1
|
DeTomaso A, Kim H, Shauh J, Adulla A, Zigo S, Ghoul M, Presicce P, Kallapur SG, Goodman W, Tilburgs T, Way SS, Hackney D, Moore J, Mesiano S. Progesterone inactivation in decidual stromal cells: A mechanism for inflammation-induced parturition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400601121. [PMID: 38861608 PMCID: PMC11194587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400601121] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of human parturition involves inflammation at the interface where fetal chorion trophoblast cells interact with maternal decidual stromal (DS) cells and maternal immune cells in the decidua (endometrium of pregnancy). This study tested the hypothesis that inflammation at the chorion-decidua interface (CDI) induces labor by negating the capacity for progesterone (P4) to block labor and that this is mediated by inactivation of P4 in DS cells by aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1). In human, Rhesus macaque, and mouse CDI, AKR1C1 expression increased in association with term and preterm labor. In a human DS cell line and in explant cultures of term human fetal membranes containing the CDI, the prolabor inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and media conditioned by LPS-stimulated macrophages increased AKR1C1 expression and coordinately reduced nuclear P4 levels and P4 responsiveness. Loss of P4 responsiveness was overcome by inhibition of AKR1C1 activity, inhibition of AKR1C1 expression, and bypassing AKR1C1 activity with a P4 analog that is not metabolized by AKR1C1. Increased P4 activity in response to AKR1C1 inhibition was prevented by the P4 receptor antagonist RU486. Pharmacologic inhibition of AKR1C1 activity prevented parturition in a mouse model of inflammation-induced preterm parturition. The data suggest that inflammatory stimuli at the CDI drive labor by inducing AKR1C1-mediated P4 inactivation in DS cells and that inhibiting and/or bypassing of AKR1C1-mediated P4 inactivation is a plausible therapeutic strategy to mitigate the risk of inflammation-associated preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela DeTomaso
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Hyeyon Kim
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Jacqueline Shauh
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Anika Adulla
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Sarah Zigo
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Maya Ghoul
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Pietro Presicce
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Suhas G. Kallapur
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Wendy Goodman
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45229
| | - Sing-Sing Way
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45229
| | - David Hackney
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - John Moore
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH44106
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yue W, Huiling Z, Yuxin L, Ling W, Feng G, Qicai L. Neu5Gc regulates decidual macrophages leading to abnormal embryo implantation. Genes Immun 2024; 25:149-157. [PMID: 38499667 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is one of the most prominent problems in the field of assisted reproduction. Neu5Gc on the surface of decidual macrophages (dMΦ) leads to different activation patterns of dMΦ, which affects embryo implantation and development. Cmah-/- (Neu5Gc-deficient) mice induced to produce anti-Neu5Gc antibodies in vivo were given a special diet rich in Neu5Gc and their fertility was monitored. The long-term diet rich in Neu5Gc induced the decrease of endometrial receptivity of female mice. The pregnancy rate of female mice fed the normal diet was 63.6% (n = 11) and the average number of embryos was 9.571 ± 1.272, while the pregnancy rate of female mice fed the diet rich in Neu5Gc was 36.4% (n = 11) and the average number of embryos in pregnant mice was 5.750 ± 3.304. The intake of Neu5Gc and the production of anti-Neu5Gc antibody led to M1 polarization of endometrial dMΦ and abnormal embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yue
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Zhou Huiling
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Liu Yuxin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Wang Ling
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Gao Feng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
| | - Liu Qicai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Medical University, China, Fuzhou.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen ST, Shi WW, Lin YQ, Yang ZS, Wang Y, Li MY, Li Y, Liu AX, Hu Y, Yang ZM. Embryo-derive TNF promotes decidualization via fibroblast activation. eLife 2023; 12:e82970. [PMID: 37458359 PMCID: PMC10374279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidualization is a process in which endometrial stromal fibroblasts differentiate into specialized secretory decidual cells and essential for the successful establishment of pregnancy. The underlying mechanism during decidualization still remains poorly defined. Because decidualization and fibroblast activation share similar characteristics, this study was to examine whether fibroblast activation is involved in decidualization. In our study, fibroblast activation-related markers are obviously detected in pregnant decidua and under in vitro decidualization. ACTIVIN A secreted under fibroblast activation promotes in vitro decidualization. We showed that arachidonic acid released from uterine luminal epithelium can induce fibroblast activation and decidualization through PGI2 and its nuclear receptor PPARδ. Based on the significant difference of fibroblast activation-related markers between pregnant and pseudopregnant mice, we found that embryo-derived TNF promotes CPLA2α phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release from luminal epithelium. Fibroblast activation is also detected under human in vitro decidualization. Similar arachidonic acid-PGI2-PPARδ-ACTIVIN A pathway is conserved in human endometrium. Collectively, our data indicate that embryo-derived TNF promotes CPLA2α phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release from luminal epithelium to induce fibroblast activation and decidualization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Mountain Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Wen Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qian Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Shan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ai-Xia Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Mountain Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yin Y, Haller M, Li T, Ma L. Development of an in-vitro high-throughput screening system to identify modulators of genitalia development. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgac300. [PMID: 36712925 PMCID: PMC9832959 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic outgrowth and differentiation of the embryonic genital tubercles (GTs) give rise to the penis in males and the clitoris in females. Defects in androgen production or in response to androgen signaling can lead to various congenital penile anomalies in both mice and humans. Due to lack of a high-throughput screening system, identification of crucial regulators of GT sexual differentiation has been slow. To overcome this research barrier, we isolated embryonic GT mesenchymal (GTme) cells to model genitalia growth and differentiation in vitro. Using either a mechanical or fluorescence-activated cell sorting-assisted purification method, GTme cells were isolated and assayed for their proliferation using a microscopy and image analysis system, on a single cell level over time. Male and female GTme cells inherently exhibit different cellular dynamics, consistent with their in-vivo behaviors. This system allows for the rapid quantitative analyses of numerous drug treatments, and enables the discovery of potential genetic modulators of GT morphogenesis on a large scale. Using this system, we completed a 438-compound library screen and identified 82 kinase inhibitor hits. In mice, in-utero exposure to one such candidate kinase inhibitor, Cediranib, resulted in embryos with severe genitalia defects, especially in males. Gene silencing by RNAi was optimized in this system, laying the foundation for future larger-scale genetic screenings. These findings demonstrate the power of this novel high-throughput system to rapidly and successfully identify modulators of genitalia growth and differentiation, expanding the toolbox for the study of functional genomics and environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Meade Haller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tian Li
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi JW, Lai ZZ, Yang HL, Zhou WJ, Zhao XY, Xie F, Liu SP, Chen WD, Zhang T, Ye JF, Zhou XY, Li MQ. An IGF1-expressing endometrial stromal cell population is associated with human decidualization. BMC Biol 2022; 20:276. [PMID: 36482461 PMCID: PMC9733393 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization refers to the process of transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblast cells into specialized decidual stromal cells that provide a nutritive and immunoprivileged matrix essential for blastocyst implantation and placental development. Deficiencies in decidualization are associated with a variety of pregnancy disorders, including female infertility, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and miscarriages. Despite the increasing number of genes reportedly associated with endometrial receptivity and decidualization, the cellular and molecular mechanisms triggering and underlying decidualization remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze single-cell transcriptional profiles of endometrial cells during the window of implantation and decidual cells of early pregnancy, to gains insights on the process of decidualization. RESULTS We observed a unique IGF1+ stromal cell that may initiate decidualization by single-cell RNA sequencing. We found the IL1B+ stromal cells promote gland degeneration and decidua hemostasis. We defined a subset of NK cells for accelerating decidualization and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion by AREG-IGF1 and AREG-CSF1 regulatory axe. Further analysis indicates that EVT promote decidualization possibly by multiply pathways. Additionally, a systematic repository of cell-cell communication for decidualization was developed. An aberrant ratio conversion of IGF1+ stromal cells to IGF1R+ stromal cells is observed in unexplained RIF patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a unique subpopulation of IGF1+ stromal cell is involved in initiating decidualization. Our observations provide deeper insights into the molecular and cellular characterizations of decidualization, and a platform for further development of evaluation of decidualization degree and treatment for decidualization disorder-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Shi
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhao
- grid.452587.9Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Feng Xie
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical and Uterine Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- grid.508387.10000 0005 0231 8677Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508 China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- NovelBio Bio-Pharm Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201112 China
| | - Tao Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Feng Ye
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138632 Singapore
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhou
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.508387.10000 0005 0231 8677Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508 China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Regulators of Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091275. [PMID: 36139114 PMCID: PMC9496326 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several factors are important for implantation and subsequent placentation in the endometrium, including immunity, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, glucose metabolism, reactive oxidative stress, and hormones. The involvement or abnormality of these factors can impair canonical decidualization. Unusual decidualization can lead to perinatal complications, such as disruption of trophoblast invasion. Drastic changes in the morphology and function of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) are important for decidualization of the human endometrium; hESCs are used to induce optimal morphological and functional decidualization in vitro because they contain estrogen and progesterone receptors. In this review, we will focus on the studies that have been conducted on hESC decidualization, including the results from our laboratory.
Collapse
|
7
|
Emerging in vitro platforms and omics technologies for studying the endometrium and early embryo-maternal interface in humans. Placenta 2022; 125:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Dhakal P, Fitzgerald HC, Kelleher AM, Liu H, Spencer TE. Uterine glands impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization in mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21938. [PMID: 34547143 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101170rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Uterine glands are essential for the establishment of pregnancy and have critical roles in endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation, stromal cell decidualization, and placentation. Uterine gland dysfunction is considered a major contributing factor to pregnancy loss, however our understanding of how glands impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization is incomplete. Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is expressed only in the glandular epithelium and regulates its development and function. Mice with a conditional deletion of FOXA2 in the uterus are infertile due to defective embryo implantation arising from a lack of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a critical factor of uterine gland origin. Here, a glandless FOXA2-deficient mouse model, coupled with LIF repletion to rescue the implantation defect, was used to investigate the roles of uterine glands in embryo survival and decidualization. Studies found that embryo survival and decidualization were compromised in glandless FOXA2-deficient mice on gestational day 6.5, resulting in abrupt pregnancy loss by day 7.5. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that uterine glands secrete factors other than LIF that impact embryo survival and stromal cell decidualization for pregnancy success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yin Y, Haller ME, Chadchan SB, Kommagani R, Ma L. Signaling through retinoic acid receptors is essential for mammalian uterine receptivity and decidualization. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e150254. [PMID: 34292881 PMCID: PMC8492326 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling has long been speculated to regulate embryo implantation, because many enzymes and proteins responsible for maintaining RA homeostasis and transducing RA signals are tightly regulated in the endometrium during this critical period. However, due to a lack of genetic data, it was unclear whether RA signaling is truly required for implantation and which specific RA signaling cascades are at play. Herein we utilize a genetic murine model that expresses a dominant-negative form of RA receptor (RAR) specifically in female reproductive organs to show that functional RA signaling is fundamental to female fertility, particularly implantation and decidualization. Reduction in RA signaling activity severely affects the ability of the uterus to achieve receptive status and decidualize, partially through dampening follistatin expression and downstream activin B/bone morphogenetic protein 2 signaling. To confirm translational relevance of these findings to humans, human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were treated with a pan-RAR antagonist to show that in vitro decidualization is impaired. RNA interference perturbation of individual RAR transcripts in hESCs revealed that RARα in particular was essential for proper decidualization. These data provide direct functional evidence that uterine RAR-mediated RA signaling was crucial for mammalian embryo implantation, and its disruption led to failure of uterine receptivity and decidualization, resulting in severely compromised fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Meade E Haller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nikolakopoulou K, Turco MY. Investigation of infertility using endometrial organoids. Reproduction 2021; 161:R113-R127. [PMID: 33621191 PMCID: PMC8052517 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a common problem in modern societies with significant socio-psychological implications for women. Therapeutic interventions are often needed which, depending on the cause, can either be medical treatment, surgical procedures or assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the treatment of infertility is not always successful due to our limited understanding of the preparation of the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, for pregnancy. The endometrium is of central importance for successful reproduction as it is the site of placental implantation providing the interface between the mother and her baby. Due to the dynamic, structural and functional changes the endometrium undergoes throughout the menstrual cycle, it is challenging to study. A major advancement is the establishment of 3D organoid models of the human endometrium to study this dynamic tissue in health and disease. In this review, we describe the changes that the human endometrium undergoes through the different phases of the menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy. We discuss defects in the processes of endometrial repair, decidualization and acquisition of receptivity that are associated with infertility. Organoids could be utilized to investigate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms occurring in non-pregnant endometrium and early pregnancy. These studies may lead to therapeutic applications that could transform the treatment of reproductive failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Margherita Y Turco
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Simintiras CA, Dhakal P, Ranjit C, Fitzgerald HC, Balboula AZ, Spencer TE. Capture and metabolomic analysis of the human endometrial epithelial organoid secretome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2026804118. [PMID: 33876774 PMCID: PMC8053979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026804118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal uterine fluid (UF) composition can lead to pregnancy loss and likely contributes to offspring susceptibility to chronic adult-onset disorders. However, our understanding of the biochemical composition and mechanisms underpinning UF formation and regulation remain elusive, particularly in humans. To address this challenge, we developed a high-throughput method for intraorganoid fluid (IOF) isolation from human endometrial epithelial organoids. The IOF is biochemically distinct to the extraorganoid fluid (EOF) and cell culture medium as evidenced by the exclusive presence of 17 metabolites in IOF. Similarly, 69 metabolites were unique to EOF, showing asymmetrical apical and basolateral secretion by the in vitro endometrial epithelium, in a manner resembling that observed in vivo. Contrasting the quantitative metabolomic profiles of IOF and EOF revealed donor-specific biochemical signatures of organoids. Subsequent RNA sequencing of these organoids from which IOF and EOF were derived established the capacity to readily perform organoid multiomics in tandem, and suggests that transcriptomic regulation underpins the observed secretory asymmetry. In summary, these data provided by modeling uterine luminal and basolateral fluid formation in vitro offer scope to better understand UF composition and regulation with potential impacts on female fertility and offspring well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Chaman Ranjit
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | | | - Ahmed Z Balboula
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Deryabin P, Domnina A, Gorelova I, Rulev M, Petrosyan M, Nikolsky N, Borodkina A. "All-In-One" Genetic Tool Assessing Endometrial Receptivity for Personalized Screening of Female Sex Steroid Hormones. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:624053. [PMID: 33659249 PMCID: PMC7917288 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.624053] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrium is the uterine lining that undergoes hundreds of cycles of proliferation, differentiation, and desquamation throughout a woman's reproductive life. Recently, much attention is paid to the appropriate endometrial functioning, as decreased endometrial receptivity is stated to be one of the concerns heavily influencing successes of embryo implantation rates and the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. In order to acquire and maintain the desired endometrial receptivity during IVF cycles, luteal phase support by various progestagens or other hormonal combinations is generally recommended. However, today, the selection of the specific hormonal therapy during IVF seems to be empirical, mainly due to a lack of appropriate tools for personalized approach. Here, we designed the genetic tool for patient-specific optimization of hormonal supplementation schemes required for the maintenance of endometrial receptivity during luteal phase. We optimized and characterized in vitro endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization model as the adequate physiological reflection of endometrial sensitivity to steroid hormones. Based on the whole transcriptome RNA sequencing and the corresponding bioinformatics, we proposed that activation of the decidual prolactin (PRL) promoter containing ancient transposons MER20 and MER39 may reflect functioning of the core decidual regulatory network. Furthermore, we cloned the sequence of decidual PRL promoter containing MER20 and part of MER39 into the expression vector to estimate the effectiveness of ESC decidual response and verified sensitivity of the designed system. We additionally confirmed specificity of the generated tool using human diploid fibroblasts and adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we demonstrated the possibility to apply our tool for personalized hormone screening by comparing the effects of natural progesterone and three synthetic analogs (medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, dydrogesterone) on decidualization of six ESC lines obtained from patients planning to undergo the IVF procedure. To sum up, we developed the "all-in-one" genetic tool based on the MER20/MER39 expression cassette that provides the ability to predict the most appropriate hormonal cocktail for endometrial receptivity maintenance specifically and safely for the patient, and thus to define the personal treatment strategy prior to the IVF procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Deryabin
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa Domnina
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Inga Gorelova
- Department of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maxim Rulev
- Department of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mariya Petrosyan
- Pharmacology Group of D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.,The Laboratory of Myocardial Metabolism, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nikolay Nikolsky
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandra Borodkina
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|