1
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Shukla V, Moreno-Irusta A, Varberg KM, Kuna M, Iqbal K, Galligos AM, Aplin JD, Choudhury RH, Okae H, Arima T, Soares MJ. NOTUM-mediated WNT silencing drives extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403003121. [PMID: 39325428 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403003121] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells have the unique capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types, including extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. EVT cells invade into and transform the uterus where they act to remodel the vasculature facilitating the redirection of maternal nutrients to the developing fetus. Disruptions in EVT cell development and function are at the core of pregnancy-related disease. WNT-activated signal transduction is a conserved regulator of morphogenesis of many organ systems, including the placenta. In human TS cells, activation of canonical WNT signaling is critical for maintenance of the TS cell stem state and its downregulation accompanies EVT cell differentiation. We show that aberrant WNT signaling undermines EVT cell differentiation. Notum, palmitoleoyl-protein carboxylesterase (NOTUM), a negative regulator of canonical WNT signaling, was prominently expressed in first-trimester EVT cells developing in situ and up-regulated in EVT cells derived from human TS cells. Furthermore, NOTUM was required for optimal human TS cell differentiation to EVT cells. Activation of NOTUM in EVT cells is driven, at least in part, by endothelial Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain 1 (also called hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha). Collectively, our findings indicate that canonical Wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling is essential for maintenance of human trophoblast cell stemness and regulation of human TS cell differentiation. Downregulation of canonical WNT signaling via the actions of NOTUM is required for optimal EVT cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Kaela M Varberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Marija Kuna
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Anna M Galligos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - John D Aplin
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Ruhul H Choudhury
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael J Soares
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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2
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Wang J, Zhou X, Han T, Zhang H. Epigenetic signatures of trophoblast lineage and their biological functions. Cells Dev 2024; 179:203934. [PMID: 38942294 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203934] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Trophoblasts play a crucial role in embryo implantation and in interacting with the maternal uterus. The trophoblast lineage develops into a substantial part of the placenta, a temporary extra-embryonic organ, capable of undergoing distinctive epigenetic events during development. The critical role of trophoblast-specific epigenetic signatures in regulating placental development has become known, significantly advancing our understanding of trophoblast identity and lineage development. Scientific efforts are revealing how trophoblast-specific epigenetic signatures mediate stage-specific gene regulatory programming during the development of the trophoblast lineage. These epigenetic signatures have a significant impact on blastocyst formation, placental development, as well as the growth and survival of embryos and fetuses. In evolution, DNA hypomethylation in the trophoblast lineage is conserved, and there is a significant disparity in the control of epigenetic dynamics and the landscape of genomic imprinting. Scientists have used murine and human multipotent trophoblast cells as in vitro models to recapitulate the essential epigenetic processes of placental development. Here, we review the epigenetic signatures of the trophoblast lineage and their biological functions to enhance our understanding of placental evolution, development, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqi Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tingli Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, China; The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, China.
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3
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Shukla V, Moreno-Irusta A, Varberg KM, Kuna M, Iqbal K, Galligos AM, Aplin JD, Choudhury RH, Okae H, Arima T, Soares MJ. NOTUM-MEDIATED WNT SILENCING DRIVES EXTRAVILLOUS TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE DEVELOPMENT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.579974. [PMID: 38405745 PMCID: PMC10888853 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.579974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells have the unique capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types, including extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. EVT cells invade into and transform the uterus where they act to remodel the vasculature facilitating the redirection of maternal nutrients to the developing fetus. Disruptions in EVT cell development and function are at the core of pregnancy-related disease. WNT-activated signal transduction is a conserved regulator of morphogenesis of many organ systems, including the placenta. In human TS cells, activation of canonical WNT signaling is critical for maintenance of the TS cell stem state and its downregulation accompanies EVT cell differentiation. We show that aberrant WNT signaling undermines EVT cell differentiation. Notum, palmitoleoyl-protein carboxylesterase (NOTUM), a negative regulator of canonical WNT signaling, was prominently expressed in first trimester EVT cells developing in situ and upregulated in EVT cells derived from human TS cells. Furthermore, NOTUM was required for optimal human TS cell differentiation to EVT cells. Activation of NOTUM in EVT cells is driven, at least in part, by endothelial PAS domain 1 (also called hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha). Collectively, our findings indicate that canonical WNT signaling is essential for maintenance of human trophoblast cell stemness and regulation of human TS cell differentiation. Downregulation of canonical WNT signaling via the actions of NOTUM is required for optimal EVT cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kaela M. Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Marija Kuna
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Anna M. Galligos
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - John D. Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Ruhul H. Choudhury
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811 Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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4
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Xie Y, Zhao F, Wang Y, Borowski S, Freitag N, Tirado-Gonzalez I, Hofsink N, Matschl U, Plösch T, Garcia MG, Blois SM. Fetal growth restriction induced by maternal gal-3 deficiency is associated with altered gut-placenta axis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:575. [PMID: 39117607 PMCID: PMC11310209 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Adverse intrauterine conditions may cause fetal growth restriction (FGR), a pregnancy complication frequently linked to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although many studies have focused on FGR, the pathophysiological processes underlying this disorder are complex and incompletely understood. We have recently determined that galectin-3 (gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding protein, regulates pregnancy-associated processes, including uterine receptibility, maternal vascular adaptation and placentation. Because gal-3 is expressed at both sides of the maternal-fetal interface, we unraveled the contribution of maternal- and paternal-derived gal-3 on fetal-placental development in the prenatal window and its effects on the post-natal period. Deficiency of maternal gal-3 induced maternal gut microbiome dysbiosis, resulting in a sex-specific fetal growth restriction mainly observed in female fetuses and offspring. In addition, poor placental metabolic adaptions (characterized by decreased trophoblast glycogen content and insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene hypomethylation) were only associated with a lack of maternal-derived gal-3. Paternal gal-3 deficiency caused compromised vascularization in the placental labyrinth without affecting fetal growth trajectory. Thus, maternal-derived gal-3 may play a key role in fetal-placental development through the gut-placenta axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fangqi Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yiru Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Borowski
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Tirado-Gonzalez
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Naomi Hofsink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Urte Matschl
- Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Perinatal Neurobiology, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carlvon Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mariana G Garcia
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Varberg KM, Moreno-Irusta A, Novoa A, Musser B, Varberg JM, Goering JP, Saadi I, Iqbal K, Okae H, Arima T, Williams J, Pisarska MD, Soares MJ. Leveraging chorionic villus biopsies for the derivation of patient-specific trophoblast stem cells. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2022.12.07.22283218. [PMID: 39108523 PMCID: PMC11302605 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.07.22283218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem (TS) cells are an informative in vitro model for the generation and testing of biologically meaningful hypotheses. The goal of this project was to derive patient-specific TS cell lines from clinically available chorionic villus sampling biopsies. Cell outgrowths were captured from human chorionic villus tissue specimens cultured in modified human TS cell medium. Cell colonies emerged early during the culture and cell lines were established and passaged for several generations. Karyotypes of the newly established chorionic villus-derived trophoblast stem (TS CV ) cell lines were determined and compared to initial genetic diagnoses from freshly isolated chorionic villi. Phenotypes of TSCV cells in the stem state and following differentiation were compared to cytotrophoblast-derived TS (TS CT ) cells. TSCV and TSCT cells uniformly exhibited similarities in the stem state and following differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells. Chorionic villus tissue specimens provide a valuable source for TS cell derivation. They expand the genetic diversity of available TS cells and are associated with defined clinical outcomes. TSCV cell lines provide a new set of experimental tools for investigating trophoblast cell lineage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M. Varberg
- 1nstitute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- 1nstitute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Allynson Novoa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Brynne Musser
- 1nstitute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | | | - Jeremy P. Goering
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Irfan Saadi
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- 1nstitute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - John Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Margareta D. Pisarska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- 1nstitute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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6
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Morey R, Soncin F, Kallol S, Sah N, Manalo Z, Bui T, Slamecka J, Cheung VC, Pizzo D, Requena DF, Chang CW, Farah O, Kittle R, Meads M, Horii M, Fisch K, Parast MM. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal differences between chorionic and basal plate cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.12.603155. [PMID: 39071344 PMCID: PMC11275976 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.12.603155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cytotrophoblast (CTB) of the early gestation human placenta are bipotent progenitor epithelial cells, which can differentiate into invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Trophoblast stem cells (TSC), derived from early first trimester placentae, have also been shown to be bipotential. In this study, we set out to probe the transcriptional diversity of first trimester CTB and compare TSC to various subgroups of CTB. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on six normal placentae, four from early (6-8 weeks) and two from late (12-14 weeks) first trimester, of which two of the early first trimester cases were separated into basal (maternal) and chorionic (fetal) fractions prior to sequencing. We also sequenced three TSC lines, derived from 6-8 week placentae, to evaluate similarities and differences between primary CTB and TSC. CTB clusters displayed notable distinctions based on gestational age, with early first trimester placentae showing enrichment for specific CTB subtypes, further influenced by origin from the basal or chorionic plate. Differential expression analysis of CTB from basal versus chorionic plate highlighted pathways associated with proliferation, unfolded protein response, and oxidative phosphorylation. We identified trophoblast states representing initial progenitor CTB, precursor STB, precursor and mature EVT, and multiple CTB subtypes. CTB progenitors were enriched in early first trimester placentae, with basal plate cells biased toward EVT, and chorionic plate cells toward STB, precursors. Clustering and trajectory inference analysis indicated that TSC were most like EVT precursor cells, with only a small percentage of TSC on the pre-STB differentiation trajectory. This was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of 6 different TSC lines, which showed uniform expression of proximal column markers ITGA2 and ITGA5. Additionally, we found that ITGA5+ CTB could be plated in 2D, forming only EVT upon spontaneous differentiation, but failed to form self-renewing organoids; conversely, ITGA5-CTB could not be plated in 2D, but readily formed organoids. Our findings suggest that distinct CTB states exist in different regions of the placenta as early as six weeks gestation and that current TSC lines most closely resemble ITGA5+ CTB, biased toward the EVT lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zoe Manalo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jaroslav Slamecka
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 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, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen Fisch
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Perinatal Discovery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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7
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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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da Silva RJ, Cabo LF, George JL, Cahoon LA, Yang L, Coyne CB, Boyle JP. The trophoblast surface becomes refractory to adhesion by congenitally transmitted Toxoplasma gondii and Listeria monocytogenes during cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast development. mSphere 2024; 9:e0074823. [PMID: 38771057 PMCID: PMC11332349 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00748-23] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a critical barrier against viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens. For most teratogenic pathogens, the precise molecular mechanisms of placental resistance are still being unraveled. Given the importance of understanding these mechanisms and challenges in replicating trophoblast-pathogen interactions using in vitro models, we tested an existing stem-cell-derived model of trophoblast development for its relevance to infection with Toxoplasma gondii. We grew human trophoblast stem cells (TSCT) under conditions leading to either syncytiotrophoblast (TSSYN) or cytotrophoblast (TSCYT) and infected them with T. gondii. We evaluated T. gondii proliferation and invasion, cell ultrastructure, as well as for transcriptome changes after infection. TSSYNs cells showed similar ultrastructure compared to primary cells and villous explants when analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a resistance to T. gondii adhesion could be visualized on the SEM level. Furthermore, TSSYNs were highly refractory to parasite adhesion and replication, while TSCYTs were not. RNA-seq data on mock-treated and infected cells identified differences between cell types as well as how they responded to T. gondii infection. We also evaluated if TSSC-derived SYNs and CYTs had distinct resistance profiles to another vertically transmitted facultative intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. We demonstrate that TSSYNs are highly resistant to L. monocytogenes, while TSCYTs are not. Like T. gondii, TSSYN resistance to L. monocytogenes was at the level of bacterial adhesion. Altogether, our data indicate that stem-cell-derived trophoblasts recapitulate resistance profiles of primary cells to T. gondii and highlight the critical importance of the placental surface in cell-autonomous resistance to teratogens.IMPORTANCECongenital toxoplasmosis can cause a devastating consequence to the fetus. To reach the fetus's tissues, Toxoplasma gondii must cross the placenta barrier. However, how this parasite crosses the placenta and the precise molecular mechanisms of placental resistance to this parasite are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize a new cellular model of human trophoblast stem cells to determine their resistance, susceptibility, and response to T. gondii. Syncytiotrophoblast derived from trophoblast stem cells recapitulate the resistance profile similarly to placenta cells. We also showed that these cells are highly resistant to Listeria monocytogenes, at the level of bacterial adhesion. Our results suggest that resisting pathogen adhesion/attachment may be a generalized mechanism of syncytiotrophoblast resistance, and trophoblast stem cells represent a promising model to investigate cell-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to pathogen adhesion and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela J. da Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leah F. Cabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jada L. George
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laty A. Cahoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Liheng Yang
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Coyne
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jon P. Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Sun C, Mei J, Yi H, Song M, Ma Y, Huang Y. The Effect of the cAMP Signaling Pathway on HTR8/SV-Neo Cell Line Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration After Treatment with Forskolin. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1268-1277. [PMID: 38110819 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01396-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is thought to be related to placental dysfunction, particularly poor extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion and migration abilities. However, the pathogenic mechanism is not fully understood. This article describes the impact of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) signaling pathway on EVT behavior, focusing on EVT proliferation, invasion, and migration. Here, we used the HTR8/SV-neo cell line to study human EVT function in vitro. HTR8/SV-neo cells were treated with different concentrations of forskolin (cAMP pathway-specific agonist) to alter intracellular cAMP levels, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the control. First, a cAMP assay was performed to measure the cAMP concentration in HTR8/SV-neo cells treated with different forskolin concentrations, and cell proliferation was assessed by constructing cell growth curves and assessing colony formation. Cell invasion and migration were observed by Transwell experiments, and intracellular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting (WB). According to our research, the intracellular cAMP levels in HTR8/SV-neo cells were increased in a dose-dependent manner, and HTR8/SV-neo cell proliferation, invasion and migration were significantly enhanced. The expression of EMT and angiogenesis markers was upregulated. Additionally, with the increase in intracellular cAMP levels, the phosphorylation of intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway components was significantly increased. These results suggested that the cAMP signaling pathway promoted the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling components, thus enhancing EVT functions, including proliferation, invasion, and migration, and to a certain extent, providing a novel direction for the treatment of PE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 3 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- National Center for International Research "China-Myanmar Joint Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Regional Major Disease" by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Haikou Key Laboratory for Preservation of Human Genetic Resource, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jiaoqi Mei
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 3 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- National Center for International Research "China-Myanmar Joint Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Regional Major Disease" by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Haikou Key Laboratory for Preservation of Human Genetic Resource, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hongyan Yi
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 3 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- National Center for International Research "China-Myanmar Joint Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Regional Major Disease" by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Haikou Key Laboratory for Preservation of Human Genetic Resource, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengyi Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yanlin Ma
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 3 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
- National Center for International Research "China-Myanmar Joint Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Regional Major Disease" by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
- Haikou Key Laboratory for Preservation of Human Genetic Resource, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
| | - Yuanhua Huang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 3 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
- National Center for International Research "China-Myanmar Joint Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Regional Major Disease" by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
- Haikou Key Laboratory for Preservation of Human Genetic Resource, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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Yi C, Song H, Liang H, Ran Y, Tang J, Chen E, Li F, Fu L, Wang Y, Chen F, Wang Y, Ding Y, Xie Y. TBX3 reciprocally controls key trophoblast lineage decisions in villi during human placenta development in the first trimester. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130220. [PMID: 38368983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130220] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblastic lineage development is intertwined with placental development and pregnancy outcomes, but the regulatory mechanisms underpinning this process remain inadequately understood. In this study, based on single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis of the human early maternal-fetal interface, we compared the gene expression pattern of trophoblast at different developmental stages. Our findings reveal a predominant upregulation of TBX3 during the transition from villous cytotrophoblast (VCT) to syncytiotrophoblast (SCT), but downregulation of TBX3 as VCT progresses into extravillous trophoblast cells (EVT). Immunofluorescence analysis verified the primary expression of TBX3 in SCT, partial expression in MKi67-positive VCT, and absence in HLA-G-positive EVT, consistent with our snRNA-seq results. Using immortalized trophoblastic cell lines (BeWo and HTR8/SVneo) and human primary trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we observed that TBX3 knockdown impedes SCT formation through RAS-MAPK signaling, while TBX3 overexpression disrupts the cytoskeleton structure of EVT and hinders EVT differentiation by suppressing FAK signaling. In conclusion, our study suggests that the spatiotemporal expression of TBX3 plays a critical role in regulating trophoblastic lineage development via distinct signaling pathways. This underscores TBX3 as a key determinant during hemochorial placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Honglan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongxiu Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yujie Ran
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Enxiang Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lijuan Fu
- Department of Gynecology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China 400021; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changsha Medical University, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fengming Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University, 410129, China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Youlong Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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11
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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Lee BK, Salamah J, Cheeran E, Adu-Gyamfi EA. Dynamic and distinct histone modifications facilitate human trophoblast lineage differentiation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4505. [PMID: 38402275 PMCID: PMC10894295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55189-0] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta serves as an essential organ for fetal growth throughout pregnancy. Histone modification is a crucial regulatory mechanism involved in numerous biological processes and development. Nevertheless, there remains a significant gap in our understanding regarding the epigenetic regulations that influence trophoblast lineage differentiation, a fundamental aspect of placental development. Here, through comprehensive mapping of H3K4me3, H3K27me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27ac loci during the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) into syncytiotrophoblasts (STs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), we reveal dynamic reconfiguration in H3K4me3 and H3K27ac patterns that establish an epigenetic landscape conducive to proper trophoblast lineage differentiation. We observe that broad H3K4me3 domains are associated with trophoblast lineage-specific gene expression. Unlike embryonic stem cells, TSCs lack robust bivalent domains. Notably, the repression of ST- and EVT-active genes in TSCs is primarily attributed to the weak H3K4me3 signal rather than bivalent domains. We also unveil the inactivation of TSC enhancers precedes the activation of ST enhancers during ST formation. Our results provide a comprehensive global map of diverse histone modifications, elucidating the dynamic histone modifications during trophoblast lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA.
| | - Joudi Salamah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Elisha Cheeran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
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13
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Salamah J, Cheeran EA, Lee BK. Bisphenol S moderately decreases the expression of syncytiotrophoblast marker genes and induces apoptosis in human trophoblast lineages. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123259. [PMID: 38159624 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is currently used in the manufacturing of several household equipment such as water pipes and food containers. Hence, its entrance into the human body is almost inevitable. The presence of BPS in body fluids has been reported. However, its potential toxicity, especially on human placenta development and pregnancy progression, has not been explored. In this study, we assessed the impacts of BPS on the self-renewal and differentiation potentials of placental stem cells, also known as trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), by exposing them to three different BPS concentrations during their self-renewal and differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast (ST), extravillous trophoblast (EVT), and trophoblast organoids. Interestingly, BPS treatment did not affect the stemness, cell cycle and proliferation of the TSCs but it induced apoptosis in each trophoblast lineage. BPS altered the expression of several fusion-related genes. However, this alteration did not translate into significant morphological defects in the STs and organoids. Moreover, BPS did not impair the differentiation of TSCs into EVTs. These findings suggest that the presence of BPS at the feto-maternal interface may exaggerate trophoblast apoptosis and moderately inhibit the trophoblast fusion pathway to affect placenta development and pregnancy. Our study offers valuable insights into the potential toxicity of BPS on human placenta development, emphasizing the need for epidemiological assessment of the relationship between maternal serum levels of BPS and pregnancy complications.
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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, USA
| | - Joudi Salamah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Elisha Ann Cheeran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA.
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14
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Kim M, Jang YJ, Lee M, Guo Q, Son AJ, Kakkad NA, Roland AB, Lee BK, Kim J. The transcriptional regulatory network modulating human trophoblast stem cells to extravillous trophoblast differentiation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1285. [PMID: 38346993 PMCID: PMC10861538 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45669-2] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
During human pregnancy, extravillous trophoblasts play crucial roles in placental invasion into the maternal decidua and spiral artery remodeling. However, regulatory factors and their action mechanisms modulating human extravillous trophoblast specification have been unknown. By analyzing dynamic changes in transcriptome and enhancer profile during human trophoblast stem cell to extravillous trophoblast differentiation, we define stage-specific regulators, including an early-stage transcription factor, TFAP2C, and multiple late-stage transcription factors. Loss-of-function studies confirm the requirement of all transcription factors identified for adequate differentiation, and we reveal that the dynamic changes in the levels of TFAP2C are essential. Notably, TFAP2C pre-occupies the regulatory elements of the inactive extravillous trophoblast-active genes during the early stage of differentiation, and the late-stage transcription factors directly activate extravillous trophoblast-active genes, including themselves as differentiation further progresses, suggesting sequential actions of transcription factors assuring differentiation. Our results reveal stage-specific transcription factors and their inter-connected regulatory mechanisms modulating extravillous trophoblast differentiation, providing a framework for understanding early human placentation and placenta-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yu Jin Jang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Muyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Qingqing Guo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Albert J Son
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Nikita A Kakkad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Abigail B Roland
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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15
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Iqbal K, Dominguez EM, Nixon B, Moreno-Irusta A, Crnkovich B, Scott RL, Vu HTH, Tuteja G, Vivian JL, Soares MJ. Conditionally mutant animal model for investigating the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Development 2024; 151:dev202239. [PMID: 38112206 PMCID: PMC10820817 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202239] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Placental development involves coordinated expansion and differentiation of trophoblast cell lineages possessing specialized functions. Among the differentiated trophoblast cell lineages are invasive trophoblast cells, which exit the placenta and invade the uterus, where they restructure the uterine parenchyma and facilitate remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. The rat exhibits deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion, a feature shared with human placentation, and is also amenable to gene manipulation using genome-editing techniques. In this investigation, we generated a conditional rat model targeting the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Prolactin family 7, subfamily b, member 1 (Prl7b1) is uniquely and abundantly expressed in the rat invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Disruption of Prl7b1 did not adversely affect placental development. We demonstrated that the Prl7b1 locus could be effectively used to drive the expression of Cre recombinase in invasive trophoblast cells. Our rat model represents a new tool for investigating candidate genes contributing to the regulation of invasive trophoblast cells and their roles in trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Esteban M. Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Brandon Nixon
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Benjamin Crnkovich
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jay L. Vivian
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64018, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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16
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Hamilton M, Mars Z, Sedeuil M, Rolland M, Jean D, Boudreau F, Giroux V. ASCL2 is a key regulator of the proliferation-differentiation equilibrium in the esophageal epithelium. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio059919. [PMID: 38252116 PMCID: PMC10836648 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059919] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The esophagus is protected from the hostile environment by a stratified epithelium, which renews rapidly. Homeostasis of this epithelium is ensured by a rare population of stem cells in the basal layer: Keratin 15+ (Krt15+) cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating their distinct features, namely self-renewal, potency and epithelial regeneration. Achaete-scute family BHLH transcription factor 2 (ASCL2) is strongly upregulated in Krt15+ stem cells and is known to contribute to stem cell maintenance in other tissues. Herein, we investigated the role of ASCL2 in maintaining homeostasis under normal and stress conditions in the esophageal epithelium. ASCL2 overexpression severely dysregulated cell differentiation and cell fate. Proliferation was also reduced due potentially to a blockage in the G1 phase of the cell cycle or an induction of quiescence. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed alterations in several proteins associated with differentiation and the cell cycle. In addition, overexpression of ASCL2 enhanced resistance to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs. Overall, these results denote the role of ASCL2 as a key regulator of the proliferation-differentiation equilibrium in the esophageal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Hamilton
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
| | - Zoéline Mars
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Université Paris Cité, Magistère Européen de génétique, Paris 75006, France
| | - Molly Sedeuil
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
| | - Marjorie Rolland
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
| | - Dominique Jean
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
| | - François Boudreau
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
| | - Véronique Giroux
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke J1E4K8, Canada
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17
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Haider S, Knöfler M, Latos PA. Trophoblast Organoids as a Novel Tool to Study Human Placental Development and Function. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:195-222. [PMID: 38019403 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_17] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta provides the site of exchange between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams, acts as an endocrine organ, and has immunological functions. The majority of pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction have their roots in pathological placentation. Yet, the underlying molecular causes of these complications remain largely unknown, not least due to the lack of reliable in vitro models. Recent establishment of 2D human trophoblast stem cells and 3D trophoblast organoids has been a major advancement that opened new avenues for trophoblast research. Here we provide a protocol detailing isolation of cytotrophoblast from the first trimester human placenta, establishment of trophoblast organoids, their culture and differentiation conditions. Overall, we describe an in vitro system that offers an excellent model to study the molecular basis of placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulina A Latos
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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18
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Shimizu T, Oike A, Kobayashi EH, Sekiya A, Kobayashi N, Shibata S, Hamada H, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Suyama M, Arima T, Okae H. CRISPR screening in human trophoblast stem cells reveals both shared and distinct aspects of human and mouse placental development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311372120. [PMID: 38085778 PMCID: PMC10742386 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311372120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, facilitating the exchange of gases and nutrients between their separate blood circulation systems. Trophoblasts in the placenta play a central role in this process. Our current understanding of mammalian trophoblast development relies largely on mouse models. However, given the diversification of mammalian placentas, findings from the mouse placenta cannot be readily extrapolated to other mammalian species, including humans. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed CRISPR knockout screening in human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). We targeted genes essential for mouse placental development and identified more than 100 genes as critical regulators in both human hTSCs and mouse placentas. Among them, we further characterized in detail two transcription factors, DLX3 and GCM1, and revealed their essential roles in hTSC differentiation. Moreover, a gene function-based comparison between human and mouse trophoblast subtypes suggests that their relationship may differ significantly from previous assumptions based on tissue localization or cellular function. Notably, our data reveal that hTSCs may not be analogous to mouse TSCs or the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) in which in vivo TSCs reside. Instead, hTSCs may be analogous to progenitor cells in the mouse ectoplacental cone and chorion. This finding is consistent with the absence of ExE-like structures during human placental development. Our data not only deepen our understanding of human trophoblast development but also facilitate cross-species comparison of mammalian placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Shimizu
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
| | - Eri H. Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
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19
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Dietrich B, Kunihs V, Lackner AI, Meinhardt G, Koo BK, Pollheimer J, Haider S, Knöfler M. NOTCH3 signalling controls human trophoblast stem cell expansion and differentiation. Development 2023; 150:dev202152. [PMID: 37905445 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202152] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Failures in growth and differentiation of the early human placenta are associated with severe pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, regulatory mechanisms controlling development of placental epithelial cells, the trophoblasts, remain poorly elucidated. Using trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), trophoblast organoids (TB-ORGs) and primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) of early pregnancy, we herein show that autocrine NOTCH3 signalling controls human placental expansion and differentiation. The NOTCH3 receptor was specifically expressed in proliferative CTB progenitors and its active form, the nuclear NOTCH3 intracellular domain (NOTCH3-ICD), interacted with the transcriptional co-activator mastermind-like 1 (MAML1). Doxycycline-inducible expression of dominant-negative MAML1 in TSC lines provoked cell fusion and upregulation of genes specific for multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts, which are the differentiated hormone-producing cells of the placenta. However, progenitor expansion and markers of trophoblast stemness and proliferation were suppressed. Accordingly, inhibition of NOTCH3 signalling diminished growth of TB-ORGs, whereas overexpression of NOTCH3-ICD in primary CTBs and TSCs showed opposite effects. In conclusion, the data suggest that canonical NOTCH3 signalling plays a key role in human placental development by promoting self-renewal of CTB progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Dietrich
- Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Kunihs
- Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas I Lackner
- Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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20
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Varberg KM, Dominguez EM, Koseva B, Varberg JM, McNally RP, Moreno-Irusta A, Wesley ER, Iqbal K, Cheung WA, Schwendinger-Schreck C, Smail C, Okae H, Arima T, Lydic M, Holoch K, Marsh C, Soares MJ, Grundberg E. Extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development is associated with active remodeling of the chromatin landscape. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4826. [PMID: 37563143 PMCID: PMC10415281 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extravillous trophoblast cell lineage is a key feature of placentation and successful pregnancy. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation driving extravillous trophoblast cell development is limited. Here, we map the transcriptome and epigenome landscape as well as chromatin interactions of human trophoblast stem cells and their transition into extravillous trophoblast cells. We show that integrating chromatin accessibility, long-range chromatin interactions, transcriptomic, and transcription factor binding motif enrichment enables identification of transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms critical for extravillous trophoblast cell development. We elucidate functional roles for TFAP2C, SNAI1, and EPAS1 in the regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell development. EPAS1 is identified as an upstream regulator of key extravillous trophoblast cell transcription factors, including ASCL2 and SNAI1 and together with its target genes, is linked to pregnancy loss and birth weight. Collectively, we reveal activation of a dynamic regulatory network and provide a framework for understanding extravillous trophoblast cell specification in trophoblast cell lineage development and human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Esteban M Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Boryana Koseva
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Joseph M Varberg
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ross P McNally
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Emily R Wesley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Carl Schwendinger-Schreck
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Craig Smail
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael Lydic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kristin Holoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
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21
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Iqbal K, Nixon B, Crnkovich B, Dominguez EM, Moreno-Irusta A, Scott RL, Vu HTH, Tuteja G, Vivian JL, Soares MJ. CONDITIONALLY MUTANT ANIMAL MODEL FOR INVESTIGATING THE INVASIVE TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551740. [PMID: 37577576 PMCID: PMC10418272 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Placental development involves coordinated expansion and differentiation of trophoblast cell lineages possessing specialized functions. Among the differentiated trophoblast cell lineages are invasive trophoblast cells, which exit the placenta and invade into the uterus where they restructure the uterine parenchyma and facilitate remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. The rat exhibits deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion, a feature shared with human placentation, and is also amenable to gene manipulation using genome editing techniques. In this investigation, we generated a conditional rat model targeting the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Prolactin family 7, subfamily b, member 1 ( Prl7b1 ) is uniquely and abundantly expressed in the rat invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Disruption of Prl7b1 did not adversely affect placental development. We demonstrated that the Prl7b1 locus could be effectively used to drive the expression of Cre recombinase in invasive trophoblast cells. Our rat model represents a new tool for investigating candidate genes contributing to the regulation of invasive trophoblast cells and their contributions to trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling.
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22
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. Core conserved transcriptional regulatory networks define the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Development 2023; 150:dev201826. [PMID: 37417811 PMCID: PMC10445752 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineages in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model for studying hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus ATAC-seq data from gestation day 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues, and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility with extravillous trophoblast cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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23
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van Voorden AJ, Keijser R, Veenboer GJM, Lopes Cardozo SA, Diek D, Vlaardingerbroek JA, van Dijk M, Ris-Stalpers C, van Pelt AMM, Afink GB. EP300 facilitates human trophoblast stem cell differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217405120. [PMID: 37406095 PMCID: PMC10334808 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217405120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early placenta development involves cytotrophoblast differentiation into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Defective trophoblast development and function may result in severe pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. The incidence of these complications is increased in pregnancies of fetuses affected by Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a developmental disorder predominantly caused by heterozygous mutations in CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) or E1A-binding protein p300 (EP300). Although the acetyltransferases CREBBP and EP300 are paralogs with many overlapping functions, the increased incidence of pregnancy complications is specific for EP300 mutations. We hypothesized that these complications have their origin in early placentation and that EP300 is involved in that process. Therefore, we investigated the role of EP300 and CREBBP in trophoblast differentiation, using human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and trophoblast organoids. We found that pharmacological CREBBP/EP300 inhibition blocks differentiation of TSCs into both EVT and STB lineages, and results in an expansion of TSC-like cells under differentiation-inducing conditions. Specific targeting by RNA interference or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis demonstrated that knockdown of EP300 but not CREBBP, inhibits trophoblast differentiation, consistent with the complications seen in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome pregnancies. By transcriptome sequencing, we identified transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA, encoding TGF-α) as being strongly upregulated upon EP300 knockdown. Moreover, supplementing differentiation medium with TGF-α, which is a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), likewise affected trophoblast differentiation and resulted in increased TSC-like cell proliferation. These findings suggest that EP300 facilitates trophoblast differentiation by interfering with at least EGFR signaling, pointing towards a crucial role for EP300 in early human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Jantine van Voorden
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Keijser
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geertruda J. M. Veenboer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Solange A. Lopes Cardozo
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dina Diek
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer A. Vlaardingerbroek
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marie van Dijk
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs B. Afink
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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24
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. CORE CONSERVED TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORY NETWORKS DEFINE THE INVASIVE TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.30.534962. [PMID: 37066272 PMCID: PMC10103937 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineage in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model to study hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus (sn) ATAC-seq data from gestation day (gd) 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO, 64108
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
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25
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Li W, Li K, He X, Jiang Y, Lan R, Hong Q, Liu Y, Chu M. ALAS1 associated with goat kidding number trait was regulated by the transcription factor ASCL2 to affect granulosa cell proliferation. Anim Genet 2023; 54:189-198. [PMID: 36632647 DOI: 10.1111/age.13287] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
ALAS1 is a member of the α-oxoamine synthase family, which is the first rate-limiting enzyme for heme synthesis and is important for maintaining intracellular heme levels. In the ovary, ALAS1 is associated with the regulation of ovulation-related mitochondrial P450 cytochromes, steroid metabolism, and steroid hormone production. However, there are few studies on the relationship between ALAS1 and reproductive traits in goats. In this study, a mutation located in the promoter region of ALAS1 (g.48791372C>A) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the kidding number of Yunshang black goats. Specifically, the mean kidding number in the first three litters and the kidding numbers of all three litters were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in individuals with the CA genotype or AA genotype than in those with the CC genotype. To further investigate the regulatory mechanism of ALAS1, the expression of ALAS1 in goat ovarian tissues with different genotypes was verified by real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of ALAS1 was significantly higher in the ovaries of individuals with AA genotype than those with AC and CC genotypes (p < 0.01), and the expression trend of transcription factor ASCL2 was consistent with ALAS1. Additionally, the ALAS1 g.48791372C>A mutation created a new binding site for the transcription factor ASCL2. The luciferase activity assay indicated that the mutation increased the promoter activity of ALAS1. Overexpression of the transcription factor ASCL2 induced increased expression of ALAS1 in goat granulosa cells (p < 0.05). The opposite trend was shown for the inhibition of ASCL2 expression. The results of real-time quantitative PCR, EdU and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays indicated that the transcription factor ASCL2 increased the proliferation of goat granulosa cells by mediating the expression of ALAS1. In conclusion, the transcription factor ASCL2 positively regulated the transcriptional activity and expression levels of ALAS1, altering granulosa cell proliferation and the kidding number in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kunyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanting Jiang
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Rong Lan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Yufang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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26
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Arutyunyan A, Roberts K, Troulé K, Wong FCK, Sheridan MA, Kats I, Garcia-Alonso L, Velten B, Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Sancho-Serra C, Shilts J, Handfield LF, Marconato L, Tuck E, Gardner L, Mazzeo CI, Li Q, Kelava I, Wright GJ, Prigmore E, Teichmann SA, Bayraktar OA, Moffett A, Stegle O, Turco MY, Vento-Tormo R. Spatial multiomics map of trophoblast development in early pregnancy. Nature 2023; 616:143-151. [PMID: 36991123 PMCID: PMC10076224 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05869-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the human placenta-the extraembryonic organ made by the fetus, and the decidua-the mucosal layer of the uterus, is essential to nurture and protect the fetus during pregnancy. Extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) derived from placental villi infiltrate the decidua, transforming the maternal arteries into high-conductance vessels1. Defects in trophoblast invasion and arterial transformation established during early pregnancy underlie common pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia2. Here we have generated a spatially resolved multiomics single-cell atlas of the entire human maternal-fetal interface including the myometrium, which enables us to resolve the full trajectory of trophoblast differentiation. We have used this cellular map to infer the possible transcription factors mediating EVT invasion and show that they are preserved in in vitro models of EVT differentiation from primary trophoblast organoids3,4 and trophoblast stem cells5. We define the transcriptomes of the final cell states of trophoblast invasion: placental bed giant cells (fused multinucleated EVTs) and endovascular EVTs (which form plugs inside the maternal arteries). We predict the cell-cell communication events contributing to trophoblast invasion and placental bed giant cell formation, and model the dual role of interstitial EVTs and endovascular EVTs in mediating arterial transformation during early pregnancy. Together, our data provide a comprehensive analysis of postimplantation trophoblast differentiation that can be used to inform the design of experimental models of the human placenta in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arutyunyan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Megan A Sheridan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ilia Kats
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Britta Velten
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Luca Marconato
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lucy Gardner
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Qian Li
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Oliver Stegle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Margherita Y Turco
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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27
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Vu HT, Kaur H, Kies KR, Starks RR, Tuteja G. Identifying novel regulators of placental development using time-series transcriptome data. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201788. [PMID: 36622342 PMCID: PMC9748866 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta serves as a connection between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, providing the fetus with oxygen, nutrients, and growth hormones. However, the regulatory mechanisms and dynamic gene interaction networks underlying early placental development are understudied. Here, we generated RNA-sequencing data from mouse fetal placenta at embryonic days 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5 to identify genes with timepoint-specific expression, then inferred gene interaction networks to analyze highly connected network modules. We determined that timepoint-specific gene network modules were associated with distinct developmental processes, and with similar expression profiles to specific human placental cell populations. From each module, we identified hub genes and their direct neighboring genes, which were predicted to govern placental functions. We confirmed that four novel candidate regulators identified through our analyses regulate cell migration in the HTR-8/SVneo cell line. Overall, we predicted several novel regulators of placental development expressed in specific placental cell types using network analysis of bulk RNA-sequencing data. Our findings and analysis approaches will be valuable for future studies investigating the transcriptional landscape of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Th Vu
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Haninder Kaur
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kelby R Kies
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Rebekah R Starks
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA .,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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28
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Kozai K, Moreno-Irusta A, Iqbal K, Winchester ML, Scott RL, Simon ME, Muto M, Parrish MR, Soares MJ. The AKT1-FOXO4 axis reciprocally regulates hemochorial placentation. Development 2023; 150:dev201095. [PMID: 36607602 PMCID: PMC10110493 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201095] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hemochorial placentation involves the differentiation of invasive trophoblast cells, specialized cells that possess the capacity to exit the placenta and invade into the uterus where they restructure the vasculature. Invasive trophoblast cells arise from a well-defined compartment within the placenta, referred to as the junctional zone in rat and the extravillous trophoblast cell column in human. In this study, we investigated roles for AKT1, a serine/threonine kinase, in placental development using a genome-edited/loss-of-function rat model. Disruption of AKT1 resulted in placental, fetal and postnatal growth restriction. Forkhead box O4 (Foxo4), which encodes a transcription factor and known AKT substrate, was abundantly expressed in the junctional zone and in invasive trophoblast cells of the rat placentation site. Foxo4 gene disruption using genome editing resulted in placentomegaly, including an enlarged junctional zone. AKT1 and FOXO4 regulate the expression of many of the same transcripts expressed by trophoblast cells, but in opposite directions. In summary, we have identified AKT1 and FOXO4 as part of a regulatory network that reciprocally controls critical indices of hemochorial placenta development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kozai
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mae-Lan Winchester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mikaela E. Simon
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Marc R. Parrish
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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29
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Urakawa T, Ozawa J, Tanaka M, Narusawa H, Matsuoka K, Fukami M, Nagasaki K, Kagami M. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with long QT caused by a deletion involving KCNQ1 but not KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104671. [PMID: 36402267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104671] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder with characteristic features, such as overgrowth, macroglossia, and exomphalos. Hypomethylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-differentially methylated region (DMR) on the 11p15.5 imprinted region is the most common etiology of BWS. KCNQ1 on 11p15.5 is expressed from the maternally inherited allele in most tissues, but is biparentally expressed in the heart, and maternal KCNQ1 transcription is required to establish the maternal DNA imprint in the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR. Loss of function variants in KCNQ1 result in long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1). To date, eight patients with BWS due to KCNQ1 splice variants or structural abnormalities involving KCNQ1 but not the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR have been reported (KCNQ1-BWS), and four of them had LQT1. We report a Japanese boy with BWS and LQT1 presenting with extreme hypomethylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR caused by a de novo 215-kb deletion including KCNQ1 but not the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR on the maternal allele. He was born by emergency cesarean section due to suspicion of placental abruption at 30 weeks of gestation. His birth weight and length were +1.6 SD and +1.0 SD, respectively. His placental weight was +3.9 SD, and histological examination of his placenta was consistent with mesenchymal dysplasia. He had BWS clinical features, including macroglossia, ear creases and pits, body asymmetry, and rectus abdominis muscle dehiscence, and BWS was therefore diagnosed. LQT1 was first noticed at three months in a preoperative examination for lingual frenectomy. The summarized data of our patient and the previously reported eight patients in KCNQ1-BWS showed more frequent and earlier preterm births and smaller sized birth weight in KCNQ1-BWS cases than those with BWS caused by epimutation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR. In addition, in five of nine patients with KCNQ1-BWS, LQT1 was detected, and two of them were identified at school age. In our patient and in another single case with LQT1, the LQT1 was not detected early despite neonatal ECG monitoring. For BWS patients with extreme hypomethylation of the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR, searching for CNVs involving KCNQ1 and mutation screening for KCNQ1 should be considered together with periodic ECG monitoring. (338/500 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Urakawa
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Junichi Ozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Niigata University, Japan
| | - Masato Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Niigata University, Japan
| | - Hiromune Narusawa
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Matsuoka
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nagasaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Niigata University, Japan
| | - Masayo Kagami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
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30
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Dai X, Shao H, Sun N, Ci B, Wu J, Liu C, Wu L, Yuan Y, Wei X, Yang H, Liu L, Ji W, Bai B, Shang Z, Tan T. Developmental dynamics of chromatin accessibility during post-implantation development of monkey embryos. Gigascience 2022; 12:giad038. [PMID: 37226912 PMCID: PMC10209733 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giad038] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early post-implantation development, especially gastrulation in primates, is accompanied by extensive drastic chromatin reorganization, which remains largely elusive. RESULTS To delineate the global chromatin landscape and understand the molecular dynamics during this period, a single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) was applied to in vitro cultured cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis, hereafter referred to as monkey) embryos to investigate the chromatin status. First, we delineated the cis-regulatory interactions and identified the regulatory networks and critical transcription factors involved in the epiblast (EPI), hypoblast, and trophectoderm/trophoblast (TE) lineage specification. Second, we observed that the chromatin opening of some genome regions preceded the gene expression during EPI and trophoblast specification. Third, we identified the opposing roles of FGF and BMP signaling in pluripotency regulation during EPI specification. Finally, we revealed the similarity between EPI and TE in gene expression profiles and demonstrated that PATZ1 and NR2F2 were involved in EPI and trophoblast specification during monkey post-implantation development. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a useful resource and insights into dissecting the transcriptional regulatory machinery during primate post-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Dai
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Honglian Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Nianqin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Baiquan Ci
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Liang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Bing Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhouchun Shang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Tao Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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31
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The multifaceted role of GCM1 during trophoblast differentiation in the human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203071119. [PMID: 36442132 PMCID: PMC9894182 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203071119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Remodeling of the uterine vasculature by invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) is a critical aspect of human placentation. Insufficient EVT invasion can lead to severe obstetrical complications like preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. Glial cells missing-1 (GCM1) is a transcription factor that is crucial for proper placentation in mice, and is highly expressed in human syncytiotrophoblast (ST) and EVTs. GCM1 is classically considered a master regulator of ST formation, but little is known about its contribution to the development and function of EVTs. Therefore, in this study we test the hypothesis that GCM1 is a critical regulator of both EVT and ST development and function. We show that GCM1 is highly expressed in human trophoblast stem (TS) cells differentiated into either ST or EVTs. Knockdown of GCM1 in TS cells hindered differentiation into both ST and EVT pathways. When placed in ST media, GCM1-knockdown cells formed small, unstable clusters; when placed in EVT media, cells had altered morphology and transcript profiles resembling cells trapped in an intermediate state between CT and EVT, and invasive capacity through matrix was reduced. RNA sequencing analysis of GCM1-deficient TS cells revealed downregulation of EVT-associated genes and enrichment in transcripts related to WNT signaling, which was linked to decreased expression of the EVT master regulator ASCL2 and the WNT antagonist NOTUM. Our findings reveal an essential role of GCM1 during ST and EVT development, and suggest that GCM1 regulates differentiation of human TS cells into EVTs by inducing expression of ASCL2 and NOTUM.
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Reliability of Rodent and Rabbit Models in Preeclampsia Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214344. [PMID: 36430816 PMCID: PMC9696504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo studies on the pathology of gestation, including preeclampsia, often use small mammals such as rabbits or rodents, i.e., mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The key advantage of these animals is their short reproductive cycle; in addition, similar to humans, they also develop a haemochorial placenta and present a similar transformation of maternal spiral arteries. Interestingly, pregnant dams also demonstrate a similar reaction to inflammatory factors and placentally derived antiangiogenic factors, i.e., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) or soluble endoglin-1 (sEng), as preeclamptic women: all animals present an increase in blood pressure and usually proteinuria. These constitute the classical duet that allows for the recognition of preeclampsia. However, the time of initiation of maternal vessel remodelling and the depth of trophoblast invasion differs between rabbits, rodents, and humans. Unfortunately, at present, no known animal replicates a human pregnancy exactly, and hence, the use of rabbit and rodent models is restricted to the investigation of individual aspects of human gestation only. This article compares the process of placentation in rodents, rabbits, and humans, which should be considered when planning experiments on preeclampsia; these aspects might determine the success, or failure, of the study. The report also reviews the rodent and rabbit models used to investigate certain aspects of the pathomechanism of human preeclampsia, especially those related to incorrect trophoblast invasion, placental hypoxia, inflammation, or maternal endothelial dysfunction.
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Ma Q, Beal JR, Song X, Bhurke A, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Mouse Decidual Cells Carry Critical Information for the Establishment of Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6758297. [PMID: 36219207 PMCID: PMC9761388 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mouse decidua secretes many factors that act in a paracrine/autocrine manner to critically control uterine decidualization, neovascularization, and tissue remodeling that ensure proper establishment of pregnancy. The precise mechanisms that dictate intercellular communications among the uterine cells during early pregnancy remain unknown. We recently reported that conditional deletion of the gene encoding the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2 alpha (Hif2α) in mouse uterus led to infertility. Here, we report that HIF2α in mouse endometrial stromal cells (MESCs) acts via the cellular trafficking regulator RAB27b to control the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during decidualization. We also found that Hif2α-regulated pathways influence the biogenesis of EVs. Proteomic analysis of EVs secreted by decidualizing MESCs revealed that they harbor a wide variety of protein cargoes whose composition changed as the decidualization process progressed. The EVs enhanced the differentiation capacity of MESCs and the production of angiogenic factors by these cells. We also established that matrix metalloproteinase-2, a prominent EV cargo protein, modulates uterine remodeling during decidualization. Collectively, our results support the concept that EVs are central to the mechanisms by which the decidual cells communicate with each other and other cell types within the uterus to facilitate successful establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Ma
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jacob R Beal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xiangning Song
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arpita Bhurke
- Carle Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Correspondence: Indrani C. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. ; or Milan K. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Correspondence: Indrani C. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. ; or Milan K. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Abstract
The hemochorial placentation site is characterized by a dynamic interplay between trophoblast cells and maternal cells. These cells cooperate to establish an interface required for nutrient delivery to promote fetal growth. In the human, trophoblast cells penetrate deep into the uterus. This is not a consistent feature of hemochorial placentation and has hindered the establishment of suitable animal models. The rat represents an intriguing model for investigating hemochorial placentation with deep trophoblast cell invasion. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptome of the invasive trophoblast cell lineage, as well as other cell populations within the rat uterine-placental interface during early (gestation day [gd] 15.5) and late (gd 19.5) stages of intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion. We identified a robust set of transcripts that define invasive trophoblast cells, as well as transcripts that distinguished endothelial, smooth muscle, natural killer, and macrophage cells. Invasive trophoblast, immune, and endothelial cell populations exhibited distinct spatial relationships within the uterine-placental interface. Furthermore, the maturation stage of invasive trophoblast cell development could be determined by assessing gestation stage-dependent changes in transcript expression. Finally, and most importantly, expression of a prominent subset of rat invasive trophoblast cell transcripts is conserved in the invasive extravillous trophoblast cell lineage of the human placenta. These findings provide foundational data to identify and interrogate key conserved regulatory mechanisms essential for the development and function of an important compartment within the hemochorial placentation site that is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
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Extracellular vesicles secreted by human uterine stromal cells regulate decidualization, angiogenesis, and trophoblast differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200252119. [PMID: 36095212 PMCID: PMC9499590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200252119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the uterus undergoes a dramatic transformation to form an endometrial stroma-derived secretory tissue, termed decidua, during early pregnancy. The decidua secretes various factors that act in an autocrine/paracrine manner to promote stromal differentiation, facilitate maternal angiogenesis, and influence trophoblast differentiation and development, which are critical for the formation of a functional placenta. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which decidual cells communicate with each other and with other cell types within the uterine milieu. We discovered that primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) during decidualization and that this process is controlled by a conserved HIF2α-RAB27B pathway. Mass spectrometry revealed that the decidual EVs harbor a variety of protein cargo, including cell signaling molecules, growth modulators, metabolic regulators, and factors controlling endothelial cell expansion and remodeling. We tested the hypothesis that EVs secreted by the decidual cells mediate functional communications between various cell types within the uterus. We demonstrated that the internalization of EVs, specifically those carrying the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), promotes glucose uptake in recipient HESCs, supporting and advancing the decidualization program. Additionally, delivery of HESC-derived EVs into human endothelial cells stimulated their proliferation and led to enhanced vascular network formation. Strikingly, stromal EVs also promoted the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into the extravillous trophoblast lineage. Collectively, these findings provide a deeper understanding of the pleiotropic roles played by EVs secreted by the decidual cells to ensure coordination of endometrial differentiation and angiogenesis with trophoblast function during the progressive phases of decidualization and placentation.
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Mizutani T, Orisaka M, Miyazaki Y, Morichika R, Uesaka M, Miyamoto K, Yoshida Y. Inhibition of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity induces cytotrophoblast differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast in human trophoblast. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6673154. [PMID: 35993908 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During placentation, placental cytotrophoblast (CT) cells differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. In the placenta, the expression of various genes is regulated by the Hippo pathway through a transcription complex, Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) (YAP/TAZ-TEAD) activity. YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity is controlled by multiple factors and signaling, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling. cAMP signaling is believed to be involved in the regulation of trophoblast function but is not yet fully understood. Here we showed that YAP/TAZ-TEAD expressions and their activities were altered by cAMP stimulation in BeWo cells, a human choriocarcinoma cell line. The repression of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity induced the expression of ST-specific genes without cAMP stimulation, and transduction of constitutively active YAP, i.e., YAP-5SA, resulted in the repression of 8Br-cAMP-induced expressions of ST-specific genes in a TEAD-dependent manner. We also investigated the role of YAP/TAZ-TEAD in maintaining CT cells and their differentiation into ST and EVT cells using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity was involved in maintaining the stemness of TS cells. Induction or repression of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity resulted in marked changes in the expression of ST-specific genes. Using primary CT cells, which spontaneously differentiate into ST-like cells, the effects of YAP-5SA transduction were investigated, and the expression of ST-specific genes was found to be repressed. These results indicate that the inhibition of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity, with or without cAMP stimulation, is essential for the differentiation of CT cells into ST cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Yumiko Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Ririko Morichika
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Miki Uesaka
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | | | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
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Kojima J, Ono M, Kuji N, Nishi H. Human Chorionic Villous Differentiation and Placental Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8003. [PMID: 35887349 PMCID: PMC9325306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the placenta provides the only fetomaternal connection and is essential for establishing a pregnancy as well as fetal well-being. Additionally, it allows maternal physiological adaptation and embryonic immunological acceptance, support, and nutrition. The placenta is derived from extra-embryonic tissues that develop rapidly and dynamically in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is primarily composed of trophoblasts that differentiate into villi, stromal cells, macrophages, and fetal endothelial cells (FEC). Placental differentiation may be closely related to perinatal diseases, including fetal growth retardation (FGR) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and miscarriage. There are limited findings regarding human chorionic villous differentiation and placental development because conducting in vivo studies is extremely difficult. Placental tissue varies widely among species. Thus, experimental animal findings are difficult to apply to humans. Early villous differentiation is difficult to study due to the small tissue size; however, a detailed analysis can potentially elucidate perinatal disease causes or help develop novel therapies. Artificial induction of early villous differentiation using human embryonic stem (ES) cells/induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was attempted, producing normally differentiated villi that can be used for interventional/invasive research. Here, we summarized and correlated early villous differentiation findings and discussed clinical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (J.K.); (N.K.); (H.N.)
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Transforming growth factor-β signaling governs the differentiation program of extravillous trophoblasts in the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120667119. [PMID: 35867736 PMCID: PMC9282384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120667119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal placentation has been noticed in a variety of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, early-onset preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Defects in the developmental program of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), migrating from placental anchoring villi into the maternal decidua and its vessels, is thought to be an underlying cause. Yet, key regulatory mechanisms controlling commitment and differentiation of the invasive trophoblast lineage remain largely elusive. Herein, comparative gene expression analyses of HLA-G-purified EVTs, isolated from donor-matched placenta, decidua, and trophoblast organoids (TB-ORGs), revealed biological processes and signaling pathways governing EVT development. In particular, bioinformatics analyses and manipulations in different versatile trophoblast cell models unraveled transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling as a crucial pathway driving differentiation of placental EVTs into decidual EVTs, the latter showing enrichment of a secretory gene signature. Removal of Wingless signaling and subsequent activation of the TGF-β pathway were required for the formation of human leukocyte antigen-G+ (HLA-G+) EVTs in TB-ORGs that resemble in situ EVTs at the level of global gene expression. Accordingly, TGF-β-treated EVTs secreted enzymes, such as DAO and PAPPA2, which were predominantly expressed by decidual EVTs. Their genes were controlled by EVT-specific induction and genomic binding of the TGF-β downstream effector SMAD3. In summary, TGF-β signaling plays a key role in human placental development governing the differentiation program of EVTs.
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39
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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40
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Transcription factor networks in trophoblast development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:337. [PMID: 35657505 PMCID: PMC9166831 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04363-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The placenta sustains embryonic development and is critical for a successful pregnancy outcome. It provides the site of exchange between the mother and the embryo, has immunological functions and is a vital endocrine organ. To perform these diverse roles, the placenta comprises highly specialized trophoblast cell types, including syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast. The coordinated actions of transcription factors (TFs) regulate their emergence during development, subsequent specialization, and identity. These TFs integrate diverse signaling cues, form TF networks, associate with chromatin remodeling and modifying factors, and collectively determine the cell type-specific characteristics. Here, we summarize the general properties of TFs, provide an overview of TFs involved in the development and function of the human trophoblast, and address similarities and differences to their murine orthologs. In addition, we discuss how the recent establishment of human in vitro models combined with -omics approaches propel our knowledge and transform the human trophoblast field.
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41
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Dong C, Fu S, Karvas RM, Chew B, Fischer LA, Xing X, Harrison JK, Popli P, Kommagani R, Wang T, Zhang B, Theunissen TW. A genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen identifies essential and growth-restricting genes in human trophoblast stem cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2548. [PMID: 35538076 PMCID: PMC9090837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30207-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent derivation of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) provides a scalable in vitro model system of human placental development, but the molecular regulators of hTSC identity have not been systematically explored thus far. Here, we utilize a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen to comprehensively identify essential and growth-restricting genes in hTSCs. By cross-referencing our data to those from similar genetic screens performed in other cell types, as well as gene expression data from early human embryos, we define hTSC-specific and -enriched regulators. These include both well-established and previously uncharacterized trophoblast regulators, such as ARID3A, GATA2, and TEAD1 (essential), and GCM1, PTPN14, and TET2 (growth-restricting). Integrated analysis of chromatin accessibility, gene expression, and genome-wide location data reveals that the transcription factor TEAD1 regulates the expression of many trophoblast regulators in hTSCs. In the absence of TEAD1, hTSCs fail to complete faithful differentiation into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells and instead show a bias towards syncytiotrophoblast (STB) differentiation, thus indicating that this transcription factor safeguards the bipotent lineage potential of hTSCs. Overall, our study provides a valuable resource for dissecting the molecular regulation of human placental development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shuhua Fu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Xing
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jessica K Harrison
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Pooja Popli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Sung DC, Chen X, Chen M, Yang J, Schultz S, Babu A, Xu Y, Gao S, Keller TCS, Mericko-Ishizuka P, Lee M, Yang Y, Scallan JP, Kahn ML. VE-cadherin enables trophoblast endovascular invasion and spiral artery remodeling during placental development. eLife 2022; 11:e77241. [PMID: 35486098 PMCID: PMC9106330 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During formation of the mammalian placenta, trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua and remodel spiral arteries to bring maternal blood into the placenta. This process, known as endovascular invasion, is thought to involve the adoption of functional characteristics of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by trophoblasts. The genetic and molecular basis of endovascular invasion remains poorly defined, however, and whether trophoblasts utilize specialized endothelial proteins in an analogous manner to create vascular channels remains untested. Vascular endothelial (VE-)cadherin is a homotypic adhesion protein that is expressed selectively by ECs in which it enables formation of tight vessels and regulation of EC junctions. VE-cadherin is also expressed in invasive trophoblasts and is a prime candidate for a molecular mechanism of endovascular invasion by those cells. Here, we show that VE-cadherin is required for trophoblast migration and endovascular invasion into the maternal decidua in the mouse. VE-cadherin deficiency results in loss of spiral artery remodeling that leads to decreased flow of maternal blood into the placenta, fetal growth restriction, and death. These studies identify a non-endothelial role for VE-cadherin in trophoblasts during placental development and suggest that endothelial proteins may play functionally unique roles in trophoblasts that do not simply mimic those in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C Sung
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Mei Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jisheng Yang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Susan Schultz
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Yitian Xu
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Siqi Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - TC Stevenson Keller
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Patricia Mericko-Ishizuka
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Michelle Lee
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South FloridaTampaUnited States
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South FloridaTampaUnited States
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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43
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Li Q, Wu H, Wang Y, Wang H. Current understanding in deciphering trophoblast cell differentiation during human placentation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:317-326. [PMID: 35478014 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a unique organ that forms during gestation and supports fetus survival and communication with the mother. However, of such an arguably essential organ for a successful pregnancy, our knowledge is limited. New progress has been made for human placenta study in recent years. We herein summarize the current understanding of human placental trophoblast differentiation and the molecules that govern trophoblast cell lineage specification. More importantly, the powerful tools for placental studies are also explained, such as human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), 3-dimensional (3D) trophoblast organoids, engineering-based placental devices, and single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq). These advances have brought us new insights into placental development and provided multiple investigation strategies for deciphering molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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Shukla V, Soares MJ. Modeling Trophoblast Cell-Guided Uterine Spiral Artery Transformation in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062947. [PMID: 35328368 PMCID: PMC8950824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat possesses hemochorial placentation with deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion and trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling, which resembles human placentation. Uterine spiral arteries are extensively remodeled to deliver sufficient supply of maternal blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. Inadequacies in these key processes negatively impact fetal growth and development. Recent innovations in genome editing combined with effective phenotyping strategies have provided new insights into placental development. Application of these research approaches has highlighted both conserved and species-specific features of hemochorial placentation. The review provides foundational information on rat hemochorial placental development and function during physiological and pathological states, especially as related to the invasive trophoblast cell-guided transformation of uterine spiral arteries. Our goal is to showcase the utility of the rat as a model for in vivo mechanistic investigations targeting regulatory events within the uterine-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Rosenfeld CS, Tuteja G. The impact of bisphenol a (BPA) on the placenta. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:826-834. [PMID: 35020819 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that is used in a wide-variety of plastic and common house-hold items. Therefore, there is potential continual exposure to this compound. BPA exposure has been linked to certain placenta-associated obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, and preterm birth. However, how BPA exposure results in these disorders remains uncertain. Hence, we have herein summarized the reported impact of BPA on the morphology and metabolic state of the placenta and have proposed mechanisms by which BPA affects placentation, potentially leading to obstetric complications. Current findings suggest that BPA induces pathological changes in the placenta and disrupts its metabolic activities. Based on exposure concentrations, BPA can elicit apoptotic or anti-apoptotic signals in the trophoblasts; and can exaggerate trophoblast fusion while inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion to affect pregnancy. Accordingly, the usage of BPA products by pregnant women should be minimized and less harmful alternative chemicals should be explored and employed where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Data Science and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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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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Varberg KM, Soares MJ. Paradigms for investigating invasive trophoblast cell development and contributions to uterine spiral artery remodeling. Placenta 2021; 113:48-56. [PMID: 33985793 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Uterine spiral arteries are extensively remodeled during placentation to ensure sufficient delivery of maternal blood to the developing fetus. Uterine spiral arterial remodeling is complex, as cells originating from both mother and developing conceptus interact at the maternal interface to regulate the extracellular matrix remodeling and vasculature restructuring necessary for successful placentation. Despite this complexity, one mechanism critical to spiral artery remodeling is trophoblast cell invasion into the maternal compartment. Invasive trophoblast cells include both interstitial and endovascular populations that exhibit spatiotemporal differences in uterine invasion, including proximity to uterine spiral arteries. Interstitial trophoblast cells invade the uterine parenchyma where they are interspersed among stromal cells. Endovascular trophoblast cells infiltrate uterine spiral arteries, replace endothelial cells, adopt a pseudo-endothelial cell phenotype, and engineer vessel remodeling. Impaired trophoblast cell invasion and, consequently, insufficient uterine spiral arterial remodeling can lead to the development of pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and premature birth. This review provides insights into invasive trophoblast cells and their function during normal placentation as well as in settings of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
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