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Galli J, Almiñana C, Wiesendanger M, Schuler G, Kowalewski MP, Klisch K. Bovine placental extracellular vesicles carry the fusogenic syncytin BERV-K1. Theriogenology 2024; 223:59-69. [PMID: 38678697 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.012] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Syncytins are endogenous retroviral envelope proteins which induce the fusion of membranes. A human representative of this group, endogenous retrovirus group W member 1 envelope (ERVW-1) or syncytin-1 is present in trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles and supports the incorporation of these extracellular vesicles into recipient cells. During pregnancy, placenta-derived extracellular vesicles participate in feto-maternal communication. Bovine fetal binucleate trophoblast cells express the syncytin, bovine endogenous retroviral envelope protein K1 (BERV-K1). These cells release extracellular vesicles into the maternal stroma, but it is unclear whether BERV-K1 is included in these extracellular vesicles. Here, extracellular vesicles were isolated from bovine placental tissue using collagenase digestion, ultracentrifugation, and size exclusion chromatography. They were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy were used to localize BERV-K1 within the bovine placental tissue. The isolated extracellular vesicles range between 50 and 300 nm, carrying multiple extracellular vesicle biomarkers. Proteomic analysis and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed BERV-K1 presence on the isolated extracellular vesicles. Further, BERV-K1 was localized on intraluminal vesicles in secretory granules of binucleate trophoblast cells. The presence of BERV-K1 on bovine placental extracellular vesicles suggests their role in feto-maternal communication and potential involvement of BERV-K1 in uptake of extracellular vesicles by target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Galli
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mahesa Wiesendanger
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Virology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 106, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mariusz Pawel Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Klisch
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland; Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 120, 3350, Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Lyons A, Brown J, Davenport KM. Single-Cell Sequencing Technology in Ruminant Livestock: Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5291-5306. [PMID: 38920988 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in single-cell sequencing have transformed the genomics field by allowing researchers to delve into the intricate cellular heterogeneity within tissues at greater resolution. While single-cell omics are more widely applied in model organisms and humans, their use in livestock species is just beginning. Studies in cattle, sheep, and goats have already leveraged single-cell and single-nuclei RNA-seq as well as single-cell and single-nuclei ATAC-seq to delineate cellular diversity in tissues, track changes in cell populations and gene expression over developmental stages, and characterize immune cell populations important for disease resistance and resilience. Although challenges exist for the use of this technology in ruminant livestock, such as the precise annotation of unique cell populations and spatial resolution of cells within a tissue, there is vast potential to enhance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning traits essential for healthy and productive livestock. This review intends to highlight the insights gained from published single-cell omics studies in cattle, sheep, and goats, particularly those with publicly accessible data. Further, this manuscript will discuss the challenges and opportunities of this technology in ruminant livestock and how it may contribute to enhanced profitability and sustainability of animal agriculture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Lyons
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Jocelynn Brown
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Kimberly M Davenport
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
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3
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Tan GH, Liu SJ, Dou ML, Zhao DF, Zhang A, Li HK, Luo FN, Shi T, Wang HP, Lei JY, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zheng Y, Wang F. Spatially resolved transcriptomic profiling of placental development in dairy cow. Zool Res 2024; 45:586-600. [PMID: 38766743 PMCID: PMC11188604 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.205] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta plays a crucial role in successful mammalian reproduction. Ruminant animals possess a semi-invasive placenta characterized by a highly vascularized structure formed by maternal endometrial caruncles and fetal placental cotyledons, essential for full-term fetal development. The cow placenta harbors at least two trophoblast cell populations: uninucleate (UNC) and binucleate (BNC) cells. However, the limited capacity to elucidate the transcriptomic dynamics of the placental natural environment has resulted in a poor understanding of both the molecular and cellular interactions between trophoblast cells and niches, and the molecular mechanisms governing trophoblast differentiation and functionalization. To fill this knowledge gap, we employed Stereo-seq to map spatial gene expression patterns at near single-cell resolution in the cow placenta at 90 and 130 days of gestation, attaining high-resolution, spatially resolved gene expression profiles. Based on clustering and cell marker gene expression analyses, key transcription factors, including YBX1 and NPAS2, were shown to regulate the heterogeneity of trophoblast cell subpopulations. Cell communication and trajectory analysis provided a framework for understanding cell-cell interactions and the differentiation of trophoblasts into BNCs in the placental microenvironment. Differential analysis of cell trajectories identified a set of genes involved in regulation of trophoblast differentiation. Additionally, spatial modules and co-variant genes that help shape specific tissue structures were identified. Together, these findings provide foundational insights into important biological pathways critical to the placental development and function in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Hui Tan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shi-Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ming-Le Dou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - De-Feng Zhao
- College of Information Engineering, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Heng-Kuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fu-Nong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hao-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
| | - Fei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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4
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Shu C, Street K, Breton CV, Bastain TM, Wilson ML. A review of single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics studies in maternal and child health. Epigenomics 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38709139 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2343276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies enhance our understanding of cellular dynamics throughout pregnancy. We outlined the workflow of single-cell sequencing techniques and reviewed single-cell studies in maternal and child health. We conducted a literature review of single cell studies on maternal and child health using PubMed. We summarized the findings from 16 single-cell atlases of the human and mammalian placenta across gestational stages and 31 single-cell studies on maternal exposures and complications including infection, obesity, diet, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, environmental exposure and preterm birth. Single-cell studies provides insights on novel cell types in placenta and cell type-specific marks associated with maternal exposures and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Division of Epidemiology & Genetics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kelly Street
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Melissa L Wilson
- Division of Disease Prevention, Policy, & Global Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,CA USA
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5
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Scatolin GN, Ming H, Wang Y, Iyyappan R, Gutierrez-Castillo E, Zhu L, Sagheer M, Song C, Bondioli K, Jiang Z. Single-cell transcriptional landscapes of bovine peri-implantation development. iScience 2024; 27:109605. [PMID: 38633001 PMCID: PMC11022056 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular programs of peri-implantation development, when most pregnancy failure occurs. Here, we present single-cell transcriptomes of bovine peri-implantation embryo development at day 12, 14, 16, and 18 post-fertilization. We defined the cellular composition and gene expression of embryonic disc, hypoblast, and trophoblast lineages in bovine peri-implantation embryos, and identified markers and pathway signaling that represent distinct stages of bovine peri-implantation lineages; the expression of selected markers was validated in peri-implantation embryos. Using detailed time-course transcriptomic analyses, we revealed a previously unrecognized primitive trophoblast cell lineage. We also characterized conserved and divergence peri-implantation lineage programs between bovine and other mammalian species. Finally, we established cell-cell communication signaling underlies embryonic and extraembryonic cell interaction to ensure proper early development. These data provide foundational information to discover essential biological signaling underpinning bovine peri-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yinjuan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Rajan Iyyappan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Masroor Sagheer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chao Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kenneth Bondioli
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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6
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Ortega MS, Lockhart KN, Spencer TE. Impact of Sire on Embryo Development and Pregnancy. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:131-140. [PMID: 37704462 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of in vitro embryo production (IVP) has increased globally, particularly in the United States. Although maternal factors influencing embryo development have been extensively studied, the influence of the sire is not well understood. Sperm plays a crucial role in embryo development providing DNA, triggering oocyte maturation, and aiding in mitosis. Current sire fertility measurements do not consistently align with embryo production outcomes. Low-fertility sires may perform well in IVP systems but produce fewer pregnancies. Testing sires in vitro could identify characteristics affecting embryo development and pregnancy loss risk in IVP and embryo transfer programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sofia Ortega
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1675 Observatory Drive.
| | - Kelsey N Lockhart
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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7
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Davenport KM, O'Neil EV, Ortega MS, Patterson A, Kelleher AM, Warren WC, Spencer TE. Single-cell insights into development of the bovine placenta†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:169-184. [PMID: 37707543 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad123] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A central determinant of pregnancy success is proper development of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes including the placenta). Although the gross morphology and histology of the bovine placenta have been well studied, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating placenta development and trophoblast differentiation and function remain essentially undefined. Here, single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed on the day 17 bovine conceptus and chorion of day 24, 30, and 50 conceptuses (n = 3-4 samples per day) using the 10X Genomics platform. Bioinformatic analyses identified cell types and their ontogeny including trophoblast, mesenchyme, and immune cells. Loss of interferon tau-expressing trophoblast uninucleate cells occurred between days 17 and 30, whereas binucleate cells, identified based on expression of placental lactogen (CSH2) and specific pregnancy-associated glycoprotein genes (PAGs), first appeared on day 24. Several different types of uninucleate cells were present in day 24, 30, and 50 samples, but only one (day 24) or two types of binucleate cells (days 30 and 50). Cell trajectory analyses provided a conceptual framework for uninucleate cell development and binucleate cell differentiation, and bioinformatic analyses identified candidate transcription factors governing differentiation and function of the trophoblasts. The digital atlas of cell types in the developing bovine conceptus reported here serves as a resource to discover key genes and biological pathways regulating its development during the critical periods of implantation and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleanore V O'Neil
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - M Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Amanda Patterson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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8
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Spencer TE, Lowke MT, Davenport KM, Dhakal P, Kelleher AM. Single-cell insights into epithelial morphogenesis in the neonatal mouse uterus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316410120. [PMID: 38019863 PMCID: PMC10710066 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316410120] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus is vital for successful reproduction in mammals, and two different types of epithelia (luminal and glandular) are essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. However, the essential cellular and molecular factors and pathways governing postnatal epithelium maturation, determination, and differentiation in developing uterus are yet to be elucidated. Here, the epithelium of the neonatal mouse uterus was isolated and subjected to single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis. Both the undifferentiated epithelium and determined luminal epithelium were heterogeneous and contained several different cell clusters based on single-cell transcription profiles. Substantial gene expression differences were evident as the epithelium matured and differentiated between postnatal days 1 to 15. Two new glandular epithelium-expressed genes (Gas6 and Cited4) were identified and validated by in situ hybridization. Trajectory analyses provided a framework for understanding epithelium maturation, lineage bifurcation, and differentiation. A candidate set of transcription factors and gene regulatory networks were identified that potentially direct epithelium lineage specification and morphogenesis. This atlas provides a foundation important to discover intrinsic cellular and molecular mechanisms directing uterine epithelium morphogenesis during a critical window of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Makenzie T. Lowke
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | | | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
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9
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Butt Z, Tinning H, O'Connell MJ, Fenn J, Alberio R, Forde N. Understanding conceptus-maternal interactions: what tools do we need to develop? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:81-92. [PMID: 38064186 DOI: 10.1071/rd23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the maternal endometrium and developing embryo/conceptus is critical to support successful pregnancy to term. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical as this is when most pregnancy loss occurs in cattle. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models to assess these interactions. The endometrium is a complex and heterogeneous tissue that is regulated in a transcriptional and translational manner throughout the oestrous cycle. While there are in vitro models to study endometrial function, they are static and 2D in nature or explant models and are limited in how well they recapitulate the in vivo endometrium. Recent developments in organoid systems, microfluidic approaches, extracellular matrix biology, and in silico approaches provide a new opportunity to develop in vitro systems that better model the in vivo scenario. This will allow us to investigate in a more high-throughput manner the fundamental molecular interactions that are required for successful pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Butt
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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10
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Sakurai T, Kusama K, Imakawa K. Progressive Exaptation of Endogenous Retroviruses in Placental Evolution in Cattle. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1680. [PMID: 38136553 PMCID: PMC10741562 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121680] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Viviparity is made possible by the placenta, a structure acquired relatively recently in the evolutionary history of eutherian mammals. Compared to oviparity, it increases the survival rate of the fetus, owing to the eutherian placenta. Questions such as "How was the placenta acquired?" and "Why is there diversity in placental morphology among mammalian species?" remain largely unsolved. Our present understanding of the molecules regulating placental development remains unclear, owing in no small part to the persistent obscurity surrounding the molecular mechanisms underlying placental acquisition. Numerous genes associated with the development of eutherian placental morphology likely evolved to function at the fetal-maternal interface in conjunction with those participating in embryogenesis. Therefore, identifying these genes, how they were acquired, and how they came to be expressed specifically at the fetal-maternal interface will shed light on some crucial molecular mechanisms underlying placental evolution. Exhaustive studies support the hypothesis that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) could be evolutional driving forces for trophoblast cell fusion and placental structure in mammalian placentas including those of the bovine species. This review focuses on bovine ERVs (BERVs) and their expression and function in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Sakurai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Koriyama 963-8611, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, 9-1-1 Toroku, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan;
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11
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Scatolin GN, Ming H, Wang Y, Zhu L, Castillo EG, Bondioli K, Jiang Z. Single-cell transcriptional landscapes of bovine peri-implantation development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544813. [PMID: 37398069 PMCID: PMC10312721 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the cellular hierarchy and underlying molecular mechanisms during peri-implantation development. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptome-wide view of the bovine peri-implantation embryo development at day 12, 14, 16 and 18, when most of the pregnancy failure occurs in cattle. We defined the development and dynamic progression of cellular composition and gene expression of embryonic disc, hypoblast, and trophoblast lineages during bovine peri-implantation development. Notably, the comprehensive transcriptomic mapping of trophoblast development revealed a previously unrecognized primitive trophoblast cell lineage that is responsible for pregnancy maintenance in bovine prior to the time when binucleate cells emerge. We analyzed novel markers for the cell lineage development during bovine early development. We also identified cell-cell communication signaling underling embryonic and extraembryonic cell interaction to ensure proper early development. Collectively, our work provides foundational information to discover essential biological pathways underpinning bovine peri-implantation development and the molecular causes of the early pregnancy failure during this critical period. Significance Statement Peri-implantation development is essential for successful reproduction in mammalian species, and cattle have a unique process of elongation that proceeds for two weeks prior to implantation and represents a period when many pregnancies fail. Although the bovine embryo elongation has been studied histologically, the essential cellular and molecular factors governing lineage differentiation remain unexplored. This study profiled the transcriptome of single cells in the bovine peri-implantation development throughout day 12, 14, 16, and 18, and identified peri-implantation stage-related features of cell lineages. The candidate regulatory genes, factors, pathways and embryonic and extraembryonic cell interactions were also prioritized to ensure proper embryo elongation in cattle.
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