katalin Adrienna Kekesi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.G.); (K.A.K.)
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria; (G.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary; (P.H.); (Z.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sorin Draghici
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20692, and Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (R.R.); (Y.X.); (O.E.); (A.L.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Adi Laurentiu Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20692, and Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (R.R.); (Y.X.); (O.E.); (A.L.T.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria; (G.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Lendulet Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.G.); (P.K.); (A.D.); (J.P.); (K.J.)
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20692, and Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (R.R.); (Y.X.); (O.E.); (A.L.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H-1126 Budapest, Hungary; (P.H.); (Z.P.)
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-382-6788
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Zhao H, Klausen C, Zhu H, Chang H, Li Y, Leung PCK. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 promotes human trophoblast cell invasion and endothelial‐like tube formation through ID1‐mediated upregulation of IGF binding protein‐3. FASEB J 2020; 34:3151-3164. [PMID: 31908038 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902168rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Jin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University Jinan P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology BC Children's Hospital Research Institute University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology BC Children's Hospital Research Institute University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology BC Children's Hospital Research Institute University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Hsun‐Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology BC Children's Hospital Research Institute University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Yan Li
- School of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology Ministry of Education Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics Jinan China
| | - Peter C. K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology BC Children's Hospital Research Institute University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
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Milano-Foster J, Ray S, Home P, Ganguly A, Bhattacharya B, Bajpai S, Pal A, Mason CW, Paul S. Regulation of human trophoblast syncytialization by histone demethylase LSD1. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17301-17313. [PMID: 31591264 PMCID: PMC6873176 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is critically dependent upon proper placental development and function. During human placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors differentiate to form syncytiotrophoblasts (SynTBs), which provide the exchange surface between the mother and fetus and secrete hormones to ensure proper progression of pregnancy. However, epigenetic mechanisms that regulate SynTB differentiation from CTB progenitors are incompletely understood. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A), a histone demethylase, is essential to this process. LSD1 is expressed both in CTB progenitors and differentiated SynTBs in first-trimester placental villi; accordingly, expression in SynTBs is maintained throughout gestation. Impairment of LSD1 function in trophoblast progenitors inhibits induction of endogenous retrovirally encoded genes SYNCYTIN1/endogenous retrovirus group W member 1, envelope (ERVW1) and SYNCYTIN2/endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1, envelope (ERVFRD1), encoding fusogenic proteins critical to human trophoblast syncytialization. Loss of LSD1 also impairs induction of chorionic gonadotropin α (CGA) and chorionic gonadotropin β (CGB) genes, which encode α and β subunits of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone essential to modulate maternal physiology during pregnancy. Mechanistic analyses at the endogenous ERVW1, CGA, and CGB loci revealed a regulatory axis in which LSD1 induces demethylation of repressive histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9Me2) and interacts with transcription factor GATA2 to promote RNA polymerase II (RNA-POL-II) recruitment and activate gene transcription. Our study reveals a novel LSD1-GATA2 axis, which regulates human trophoblast syncytialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Pratik Home
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Shilpika Bajpai
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Aratrika Pal
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Clifford W Mason
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soumen Paul
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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49
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Evans J, Rai A, Nguyen HPT, Poh QH, Elglass K, Simpson RJ, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Human Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles Functionally Prepare Human Trophectoderm Model for Implantation: Understanding Bidirectional Maternal-Embryo Communication. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800423. [PMID: 31531940 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into maternal endometrium is critical for initiation and establishment of pregnancy, requiring developmental synchrony between endometrium and blastocyst. However, factors regulating human endometrial-embryo cross talk and facilitate implantation remain largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of this process. Here, a trophectoderm spheroid-based in vitro model mimicking the pre-implantation human embryo is used to recapitulate important functional aspects of blastocyst implantation. Functionally, human endometrial EVs, derived from hormonally treated cells synchronous with implantation, are readily internalized by trophectoderm cells, regulating adhesive and invasive capacity of human trophectoderm spheroids. To gain molecular insights into mechanisms underpinning endometrial EV-mediated enhancement of implantation, quantitative proteomics reveal critical alterations in trophectoderm cellular adhesion networks (cell adhesion molecule binding, cell-cell adhesion mediator activity, and cell adherens junctions) and metabolic and gene expression networks, and the soluble secretome from human trophectodermal spheroids. Importantly, transfer of endometrial EV cargo proteins to trophectoderm to mediate changes in trophectoderm function is demonstrated. This is highlighted by correlation among endometrial EVs, the trophectodermal proteome following EV uptake, and EV-mediated trophectodermal cellular proteome, important for implantation. This work provides an understanding into molecular mechanisms of endometrial EV-mediated regulation of human trophectoderm functions-fundamental in understanding human endometrium-embryo signaling during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Evans
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Hong P T Nguyen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Kirstin Elglass
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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50
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Lv B, An Q, Zeng Q, Zhang X, Lu P, Wang Y, Zhu X, Ji Y, Fan G, Xue Z. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals regulatory mechanism for trophoblast cell-fate divergence in human peri-implantation conceptuses. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000187. [PMID: 31596842 PMCID: PMC6802852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multipotent trophoblasts undergo dynamic morphological movement and cellular differentiation after conceptus implantation to generate placenta. However, the mechanism controlling trophoblast development and differentiation during peri-implantation development in human remains elusive. In this study, we modeled human conceptus peri-implantation development from blastocyst to early postimplantation stages by using an in vitro coculture system and profiled the transcriptome of 476 individual trophoblast cells from these conceptuses. We revealed the genetic networks regulating peri-implantation trophoblast development. While determining when trophoblast differentiation happens, our bioinformatic analysis identified T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) as a key regulator for the differentiation of cytotrophoblast (CT) into syncytiotrophoblast (ST). The function of TBX3 in trophoblast differentiation is then validated by a loss-of-function experiment. In conclusion, our results provided a valuable resource to study the regulation of trophoblasts development and differentiation during human peri-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lv
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin An
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, State of California, United States of America
| | - Qiao Zeng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ji’an Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ji’an, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xunyi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhong Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (ZX); (GF); (YJ)
| | - Guoping Fan
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, State of California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ZX); (GF); (YJ)
| | - Zhigang Xue
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (ZX); (GF); (YJ)
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