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Oğuz Y, Ağaoğlu RT, Ulusoy CO, Öztürk Ö, Özgürlük İ, Soysal Ç, Yılmaz Vural Z, Yakut Yücel K. A new Doppler index, cerebro-placental-uterine ratio, and fetal cardiac parameters in early onset preeclampsia. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2024; 52:558-565. [PMID: 38538067 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to investigate the significance of cerebro-placento-uterine ratio CPUR, a new Doppler index, and fetal cardiac parameters (Mod MPI, EFT) in early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and to examine whether these parameters are related to perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN Forty participants diagnosed with EOPE (preeclampsia cases diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation) and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in this study. Demographic data were recorded. Doppler parameters such as middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical artery (UA), and uterine artery (Ut-A), and left modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) were measured. Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was determined by dividing MCA pulsatility index (PI) by UA PI. CPUR was calculated as the ratio of CPR to mean UtA-PI (CPUR = CPR/UtA-PI). All parameters were compared between the EOPE and control groups. Correlation tests were used to examine the relationship between Doppler parameters and perinatal outcome. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The pulsatility index of the middle cerebellar artery, CPUR and CPR values were statistically lower in the EOPE group than in the control group (p = 0.002; p = <0.001; p = <0.001; respectively). No statistical differences were found between groups for isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), ejection time (ET), left mod-MPI, EFT (p = 0.117; p = 0.093; p = 0.398; p = 0.882; p = 0.202, respectively). Umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI), mean uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI), were higher in the EOPE group than in the control group (p = 0.006; and p = <0.001, respectively). The CPUR value for predicting EOPE was ≤1.3652 with 74. 4% sensitivity and 94.9% specificity. Positive correlations were found between CPUR, CPR, and some neonatal parameters. CONCLUSION CPUR, a new index combining fetal and uterine Doppler indices, may add contribution to predict adverse perinatal outcome and EOPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yüksel Oğuz
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Recep Taha Ağaoğlu
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Ozan Ulusoy
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Öztürk
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İzzet Özgürlük
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çağanay Soysal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zehra Yılmaz Vural
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Yakut Yücel
- Perinatology Department Ankara, Ministry of Health, Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Morey R, Bui T, Cheung VC, Dong C, Zemke JE, Requena D, Arora H, Jackson MG, Pizzo D, Theunissen TW, Horii M. iPSC-based modeling of preeclampsia identifies epigenetic defects in extravillous trophoblast differentiation. iScience 2024; 27:109569. [PMID: 38623329 PMCID: PMC11016801 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy disorder with increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Abnormal extravillous trophoblast (EVT) development and function is considered to be the underlying cause of PE, but has not been previously modeled in vitro. We previously derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from placentas of PE patients and characterized abnormalities in formation of syncytiotrophoblast and responses to changes in oxygen tension. In this study, we converted these primed iPSC to naïve iPSC, and then derived trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and EVT to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying PE. We found that primed (but not naïve) iPSC-derived PE-EVT have reduced surface HLA-G, blunted invasive capacity, and altered EVT-specific gene expression. These abnormalities correlated with promoter hypermethylation of genes associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway, specifically in primed-iPSC derived PE-EVT. Our findings indicate that abnormal epigenetic regulation might play a role in PE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Virginia Chu Cheung
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph E. Zemke
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Daniela Requena
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Harneet Arora
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Madeline G. Jackson
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Donald Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thorold W. Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Artificial Blastoids Combining miR-200-Mediated Reprogramming and Mechanical Cues. Cells 2024; 13:628. [PMID: 38607067 PMCID: PMC11011911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070628] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro-generated blastocyst-like structures are of great importance since they recapitulate specific features or processes of early embryogenesis, thus avoiding ethical concerns as well as increasing scalability and accessibility compared to the use of natural embryos. Here, we combine cell reprogramming and mechanical stimuli to create 3D spherical aggregates that are phenotypically similar to those of natural embryos. Specifically, dermal fibroblasts are reprogrammed, exploiting the miR-200 family property to induce a high plasticity state in somatic cells. Subsequently, miR-200-reprogrammed cells are either driven towards the trophectoderm (TR) lineage using an ad hoc induction protocol or encapsulated into polytetrafluoroethylene micro-bioreactors to maintain and promote pluripotency, generating inner cell mass (ICM)-like spheroids. The obtained TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids are then co-cultured in the same micro-bioreactor and, subsequently, transferred to microwells to encourage blastoid formation. Notably, the above protocol was applied to fibroblasts obtained from young as well as aged donors, with results that highlighted miR-200's ability to successfully reprogram young and aged cells with comparable blastoid rates, regardless of the donor's cell age. Overall, the approach here described represents a novel strategy for the creation of artificial blastoids to be used in the field of assisted reproduction technologies for the study of peri- and early post-implantation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana A. L. Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Davidson L, Lanz HL, Murdoch CE. Protocol for a placenta-on-a-chip model using trophoblasts differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102879. [PMID: 38358879 PMCID: PMC10876593 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102879] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology incorporating stem cell techniques represents a promising strategy to improve modeling of human organs. Here, we present a protocol for generating a standardized 3D placenta-on-a-chip model using trophoblast derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We describe steps for seeding hiPSCs into multi-chip OrganoPlate devices and on-chip differentiation into trophoblasts against an extracellular matrix under perfused conditions. We then detail procedures for conducting a functional barrier integrity assay, immunostaining, and collecting protein or RNA for molecular analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lermant et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY Dundee, UK
| | | | - Lindsey Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Colin E Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY Dundee, UK.
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Cheeran EA, Salamah J, Enabulele DB, Tahir A, Lee BK. Long non-coding RNAs: a summary of their roles in placenta development and pathology†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:431-449. [PMID: 38134961 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad179] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs are cellular transcripts that have ˃200 nucleotides in length and do not code for proteins. Due to their low expression levels, long non-coding RNAs were previously considered as mere transcriptional noise. However, current evidence indicates that they regulate a myriad of biological processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Hence, their expression patterns are crucial indicators of the physiological or pathological states of cells, tissues, and organs. The utilization of long non-coding RNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the clinical management of several diseases have been suggested. Gradually, long non-coding RNAs are gaining a substantial attention in the field of feto-maternal medicine. After embryo implantation, the interactions between the trophoblast cells from the embryo and the uterus of the mother facilitate placenta development and pregnancy progression. These processes are tightly regulated, and their impairments result in pregnancy pathologies such as miscarriage and preeclampsia. Accumulating evidence implicates long non-coding RNAs in these processes. Herein, we have summarized the roles of several long non-coding RNAs in human placenta development, have proposed some mechanisms by which they participate in physiological and pathological placentation, have revealed some knowledge deficits, and have recommended ideal experimental approaches that will facilitate the clarification of the mechanistic actions of each long non-coding RNA at the feto-maternal interface during healthy and pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Elisha Ann Cheeran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Joudi Salamah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Divine Blessing Enabulele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Ayesha Tahir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany - State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
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6
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Cheung VC, Bui T, Soncin F, Bai T, Kessler JA, Parast MM, Horii M. Current Strategies of Modeling Human Trophoblast Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in vitro. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e875. [PMID: 37787612 PMCID: PMC10558083 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.875] [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: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
We previously established a trophoblast differentiation protocol from primed human pluripotent stem cells (PSC). To induce this lineage, we use a combination of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP4) and the WNT inhibitor IWP2. This protocol has enabled us to obtain a pure population of trophectoderm (TE)-like cells that could subsequently be terminally differentiated into syncytiotrophoblasts (STB) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). However, the resulting TE-like cells could only be terminally differentiated to a variable mixture of STB and EVT, with a bias toward the STB lineage. Recently, methods have been developed for derivation and culture of self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells (TSC) from human embryos and early gestation placental tissues. These primary TSCs were further able to differentiate into either STB or EVT with high efficiency using the lineage specific differentiation protocols. Based partly on these protocols, we have developed methods for establishing self-renewing TSC-like cells from PSC, and for efficient lineage-specific terminal differentiation. Here, we describe in detail the protocols to derive and maintain PSC-TSC, from both embryonic stem cells (ESC) and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and their subsequent terminal differentiation to STB and EVT. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Trophoblast Differentiation into TE-like Cells Basic Protocol 2: Conversion of PSC-Derived TE-like Cells to TSC Basic Protocol 3: Passaging PSC-Derived TSC in iCTB Complete Medium Basic Protocol 4: STB Differentiation from PSC-derived TSC Basic Protocol 5: EVT Differentiation from PSC-derived TSC Support Protocol 1: Geltrex-coated tissue culture plate preparation Support Protocol 2: Collagen IV-coated tissue culture plate preparation Support Protocol 3: Fibronectin-coated tissue culture plate preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Chu Cheung
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - John A. Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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7
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Morey R, Bui T, Fisch KM, Horii M. Modeling placental development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. Placenta 2023; 141:18-25. [PMID: 36333266 PMCID: PMC10148925 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of placental epithelial cells, trophoblast, primarily came from the use of mouse trophoblast stem cells and tumor-derived or immortalized human trophoblast cell lines. This was mainly due to the difficulties in maintaining primary trophoblast in culture and establishing human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) lines. However, in-depth characterization of these cellular models and in vivo human trophoblast have revealed significant discrepancies. For the past two decades, multiple groups have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be differentiated into trophoblast, and thus could be used as a model for normal and disease trophoblast differentiation. During this time, trophoblast differentiation protocols have evolved, enabling researchers to study cellular characteristics at trophectoderm (TE), trophoblast stem cells (TSC), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) stages. Recently, several groups reported methods to derive hTSC from pre-implantation blastocyst or early gestation placenta, and trophoblast organoids from early gestation placenta, drastically changing the landscape of trophoblast research. These culture conditions have been rapidly applied to generate hPSC-derived TSC and trophoblast organoids. As a result of these technological advancements, the field's capacity to better understand trophoblast differentiation and their involvement in pregnancy related disease has greatly expanded. Here, we present in vitro models of human trophoblast differentiation, describing both primary and hPSC-derived TSC, maintained as monolayers and 3-dimensional trophoblast organoids, as a tool to study early placental development and disease in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Shum IO, Merkert S, Malysheva S, Jahn K, Lachmann N, Verboom M, Frieling H, Hallensleben M, Martin U. An Improved Protocol for Targeted Differentiation of Primed Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into HLA-G-Expressing Trophoblasts to Enable the Modeling of Placenta-Related Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:2070. [PMID: 37626882 PMCID: PMC10453333 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162070] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities at any stage of trophoblast development may result in pregnancy-related complications. Many of these adverse outcomes are discovered later in pregnancy, but the underlying pathomechanisms are constituted during the first trimester. Acquiring developmentally relevant material to elucidate the disease mechanisms is difficult. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology can provide a renewable source of relevant cells. BMP4, A83-01, and PD173074 (BAP) treatment drives trophoblast commitment of hPSCs toward syncytiotrophoblast (STB), but lacks extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. EVTs mediate key functions during placentation, remodeling of uterine spiral arteries, and maintenance of immunological tolerance. We optimized the protocol for a more efficient generation of HLA-Gpos EVT-like trophoblasts from primed hiPSCs. Increasing the concentrations of A83-01 and PD173074, while decreasing bulk cell density resulted in an increase in HLA-G of up to 71%. Gene expression profiling supports the advancements of our treatment regarding the generation of trophoblast cells. The reported differentiation protocol will allow for an on-demand access to human trophoblast cells enriched for HLA-Gpos EVT-like cells, allowing for the elucidation of placenta-related disorders and investigating the immunological tolerance toward the fetus, overcoming the difficulties in obtaining primary EVTs without the need for a complex differentiation pathway via naïve pluripotent or trophoblast stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian O. Shum
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sylvia Merkert
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Svitlana Malysheva
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nico Lachmann
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Murielle Verboom
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallensleben
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Naama M, Buganim Y. Human trophoblast stem cell-state acquisition from pluripotent stem cells and somatic cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102084. [PMID: 37451165 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
For an extended period of time, research on human embryo implantation and early placentation was hindered by ethical limitation and lack of appropriate in vitro models. Recently, an explosion of new research has significantly expanded our knowledge of early human trophoblast development and facilitated the derivation and culture of self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). Multiple approaches have been undertaken in efforts to derive and understand hTSCs, including from blastocysts, early trophoblast tissue, and, more recently, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and somatic cells. In this concise review, we summarize recent advances in derivation of hTSCs, with a focus on derivation from naive and primed hPSCs, as well as via reprogramming of somatic cells into induced hTSCs. Each of these methods harbors distinct advantages and setbacks, which are discussed. Finally, we briefly explore the possibility of the existence of trophectoderm-like hTSCs corresponding to earlier, preimplantation trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriyah Naama
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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11
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Milano-Foster J, Schulz LC. RISING STARS: Approaches to modeling placental function in preeclampsia in vitro and in vivo. J Endocrinol 2023; 258:e230008. [PMID: 37014303 PMCID: PMC10330201 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Modeling preeclampsia remains difficult due to the nature of the disease and the unique characteristics of the human placenta. Members of the Hominidae superfamily have a villous hemochorial placenta that is different in structure from those of other therian mammals, including the mouse hemochorial placenta, making this common animal model less ideal for studying this disease. Human placental tissues delivered from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia are excellent for assessing the damage the disease causes but cannot answer how or when the disease begins. Symptoms of preeclampsia manifest halfway through pregnancy or later, making it currently impossible to identify preeclampsia in human tissues obtained from an early stage of pregnancy. Many animal and cell culture models recapitulate various aspects of preeclampsia, though none can on its own completely capture the complexity of human preeclampsia. It is particularly difficult to uncover the cause of the disease using models in which the disease is induced in the lab. However, the many ways by which preeclampsia-like features can be induced in a variety of laboratory animals are consistent with the idea that preeclampsia is a two-stage disease, in which a variety of initial insults may lead to placental ischemia, and ultimately systemic symptoms. The recent development of stem cell-based models, organoids, and various coculture systems have brought in vitro systems with human cells ever closer to recapitulating in vivo events that lead to placental ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Division of Animal Sciences, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 Rollins Dr University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, N610 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO 65212
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12
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1015-1027. [PMID: 36933093 PMCID: PMC10024007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. METHODS A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation. RESULTS Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2- cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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13
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Karakis V, Jabeen M, Britt JW, Cordiner A, Mischler A, Li F, San Miguel A, Rao BM. Laminin switches terminal differentiation fate of human trophoblast stem cells under chemically defined culture conditions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104650. [PMID: 36972789 PMCID: PMC10176266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool to model early placental development in vitro. Analogous to the epithelial cytotrophoblast in the placenta, hTSCs can differentiate into cells of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage or the multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Here we present a chemically defined culture system for STB and EVT differentiation of hTSCs. Notably, in contrast to current approaches, we neither utilize forskolin for STB formation nor transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors or a passage step for EVT differentiation. Strikingly, the presence of a single additional extracellular cue-laminin-111-switched the terminal differentiation of hTSCs from STB to the EVT lineage under these conditions. In the absence of laminin-111, STB formation occurred, with cell fusion comparable to that obtained with differentiation mediated by forskolin; however, in the presence of laminin-111, hTSCs differentiated to the EVT lineage. Protein expression of nuclear hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF2α) was upregulated during EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. A heterogeneous mixture of Notch1+ EVTs in colonies and HLA-G+ single-cell EVTs were obtained without a passage step, reminiscent of heterogeneity in vivo. Further analysis showed that inhibition of TGFβ signaling affected both STB and EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. TGFβ inhibition during EVT differentiation resulted in decreased HLA-G expression and increased Notch1 expression. On the other hand, TGFβ inhibition prevented STB formation. The chemically defined culture system for hTSC differentiation established herein facilitates quantitative analysis of heterogeneity that arises during hTSC differentiation and will enable mechanistic studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Karakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahe Jabeen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - John W Britt
- Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Abigail Cordiner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adriana San Miguel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
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14
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Yu JH, Jung YJ, Kim MS, Cho SR, Kim YH. Differential Expression of NME4 in Trophoblast Stem-Like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e128. [PMID: 37096311 PMCID: PMC10125796 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia (PE) is known to arise from insufficient trophoblast invasion as uterine spiral arteries lack remodeling. A significant reduction in placental perfusion induces an ischemic placental microenvironment due to reduced oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus, leading to oxidative stress. Mitochondria are involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NME/NM23 nuceloside diphosphate kinase 4 (NME4) gene is known to have the ability to supply nucleotide triphosphate and deoxynucleotide triphosphate for replication and transcription of mitochondria. Our study aimed to investigate changes in NME4 expression in PE using trophoblast stem-like cells (TSLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a model of early pregnancy and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) as a model of late preterm pregnancy. METHODS Transcriptome analysis using TSLCs was performed to identify the candidate gene associated with the possible pathophysiology of PE. Then, the expression of NME4 associated with mitochondrial function, p53 associated with cell death, and thioredoxin (TRX) linked to ROS were investigated through qRT-PCR, western blotting and deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS In patients with PE, NME4 was significantly downregulated in TSLCs but upregulated in PBMNCs. p53 was shown to be upregulated in TSLCs and PBMNCs of PE. In addition, western blot analysis confirmed that TRX expression had the tendency to increase in TSLCs of PE. Similarly, TUNEL analysis confirmed that the dead cells were higher in PE than in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION Our study showed that the expression of the NME4 differed between models of early and late preterm pregnancy of PE, and suggests that this expression pattern may be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hea Yu
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Ji Jung
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Young-Han Kim
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
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15
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Zhou J, Tian Y, Qu Y, Williams M, Yuan Y, Karvas RM, Sheridan MA, Schulz LC, Ezashi T, Roberts MR, Schust DJ. The immune checkpoint molecule, VTCN1/B7-H4, guides differentiation and suppresses proinflammatory responses and MHC class I expression in an embryonic stem cell-derived model of human trophoblast. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1069395. [PMID: 37008954 PMCID: PMC10062451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1069395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta acts as a protective barrier to pathogens and other harmful substances present in the maternal circulation throughout pregnancy. Disruption of placental development can lead to complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm birth. In previous work, we have shown that expression of the immune checkpoint regulator, B7-H4/VTCN1, is increased upon differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to an in vitro model of primitive trophoblast (TB), that VTCN1/B7-H4 is expressed in first trimester but not term human placenta and that primitive trophoblast may be uniquely susceptible to certain pathogens. Here we report on the role of VTCN1 in trophoblast lineage development and anti-viral responses and the effects of changes in these processes on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression and peripheral NK cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Madyson Williams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ye Yuan
- Research Department, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, United States
| | - Rowan M. Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Megan A. Sheridan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Research Department, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, United States
| | - Michael R. Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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16
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Zhang G, Feng Y, Wang M, Liu X. ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23237. [PMID: 36193555 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of hypertension in maternal and fetal. Atlastin-1 (ATL1), one regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology, participates in tubular ER formation and protein synthesis. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ATL1 in PE. GEO databases showed that ATL1 was upregulated in PE patients. Our data also found that ATL1 was highly expressed in PE placental tissues. The cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. The mTOR pathway is the downstream pathway of ATL1. The levels of p-p70S6K and p-mTOR were increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. Moreover, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR pathway, reversed the promotive effect of siATL1 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanli Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
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17
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Abstract
The complex process by which a single-celled zygote develops into a viable embryo is nothing short of a miraculous wonder of the natural world. Elucidating how this process is orchestrated in humans has long eluded the grasp of scientists due to ethical and practical limitations. Thankfully, pluripotent stem cells that resemble early developmental cell types possess the ability to mimic specific embryonic events. As such, murine and human stem cells have been leveraged by scientists to create in vitro models that aim to recapitulate different stages of early mammalian development. Here, we examine the wide variety of stem cell-based embryo models that have been developed to recapitulate and study embryonic events, from pre-implantation development through to early organogenesis. We discuss the applications of these models, key considerations regarding their importance within the field, and how such models are expected to grow and evolve to achieve exciting new milestones in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan H. Terhune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeyoon Bok
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shiyu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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18
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Induction of human trophoblast stem cells. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2760-2783. [PMID: 36241723 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming has allowed unprecedented access to human development, from virtually any genome. However, reprogramming yields pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into all cells that form a fetus, but not extraembryonic annexes. Therefore, a cellular model allowing study of placental development from a broad genomic repertoire is lacking. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to reprogram somatic cells into human induced trophoblast stem cells (hiTSCs) and convert pluripotent stem cells into human converted TSCs (hcTSCs). This protocol enables much-needed genome-specific placental disease modeling. We also detail extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast differentiation protocols from hiTSCs and hcTSCs, a necessary step to validate these cells. In total, this protocol takes 4 months and requires advanced cell culture skills, comparable to those necessary for somatic cell reprogramming into human induced pluripotent stem cells.
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19
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Establishment of human induced trophoblast stem cells via reprogramming of fibroblasts. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2739-2759. [PMID: 36241724 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00742-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, trophoblast cells play an essential role in establishing cell-cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface to ensure a successful pregnancy. In a recent study, we showed that human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced trophoblast stem (iTS) cells by transcription factor-mediated nuclear reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors OCT4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC (OKSM) and a selection of TS cell culture conditions. The derivation of TS cells from human blastocysts or first-trimester placenta can be limited by difficulties in obtaining adequate material as well as ethical implications. By contrast, the described approach allows the generation of iTS cells from the adult cells of individuals with diverse genetic backgrounds, which are readily accessible to many laboratories around the world. Here we describe a step-by-step protocol for the generation and establishment of human iTS cells directly from dermal fibroblasts using a non-integrative reprogramming method. The protocol consists of four main sections: (1) recovery of cryopreserved human dermal fibroblasts, (2) somatic cell reprogramming, (3) passaging of reprogramming intermediates and (4) derivation of iTS cell cultures followed by routine maintenance of iTS cells. These iTS cell lines can be established in 2-3 weeks and cultured long term over 50 passages. We also discuss several characterization methods that can be performed to validate the iTS cells derived using this approach. Our protocol allows researchers to generate patient-specific iTS cells to interrogate the trophoblast and placenta biology as well as their interactions with embryonic cells in health and diseases.
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Monosomy X in isogenic human iPSC-derived trophoblast model impacts expression modules preserved in human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2211073119. [PMID: 36161909 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211073119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes encode homologous X/Y gene pairs that were retained on the Y chromosome in males and escape X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females. Inferred to reflect X/Y pair dosage sensitivity, monosomy X is a leading cause of miscarriage in humans with near full penetrance. This phenotype is shared with many other mammals but not the mouse, which offers sophisticated genetic tools to generate sex chromosomal aneuploidy but also tolerates its developmental impact. To address this critical gap, we generated X-monosomic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) alongside otherwise isogenic euploid controls from male and female mosaic samples. Phased genomic variants in these hiPSC panels enable systematic investigation of X/Y dosage-sensitive features using in vitro models of human development. Here, we demonstrate the utility of these validated hiPSC lines to test how X/Y-linked gene dosage impacts a widely used model for human syncytiotrophoblast development. While these isogenic panels trigger a GATA2/3- and TFAP2A/C-driven trophoblast gene circuit irrespective of karyotype, differential expression implicates monosomy X in altered levels of placental genes and in secretion of placental growth factor (PlGF) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Remarkably, weighted gene coexpression network modules that significantly reflect these changes are also preserved in first-trimester chorionic villi and term placenta. Our results suggest monosomy X may skew trophoblast cell type composition and function, and that the combined haploinsufficiency of the pseudoautosomal region likely plays a key role in these changes.
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21
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Delamination of trophoblast-like syncytia from the amniotic ectodermal analogue in human primed embryonic stem cell-based differentiation model. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110973. [PMID: 35732132 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human primed embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known to be converted to cells with several trophoblast properties, but it has remained controversial whether this phenomenon represents the inherent differentiation competence of human primed ESCs to trophoblast lineages. In this study, we report that chemical blockage of ACTIVIN/NODAL and FGF signals is sufficient to steer human primed ESCs into GATA3-expressing cells that give rise to placental hormone-producing syncytia analogous to syncytiotrophoblasts of the post-implantation stage of the human embryo. Despite their cytological similarity to syncytiotrophoblasts, these syncytia arise from the non-trophoblastic differentiation trajectory that recapitulates amniogenesis. These results provide insights into the possible extraembryonic differentiation pathway that is unique in primate embryogenesis.
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Nikitina TV, Lebedev IN. Stem Cell-Based Trophoblast Models to Unravel the Genetic Causes of Human Miscarriages. Cells 2022; 11:1923. [PMID: 35741051 PMCID: PMC9221414 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage affects approximately 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies, and 1-3% of couples experience pregnancy loss recurrently. Approximately 50-60% of miscarriages result from chromosomal abnormalities, whereas up to 60% of euploid recurrent abortions harbor variants in candidate genes. The growing number of detected genetic variants requires an investigation into their role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since placental defects are the main cause of first-trimester miscarriages, the purpose of this review is to provide a survey of state-of-the-art human in vitro trophoblast models that can be used for the functional assessment of specific abnormalities/variants implicated in pregnancy loss. Since 2018, when primary human trophoblast stem cells were first derived, there has been rapid growth in models of trophoblast lineage. It has been found that a proper balance between self-renewal and differentiation in trophoblast progenitors is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy. Different responses to aneuploidy have been shown in human embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. Stem cell-based models provide a powerful tool to explore the effect of a specific aneuploidy/variant on the fetus through placental development, which is important, from a clinical point of view, for deciding on the suitability of embryos for transfer after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Nikitina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
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23
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Zhang J, Huang J, Lin X, Fei K, Xie Y, Peng Q, Li X, Xie L, Dai L, Zhang W. Phosphoglycerate mutase 5 promotes necroptosis in trophoblast cells through activation of dynamin-related protein 1 in early-onset preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13539. [PMID: 35304783 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Placentae from patients with preeclampsia have increased susceptibility to necroptosis and phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) plays a role in many necrosis pathways. We determined whether PGAM5 promotes necroptosis of trophoblast cells and the underlying mechanisms in this study. METHODS The injury model was established by treating JEG3 cells with hypoxia for 24 h. The functional measurements were assessed by the cell counting kit-8, propidium iodide (PI)/Annexin V staining, JC-1 staining and firefly luciferase ATP assay. The expression of proteins in human placentae and JEG3 cells was measured Western blot. PGAM5 was knocked down to study its role in hypoxia-induced necroptosis. RESULTS The placentae from patients with preeclampsia showed up-regulation of PGAM5 and decreased levels of p-Drp1-S637, accompanied by increased necroptosis-relevant proteins expression. The expression of PGAM5 in JEG3 cells was up-regulated under hypoxia, which promoted dephosphorylation of Drp1 at Serine 637 residue, mitochondrial dysfunction (elevated ROS level and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content) and cellular necroptosis (increased PI+ /Annexin V+ cells and decreased cell viability), accompanied by increased expression of necroptosis-relevant proteins; knockdown of PGAM5 attenuated these phenomena. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that PGAM5 can promote necroptosis in trophoblast cells through, at least in part, activation of Drp1. It may be used as a new therapeutic target to prevent trophoblast dysfunction in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Early Life Development and Disease Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Jingrui Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinxiu Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuilin Fei
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingming Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiaozhen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liangqun Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Dai
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weishe Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Early Life Development and Disease Prevention, Changsha, China
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24
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Choi S, Khan T, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Leveraging Optimized Transcriptomic and Personalized Stem Cell Technologies to Better Understand Syncytialization Defects in Preeclampsia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872818. [PMID: 35432469 PMCID: PMC9006100 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the process of human placentation is important to the development of strategies for treatment of pregnancy complications. Several animal and in vitro human model systems for the general study human placentation have been used. The field has expanded rapidly over the past decades to include stem cell-derived approaches that mimic preclinical placental development, and these stem cell-based models have allowed us to better address the physiology and pathophysiology of normal and compromised trophoblast (TB) sublineage development. The application of transcriptomic approaches to these models has uncovered limitations that arise when studying the distinctive characteristics of the large and fragile multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which plays a key role in fetal-maternal communication during pregnancy. The extension of these technologies to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is just now being reported and will allow, for the first time, a reproducible and robust approach to the study of the developmental underpinnings of late-manifesting diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation in a manner that is patient- and disease-specific. Here, we will first focus on the application of various RNA-seq technologies to TB, prior limitations in fully accessing the STB transcriptome, and recent leveraging of single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) technology to improve our understanding of the STB transcriptome. Next, we will discuss new stem-cell derived models that allow for disease- and patient-specific study of pregnancy disorders, with a focus on the study of STB developmental abnormalities in PE that combine snRNA-seq approaches and these new in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Danny J. Schust,
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25
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Wang H, Zhang X, Liu C, Chen S, Liu X, Fan S. TAGLN2-Regulated Trophoblast Migration, Invasion and Fusion are Impaired in Preeclampsia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:810633. [PMID: 35281112 PMCID: PMC8904561 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.810633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious disease during pregnancy that affects approximately eight million mothers and infants worldwide each year and is closely related to abnormal trophoblast function. However, research on placental trophoblast functional abnormalities is insufficient, and the etiology of PE is unclear. Here, we report that the expression of transgelin-2 (TAGLN2) was downregulated in the placenta of patients with PE. In addition, a lack of TAGLN2 significantly reduced the ability of trophoblasts to migrate, invade and fuse. A co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and microscale thermophoresis analysis showed that TAGLN2 bound directly to E-cadherin. A decrease in TAGLN2 expression led to a reduction in cleavage of the E-cadherin extracellular domain, thereby regulating the function of trophoblasts. In addition, we found that a reduction in soluble E-cadherin may also have an effect on blood vessel formation in the placenta, which is necessary for normal placental development. What’s more, the in vivo mouse model provided additional evidence of TAGLN2 involvement in the development of PE. By injecting pregnant mice with Ad-TAGLN2, we successfully generated a human PE-like syndrome that resulted in high blood pressure and some adverse pregnancy outcomes. Overall, the association between TAGLN2 and PE gives a new insight into PE diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat‐Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunfeng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengfu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat‐Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Shangrong Fan,
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26
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Zhou J, Choi S, Liu H, Zhang J, Tian Y, Edlow AG, Ezashi T, Roberts RM, Ma W, Schust DJ. Is SARS-CoV-2 Infection a Risk Factor for Early Pregnancy Loss? ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Coexpression and Persistent Replicative Infection in Primitive Trophoblast. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S660-S669. [PMID: 34293134 PMCID: PMC8411376 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection in term placenta is rare. However, growing evidence suggests that susceptibility of the human placenta to infection may vary by gestational age and pathogen. For several viral infections, susceptibility appears to be greatest during early gestation. Peri-implantation placental infections that result in pre-clinical pregnancy loss would typically go undetected. Little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the peri-implantation human placenta since this time in pregnancy can only be modeled in vitro. METHODS We used a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived model of peri-implantation placental development to assess patterns of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 transcription and protein expression in primitive trophoblast. We then infected the same trophoblast cell model with a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 and documented infection dynamics. RESULTS ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were transcribed and translated in hESC-derived trophoblast, with preferential expression in syncytialized cells. These same cells supported replicative and persistent infection by SARS-CoV-2, while non-syncytialized trophoblast cells in the same cultures did not. CONCLUSIONS Co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in hESC-derived trophoblast and the robust and replicative infection limited to syncytiotrophoblast equivalents support the hypothesis that increased viral susceptibility may be a defining characteristic of primitive trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sehee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Heidi Liu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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27
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Dong J, Wang M, Gao J, Liu J, Chen Y. Association between the levels of CGI-58 and lipoprotein lipase in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1129. [PMID: 34466143 PMCID: PMC8383331 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is an idiopathic disease of pregnancy, which seriously endangers the life of both the mother and the infant. The pathogenesis of preeclampsia has not been fully elucidated, although it is generally considered to be associated with abnormal lipid metabolism during pregnancy. Comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are involved in the first step of triglyceride hydrolysis and serve an important role in lipid transport in the placenta. The present study aimed therefore to investigate the association between CGI-58 and LPL in the placentas of patients with or without preeclampsia and to evaluate blood lipid levels. The patient cohort was divided into two groups, pregnant women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women (control). According to biochemical analyses, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis and western blotting, the expression of CGI-58 and LPL in the placenta was detected, the blood lipid levels were evaluated and other clinical data were collected. Compared with the control group, triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and atherosclerotic index (AI) were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group, whereas high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were significantly lower (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of CGI-58 and LPL in the placental tissue of the preeclampsia group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Linear correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a positive association between CGI-58 and LPL (r=0.602; P<0.05), that CGI-58 was positively associated with HDL-C (r=0.63; P<0.01) but negatively associated with TG and ApoB (r=0.840; P<0.01; and r=0.514; P<0.05, respectively), that LPL was positively associated with HDL-C (r=0.524; P<0.01) but negatively associated with TG and AI (r=0.659; P<0.01; and r=0.496; P<0.01, respectively). These results suggested that the expression of CGI-58 and LPL in the placenta was associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and maternal lipids and the risk of preeclampsia was increased with decreasing expression levels of CGI-58 and LPL. Hence, CGI-58 and LPL may be used as important indicators for the diagnosis of preeclampsia and for the prevention of preeclampsia in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
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28
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Cherubini M, Erickson S, Haase K. Modelling the Human Placental Interface In Vitro-A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:884. [PMID: 34442506 PMCID: PMC8398961 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal-fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.C.); (S.E.)
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29
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Arcuri S, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Trophoblast-Like Cells From Hypomethylated Porcine Adult Dermal Fibroblasts. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:706106. [PMID: 34350230 PMCID: PMC8326560 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first differentiation event in mammalian embryos is the formation of the trophectoderm, which is the progenitor of the outer epithelial components of the placenta, and which supports the fetus during the intrauterine life. However, the epigenetic and paracrine controls at work in trophectoderm differentiation are still to be fully elucidated and the creation of dedicated in vitro models is desirable to increase our understanding. Here we propose a novel approach based on the epigenetic conversion of adult dermal fibroblasts into trophoblast-like cells. The method combines the use of epigenetic erasing with an ad hoc differentiation protocol. Dermal fibroblasts are erased with 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) that confers cells a transient high plasticity state. They are then readdressed toward the trophoblast (TR) phenotype, using MEF conditioned medium, supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and inhibitors of the Activin/Nodal and FGF2 signaling pathways in low O2 conditions. The method here described allows the generation of TR-like cells from easily accessible material, such as dermal fibroblasts, that are very simply propagated in vitro. Furthermore, the strategy proposed is free of genetic modifications that make cells prone to instability and transformation. The TR model obtained may also find useful application in order to better characterize embryo implantation mechanisms and developmental disorders based on TR defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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30
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Jaremek A, Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Renaud SJ. Omics Approaches to Study Formation and Function of Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:674162. [PMID: 34211975 PMCID: PMC8240757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.674162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper development of the placenta is vital for pregnancy success. The placenta regulates exchange of nutrients and gases between maternal and fetal blood and produces hormones essential to maintain pregnancy. The placental cell lineage primarily responsible for performing these functions is a multinucleated entity called syncytiotrophoblast. Syncytiotrophoblast is continuously replenished throughout pregnancy by fusion of underlying progenitor cells called cytotrophoblasts. Dysregulated syncytiotrophoblast formation disrupts the integrity of the placental exchange surface, which can be detrimental to maternal and fetal health. Moreover, various factors produced by syncytiotrophoblast enter into maternal circulation, where they profoundly impact maternal physiology and are promising diagnostic indicators of pregnancy health. Despite the multifunctional importance of syncytiotrophoblast for pregnancy success, there is still much to learn about how its formation is regulated in normal and diseased states. ‘Omics’ approaches are gaining traction in many fields to provide a more holistic perspective of cell, tissue, and organ function. Herein, we review human syncytiotrophoblast development and current model systems used for its study, discuss how ‘omics’ strategies have been used to provide multidimensional insights into its formation and function, and highlight limitations of current platforms as well as consider future avenues for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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31
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP. Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:904-922. [PMID: 34125187 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy? SEARCH METHODS PubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged. OUTCOMES The synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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32
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Transcriptome analysis of MBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND) neural progenitor cells reveals dysregulation of autism-associated genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11295. [PMID: 34050248 PMCID: PMC8163803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by intellectual disability, motor delay, speech impairment and behavioral problems; however, the biological role of methyl-CpG-binding domain 5, MBD5, in neurodevelopment and ASD remains largely undefined. Hence, we created neural progenitor cells (NPC) derived from individuals with chromosome 2q23.1 deletion and conducted RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the biological processes and pathways altered in MAND. Primary skin fibroblasts from three unrelated individuals with MAND and four unrelated controls were converted into induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, followed by directed differentiation of iPSC to NPC. Transcriptome analysis of MAND NPC revealed 468 DEGs (q < 0.05), including 20 ASD-associated genes. Comparison of DEGs in MAND with SFARI syndromic autism genes revealed a striking significant overlap in biological processes commonly altered in neurodevelopmental phenotypes, with TGFβ, Hippo signaling, DNA replication, and cell cycle among the top enriched pathways. Overall, these transcriptome deviations provide potential connections to the overlapping neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric phenotypes associated with key high-risk ASD genes, including chromatin modifiers and epigenetic modulators, that play significant roles in these disease states.
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33
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Zhou J, West RC, Ehlers EL, Ezashi T, Schulz LC, Roberts RM, Yuan Y, Schust DJ. Modeling human peri-implantation placental development and function†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:40-51. [PMID: 33899095 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is very difficult to gain a better understanding of the events in human pregnancy that occur during and just after implantation because such pregnancies are not yet clinically detectable. Animal models of human placentation are inadequate. In vitro models that utilize immortalized cell lines and cells derived from trophoblast cancers have multiple limitations. Primary cell and tissue cultures often have limited lifespans and cannot be obtained from the peri-implantation period. We present here two contemporary models of human peri-implantation placental development: extended blastocyst culture and stem-cell derived trophoblast culture. We discuss current research efforts that employ these models and how such models might be used in the future to study the "black box" stage of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zhou
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA.,Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - R C West
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO USA
| | - E L Ehlers
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
| | - T Ezashi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - L C Schulz
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
| | - R M Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Y Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO USA
| | - D J Schust
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
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34
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Modeling preeclampsia using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5877. [PMID: 33723311 PMCID: PMC7961010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, affecting up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. The primary etiology is considered to be abnormal development and function of placental cells called trophoblasts. We previously developed a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, first into cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor-like cells, and then into both syncytiotrophoblast (STB)- and extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells, and showed that it can model both normal and abnormal trophoblast differentiation. We have now applied this protocol to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from placentas of pregnancies with or without PE. While there were no differences in CTB induction or EVT formation, PE-iPSC-derived trophoblast showed a defect in syncytialization, as well as a blunted response to hypoxia. RNAseq analysis showed defects in STB formation and response to hypoxia; however, DNA methylation changes were minimal, corresponding only to changes in response to hypoxia. Overall, PE-iPSC recapitulated multiple defects associated with placental dysfunction, including a lack of response to decreased oxygen tension. This emphasizes the importance of the maternal microenvironment in normal placentation, and highlights potential pathways that can be targeted for diagnosis or therapy, while absence of marked DNA methylation changes suggests that other regulatory mechanisms mediate these alterations.
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35
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Two distinct trophectoderm lineage stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100386. [PMID: 33556374 PMCID: PMC7948510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The trophectoderm layer of the blastocyst-stage embryo is the precursor for all trophoblast cells in the placenta. Human trophoblast stem (TS) cells have emerged as an attractive tool for studies on early trophoblast development. However, the use of TS cell models is constrained by the limited genetic diversity of existing TS cell lines and restrictions on using human fetal tissue or embryos needed to generate additional lines. Here we report the derivation of two distinct stem cell types of the trophectoderm lineage from human pluripotent stem cells. Analogous to villous cytotrophoblasts in vivo, the first is a CDX2- stem cell comparable with placenta-derived TS cells—they both exhibit identical expression of key markers, are maintained in culture and differentiate under similar conditions, and share high transcriptome similarity. The second is a CDX2+ stem cell with distinct cell culture requirements, and differences in gene expression and differentiation, relative to CDX2- stem cells. Derivation of TS cells from pluripotent stem cells will significantly enable construction of in vitro models for normal and pathological placental development.
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36
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Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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PlacentaCellEnrich: A tool to characterize gene sets using placenta cell-specific gene enrichment analysis. Placenta 2020; 103:164-171. [PMID: 33137644 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has improved our understanding of individual cell types in the human placenta. However, placental scRNA-Seq data is not readily accessible when trying to understand how expression patterns in model systems correspond to those from first trimester human placenta. Therefore, we developed PlacentaCellEnrich, a tool that takes a gene set as input, and then reports if the input set is enriched for genes with placenta cell-specific expression patterns, based on human placenta scRNA-Seq data. The PlacentaCellEnrich tool is freely available at https://placentacellenrich.gdcb.iastate.edu/ for non-profit academic use under the MIT license.
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38
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Moorey SE, Walker BN, Elmore MF, Elmore JB, Rodning SP, Biase FH. Rewiring of gene expression in circulating white blood cells is associated with pregnancy outcome in heifers (Bos taurus). Sci Rep 2020; 10:16786. [PMID: 33033295 PMCID: PMC7544915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a challenging phenomenon in cattle that reduces the sustainability of beef production worldwide. Here, we tested the hypothesis that gene expression profiles of protein-coding genes expressed in peripheral white blood cells (PWBCs), and circulating micro RNAs in plasma, are associated with female fertility, measured by pregnancy outcome. We drew blood samples from 17 heifers on the day of artificial insemination and analyzed transcript abundance for 10,496 genes in PWBCs and 290 circulating micro RNAs. The females were later classified as pregnant to artificial insemination, pregnant to natural breeding or not pregnant. We identified 1860 genes producing significant differential coexpression (eFDR < 0.002) based on pregnancy outcome. Additionally, 237 micro RNAs and 2274 genes in PWBCs presented differential coexpression based on pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, using a machine learning prediction algorithm we detected a subset of genes whose abundance could be used for blind categorization of pregnancy outcome. Our results provide strong evidence that transcript abundance in circulating white blood cells is associated with fertility in heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Bailey N Walker
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Michelle F Elmore
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, 107 Comer Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 107 Comer Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Joshua B Elmore
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 107 Comer Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Soren P Rodning
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, 107 Comer Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Fernando H Biase
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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39
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Horii M, Bui T, Touma O, Cho HY, Parast MM. An Improved Two-Step Protocol for Trophoblast Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 50:e96. [PMID: 31479595 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously established a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into trophoblasts, using a StemPro-based minimal medium (EMIM) with bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4). This protocol was suboptimal, resulting in induction of mixed mesoderm and trophoblast markers. Furthermore, adapting hPSCs to StemPro has proven difficult, and prolonged culture in this medium has been shown to promote genomic instability. Therefore, we moved on to the use of new media, including E8, and most recently, StemFlex, for rapid adaptation from feeder to non-feeder conditions. In the new protocol, we have incorporated the WNT inhibitor IWP2 into the first step, resulting in uniform differentiation of hPSCs into cytotrophoblast (CTB)-like cells, without induction of the mesoderm lineage. We also show that, at the end of the second step, there are distinct populations of terminally differentiated multinucleated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-producing syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and HLAG+ extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ojeni Touma
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Hee Young Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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40
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Aplin JD, Myers JE, Timms K, Westwood M. Tracking placental development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:479-494. [PMID: 32601352 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction arise from disorders of placental development and have some shared mechanistic features. Initiation is often rooted in the maldevelopment of a maternal-placental blood supply capable of providing for the growth requirements of the fetus in later pregnancy, without exerting undue stress on maternal body systems. Here, we review normal development of a placental bed with a safe and adequate blood supply and a villous placenta-blood interface from which nutrients and oxygen can be extracted for the growing fetus. We consider disease mechanisms that are intrinsic to the maternal environment, the placenta or the interaction between the two. Systemic signalling from the endocrine placenta targets the maternal endothelium and multiple organs to adjust metabolism for an optimal pregnancy and later lactation. This signalling capacity is skewed when placental damage occurs and can deliver a dangerous pathogenic stimulus. We discuss the placental secretome including glycoproteins, microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers of disease. Angiomodulatory mediators, currently the only effective biomarkers, are discussed alongside non-invasive imaging approaches to the prediction of disease risk. Identifying the signs of impending pathology early enough to intervene and ameliorate disease in later pregnancy remains a complex and challenging objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Timms
- Lydia Becker Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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41
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Association of lncRNA SH3PXD2A-AS1 with preeclampsia and its function in invasion and migration of placental trophoblast cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:583. [PMID: 32719429 PMCID: PMC7385659 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of preeclampsia involves poor placentation caused by insufficient trophoblast invasion and impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We carried out transcriptome profiling on placentae from preeclamptic patients and normal subjects, and identified about four hundred long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in placentae of patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia. Here, we report our identification of lncRNA SH3PXD2A-AS1 as a potential causal factor for this disease and its downstream pathways involved in placentation. We found that expression level of SH3PXD2A-AS1 in the placentae is positively correlated with clinical severity of the patients. We demonstrated that SH3PXD2A-AS1 inhibited invasion and migration through recruiting CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) to the promoters of SH3PXD2A and CCR7 to inhibit their transcription. Therefore, we conclude that the upregulation of lncRNA SH3PXD2A-AS1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through prohibiting trophoblast invasion during placentation.
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42
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Horii M, Touma O, Bui T, Parast MM. Modeling human trophoblast, the placental epithelium at the maternal fetal interface. Reproduction 2020; 160:R1-R11. [PMID: 32485667 PMCID: PMC7286067 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate human trophoblast lineage specification and differentiation is crucial for the establishment of normal placentation and maintenance of pregnancy. However, due to the lack of proper modeling systems, the molecular mechanisms of these processes are still largely unknown. Much of the early studies in this area have been based on animal models and tumor-derived trophoblast cell lines, both of which are suboptimal for modeling this unique human organ. Recent advances in regenerative and stem cell biology methods have led to development of novel in vitro model systems for studying human trophoblast. These include derivation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and establishment of methods for the differentiation of these cells into trophoblast, as well as the more recent derivation of human trophoblast stem cells. In addition, advances in culture conditions, from traditional two-dimensional monolayer culture to 3D culturing systems, have led to development of trophoblast organoid and placenta-on-a-chip model, enabling us to study human trophoblast function in context of more physiologically accurate environment. In this review, we will discuss these various model systems, with a focus on human trophoblast, and their ability to help elucidate the key mechanisms underlying placental development and function. This review focuses on model systems of human trophoblast differentiation, including advantages and limitations of stem cell-based culture, trophoblast organoid, and organ-on-a-chip methods and their applications in understanding placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ojeni Touma
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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43
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Trifonova EA, Swarovskaja MG, Serebrova VN, Kutsenko IG, Agarkova LA, Stepanov IA, Zhilyakova OV, Gabidulina TV, Ijoykina EV, Stepanov VA. Genomic and Postgenomic Technologies in Preeclampsia Genetics. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420050130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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44
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Li HT, Liu Y, Liu H, Sun X. Effect for Human Genomic Variation During the BMP4-Induced Conversion From Pluripotent Stem Cells to Trophoblast. Front Genet 2020; 11:230. [PMID: 32318089 PMCID: PMC7154154 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of genomic variation in differentiation is currently not well understood. Here, the genomic variations were determined with the whole-genome sequencing for three pairs of pluripotent stem cell lines and their corresponding BMP4-induced trophoblast cell lines. We identified ∼3,500 single nucleotide variations and ∼4,500 indels by comparing the genome sequenced data between the stem cell lines and the matched BMP4-induced trophoblast cell lines and annotated them by integrating the epigenomic and transcriptomic datasets. Relatively, introns enrich more variations. We found ∼45% (42 genes) of the differentially expressed genes in trophoblasts that associate genomic variations. Six variations, located at transcription factor binding sites where H3K4me3 and H3K27ac are enriched in both H1 and H1_BMP4, were identified. The epigenetic status around the genomic variations in H1 was similar to that in H1_BMP4. This means that the variation-associated gene’s expression change can not be attributed to epigenetic alteration. The genes associated with the six variations were upregulated in differentiation. We inferred that during the differentiation, an increased in the expression level of the MEF2C gene is due to a genomic variation in chromosomes 5: 88179358 A > G, which is at a binding site of TFs KLF16, NR2C2, and ZNF740 to MEF2C. Allele G shows a higher affinity to the TFs in the induced cells. The increased expression of MEF2C leads to an increased expression of TF MEF2C’s target genes, subsequently affecting the differentiation. Although genomic variation should not be a dominant factor in differentiation, we believe that genomic variation could indeed play a role in the differentiation from stem cells into trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongde Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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45
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Farah O, Nguyen C, Tekkatte C, Parast MM. Trophoblast lineage-specific differentiation and associated alterations in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2020; 102:4-9. [PMID: 33218578 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The human placenta is a poorly-understood organ, but one that is critical for proper development and growth of the fetus in-utero. The epithelial cell type that contributes to primary placental functions is called "trophoblast," including two main subtypes, villous and extravillous trophoblast. Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast comprise the villous compartment and contribute to gas and nutrient exchange, while extravillous trophoblast invade and remodel the uterine wall and vessels, in order to supply maternal blood to the growing fetus. Abnormal differentiation of trophoblast contributes to placental dysfunction and is associated with complications of pregnancy, including preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). This review describes what is known about the cellular organization of the placenta during both normal development and in the setting of PE/FGR. It also explains known trophoblast lineage-specific markers and pathways regulating their differentiation, and how these are altered in the setting of PE/FGR, focusing on studies which have used human placental tissues. Finally, it also highlights remaining questions and needed resources to advance this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Calvin Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Chandana Tekkatte
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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46
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Yuan Y, Park J, Tian Y, Choi J, Pasquariello R, Alexenko AP, Dai A, Behura SK, Roberts RM, Ezashi T. A six-inhibitor culture medium for improving naïve-type pluripotency of porcine pluripotent stem cells. Cell Death Discov 2019; 5:104. [PMID: 31240131 PMCID: PMC6579764 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-019-0184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding essential signaling network requirements and making appropriate adjustments in culture conditions are crucial if porcine pluripotent stem cells (PSC) are to achieve their full potential. Here, we first used two protein factors (LIF and FGF2) and kinase inhibitor combinations in attempts to convert primed type lentiviral-reprogrammed porcine induced PSC (Lv-piPSC) into naïve-like state and developed a medium called FL6i. In addition to FGF2 and LIF, this medium contained inhibitors of MAPK14, MAPK8, TGFB1, MAP2K1, GSK3A and BMP. Crucially, the usual TGFB1 and BMP4 protein components of many stem cell media were replaced in FL6i with inhibitors of TGFB1 and BMP. With this medium, Lv-piPSC were readily transformed from their original primed state into cells that formed colonies with typical features of naïve-state stem cells. The FL6i medium also assisted generation of naïve-type piPSC lines from porcine embryonic fibroblasts with non-integrating episomal plasmids (Epi-piPSC). These lines, despite retaining variable amounts of vector DNA, expressed higher endogenous pPOU5F1 and pSOX2 than Lv-piPSC. They have been cultured without obvious morphological change for >45 passages and retained pluripotent phenotypes in terms of upregulation of genes associated with pluripotency, low expression of genes linked to emergence of somatic cell lineages, and ability to generate well differentiated teratomas in immune-compromised mice. FL6i conditions, therefore, appear to support elevated pluripotent phenotypes. However, FL6i was less able to support the generation of embryonic stem cells from porcine blastocysts. Although colonies with dome-shaped morphologies were evident and the cells had some gene expression features linked to pluripotency, the phenotypes were ultimately not stable. Pathway analysis derived from RNAseq data performed on the various cell lines generated in this study suggest the benefits of employing the FL6i medium on porcine cells reside in its ability to minimize TGFB1 and BMP signaling, which would otherwise de-stabilize the stem cell state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,3Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124 USA
| | - Jinkyu Park
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,4Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Yuchen Tian
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Jungmin Choi
- 5Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Rolando Pasquariello
- 3Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124 USA.,6Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milano, 20133 Italy
| | - Andrei P Alexenko
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Aihua Dai
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- 2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- 1Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
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