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Deng N, Li G, Zhang L, Wang P, Liu M, He B, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Wang H, Deng W, Bao H, Kong S. H3K27me3 timely dictates uterine epithelial transcriptome remodeling and thus transformation essential for normal embryo implantation. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1013-1028. [PMID: 38698061 PMCID: PMC11303564 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01302-9] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine luminal epithelia (LE), the first layer contacting with the blastocyst, acquire receptivity for normal embryo implantation. Besides the well-accepted transcriptional regulation dominated by ovarian estrogen and progesterone for receptivity establishment, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms remains elusive. This study systematically profiles the transcriptome and genome-wide H3K27me3 distribution in the LE throughout the preimplantation. Combining genetic and pharmacological approaches targeting the PRC2 core enzyme Ezh1/2, we demonstrate that the defective remodeling of H3K27me3 in the preimplantation stage disrupts the differentiation of LE, and derails uterine receptivity, resulting in implantation failure. Specifically, crucial epithelial genes, Pgr, Gata2, and Sgk1, are transcriptionally silenced through de novo deposition of H3K27me3 for LE transformation, and their sustained expression in the absence of H3K27me3 synergistically confines the nuclear translocation of FOXO1. Further functional studies identify several actin-associated genes, including Arpin, Tmod1, and Pdlim2, as novel direct targets of H3K27me3. Their aberrantly elevated expression impedes the morphological remodeling of LE, a hindrance alleviated by treatment with cytochalasin D which depolymerizes F-actin. Collectively, this study uncovers a previously unappreciated epigenetic regulatory mechanism for the transcriptional silencing of key LE genes via H3K27me3, essential for LE differentiation and thus embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Gaizhen Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Peiran Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Bo He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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Kendirci-Katirci R, Sati L, Celik-Ozenci C. Deciphering the role of rapamycin in modulating decidual senescence: implications for decidual remodeling and implantation failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03207-5. [PMID: 39066928 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03207-5] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Physiological decidual senescence promotes embryo implantation, whereas pathological decidual senescence causes many pregnancy pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rapamycin on decidual cell subpopulations and endometrial function in physiological and induced senescence and to investigate the decidual cell subpopulations present in physiological conditions during early pregnancy and implantation in mice. METHODS Control, physiological decidualization (0.5 mM cAMP and 1 μM MPA added), and induced senescence (0.1 mM HU added) models with and without 200 nM rapamycin treatment were established using a human endometrial stromal cell line, and decidual cell subpopulations were analyzed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The human extravillous trophoblast cell line AC-1M88 was also cultured in decidualization models, and spheroid expansion analysis was performed. In in vivo studies, decidual cell subpopulations were analyzed by immunofluorescence during early mouse pregnancy. RESULTS The results revealed that rapamycin decreased DIO2 and β-GAL expressions in physiological and induced senescence without FOXO1. Notably, in induced senescence, increased fragmentation was observed in AC-1M88 cells, and rapamycin treatment successfully attenuated the fragmentation of spheroids. We showed that the FOXO1-DIO2 signaling axis can trigger decidual senescence during early gestation and days of implantation in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study underlines the importance of rapamycin in modulating decidual cell subpopulations and endometrial tissue function during decidual senescence. The information obtained may provide insight into the pathologies of pregnancy seen due to decidual senescence and guide better treatment strategies for reproductive problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leyla Sati
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey.
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3
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Poh QH, Rai A, Pangestu M, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Rapid generation of functional nanovesicles from human trophectodermal cells for embryo attachment and outgrowth. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300056. [PMID: 37698557 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300056] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of embryo attachment and outgrowth critical for successful implantation. While EVs have garnered immense interest in their therapeutic potential in assisted reproductive technology by improving implantation success, their large-scale generation remains a major challenge. Here, we report a rapid and scalable production of nanovesicles (NVs) directly from human trophectoderm cells (hTSCs) via serial mechanical extrusion of cells; these NVs can be generated in approximately 6 h with a 20-fold higher yield than EVs isolated from culture medium of the same number of cells. NVs display similar biophysical traits (morphologically intact, spherical, 90-130 nm) to EVs, and are laden with hallmark players of implantation that include cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix organisation proteins (ITGA2/V, ITGB1, MFGE8) and antioxidative regulators (PRDX1, SOD2). Functionally, NVs are readily taken up by low-receptive endometrial HEC1A cells and reprogram their proteome towards a receptive phenotype that support hTSC spheroid attachment. Moreover, a single dose treatment with NVs significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of mouse embryo trophoblast on fibronectin matrix. Thus, we demonstrate the functional potential of NVs in enhancing embryo implantation and highlight their rapid and scalable generation, amenable to clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Radaszkiewicz KA, Sulcova M, Kohoutkova E, Harnos J. The role of prickle proteins in vertebrate development and pathology. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1199-1221. [PMID: 37358815 PMCID: PMC11116189 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04787-z] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Prickle is an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins exclusively associated with planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling. This signalling pathway provides directional and positional cues to eukaryotic cells along the plane of an epithelial sheet, orthogonal to both apicobasal and left-right axes. Through studies in the fruit fly Drosophila, we have learned that PCP signalling is manifested by the spatial segregation of two protein complexes, namely Prickle/Vangl and Frizzled/Dishevelled. While Vangl, Frizzled, and Dishevelled proteins have been extensively studied, Prickle has been largely neglected. This is likely because its role in vertebrate development and pathologies is still being explored and is not yet fully understood. The current review aims to address this gap by summarizing our current knowledge on vertebrate Prickle proteins and to cover their broad versatility. Accumulating evidence suggests that Prickle is involved in many developmental events, contributes to homeostasis, and can cause diseases when its expression and signalling properties are deregulated. This review highlights the importance of Prickle in vertebrate development, discusses the implications of Prickle-dependent signalling in pathology, and points out the blind spots or potential links regarding Prickle, which could be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - M Sulcova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - E Kohoutkova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - J Harnos
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia.
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Chen ST, Ran F, Shi WW, Liu CK, Wang PC, Luo HN, Yang ZM. Tryptophan in the mouse diet is essential for embryo implantation and decidualization. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1356914. [PMID: 38752181 PMCID: PMC11094255 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nutritional deficiency occurs frequently during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid which is critical for protein synthesis, serves as the precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine (Kyn). The imbalance between serotonin and kynurenine pathways in Trp metabolism is closely related to inflammation and depression. This study assessed the effects of Trp deficiency on mouse early pregnancy. Methods Embryo implantation and decidualization were analyzed after female mice had been fed diets containing 0.2% Trp (for the control group), 0.062% Trp (for the low Trp group) and 0% Trp (for the Trp-free group) for two months. The uteri of the mice were collected on days 4, 5, and 8 of pregnancy for further analysis. Results On day 8 of pregnancy, the number of implantation sites were found to be similar between the control and the low Trp groups. However, no implantation sites were detected in the Trp-free group. On day 5 of pregnancy, plane polarity- and decidualization-related molecules showed abnormal expression pattern in the Trp-free group. On day 4 of pregnancy, there was no significant difference in uterine receptivity molecules between the low-Trp group and the control group, but uterine receptivity was abnormal in the Trp-free group. At implantation sites of the Trp-free group, IDO and AHR levels were markedly elevated. This potentially increased levels of Kyn, 2-hydroxy estradiol, and 4-hydroxy estradiol to affect decidualization. Conclusions Trp-free diet may impair decidualization via the IDO-KYN-AHR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Feng Ran
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen-Wen Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Kan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng-Chao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hui-Na Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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6
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Lodewijk GA, Kozuki S, Han C, Topacio BR, Zargari A, Lee S, Knight G, Ashton R, Qi LS, Shariati SA. Self-organization of embryonic stem cells into a reproducible embryo model through epigenome editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583597. [PMID: 38496557 PMCID: PMC10942404 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self-organize in vitro into developmental patterns with spatial organization and molecular similarity to that of early embryonic stages. This self-organization of ESCs requires transmission of signaling cues, via addition of small molecule chemicals or recombinant proteins, to induce distinct embryonic cellular fates and subsequent assembly into structures that can mimic aspects of early embryonic development. During natural embryonic development, different embryonic cell types co-develop together, where each cell type expresses specific fate-inducing transcription factors through activation of non-coding regulatory elements and interactions with neighboring cells. However, previous studies have not fully explored the possibility of engineering endogenous regulatory elements to shape self-organization of ESCs into spatially-ordered embryo models. Here, we hypothesized that cell-intrinsic activation of a minimum number of such endogenous regulatory elements is sufficient to self-organize ESCs into early embryonic models. Our results show that CRISPR-based activation (CRISPRa) of only two endogenous regulatory elements in the genome of pluripotent stem cells is sufficient to generate embryonic patterns that show spatial and molecular resemblance to that of pre-gastrulation mouse embryonic development. Quantitative single-cell live fluorescent imaging showed that the emergence of spatially-ordered embryonic patterns happens through the intrinsic induction of cell fate that leads to an orchestrated collective cellular motion. Based on these results, we propose a straightforward approach to efficiently form 3D embryo models through intrinsic CRISPRa-based epigenome editing and independent of external signaling cues. CRISPRa-Programmed Embryo Models (CPEMs) show highly consistent composition of major embryonic cell types that are spatially-organized, with nearly 80% of the structures forming an embryonic cavity. Single cell transcriptomics confirmed the presence of main embryonic cell types in CPEMs with transcriptional similarity to pre-gastrulation mouse embryos and revealed novel signaling communication links between different embryonic cell types. Our findings offer a programmable embryo model and demonstrate that minimum intrinsic epigenome editing is sufficient to self-organize ESCs into highly consistent pre-gastrulation embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrald A Lodewijk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Equal contribution to this work
| | - Sayaka Kozuki
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Equal contribution to this work
| | - Clara Han
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Benjamin R Topacio
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Abolfazl Zargari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Seungho Lee
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Gavin Knight
- Neurosetta LLC, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, WI
| | - Randolph Ashton
- Neurosetta LLC, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, WI
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - S Ali Shariati
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
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Wang P, Du S, Guo C, Ni Z, Huang Z, Deng N, Bao H, Deng W, Lu J, Kong S, Zhang H, Wang H. The presence of blastocyst within the uteri facilitates lumenal epithelium transformation for implantation via upregulating lysosome proteostasis activity. Autophagy 2024; 20:58-75. [PMID: 37584546 PMCID: PMC10761037 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2247747] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS ACTB: actin beta; AREG: amphiregulin; ATP6V0A4: ATPase, H+ transporting, lysosomal V0 subunit A4; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CLDN1: claudin 1; CTSB: cathepsin B; DEGs: differentially expressed genes; E2: 17β-estradiol; ESR: estrogen receptor; GATA2: GATA binding protein 2; GLA: galactosidase, alpha; GO: gene ontology; HBEGF: heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor; IGF1R: insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor; Ihh: Indian hedgehog; ISH: in situ hybridization; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LCM: laser capture microdissection; Le: lumenal epithelium; LGMN: legumain; LIF: leukemia inhibitory factor; LIFR: LIF receptor alpha; MSX1: msh homeobox 1; MUC1: mucin 1, transmembrane; P4: progesterone; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PCA: principal component analysis; PPT1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; PGR: progesterone receptor; PSP: pseudopregnancy; PTGS2/COX2: prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2; qPCR: quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; SP: pregnancy; TFEB: transcription factor EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuailin Du
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ziying Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Muhandiram S, Dissanayake K, Orro T, Godakumara K, Kodithuwakku S, Fazeli A. Secretory Proteomic Responses of Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Trophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11924. [PMID: 37569298 PMCID: PMC10418763 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is integral to pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both embryonic and endometrial origin is a critical component of embryo-maternal communication during peri-implantation. Here, we investigated whether embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the endometrial epithelial cell secretome. Receptive endometrial analog RL95-2 cells were supplemented with trophoblast analog JAr cell-derived EVs, and the secretory protein changes occurring in the RL95-2 cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry. EVs of non-trophoblastic origin (HEK 293 cells) were used as the control EV source to supplement endometrial cells. Trophoblast cell-derived EVs enriched endometrial epithelial cell secretions with proteins that support embryo development, attachment, or implantation, whereas control EVs were unable to induce the same effect. The present study suggests that embryonic signals in the form of EVs may prime receptive endometrial epithelial cells to enrich their secretory proteome with critical proteomic molecules with functional importance for periconception milieu formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashini Muhandiram
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 14B, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Toomos Orro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Suranga Kodithuwakku
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (S.M.); (K.D.); (T.O.); (K.G.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 14B, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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9
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Dewar A, Deng W, Sun X, Dey SK. Tissue-Specific RNA Localization in the Uterus During Implantation, Decidualization and Placentation: Technical Nuances of Various Labeling Approaches. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e823. [PMID: 37345986 PMCID: PMC10299818 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.823] [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] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In situ hybridization (ISH) is a sensitive method used to localize a specific sequence of DNA or RNA in biological samples, including cells, tissue sections or whole organs. RNA ISH can be used to determine spatial gene expression using a single-stranded probe with a reverse-complementary sequence. Cell-specific gene expression has been studied using mRNA and protein levels. Signals produced by RNA probes are usually more specific than those produced by antibodies in immunostaining. Currently, ISH is the most widely used method to localize mRNA molecules. Traditionally, probes were labeled with radioactive isotopes, but the cumbersome procedures and potential health risk limit their acceptance. Recently, probes labeled with nonradioactive materials including digoxigenin, biotin and various fluorophores have been developed. The tyramide signal amplification system further enhances the sensitivity of detection. These methods have been applied in numerous studies in various tissues including reproductive organs. This article details three methods of RNA in situ hybridization: radioactive in situ hybridization, digoxigenin in situ hybridization, and digoxigenin-tyramide signal amplification fluorescein in situ hybridization. The pros and cons of each protocol are discussed. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Radioactive in situ hybridization (radioactive-ISH) Basic Protocol 2: Digoxigenin in situ hybridization (DIG-ISH) Basic Protocol 3: Digoxigenin-tyramide signal amplification fluorescein in situ hybridization (DIG-TSA-FISH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Dewar
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Sudhansu K. Dey
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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10
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Kim YS, Yuan J, Dewar A, Borg JP, Threadgill DW, Sun X, Dey SK. An unanticipated discourse of HB-EGF with VANGL2 signaling during embryo implantation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302937120. [PMID: 37155852 PMCID: PMC10193979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302937120] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantation is the first direct encounter between the embryo and uterus during pregnancy, and Hbegf is the earliest known molecular signaling for embryo-uterine crosstalk during implantation. The downstream effectors of heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) in implantation remain elusive due to the complexity of EGF receptor family. This study shows that the formation of implantation chamber (crypt) triggered by HB-EGF is disrupted by uterine deletion of Vangl2, a key planar cell polarity component (PCP). We found that HB-EGF binds to ERBB2 and ERBB3 to recruit VANGL2 for tyrosine phosphorylation. Using in vivo models, we show that uterine VAGL2 tyrosine phosphorylation is suppressed in Erbb2/Erbb3 double conditional knockout mice. In this context, severe implantation defects in these mice lend support to the critical role of HB-EGF-ERBB2/3-VANGL2 in establishing a two-way dialogue between the blastocyst and uterus. In addition, the result addresses an outstanding question how VANGL2 is activated during implantation. Taken together, these observations reveal that HB-EGF regulates the implantation process by influencing uterine epithelial cell polarity comprising VANGL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Kim
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Jia Yuan
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Amanda Dewar
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Aix Marseille Univ UM105, Inst Paoli Calmettes, UMR7258 CNRS, U1068 INSERM, Cell Polarity, Cell Signalling and Cancer - Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13009Marseille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 73231Paris, France
| | - David W. Threadgill
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Sudhansu K. Dey
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
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11
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Jiang L, Cao D, Yeung WSB, Lee KF. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals Interactions between Endometrial Stromal Cells, Epithelial Cells, and Lymphocytes during Mouse Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010213. [PMID: 36613656 PMCID: PMC9820401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is an essential process facilitating embryo implantation. However, the roles of non-decidualized and decidualized ESCs in regulating the microenvironment of a receptive endometrium remain unclear. We investigated single-cell transcriptomic changes in the uterus of a CD-1 mouse model at the post-implantation stage. The implantation and inter-implantation sites of the uteruses of pregnant mice at 4.5 and 5.5 days post-coitum were dissected for single-cell RNA sequencing. We identified eight cell types: epithelial cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, mesothelial cells, lymphocytes, myocytes, myeloids, and pericytes. The ESC transcriptome suggests that the four ESC subtypes are involved in the extracellular remodeling during implantation. The trajectory plot of ESC subtypes indicates embryo implantation that involves a differentiation pathway from undifferentiated ESCs (ESC 1) to decidualized ESCs (DEC ESCs), with distinct signaling pathways between the ESC subtypes. Furthermore, the ligand-receptor analysis suggests that ESCs communicate with epithelial cells and immune cells through nectin and ICAM signaling. Collectively, both decidualized and non-decidualized ESCs may regulate the endometrial microenvironment for optimal endometrial receptivity and immune tolerance. This study provides insights on the molecular and cellular characteristics of mouse ESCs in modulating the epithelial and lymphocyte functions during early embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +852-2816-1947
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12
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Cao R, Yang ZS, Hu SL, Liang SJ, Zhang SM, Zhu SQ, Lu L, Long CH, Yao ST, Ma YJ, Liang XH. Molecular Mechanism of Mouse Uterine Smooth Muscle Regulation on Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012494. [PMID: 36293350 PMCID: PMC9604262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myometrium plays critical roles in multiple processes such as embryo spacing through peristalsis during mouse implantation, indicating vital roles of smooth muscle in the successful establishment and quality of implantation. Actin, a key element of cytoskeleton structure, plays an important role in the movement and contraction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the function of peri-implantation uterine smooth muscle and the regulation mechanism of muscle tension are still unclear. This study focused on the molecular mechanism of actin assembly regulation on implantation in smooth muscle. Phalloidin is a highly selective bicyclic peptide used for staining actin filaments (also known as F-actin). Phalloidin staining showed that F-actin gradually weakened in the CD-1 mouse myometrium from day 1 to day 4 of early pregnancy. More than 3 mice were studied for each group. Jasplakinolide (Jasp) used to inhibit F-actin depolymerization promotes F-actin polymerization in SMCs during implantation window and consequently compromises embryo implantation quality. Transcriptome analysis following Jasp treatment in mouse uterine SMCs reveals significant molecular changes associated with actin assembly. Tagln is involved in the regulation of the cell cytoskeleton and promotes the polymerization of G-actin to F-actin. Our results show that Tagln expression is gradually reduced in mouse uterine myometrium from day 1 to 4 of pregnancy. Furthermore, progesterone inhibits the expression of Tagln through the progesterone receptor. Using siRNA to knock down Tagln in day 3 SMCs, we found that phalloidin staining is decreased, which confirms the critical role of Tagln in F-actin polymerization. In conclusion, our data suggested that decreases in actin assembly in uterine smooth muscle during early pregnancy is critical to optimal embryo implantation. Tagln, a key molecule involved in actin assembly, regulates embryo implantation by controlling F-actin aggregation before implantation, suggesting moderate uterine contractility is conducive to embryo implantation. This study provides new insights into how the mouse uterus increases its flexibility to accommodate implanting embryos in the early stage of pregnancy.
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13
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Deng W, Wang H. Efficient cell chatting between embryo and uterus ensures embryo implantation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:339-348. [PMID: 35774025 PMCID: PMC9310511 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac135] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is one of the hottest topics during female reproduction since it is the first dialogue between maternal uterus and developing embryo whose disruption will contribute to adverse pregnancy outcome. Numerous achievements have been made to decipher the underlying mechanism of embryo implantation by genetic and molecular approaches accompanied with emerging technological advances. In recent decades, raising concepts incite insightful understanding on the mechanism of reciprocal communication between implantation competent embryos and receptive uterus. Enlightened by these gratifying evolvements, we aim to summarize and revisit current progress on the critical determinants of mutual communication between maternal uterus and embryonic signaling on the perspective of embryo implantation to alleviate infertility, enhance fetal health, and improve contraceptive design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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14
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Madhavan MK, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Joshi NR, Fazleabas AT, Arora R. Aberrant uterine folding in mice disrupts implantation chamber formation and alignment of embryo-uterine axes. Development 2022; 149:275675. [PMID: 35575097 PMCID: PMC9245188 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The uterine luminal epithelium folds characteristically in mammals, including humans, horses and rodents. Improper uterine folding in horses results in pregnancy failure, but the precise function of folds remains unknown. Here, we uncover dynamic changes in the 3D uterine folding pattern during early pregnancy with the entire lumen forming pre-implantation transverse folds along the mesometrial-antimesometrial axis. Using a time course, we show that transverse folds are formed before embryo spacing, whereas implantation chambers form as the embryo begins attachment. Thus, folds and chambers are two distinct structures. Transverse folds resolve to form a flat implantation region, after which an embryo arrives at its center to attach and form the post-implantation chamber. Our data also suggest that the implantation chamber facilitates embryo rotation and its alignment along the uterine mesometrial-antimesometrial axis. Using WNT5A- and RBPJ-deficient mice that display aberrant folds, we show that embryos trapped in longitudinal folds display misalignment of the embryo-uterine axes, abnormal chamber formation and defective post-implantation morphogenesis. These mouse models with disrupted uterine folding provide an opportunity to understand uterine structure-based mechanisms that are crucial for implantation and pregnancy success.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K. Madhavan
- Michigan State University 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering 2 , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
- Michigan State University 2 , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 3 Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory , , Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 , USA
| | - John P. Lydon
- Baylor College of Medicine 4 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , , Houston, TX 77030 , USA
| | - Niraj R. Joshi
- Michigan State University 5 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology , , Grand Rapids, MI 49503 , USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Michigan State University 5 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology , , Grand Rapids, MI 49503 , USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Michigan State University 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering 2 , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
- Michigan State University 2 , , East Lansing, MI 48824 , USA
- Michigan State University 5 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology , , Grand Rapids, MI 49503 , USA
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15
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The Role of Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells in Recurrent Reproductive Failure. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050775. [PMID: 35629197 PMCID: PMC9143189 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), collectively referred to as recurrent reproductive failure (RRF), are both challenging conditions with many unanswered questions relating to causes and management options. Both conditions are proposed to be related to an aberrant endometrial microenvironment, with different proposed aetiologies related to a restrictive or permissive endometrium for an invading embryo. The impressive regenerative capacity of the human endometrium has been well-established and has led to the isolation and characterisation of several subtypes of endometrial stem/progenitor cells (eSPCs). eSPCs are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrium-related disorders (such as endometriosis) and have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of RRF. This review appraises the current knowledge of eSPCs, and their involvement in RRF, highlighting the considerable unknown aspects in this field, and providing avenues for future research to facilitate much-needed advances in the diagnosis and management of millions of women suffering with RRF.
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16
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Deciphering the endometrial niche of human thin endometrium at single-cell resolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2115912119. [PMID: 35169075 PMCID: PMC8872762 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115912119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thin endometrium is the most common reason for uterine infertility and refractory gynecological diseases due to its complexity in pathogenesis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we profile cells from normal and thin endometrium at single-cell resolution to investigate the sophisticated alterations in the local microenvironment that occur in thin endometrium. Increased cellular senescence, collagen overdeposition, and significant down-regulation of gene expression related to cell proliferation are observed and confirmed. Moreover, we demonstrate aberrant activation of the SEMA3 pathway accompanied by dampened EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways in thin endometrium. These findings aid in understanding the mechanisms of thin endometrium and provide new tools to rejuvenate the atrophic endometrium for female fertility preservation and successful pregnancy. Thin endometrium has been widely recognized as a critical cause of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and placental abnormalities; however, access to effective treatment is a formidable challenge due to the rudimentary understanding of the pathogenesis of thin endometrium. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of human endometrial cells at single-cell resolution to characterize cell types, their communications, and the underlying mechanism of endometrial growth in normal and thin endometrium during the proliferative phase. Stromal cells were the most abundant cell type in the endometrium, with a subpopulation of proliferating stromal cells whose cell cycle signaling pathways were compromised in thin endometrium. Both single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental verification revealed cellular senescence in the stroma and epithelium accompanied by collagen overdeposition around blood vessels. Moreover, decreased numbers of macrophages and natural killer cells further exacerbated endometrial thinness. In addition, our results uncovered aberrant SEMA3, EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways as causes for the insufficient proliferation of the endometrium. Together, these data provide insight into therapeutic strategies for endometrial regeneration and growth to treat thin endometrium.
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17
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Aikawa S, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Ishizawa C, IIda R, Kaku T, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Hiraoka T, Matsuo M, Osuga Y. A gene network of uterine luminal epithelium organizes mouse blastocyst implantation. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12435. [PMID: 35386370 PMCID: PMC8967306 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12435] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The receptive endometrium is critical for blastocyst implantation. In mice, after blastocysts enter the uterine cavities on day 4 of pregnancy (day 1 = vaginal plug), blastocyst attachment is completed within 24 h, accompanied by dynamic interactions between the uterine luminal epithelium and the blastocysts. Any failures in this process compromise subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Here, we performed comprehensive analyses of gene expression at the luminal epithelium in the peri‐implantation period. Methods RNA‐seq combined with laser microdissection (LMD) was used to reveal unique gene expression kinetics in the epithelium. Results We found that the prereceptive epithelium on day 3 specifically expresses cell cycle‐related genes. In addition, days 3 and 4 epithelia express glutathione pathway‐related genes, which are protective against oxidative stresses. In contrast, day 5 epithelium expresses genes involved in glycolysis and the regulation of cell proliferation. The genes highly expressed on days 3 and 4 compared to day 5 are related to progesterone receptor signaling, and the genes highly expressed on day 5 compared to days 3 and 4 are associated with the ones regulated by H3K27me3. Conclusions These results suggest that specific gene expression patterns govern uterine functions during early pregnancy, contributing to implantation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Rei IIda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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18
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Tempest N, Hill CJ, Maclean A, Marston K, Powell SG, Al-Lamee H, Hapangama DK. Novel microarchitecture of human endometrial glands: implications in endometrial regeneration and pathologies. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:153-171. [PMID: 34875046 PMCID: PMC8888994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endometrium remains a poorly understood tissue of the female reproductive tract. The superficial endometrial functionalis, the site of embryo implantation, is repeatedly shed with menstruation, and the stem cell-rich deeper basalis is postulated to be responsible for the regeneration of the functionalis. Two recent manuscripts have demonstrated the 3D architecture of endometrial glands. These manuscripts have challenged and replaced the prevailing concept that these glands end in blind pouches in the basalis layer that contain stem cells in crypts, as in the intestinal mucosa, providing a new paradigm for endometrial glandular anatomy. This necessitates re-evaluation of the available evidence on human endometrial regeneration in both health and disease in the context of this previously unknown endometrial glandular arrangement. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review is to determine if the recently discovered glandular arrangement provides plausible explanations for previously unanswered questions related to human endometrial biology. Specifically, it will focus on re-appraising the theories related to endometrial regeneration, location of stem/progenitor cells and endometrial pathologies in the context of this recently unravelled endometrial glandular organization. SEARCH METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted from inception to April 2021 using multiple databases, including PubMed/Web of Science/EMBASE/Scopus, to select studies using keywords applied to endometrial glandular anatomy and regeneration, and the references included in selected publications were also screened. All relevant publications were included. OUTCOMES The human endometrial glands have a unique and complex architecture; branched basalis glands proceed in a horizontal course adjacent to the myometrium, as opposed to the non-branching, vertically coiled functionalis glands, which run parallel to each other as is observed in intestinal crypts. This complex network of mycelium-like, interconnected basalis glands is demonstrated to contain endometrial epithelial stem cells giving rise to single, non-branching functionalis glands. Several previous studies that have tried to confirm the existence of epithelial stem cells have used methodologies that prevent sampling of the stem cell-rich basalis. More recent findings have provided insight into the efficient regeneration of the human endometrium, which is preferentially evolved in humans and menstruating upper-order primates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The unique physiological organization of the human endometrial glandular element, its relevance to stem cell activity and scarless endometrial regeneration will inform reproductive biologists and clinicians to direct their future research to determine disease-specific alterations in glandular anatomy in a variety of endometrial pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tempest
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher J Hill
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alison Maclean
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kathleen Marston
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon G Powell
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hannan Al-Lamee
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dharani K Hapangama
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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19
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Saito-Fujita T, Aikawa S, Hiraoka T, Kaku T, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Ikawa M, Osuga Y. Uterine Epithelial LIF Receptors Contribute to Implantation Chamber Formation in Blastocyst Attachment. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6353290. [PMID: 34402888 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the formation of an implantation chamber composed of a uterine crypt, an implantation-competent blastocyst, and uterine glands is a critical step in blastocyst implantation in mice. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) precursors via uterine LIF receptors (LIFRs), allowing successful blastocyst implantation. Our recent study revealed that the role of epithelial STAT3 is different from that of stromal STAT3. However, both are essential for blastocyst attachment, suggesting the different roles of epithelial and stromal LIFR in blastocyst implantation. However, how epithelial and stromal LIFR regulate the blastocyst implantation process remains unclear. To investigate the roles of LIFR in the uterine epithelium and stroma, we generated Lifr-floxed/lactoferrin (Ltf)-iCre (Lifr eKO) and Lifr-floxed/antimüllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre (Lifr sKO) mice with deleted epithelial and stromal LIFR, respectively. Surprisingly, fertility and blastocyst implantation in the Lifr sKO mice were normal despite stromal STAT3 inactivation. In contrast, blastocyst attachment failed, and no implantation chambers were formed in the Lifr eKO mice with epithelial inactivation of STAT3. In addition, normal responsiveness to ovarian hormones was observed in the peri-implantation uteri of the Lifr eKO mice. These results indicate that the epithelial LIFR-STAT3 pathway initiates the formation of implantation chambers, leading to complete blastocyst attachment, and that stromal STAT3 regulates blastocyst attachment without stromal LIFR control. Thus, uterine epithelial LIFR is critical to implantation chamber formation and blastocyst attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito-Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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20
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Kelleher AM, Setlem R, Dantzer F, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Kraus WL. Deficiency of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in the mouse uterus results in decidualization failure and pregnancy loss. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109252118. [PMID: 34580230 PMCID: PMC8501838 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109252118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy for which there are few clinical interventions. Deficiency in endometrial stromal cell decidualization is considered a major contributing factor to pregnancy loss; however, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of decidual deficiency are incomplete. ADP ribosylation by PARP-1 and PARP-2 has been linked to physiological processes essential to successful pregnancy outcomes. Here, we report that the catalytic inhibition or genetic ablation of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in the uterus lead to pregnancy loss in mice. Notably, the absence of PARP-1 and PARP-2 resulted in increased p53 signaling and an increased population of senescent decidual cells. Molecular and histological analysis revealed that embryo attachment and the removal of the luminal epithelium are not altered in uterine Parp1, Parp2 knockout mice, but subsequent decidualization failure results in pregnancy loss. These findings provide evidence for a previously unknown function of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in mediating decidualization for successful pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Rohit Setlem
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Françoise Dantzer
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Institut du Médicament de Strasbourg, UMR 7242-Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390;
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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21
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Cannabinoid and planar cell polarity signaling converges to direct placentation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108201118. [PMID: 34521753 PMCID: PMC8463896 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108201118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed trophoblast migration toward the maternal mesometrial pole is critical for placentation and pregnancy success. Trophoblasts replace maternal arterial endothelial cells to increase blood supply to the placenta. Inferior trophoblast invasion results in pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, and preterm delivery. The maternal chemotactic factors that direct trophoblast migration and the mechanism by which trophoblasts respond to these factors are not clearly understood. Here, we show that invasive trophoblasts deficient in Vangl2, a core planar cell polarity (PCP) component, fail to invade in maternal decidua, and this deficiency results in middle-gestational fetal demise. Previously, we have shown that tightly regulated endocannabinoids via G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor CB1 are critical to the invasion of trophoblasts called spiral artery trophoblast giant cells (SpA-TGCs). We find that CB1 directly interacts with VANGL2. Trophoblast stem cells devoid of Cnr1 and/or Vangl2 show compromised cell migration. To study roles of VANGL2 and CB1 in trophoblast invasion in vivo, we conditionally deleted Cnr1 (coding CB1) and Vangl2 in progenitors of SpA-TGCs using trophoblast-specific protein alpha (Tpbpa)-Cre. We observed that signaling mediated by VANGL2 and CB1 restrains trophoblasts from random migration by keeping small GTPases quiescent. Our results show that organized PCP in trophoblasts is indispensable for their directed movement and that CB1 exerts its function by direct interaction with membrane proteins other than its canonical G protein-coupled receptor role.
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22
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Byun H, Kwon S, Wagner KU, Shin H, Lim HJ. Tumor susceptibility gene 101 is required for the maintenance of uterine epithelial cells during embryo implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:112. [PMID: 34271917 PMCID: PMC8283893 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101), a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complex I, is involved in multiple biological processes involving endomembranous structures and the plasma membrane. The role of Tsg101 in the uterine epithelium was investigated in Tsg101 floxed mice crossed with Lactoferrin-iCre mice (Tsg101d/d). METHODS Tsg101d/d mice were bred with stud male mice and the status of pregnancy was examined on days 4 and 6. Histological analyses were performed to examine the uterine architecture. Immunofluorescence staining of several markers was examined by confocal microscopy. Uterine epithelial cells (UECs) were isolated from Tsg101f/f and Tsg101d/d mice, and the expression of necroptosis effectors was examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. UECs were also subjected to RNA expression profiling. RESULTS Tsg101d/d female mice were subfertile with implantation failure, showing unattached blastocysts on day 6 of pregnancy. Histological and marker analyses revealed that some Tsg101d/d day 4 pregnant uteri showed a disintegrated uterine epithelial structure. Tsg101d/d UECs began to degenerate within 18 h of culture. In UECs, expression of necroptosis effectors, such as RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL were first confirmed. UECs responded to a stimulus to activate necroptosis and showed increased cell death. CONCLUSIONS Tsg101 deficiency in the uterine epithelium causes implantation failure, which may be caused by epithelial defects. This study provides evidence that UECs harbor a necroptotic machinery that responds to death-inducing signals. Thus, Tsg101 expression in the uterine epithelium is required for normal pregnancy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Byun
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, EL01TM, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hyejin Shin
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Poh QH, Rai A, Carmichael II, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Proteome reprogramming of endometrial epithelial cells by human trophectodermal small extracellular vesicles reveals key insights into embryo implantation. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000210. [PMID: 33860638 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the receptive endometrium is critical in pregnancy establishment, initially requiring reciprocal signalling between outer layer of the blastocyst (trophectoderm cells) and endometrial epithelium; however, factors regulating this crosstalk remain poorly understood. Although endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to signal to the embryo during implantation, the role of embryo-derived EVs remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive proteomic characterisation of a major class of EVs, termed small EVs (sEVs), released by human trophectoderm cells (Tsc-sEVs) and their capacity to reprogram protein landscape of endometrial epithelium in vitro. Highly purified Tsc-sEVs (30-200 nm, ALIX+ , TSG101+ , CD9/63/81+ ) were enriched in known players of implantation (LIFR, ICAM1, TAGLN2, WNT5A, FZD7, ROR2, PRICKLE2), antioxidant activity (SOD1, PRDX1/4/6), tissue integrity (EZR, RAC1, RHOA, TNC), and focal adhesions (FAK, ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3). Functionally, Tsc-sEVs were taken up by endometrial cells, altered transepithelial electrical resistance, and upregulated proteins implicated in embryo attachment (ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3), immune regulation (CD59, CD276, LGALS3), and antioxidant activity (GPX1/3/4, PRDX1/2/4/5/6): processes that are critical for successful implantation. Collectively, we provide critical insights into Tsc-sEV-mediated regulation of endometrial function that contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irena Iśka Carmichael
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Hiraoka T, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Gebril M, Kaku T, Aikawa S, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Haraguchi H, Saito-Kanatani M, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Yoshino O, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Differential roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 coordinate uterine receptivity and embryo attachment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15523. [PMID: 32968170 PMCID: PMC7511330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although it has been reported that uterine signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is essential for embryo implantation, the exact roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 on embryo implantation have not been elucidated. To address this issue, we generated Stat3-floxed/Ltf-iCre (Stat3-eKO), Stat3-floxed/Amhr2-Cre (Stat3-sKO), and Stat3-floxed/Pgr-Cre (Stat3-uKO) mice to delete Stat3 in uterine epithelium, uterine stroma, and whole uterine layers, respectively. We found that both epithelial and stromal STAT3 have critical roles in embryo attachment because all the Stat3-eKO and Stat3-sKO female mice were infertile due to implantation failure without any embryo attachment sites. Stat3-eKO uteri showed indented structure of uterine lumen, indicating the role of epithelial STAT3 in slit-like lumen formation in the peri-implantation uterus. Stat3-sKO uteri exhibited hyper-estrogenic responses and persistent cell proliferation of the epithelium in the peri-implantation uterus, suggesting the role of stromal STAT3 in uterine receptivity. In addition, Stat3-uKO female mice possessed not only the characteristic of persistent epithelial proliferation but also that of indented structure of uterine lumen. These findings indicate that epithelial STAT3 controls the formation of slit-like structure in uterine lumen and stromal STAT3 suppresses epithelial estrogenic responses and cell proliferation. Thus, epithelial and stromal STAT3 cooperatively controls uterine receptivity and embryo attachment through their different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan. .,Frontier Outstanding Research for Clinical Empowerment (FORCE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Haraguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mayuko Saito-Kanatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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25
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Deng W, Yuan J, Cha J, Sun X, Bartos A, Yagita H, Hirota Y, Dey SK. Endothelial Cells in the Decidual Bed Are Potential Therapeutic Targets for Preterm Birth Prevention. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1755-1768.e4. [PMID: 31067461 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a syndrome with many origins. Among them, infection or inflammation are major risk factors for PTB; however, local defense mechanisms to mount anti-inflammatory responses against inflammation-induced PTB are poorly understood. Here, we show that endothelial TLR4 in the decidual bed is critical for sensing inflammation during pregnancy because mice with endothelial Tlr4 deletion are resistant to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PTB. Under inflammatory conditions, IL-6 is readily expressed in decidual endothelial cells with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) phosphorylation in perivascular stromal cells, which then regulates expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Our observation that administration of an IL-10 neutralizing antibody predisposing mice to PTB shows IL-10's anti-inflammatory role to prevent PTB. We show that the integration of endothelial and perivascular stromal signaling can determine pregnancy outcomes. These findings highlight a role for endothelial TLR4 in inflammation-induced PTB and may offer a potential therapeutic target to prevent PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Deng
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Jeeyeon Cha
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Amanda Bartos
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45299, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
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26
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Jarjour AA, Velichkova AN, Boyd A, Lord KM, Torsney C, Henderson DJ, Ffrench-Constant C. The formation of paranodal spirals at the ends of CNS myelin sheaths requires the planar polarity protein Vangl2. Glia 2020; 68:1840-1858. [PMID: 32125730 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During axonal ensheathment, noncompact myelin channels formed at lateral edges of the myelinating process become arranged into tight paranodal spirals that resemble loops when cut in cross section. These adhere to the axon, concentrating voltage-dependent sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier and patterning the surrounding axon into distinct molecular domains. The signals responsible for forming and maintaining the complex structure of paranodal myelin are poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that the planar cell polarity determinant Vangl2 organizes paranodal myelin. We show that Vangl2 is concentrated at paranodes and that, following conditional knockout of Vangl2 in oligodendrocytes, the paranodal spiral loosens, accompanied by disruption to the microtubule cytoskeleton and mislocalization of autotypic adhesion molecules between loops within the spiral. Adhesion of the spiral to the axon is unaffected. This results in disruptions to axonal patterning at nodes of Ranvier, paranodal axon diameter and conduction velocity. When taken together with our previous work showing that loss of the apico-basal polarity protein Scribble has the opposite phenotype-loss of axonal adhesion but no effect on loop-loop autotypic adhesion-our results identify a novel mechanism by which polarity proteins control the shape of nodes of Ranvier and regulate conduction in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Jarjour
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Atanaska N Velichkova
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Boyd
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kathryn M Lord
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carole Torsney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Deborah J Henderson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charles Ffrench-Constant
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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27
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Ye X. Uterine Luminal Epithelium as the Transient Gateway for Embryo Implantation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:165-180. [PMID: 31866217 PMCID: PMC6983336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The uterine luminal epithelium (LE) is the first maternal contact for an implanting embryo. Intrauterine fluid resorption, cessation of LE proliferation and apoptosis, and LE structural changes are prerequisites for establishing transient uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. Vesicle trafficking in the LE and receptor-mediated paracrine and autocrine mechanisms are crucial both for LE preparation and LE communications with the embryo and stroma during the initiation of embryo implantation. This review mainly covers recent in vivo studies in LE of mouse models from 0.5 days post-coitus (D0.5) to ∼D4 20 h when the trophoblasts pass through the LE layer for embryo implantation. The review is organized into three interconnected sections: preimplantation LE preparation for embryo attachment, embryo-LE communications, and LE-stroma communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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28
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Primary decidual zone formation requires Scribble for pregnancy success in mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5425. [PMID: 31780662 PMCID: PMC6882879 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scribble (Scrib) is a scaffold protein with multifunctional roles in PCP, tight junction and Hippo signaling. This study shows that Scrib is expressed in stromal cells around the implantation chamber following implantation. Stromal cells transform into epithelial-like cells to form the avascular primary decidual zone (PDZ) around the implantation chamber (crypt). The PDZ creates a permeability barrier around the crypt restricting immune cells and harmful agents from maternal circulation to protect embryonic health. The mechanism underlying PDZ formation is not yet known. We found that uterine deletion of Scrib by a Pgr-Cre driver leads to defective PDZ formation and implantation chamber (crypt) formation, compromising pregnancy success. Interestingly, epithelial-specific Scrib deletion by a lactoferrin-Cre (Ltf-Cre) driver does not adversely affect PDZ formation and pregnancy success. These findings provide evidence for a previously unknown function of stromal Scrib in PDZ formation, potentially involving ZO-1 and Hippo signaling. The scaffold protein Scribble (Scrib) has roles in PCP and tight junction formation. Here the authors show that during embryo implantation in mouse, Scrib is needed to form the avascular primary decidual zone by transforming stromal cells into an epithelial cell-like barrier around the crypt, protecting the embryo from harmful infiltrations.
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29
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Aikawa S, Deng W, Liang X, Yuan J, Bartos A, Sun X, Dey SK. Uterine deficiency of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein causes implantation defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1489-1504. [PMID: 31595043 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A reciprocal communication between the implantation-competent blastocyst and the receptive uterus is essential to successful implantation and pregnancy success. Progesterone (P4) signaling via nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) is absolutely critical for pregnancy initiation and its success in most eutherian mammals. Here we show that a nuclear protein high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) plays a critical role in implantation in mice by preserving P4-PR signaling. Conditional deletion of uterine Hmgb1 by a Pgr-Cre driver shows implantation defects accompanied by decreased stromal cell Hoxa10 expression and cell proliferation, two known signatures of inefficient responsiveness of stromal cells to PR signaling in implantation. These mice evoke inflammatory conditions with sustained macrophage accumulation in the stromal compartment on day 4 of pregnancy with elevated levels of macrophage attractants Csf1 and Ccl2. The results are consistent with the failure of exogenous P4 administration to rescue implantation deficiency in the mutant females. These early defects are propagated throughout the course of pregnancy and ultimately result in substantial subfertility. Collectively, the present study provides evidence that nuclear HMGB1 contributes to successful blastocyst implantation by sustaining P4-PR signaling and restricting macrophage accumulation to attenuate harmful inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohuan Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Amanda Bartos
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA.
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Kelleher AM, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Uterine Glands: Developmental Biology and Functional Roles in Pregnancy. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1424-1445. [PMID: 31074826 PMCID: PMC6749889 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. Gland development or adenogenesis in the postnatal uterus is intrinsically regulated by proliferation, cell-cell interactions, growth factors and their inhibitors, as well as transcription factors, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1). Extrinsic factors regulating adenogenesis originate from other organs, including the ovary, pituitary, and mammary gland. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in uterine gland knockout sheep and mouse models support a primary role for secretions and products of the glands in pregnancy success. Recent studies in mice revealed that uterine glandular epithelia govern postimplantation pregnancy establishment through effects on stromal cell decidualization and placental development. In humans, uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions and products are hypothesized to be critical for blastocyst survival and implantation as well as embryo and placental development during the first trimester before the onset of fetal-maternal circulation. A variety of hormones and other factors from the ovary, placenta, and stromal cells impact secretory function of the uterine glands during pregnancy. This review summarizes new information related to the developmental biology of uterine glands and discusses novel perspectives on their functional roles in pregnancy establishment and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Matsuo M, Gebril M, Akaeda S, Hiraoka T, Osuga Y. Uterine receptivity, embryo attachment, and embryo invasion: Multistep processes in embryo implantation. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:234-240. [PMID: 31312101 PMCID: PMC6613011 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent implantation failure is a critical issue in IVF-ET treatment. Successful embryo implantation needs appropriate molecular and cellular communications between embryo and uterus. Rodent models have been used intensively to understand these mechanisms. METHODS The molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryo implantation were described by referring to the previous literature investigated by us and others. The studies using mouse models of embryo implantation were mainly cited. RESULTS Progesterone (P4) produced by ovarian corpus luteum provides the uterus with receptivity to the embryo, and uterine epithelial growth arrest and stromal proliferation, what we call uterine proliferation-differentiation switching (PDS), take place in the peri-implantation period before embryo attachment. Uterine PDS is a hallmark of uterine receptivity, and several genes such as HAND2 and BMI1, control uterine PDS by modulating P4-PR signaling. As the next implantation process, embryo attachment onto the luminal epithelium occurs. This process is regulated by FOXA2-LIF pathway and planar cell polarity signaling. Then, the luminal epithelium at the embryo attachment site detaches from the stroma, which enables trophoblast invasion. This process of embryo invasion is regulated by HIF2α in the stroma. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that embryo implantation contains multistep processes regulated by specific molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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Li Y, Bian F, Sun X, Dey SK. Mice Missing Cnr1 and Cnr2 Show Implantation Defects. Endocrinology 2019; 160:938-946. [PMID: 30776303 PMCID: PMC6435011 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling is primarily mediated by cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1; encoded by Cnr1) and/or type 2 (CB2; encoded by Cnr2). Here, we show that Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice are subfertile as a result of compromised implantation. Upon implantation, the epithelium is smooth and adhered to the blastocyst trophectoderm within the implantation chamber (crypt) in wild-type mice, whereas the epithelium in Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice is ruffled, which compromises appropriate blastocyst-uterine interactions. The suboptimal implantation leads to higher incidence of pregnancy failure in Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice. Histological analysis revealed heightened edema around the implantation chamber in these deleted females. With the use of a reporter mouse line, we observed that CB2 is present on endothelial cells of uterine blood vessels, and its absence leads to blood vessel leakage during implantation. These results suggest that appropriately regulated uterine edema is important to optimal implantation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Embryo Implantation/genetics
- Female
- Infertility, Female/genetics
- Infertility, Female/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Uterus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingju Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Fenghua Bian
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Correspondence: Sudhansu K. Dey, PhD, or Xiaofei Sun, PhD, Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 7045, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. E-mail: or
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Correspondence: Sudhansu K. Dey, PhD, or Xiaofei Sun, PhD, Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 7045, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. E-mail: or
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Genomic and transcriptomic investigations of the evolutionary transition from oviparity to viviparity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3646-3655. [PMID: 30808754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816086116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viviparous (live-bearing) vertebrates have evolved repeatedly within otherwise oviparous (egg-laying) clades. Over two-thirds of these changes in vertebrate reproductive parity mode happened in squamate reptiles, where the transition has happened between 98 and 129 times. The transition from oviparity to viviparity requires numerous physiological, morphological, and immunological changes to the female reproductive tract, including eggshell reduction, delayed oviposition, placental development for supply of water and nutrition to the embryo by the mother, enhanced gas exchange, and suppression of maternal immune rejection of the embryo. We performed genomic and transcriptomic analyses of a closely related oviparous-viviparous pair of lizards (Phrynocephalus przewalskii and Phrynocephalus vlangalii) to examine these transitions. Expression patterns of maternal oviduct through reproductive development of the egg and embryo differ markedly between the two species. We found changes in expression patterns of appropriate genes that account for each of the major aspects of the oviparity to viviparity transition. In addition, we compared the gene sequences in transcriptomes of four oviparous-viviparous pairs of lizards in different genera (Phrynocephalus, Eremias, Scincella, and Sphenomorphus) to look for possible gene convergence at the sequence level. We discovered low levels of convergence in both amino acid replacement and evolutionary rate shift. This suggests that most of the changes that produce the oviparity-viviparity transition are changes in gene expression, so occasional reversals to oviparity from viviparity may not be as difficult to achieve as has been previously suggested.
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Namiki T, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Molecular mechanisms of embryonic implantation in mammals: Lessons from the gene manipulation of mice. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:331-342. [PMID: 30377389 PMCID: PMC6194304 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human infertility has become a serious and social issue all over the world, especially in developed countries. Numerous types of assisted reproductive technology have been developed and are widely used to treat infertility. However, pregnancy outcomes require further improvement. It is essential to understand the cross-talk between the uterus (mother) and the embryo (fetus) in pregnancy, which is a very complicated event. METHODS The mammalian uterus requires many physiological and morphological changes for pregnancy-associated events, including implantation, decidualization, placentation, and parturition, to occur. Here is discussed recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying these reproductive events - in particular, embryonic implantation and decidualization - based on original and review articles. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS In mice, embryonic implantation and decidualization are regulated by two steroid hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Along with these hormones, cytokines, cell-cycle regulators, growth factors, and transcription factors have essential roles in implantation and decidualization in mice. CONCLUSION Recent studies using the gene manipulation of mice have given considerable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic implantation and decidualization. However, as most of the findings are based on mice, comparative research using different mammalian species will be useful for a better understanding of the species-dependent differences that are associated with reproductive events, including embryonic implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Namiki
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionGraduate School of Veterinary ScienceAzabu UniversitySagamiharaJapan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionGraduate School of Veterinary ScienceAzabu UniversitySagamiharaJapan
- School of Veterinary MedicineAzabu UniversitySagamiharaJapan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionGraduate School of Veterinary ScienceAzabu UniversitySagamiharaJapan
- School of Veterinary MedicineAzabu UniversitySagamiharaJapan
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Yoshinaga K. A historical review of blastocyst implantation research. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:175-195. [PMID: 30010858 PMCID: PMC6279068 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research development on blastocyst implantation was reviewed in three sections: primate implantation, ungulate farm animal implantation, and the general process of blastocyst implantation in small rodents. Future research directions of this area are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshinaga
- Fertility and Infertility Branch, Division of Extramural Research, NICHD, NIH,
Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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36
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Uterine glands coordinate on-time embryo implantation and impact endometrial decidualization for pregnancy success. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2435. [PMID: 29934619 PMCID: PMC6015089 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine glands are essential for pregnancy establishment. By employing forkhead box A2 (FOXA2)-deficient mouse models coupled with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) repletion, we reveal definitive roles of uterine glands in embryo implantation and stromal cell decidualization. Here we report that LIF from the uterine glands initiates embryo-uterine communication, leading to embryo attachment and stromal cell decidualization. Detailed histological and molecular analyses discovered that implantation crypt formation does not involve uterine glands, but removal of the luminal epithelium is delayed and subsequent decidualization fails in LIF-replaced glandless but not gland-containing FOXA2-deficient mice. Adverse ripple effects of those dysregulated events in the glandless uterus result in embryo resorption and pregnancy failure. These studies provide evidence that uterine glands synchronize embryo-endometrial interactions, coordinate on-time embryo implantation, and impact stromal cell decidualization, thereby ensuring embryo viability, placental growth, and pregnancy success. The transcription factor FOXA2 is specifically expressed in uterine glands. Here, using two conditional FOXA2 knockout mouse models, the authors show that glandular epithelia of the endometrium are required for timely embryo implantation and subsequent endometrial decidualization during successful pregnancy establishment.
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37
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Lutton EJ, Lammers WJEP, James S, van den Berg HA, Blanks AM. Identification of uterine pacemaker regions at the myometrial-placental interface in the rat. J Physiol 2018; 596:2841-2852. [PMID: 29704394 PMCID: PMC6046083 DOI: 10.1113/jp275688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Coordinated contraction of the uterine smooth muscle is essential to parturition. Histologically and physiologically defined pacemaker structures have not been identified in uterine smooth muscle. Here we report combined electrophysiological and histological evidence of zones associated with pacemaker activity in the rat myometrium. Our method relies crucially on the integration of histological and electrophysiological data in an in silico three-dimensional reconstruction of the rat myometrium at 10 μm resolution. We find that myometrial/placental pacemaking zones are closely related with placental sites and the area of disruptive myometrial remodelling surrounding such sites. If analogues of the myometrial/placental pacemaking zone are present in the human, defining their histology and physiology will be important steps towards treatment of pre-term birth, pre-eclampsia, and postpartum haemorrhage. ABSTRACT Coordinated uterine contractions are essential for delivering viable offspring in mammals. In contrast to other visceral smooth muscles, it is not known where excitation within the uterus is initiated, and no defined pacemaking region has hitherto been identified. Using multi-electrode array recordings and high-resolution computational reconstruction of the three-dimensional micro-structure of late pregnant rat uterus, we demonstrate that electrical potentials are initiated in distinct structures within the placental bed of individual implantation sites. These previously unidentified structures represent modified smooth muscle bundles that are derived from bridges between the longitudinal and circular layers. Coordinated implantation and encapsulation by invading trophoblast give rise to isolated placental/myometrial interface bundles that directly connect to the overlying longitudinal smooth muscle layer. Taken together, these observations imply that the anatomical structure of the uterus, combined with site-specific implantation, gives rise to emergent patterns of electrical activity that drive effective contractility during parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Josiah Lutton
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Wim J E P Lammers
- Bioengineering Institute, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sean James
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | | | - Andrew M Blanks
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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38
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Yuan J, Deng W, Cha J, Sun X, Borg JP, Dey SK. Tridimensional visualization reveals direct communication between the embryo and glands critical for implantation. Nat Commun 2018; 9:603. [PMID: 29426931 PMCID: PMC5807548 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is central to pregnancy success. Our previous understanding is limited by studying this phenomenon primarily in two dimensions. Here we employ 3D visualization, revealing that epithelial evaginations that form implantation chambers (crypts) consistently arise with preexisting glands, suggesting direct access of glands to embryos within the chamber. While the lobular domains of the glands become more developed, the ductal regions continue to elongate and progressively stretch following implantation. Using diapausing mice and mice with deletion of the planar cell polarity gene Vangl2 in uterine epithelial cells, we show that dynamic changes in gland topography depend on implantation-competent blastocysts and planar cell polarity. By transferring blastocyst-size beads preloaded with HB-EGF in pseudopregnant mice, we found that HB-EGF is a trigger for the communication between embryos and glands. Glands directly connecting the crypt encasing the embryo during implantation are therefore fundamental to pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jeeyeon Cha
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University UM105, Inst Paoli-Calmettes, UMR7258 CNRS, U1068 INSERM, Cell Polarity, Cell signalling and Cancer - Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Bailly E, Walton A, Borg JP. The planar cell polarity Vangl2 protein: From genetics to cellular and molecular functions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 81:62-70. [PMID: 29111415 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Planar cell polarity (PCP) refers to the capacity of a tissue, typically, but not exclusively, an epithelium, to transmit directional information across the tissue plane such that its cellular constituents can differentiate, divide or move in a coordinated manner and along a common axis, generally orthogonal to the apical-basal axis. PCP relies on a core module of highly conserved proteins originally identified in Drosophila which can act intra- and extracellularly. In this review, we focus on the vertebrate ortholog of one of these core PCP components, namely the Vangl2 protein. After a brief historical perspective, we discuss novel cellular settings for which a cellular Vangl2 requirement has been recently documented, with a particular emphasis on adult tissues that rely on Vangl2 for the maintenance of their regenerative capacity or their physiological functions. Finally we compile the most recent data about Vangl2 interacting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bailly
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), 'Cell Polarity, Cell Signalling, and Cancer', Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Inserm, U1068, Marseille, F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille, F-13009, France; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, F-13284, France.
| | - Alexandra Walton
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), 'Cell Polarity, Cell Signalling, and Cancer', Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Inserm, U1068, Marseille, F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille, F-13009, France; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, F-13284, France
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), 'Cell Polarity, Cell Signalling, and Cancer', Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Inserm, U1068, Marseille, F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille, F-13009, France; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, F-13284, France.
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