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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Perna A, Hay E, Lucariello A, Scala B, De Blasiis P, Komici K, Sgambati E, Guerra G, Baldi A, De Luca A. GATA3 and TGF-β in normal placenta and pre-eclampsia. Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102402. [PMID: 38759523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102402] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
GATA3 plays critical roles in the development and function of various tissues and organs throughout the body. Likewise, TGF-β signaling is critical for placental development and can interact with GATA3. We aimed to investigate the involvement of the multifunctional cytokine and transcription factor in trophoblast development. By using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the localization and expression level of GATA3 and TGF-β in placentas at term of normal pregnancy and with pre-eclampsia. Up-regulation of both GATA3 and TGF-β was observed in pathological placentas, with localization in the villus epithelium (syncytiotrophoblast) stroma and decidua. Our data show altered expression of TGF-β and GATA3, which downstream could lead to a cascade of events that negatively influence trophoblast development and contribute to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Perna
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Hay
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Angela Lucariello
- Department of Sport Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples 80133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Scala
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Paolo De Blasiis
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Klara Komici
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, Isernia 86090, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy
| | - Alfonso Baldi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples 80138, Italy
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Liu B, Fu B, Zhou S, Wang H, Bi B, Guo M, Cheng JC, Fang L. Bone morphogenetic protein-9 downregulates StAR expression by inducing snail expression via SMAD1/5/8 signaling in human granulosa-lutein cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 582:112126. [PMID: 38109991 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian steroidogenesis mediated by granulosa cells is pivotal in maintaining normal female reproductive function. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. Bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9), also known as growth differentiation factor-2 (GDF-2), is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. BMP-9 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that contributes to cancer progression. However, the function of BMP-9 in the female reproductive system remains largely unknown. It has been recently shown that BMP-9 is expressed in human follicular fluid and can downregulate StAR expression in human ovarian granulosa cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms warrant investigation. Our results show that treatment of primary granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells with BMP-9 downregulates StAR expression. In addition, two EMT-related transcription factors, Snail and Slug, are upregulated by the treatment of BMP-9. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we show that BMP-9 upregulates Snail and Slug expression by activating SMAD1/5/8 signaling. We also examine the effects of BMP-9 on SMAD-independent signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, p38, JNK, AKT, and CREB. However, none of them is affected by the BMP-9. Moreover, we use gain- and loss-of-function approaches to reveal that only Snail, not Slug, is required for the BMP-9-induced downregulation of StAR expression in hGL cells. This study increases the understanding of the physiology function of BMP-9 in hGL cells and provides important insights into the regulation of StAR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bingxin Fu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shenghui Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Beibei Bi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Manman Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Noyola-Martínez N, Chirinos M, Ramírez-Camacho I, Escamilla-Bucio JE, García-Olivares M, Aragón-Hernández JP, Segovia-Mendoza M, Halhali A, Barrera D. Effects of calcitriol upon TGF-βs and their receptors in trophoblast cells. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 161:104181. [PMID: 38141515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104181] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Calcitriol levels increase during pregnancy, contributing to the hormonal and immunological balance, but its deficiency has been associated with problems during this period. Meanwhile, transforming growth factors-β (TGF-βs) play an important role in the maintenance of fetal-maternal immune tolerance; however, exacerbated concentrations of this growth factor are associated with complicated pregnancies. Therefore, we studied the effects of calcitriol on TGF-βs and their receptors in trophoblast cells. Term placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies after cesarean sections were used for cell cultures. Basal gene expression and the effect of calcitriol upon TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and their receptors TGF-βR1 and TGF-βR2 were assessed using real-time PCR from trophoblast cells. The presence of TGF-β1, 2, 3, and TGF-βR1 were evaluated by immunofluorescence, and the protein abundance and secretion of TGF-β1 were assessed by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Basal gene expression of TGF-β1 in trophoblast from term placentas was higher than TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, while TGF-βR2 was higher than TGF-βR1. The presence and cellular localization of TGF-β1, 2, 3, and TGF-βR1 were detected in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast, with TGF-β1 showing the highest intensity. Calcitriol significantly inhibited gene expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-βR1. Likewise, calcitriol decreased the secretion and abundance of TGF-β1. In conclusion, results indicate that calcitriol is a regulator of TGF-βs in cultured trophoblast cells from term placentas and therefore may be an important player in the development of healthy pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Noyola-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Ixchel Ramírez-Camacho
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Joselin Estefania Escamilla-Bucio
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Mitzi García-Olivares
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Juan Pablo Aragón-Hernández
- Departamento de la Unidad Tocoquirúrgica, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Mariana Segovia-Mendoza
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ali Halhali
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - David Barrera
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez, Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico.
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5
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Romero-Córdoba S, Chirinos M, Noyola-Martínez N, Torres-Ramírez N, García-Olivares M, Aragón-Hernández JP, Ramírez-Camacho I, Zúñiga R, Larrea F, Halhali A, Barrera D. Transcriptional landscape of human trophoblast cells treated with calcitriol and TGF-β1. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112088. [PMID: 37832930 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Calcitriol and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) are unrelated molecules that regulate biological processes according to the genetic target, cell type, and context. Several studies have shown independent effects of calcitriol and TGF-βs on the placenta, but there is no information regarding the impact of their combination on these cells. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of calcitriol, TGF-β1, and their combination in primary cultures of human trophoblast cells using a whole genome expression microarray. Data analysis revealed a set of differentially expressed genes induced by each treatment. Enrichment pathway analysis identified modulatory effects of calcitriol on genes related to metabolic processes such as vitamin D, steroid, and fat-soluble vitamins as well as antimicrobial and immune responses. In relation to TGF-β1, the analysis showed a few differentially expressed genes that were mainly associated with the neutrophil immune response. Lastly, the analysis revealed that the combination of calcitriol and TGF-β1 up-regulated genes involving both immunologic processes and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, eicosanoids, and lipoxins, among others. In contrast, pathways down-regulated by the combination were mostly associated with the catabolic process of acylglycerols and peptides, PPAR signaling pathway, cellular response to low-density lipoprotein stimulus, renin angiotensin system and digestion, mobilization and transport of lipids. Consistent with these results, the combined treatment on human trophoblast cells induced the accumulation of intracellular neutral lipid droplets and stimulated both gene and protein expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. In conclusion, the results revealed that differentially expressed genes induced by the combination modified the transcriptional landscape compared to each treatment alone, mainly altering the storage, activity and metabolism of lipids, which might have an impact on placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Romero-Córdoba
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Nancy Noyola-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Nayeli Torres-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Mitzi García-Olivares
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Juan Pablo Aragón-Hernández
- Departamento de la Unidad Tocoquirúrgica, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Ixchel Ramírez-Camacho
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Rosa Zúñiga
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - Ali Halhali
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico
| | - David Barrera
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción "Dr. Carlos Gual Castro", Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, Ciudad de México, 14080, Mexico.
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Wen B, Liao H, Lin W, Li Z, Ma X, Xu Q, Yu F. The Role of TGF-β during Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16882. [PMID: 38069201 PMCID: PMC10706464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine, is one of the most important inflammatory cytokines closely related to pregnancy. It plays significant roles in hormone secretion, placental development, and embryonic growth during pregnancy. TGF-β is implicated in embryo implantation and inhibits the invasion of extraepithelial trophoblast cells. It also moderates the mother-fetus interaction by adjusting the secretion pattern of immunomodulatory factors in the placenta, consequently influencing the mother's immune cells. The TGF-β family regulates the development of the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems by regulating gene expression. Furthermore, TGF-β has been associated with various pregnancy complications. An increase in TGF-β levels can induce the occurrences of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, while a decrease can lead to recurrent miscarriage due to the interference of the immune tolerance environment. This review focuses on the role of TGF-β in embryo implantation and development, providing new insights for the clinical prevention and treatment of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Wen
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Huixin Liao
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Weilin Lin
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Zhikai Li
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiaoqing Ma
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Qian Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Feiyuan Yu
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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Zeng YT, Liu WF, Zheng PS, Li S. GDF15 deficiency hinders human trophoblast invasion to mediate pregnancy loss through downregulating Smad1/5 phosphorylation. iScience 2023; 26:107902. [PMID: 37766993 PMCID: PMC10520888 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the Transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) superfamily. The decrease of GDF15 in the serum of pregnant women was associated with miscarriage. Both IHC and ELISA assays showed that GDF15 in trophoblast tissue and serum of pregnant women who miscarried was significantly lower than in those who had a live birth. GDF15 deficiency was associated with embryo resorption in GDF15 knockout mice through CRIPSR editing. In addition, the migration and invasion ability of HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells were promoted by GDF15. Mechanistically, GDF15 increased Smad1/5 phosphorylation, resulting in upregulating SNAI1/2, VIMENTIN and downregulating E-CADHERIN. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Smad-binding elements (SBE) and/or GC-rich motifs were activated and target genes such as SNAI1/2, SERPINE1, and TIMP3 were transcriptionally regulated by GDF15/Smad5 signaling. Therefore, our data revealed a crucial role of GDF15 on invasion of trophoblast by upregulating the activity of TGF-β/Smad1/5 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Fang Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Hashimoto K, Miyagawa Y, Watanabe S, Takasaki K, Nishizawa M, Yatsuki K, Takahashi Y, Kamata H, Kihira C, Hiraike H, Sasamori Y, Kido K, Ryo E, Nagasaka K. The TGF-β/UCHL5/Smad2 Axis Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Placenta Accreta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13706. [PMID: 37762005 PMCID: PMC10530686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813706] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta accreta is a high-risk condition causing obstetric crisis and hemorrhage; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown. We aimed to identify the factors contributing to trophoblast invasiveness and angiogenic potential, which in turn drive the pathogenesis of placenta accreta. We focused on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-Smad pathway and investigated the intrinsic relationship between the time- and dose-dependent inhibition of the ubiquitinating enzyme UCHL5 using bAP15, a deubiquitinase inhibitor, after TGF-β1 stimulation and the invasive and angiogenic potential of two cell lines, gestational choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 and trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. UCHL5 inhibition negatively regulated TGF-β1-induced Smad2 activation, decreasing extravillous trophoblast invasiveness. Smad1/5/9 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were simultaneously activated, and vascular endothelial growth factor was secreted into the trophoblast medium. However, extravillous trophoblast culture supernatant severely impaired the vasculogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results suggest that the downstream ERK pathway and Smad1/5/9 potentially regulate the TGF-β1-Smad pathway in extravillous trophoblasts, whereas Smad2 contributes to their invasiveness. The abnormal invasive and angiogenic capacities of extravillous cells, likely driven by the interaction between TGF-β1-Smad and ERK pathways, underlie the pathogenesis of placenta accreta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kazunori Nagasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
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Xiong W, Chen S, Xiang H, Zhao S, Xiao J, Li J, Liu Y, Shu Z, Ouyang J, Zhang J, Liu H, Wang X, Zou H, Chen Y, Chen A, Lu H. S1PR1 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT and improving endothelial barrier function. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2023:102228. [PMID: 37295666 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2023.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fatal disease of unknown etiology. Its pathological manifestations include excessive proliferation and activation of fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix. Endothelial cell-mesenchymal transformation (EndMT), a novel mechanism that generates fibroblast during IPF, is responsible for fibroblast-like phenotypic changes and activation of fibroblasts into hypersecretory cells. However, the exact mechanism behind EndMT-derived fibroblasts and activation is uncertain. Here, we investigated the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in EndMT-driven pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS We treated C57BL/6 mice with bleomycin (BLM) in vivo and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells with TGF-β1 in vitro. Western blot,flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of S1PR1 in endothelial cells. To evaluate the effect of S1PR1 on EndMT and endothelial barrier and its role in lung fibrosis and related signaling pathways, S1PR1 agonist and antagonist were used in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Endothelial S1PR1 protein expression was downregulated in both in vitro and in vivo models of pulmonary fibrosis induced by TGF-β1 and BLM, respectively. Downregulation of S1PR1 resulted in EndMT, indicated by decreased expression of endothelial markers CD31 and VE-cadherin, increased expression of mesenchymal markers α-SMA and nuclear transcription factor Snail, and disruption of the endothelial barrier. Further mechanistic studies found that stimulation of S1PR1 inhibited TGF-β1-mediated activation of the Smad2/3 and RhoA/ROCK1 pathways. Moreover, stimulation of S1PR1 attenuated Smad2/3 and RhoA/ROCK1 pathway-mediated damage to endothelial barrier function. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial S1PR1 provides protection against pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT and attenuating endothelial barrier damage. Accordingly, S1PR1 may be a potential therapeutic target in progressive IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Xiong
- Health Management Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Shuhua Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Hong Xiang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Shaoli Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jialing Li
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Yulan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Zhihao Shu
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jie Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Huiqin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Xuewen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Hang Zou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China
| | - Alex Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Health Management Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China; Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China.
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10
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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11
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Rekowska AK, Obuchowska K, Bartosik M, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Słodzińska M, Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Biomolecules Involved in Both Metastasis and Placenta Accreta Spectrum-Does the Common Pathophysiological Pathway Exist? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092618. [PMID: 37174083 PMCID: PMC10177254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial in the implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent placental development. The trophoblast, consisting of villous and extravillous zones, plays different roles in these processes. Pathological states, such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), can arise due to dysfunction of the trophoblast or defective decidualization, leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Studies have drawn parallels between placentation and carcinogenesis, with both processes involving EMT and the establishment of a microenvironment that facilitates invasion and infiltration. This article presents a review of molecular biomarkers involved in both the microenvironment of tumors and placental cells, including placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin (CDH1), laminin γ2 (LAMC2), the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) proteins, αVβ3 integrin, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), β-catenin, cofilin-1 (CFL-1), and interleukin-35 (IL-35). Understanding the similarities and differences in these processes may provide insights into the development of therapeutic options for both PAS and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Rekowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Obuchowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Słodzińska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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12
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Chen J, Song T, Yang S, Meng Q, Han X, Wu Z, Cheng JC, Fang L. Snail mediates GDF-8-stimulated human extravillous trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating MMP2 expression. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:93. [PMID: 37143106 PMCID: PMC10158255 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion is a tightly regulated process that requires for a normal pregnancy. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in EVT cell invasion. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and promotes EVT cell invasion by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of GDF-8-induced MMP2 expression remains undetermined. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the role of Snail and Slug, the EMT-related transcriptional regulators, in GDF-8-stimulated MMP2 expression and cell invasion in HTR-8/SVneo human EVT cell line and primary cultures of human EVT cells. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo and primary cultures of human EVT cells were used to examine the effect of GDF-8 on MMP2 expression and explore the underlying mechanism. For gene silencing and overexpression, the HTR-8/SVneo cell line was used to make the experiments more technically feasible. The cell invasiveness was measured by Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. RESULTS GDF-8 stimulated MMP2 expression in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. The stimulatory effect of GDF-8 on MMP2 expression was blocked by the inhibitor of TGF-β type-I receptors, SB431542. Treatment with GDF-8 upregulated Snail and Slug expression in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. The stimulatory effects of GDF-8 on Snail and Slug expression were blocked by pretreatment of SB431542 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of SMAD4. Interestingly, using the siRNA knockdown approach, our results showed that Snail but not Slug was required for the GDF-8-induced MMP2 expression and cell invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The reduction of MMP2 expression in the placentas with preeclampsia (PE) was also observed. CONCLUSIONS These findings discover the physiological function of GDF-8 in the human placenta and provide important insights into the regulation of MMP2 expression in human EVT cells. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaye Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Tinglin Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Sizhu Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
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13
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Karakis V, Jabeen M, Britt JW, Cordiner A, Mischler A, Li F, San Miguel A, Rao BM. Laminin switches terminal differentiation fate of human trophoblast stem cells under chemically defined culture conditions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104650. [PMID: 36972789 PMCID: PMC10176266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool to model early placental development in vitro. Analogous to the epithelial cytotrophoblast in the placenta, hTSCs can differentiate into cells of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage or the multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Here we present a chemically defined culture system for STB and EVT differentiation of hTSCs. Notably, in contrast to current approaches, we neither utilize forskolin for STB formation nor transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors or a passage step for EVT differentiation. Strikingly, the presence of a single additional extracellular cue-laminin-111-switched the terminal differentiation of hTSCs from STB to the EVT lineage under these conditions. In the absence of laminin-111, STB formation occurred, with cell fusion comparable to that obtained with differentiation mediated by forskolin; however, in the presence of laminin-111, hTSCs differentiated to the EVT lineage. Protein expression of nuclear hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF2α) was upregulated during EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. A heterogeneous mixture of Notch1+ EVTs in colonies and HLA-G+ single-cell EVTs were obtained without a passage step, reminiscent of heterogeneity in vivo. Further analysis showed that inhibition of TGFβ signaling affected both STB and EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. TGFβ inhibition during EVT differentiation resulted in decreased HLA-G expression and increased Notch1 expression. On the other hand, TGFβ inhibition prevented STB formation. The chemically defined culture system for hTSC differentiation established herein facilitates quantitative analysis of heterogeneity that arises during hTSC differentiation and will enable mechanistic studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Karakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahe Jabeen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - John W Britt
- Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Abigail Cordiner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adriana San Miguel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
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14
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Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Puttabyatappa M, Dou JF, Elkin ER, Hammoud SS, Domino SE, Dolinoy DC, Goodrich JM, Loch-Caruso R, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM. Placental cell type deconvolution reveals that cell proportions drive preeclampsia gene expression differences. Commun Biol 2023; 6:264. [PMID: 36914823 PMCID: PMC10011423 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04623-6] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta mediates adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, which is characterized by gestational hypertension and proteinuria. Placental cell type heterogeneity in preeclampsia is not well-understood and limits mechanistic interpretation of bulk gene expression measures. We generated single-cell RNA-sequencing samples for integration with existing data to create the largest deconvolution reference of 19 fetal and 8 maternal cell types from placental villous tissue (n = 9 biological replicates) at term (n = 40,494 cells). We deconvoluted eight published microarray case-control studies of preeclampsia (n = 173 controls, 157 cases). Preeclampsia was associated with excess extravillous trophoblasts and fewer mesenchymal and Hofbauer cells. Adjustment for cellular composition reduced preeclampsia-associated differentially expressed genes (log2 fold-change cutoff = 0.1, FDR < 0.05) from 1154 to 0, whereas downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, aerobic respiration, and ribosome biogenesis were robust to cell type adjustment, suggesting direct changes to these pathways. Cellular composition mediated a substantial proportion of the association between preeclampsia and FLT1 (37.8%, 95% CI [27.5%, 48.8%]), LEP (34.5%, 95% CI [26.0%, 44.9%]), and ENG (34.5%, 95% CI [25.0%, 45.3%]) overexpression. Our findings indicate substantial placental cellular heterogeneity in preeclampsia contributes to previously observed bulk gene expression differences. This deconvolution reference lays the groundwork for cellular heterogeneity-aware investigation into placental dysfunction and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Campbell
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - John F Dou
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elana R Elkin
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher S Hammoud
- Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Domino
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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15
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Prijanti AR, Oktavia NT, Iswanti FC, Mudjihartini N, Purwosunu Y. Increase in transforming growth factor-β didnot affect trombospondin1 in preeclampsia placentas. Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 20:22-28. [PMID: 36908054 PMCID: PMC10013084 DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2023.82529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The abnormalities of the placental growth process are a theory causing pre-eclampsia. Antiangiogenic factors contributed to it, such as thrombospondin-1 (TSp-1) that could stimulate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), or vice versa. Some research showed that an increase in TGF-β did not always figurized its signaling. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the TGF-β signaling proteins through its receptors and TSp-1 expression in preeclampsia placentas. Materials and Methods This observational study used 33 normal and 33 pre-eclampsia placental storaged samples, for examination of TGF-β and TGF-βR 1 and 2, SMAD2 using ELISA, and SMAD2 and TSp-1 mRNA using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, normality test by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and significancy was analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, or t-test for parametric, with confidence interval 95%. Spearman correlation was used for non-parametric data, besides the Pearson correlation for parametric data. Results Results showed that there were significant differences between preeclampsia and normal placenta in TGF-β, its receptors, SMAD2, and TSp-1 mRNA. Normal-TGF-β=1.19 (0.713-2.051) pg/mg; preeclampsia-TGFB=2.69 (0.906-10.252) pg/mg; p=0.001; normal-TGFBR1=1.025 (0.622-1.402) ng/mg; preeclampsia-TGFBR1=1.223 (0.372-2.553) ng/mg; p=0.004; Normal-TGF-βR2=0.959 (0.644-1.634) pg/mg; preeclampsia-TGFBR2=1.490 (0.775-3.645) pg/mg; p=0.0001; normal-SMAD2=2.087 (1.279-4.300) ng/mg; preeclampsia-SMAD2=3.508 (1.842-22.489) ng/mg; p=0.0001. The SMAD2 mRNA relative expression (Livax) in the normal placenta was=0.71 (0.03-7.25); pre-eclampsia placenta (PE)=0.49 (0.01-40.71); p=0.075, the normal TSp-1 mRNA expression=1.08 (0.09-5.31); PE=0.21 (0.002-24.06); p=0.002. The correlation test showed a strong correlation between TGF-β with TGFBR1 and 2 in the normal placenta, conversely, there was no correlation in the preeclampsia placenta. There was also no correlation between SMAD2 and TSp-1 mRNA in both normal and pre-eclampsia. Conclusion TGF-β signaling in the preeclampsia placenta was changed due to the increased of the protein signaling it self without correlation between TGF-β to its receptors and TSp-1 relative expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Retno Prijanti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nissa Thoyyiba Oktavia
- Master's Programe in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Febriana Catur Iswanti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ninik Mudjihartini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yuditiya Purwosunu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine-cipto Mangunkusumo Central Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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16
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Murrieta-Coxca JM, Barth E, Fuentes-Zacarias P, Gutiérrez-Samudio RN, Groten T, Gellhaus A, Köninger A, Marz M, Markert UR, Morales-Prieto DM. Identification of altered miRNAs and their targets in placenta accreta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1021640. [PMID: 36936174 PMCID: PMC10022468 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1021640] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide with increasing incidence. PAS refers to a group of pathological conditions ranging from the abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterus wall to its perforation and, in extreme cases, invasion into surrounding organs. Among them, placenta accreta is characterized by a direct adhesion of the villi to the myometrium without invasion and remains the most common diagnosis of PAS. Here, we identify the potential regulatory miRNA and target networks contributing to placenta accreta development. Using small RNA-Seq followed by RT-PCR confirmation, altered miRNA expression, including that of members of placenta-specific miRNA clusters (e.g., C19MC and C14MC), was identified in placenta accreta samples compared to normal placental tissues. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed expression of altered miRNAs mostly in trophoblast but also in endothelial cells and this profile was similar among all evaluated degrees of PAS. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses showed enriched pathways dysregulated in PAS associated with cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and invasion. mRNAs of genes associated with cell cycle and inflammation were downregulated in PAS. At the protein level, NF-κB was upregulated while PTEN was downregulated in placenta accreta tissue. The identified miRNAs and their targets are associated with signaling pathways relevant to controlling trophoblast function. Therefore, this study provides miRNA:mRNA associations that could be useful for understanding PAS onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuel Barth
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Bioinformatics Core Facility, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja Groten
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Fritz Lipman Institute (FLI), Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo R. Markert, ; Diana M. Morales-Prieto,
| | - Diana M. Morales-Prieto
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo R. Markert, ; Diana M. Morales-Prieto,
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17
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Zheng Q, Yang F, Gan H, Jin L. Hypoxia induced ALKBH5 prevents spontaneous abortion by mediating m 6A-demethylation of SMAD1/5 mRNAs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119316. [PMID: 35724807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The molecules induced by hypoxia have been supposed to be important regulators of first trimester trophoblast activity, but the key mechanism mediating invasion of trophoblast cells is not fully illustrated. Here, we found that the expression of RNA demethylase ALKBH5 was upregulated in trophoblast upon hypoxia treatment and decreased in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Furthermore, we found that trophoblast-specific knockdown of ALKBH5 in mouse placenta suppressed the invasion of trophoblast and significantly led to fetus abortion in vivo. Then ALKBH5 was identified to promote the invasion of trophoblast. Mechanistically, we identified transcripts with altered methylation in trophoblast induced by hypoxia via m6A-seq, ALKBH5 translocated from nucleus to cytoplasm upon hypoxia treatment and demethylated certain target transcripts, such as m6A-modified SMAD1/SMAD5, consequently enhanced the translation of SMAD1/SMAD5 and then promoted MMP9 and ITGA1 production. Thus, we demonstrated that ALKBH5 promoted the activity of trophoblasts by enhancing SMAD1/5 expression via erasing their m6A modifications. Our research revealed a new m6A epigenetic way to regulate the invasion of trophoblast, which suggested a novel potential therapeutic target for spontaneous abortion prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingliang Zheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen 518000, PR China.
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China
| | - Haili Gan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China.
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18
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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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19
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Wu Z, Fang L, Yang S, Gao Y, Wang Z, Meng Q, Dang X, Sun YP, Cheng JC. GDF-11 promotes human trophoblast cell invasion by increasing ID2-mediated MMP2 expression. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:89. [PMID: 35705978 PMCID: PMC9202197 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00899-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein-11, belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. GDF-11 was first identified as an important regulator during embryonic development. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that GDF-11 regulates the development of various organs and its aberrant expressions are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells invasion is a critical event for placenta development and needs to be finely regulated. However, to date, the biological function of GDF-11 in the human EVT cells remains unknown. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo, a human EVT cell line, and primary cultures of human EVT cells were used to examine the effect of GDF-11 on matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression. Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay was used to examine cell invasiveness. A series of in vitro experiments were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms that mediate the effect of GDF-11 on MMP2 expression and cell invasion. RESULTS Treatment with GDF-11 stimulates MMP2 expression, in the HTR-8/SVneo and primary human EVT cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches, our results demonstrated that the stimulatory effect of GDF-11 on MMP2 expression was mediated by the ALK4/5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathways. In addition, the expression of inhibitor of DNA-binding protein 2 (ID2) was upregulated by GDF-11 and that was required for the GDF-11-stimulated MMP2 expression and EVT cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS These findings discover a new biological function and underlying molecular mechanisms of GDF-11 in the regulation of human EVT cell invasion. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Sizhu Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xuan Dang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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20
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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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Huang M, Yang F, Zhang D, Lin M, Duan H, El-Mayta R, Zhang L, Qin L, Shewale SV, Pei L, Mitchell MJ, Rader DJ, Fan Y, Gong Y. Endothelial plasticity drives aberrant vascularization and impedes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:372-388. [PMID: 35571674 PMCID: PMC9104847 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide, largely because efficient interventions to restore cardiac function after MI are currently lacking. Here, we characterize vascular aberrancies induced by MI, and propose to target acquired endothelial cell (EC) changes to normalize vessels and promote cardiac repair after MI. Single-cell transcriptome analyses of MI-associated ECs indicates that ECs acquire mesenchymal gene signature that result in phenotypic and functional changes and lead to vessel abnormalities. We identify a PDGF/NF-κB/HIF-1α axis that induces Snail expression and mesenchymal phenotypes in ECs under hypoxia, altogether causing aberrant vascularization. EC-specific knockout of PDGFR-β, pharmacological PDGFR inhibition or nanoparticle-based targeted PDGFR-β siRNA delivery in mice attenuates vascular abnormalities in the infarcted tissue and improves cardiac repair after MI. These findings illustrate a mechanism controlling aberrant neovascularization after ischemia, and suggest that targeting PDGF/Snail-mediated endothelial plasticity may offer opportunities for normalizing vasculature and treating ischemic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menggui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Maohuan Lin
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Hao Duan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Swapnil V. Shewale
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Liming Pei
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Daniel J. Rader
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of -Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
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22
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The Role of Cytokines in Maintaining the Dynamics of Cell-Cell Interaction between Natural Killer Cells and Trophoblast Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 172:622-631. [PMID: 35352255 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05444-z] [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: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effect of individual cytokines that are secretory products of placenta typical of the uteroplacental bed. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IFNγ, and IL-1β increased the expression of TGFβR2 molecule by trophoblast cells, while VEGF and PLGF increased the expression of CD45, CD29, and CD54 adhesion molecule by trophoblast cells. The antiinflammatory cytokine IL-4 increased LeptinR expression by trophoblast cells. PMA and TNFα also enhanced the adhesion of NK cells to trophoblast cells. Our findings suggest that NK cells involved CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 molecules during their transmigration through trophoblast, as well as during their transendothelial migration.
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23
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Li JY, Jin Y, Cao YM, Wu GM. MiR-140-5p exerts a protective function in pregnancy-induced hypertension via mediating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Hypertens Pregnancy 2022; 41:116-125. [PMID: 35354421 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2022.2056195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Animal experiments showed that PIH rats had increased mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but decreased litter size, number of viable fetuses, fetal weight, and placental weight. The higher Flt-1 and lower VEGF was observed in PIH rats with elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels and decreased IL-10 levels. Treatment with agomiR-140-5p improved regarding the above indicators. Cell experiments demonstrated that miR-140-5p mimic increased cell invasion and migration abilities and decreased the activity of TGF-β/Smad pathway, while TGFBR1 can reverse the role of miR-140-5p mimic in trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yun Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-Min Cao
- Department of Obstetrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Gui-Mei Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
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24
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Fang L, Yan Y, Gao Y, Wu Z, Wang Z, Yang S, Cheng JC, Sun YP. TGF-β1 inhibits human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating kisspeptin expression through ERK1/2 but not SMAD signaling pathway. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:22. [PMID: 35101033 PMCID: PMC8802482 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tightly regulation of extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) cell invasion is critical for the placentation and establishment of a successful pregnancy. Insufficient EVT cell invasion leads to the development of preeclampsia (PE) which is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and kisspeptin are expressed in the human placenta and have been shown to inhibit EVT cell invasion. Kisspeptin is a downstream target of TGF-β1 in human breast cancer cells. However, whether kisspeptin is regulated by TGF-β1 and mediates TGF-β1-suppressed human EVT cell invasion remains unclear. METHODS The effect of TGF-β1 on kisspeptin expression and the underlying mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in a human EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, and primary cultures of human EVT cells. Serum levels of TGF-β1 and kisspeptin in patients with or without PE were measured by ELISA. RESULTS TGF-β1 upregulates kisspeptin expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary cultures of human EVT cells. Using pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA, we demonstrate that the stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on kisspeptin expression is mediated via the ALK5 receptor. Treatment with TGF-β1 activates SMAD2/3 canonical pathways as well as ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT non-canonical pathways. However, only inhibition of ERK1/2 activation attenuates the stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on kisspeptin expression. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of kisspeptin attenuated TGF-β1-suppressed EVT cell invasion. Moreover, we report that serum levels of TGF-β1 and kisspeptin are significantly upregulated in patients with PE. CONCLUSIONS By illustrating the potential physiological role of TGF-β1 in the regulation of kisspeptin expression, our results may serve to improve current strategies used to treat placental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Sizhu Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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25
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Ahmed FA, Klausen C, Zhu H, Leung PCK. Myostatin increases human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 Signaling. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1267-1277. [PMID: 35020826 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental insufficiency disorders are major obstetric complications that share a common phenomenon of poor placental trophoblast cell invasion and remodeling of uterine tissues. Myostatin is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily member well-known for its important role in muscle growth control. Myostatin is also produced in the placenta and has been shown to regulate some trophoblast functions. However, its roles in placental development are still poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that myostatin increases trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling. Primary and immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) trophoblast cells were used as study models. Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assays were used to study the effects of recombinant human myostatin on trophoblast cell invasion. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure myostatin effects on N-cadherin mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Small inhibitor molecules as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown were used to block myostatin receptor and downstream signaling, respectively. Data were analyzed either by unpaired Student T test or one-way ANOVA followed by Newman Keuls test for multiple group comparisons. Myostatin significantly increased primary and HTR8/SVneo trophoblast cell invasion. Moreover, myostatin upregulated N-cadherin mRNA and protein levels in a time dependent manner in both study models. These effects were blocked by inhibition of TGF-β type I receptors as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown of SMAD2/3 combined or common SMAD4. Importantly, myostatin-induced trophoblast cell invasion was abolished by knockdown of N-cadherin, SMAD2/3 or SMAD4. Myostatin may increase human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating N-cadherin via SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten AbdelHafez Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zhou W, Menkhorst E, Dimitriadis E. Characterization of chloride intracellular channel 4 in the regulation of human trophoblast function. Placenta 2022; 119:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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27
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Shan Y, Chen Y, Brkić J, Fournier L, Ma H, Peng C. miR-218-5p Induces Interleukin-1β and Endovascular Trophoblast Differentiation by Targeting the Transforming Growth Factor β-SMAD2 Pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:842587. [PMID: 35299960 PMCID: PMC8920978 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.842587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of an endovascular trophoblast (enEVT) phenotype is essential for normal placental development and healthy pregnancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating gene expression. We have recently reported that miR-218-5p promotes enEVT differentiation and spiral artery remodeling in part by targeting transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2). We also identified IL1B, which encodes interleukin 1β (IL1β), as one of the most highly upregulated genes by miR-218-5p. In this study, we investigated how miR-218-5p regulates IL1B expression and IL1β secretion and the potential role of IL1β in enEVT differentiation. Using two cell lines derived from extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), HTR-8/SVneo and Swan 71, we found that stable overexpression of miR-218-5p precursor, mir-218-1, or transient transfection of miR-218-5p mimic, significantly increased IL1B mRNA and IL1β protein levels in cells and conditioned media. We also showed that miR-218-5p directly interacted with SMAD2 3'UTR and reduced SMAD2 at mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of SMAD2 induced IL1B expression and attenuated the inhibitory effect of TGFβ2 on IL1B expression. On the other hand, overexpression of SMAD2 reduced IL1β levels and blocked the stimulatory effects of miR-218-5p on IL1B expression, trophoblast migration and endothelial-like network formation. In addition, treatment of trophoblasts with IL1β induced the formation of endothelial-like networks and the expression of enEVT markers in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that miR-218-5p inhibits the TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway to induce IL1β and enEVT differentiation. Finally, low doses of IL1β also inhibited the expression of miR-218-5p, suggesting the existence of a negative feedback regulatory loop. Taken together, our findings suggest a novel interactive miR-218-5p/TGFβ/SMAD2/IL1β signaling nexus that regulates enEVT differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jelena Brkić
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Haiying Ma
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng,
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Lamptey J, Czika A, Aremu JO, Pervaz S, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Otoo A, Li F, Wang YX, Ding YB. The role of fascin in carcinogenesis and embryo implantation. Exp Cell Res 2021; 409:112885. [PMID: 34662557 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton, with its actin bundling proteins, plays crucial roles in a host of cellular function, such as cancer metastasis, antigen presentation and trophoblast migration and invasion, as a result of cytoskeletal remodeling. A key player in cytoskeletal remodeling is fascin. Upregulation of fascin induces the transition of epithelial phenotypes to mesenchymal phenotypes through complex interaction with transcription factors. Fascin expression also regulates mitochondrial F-actin to promote oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in some cancer cells. Trophoblast cells, on the other hand, exhibit similar physiological functions, involving the upregulation of genes crucial for its migration and invasion. Owing to the similar tumor-like characteristics among cancer and trophoblats, we review recent studies on fascin in relation to cancer and trophoblast cell biology; and based on existing evidence, link fascin to the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Armin Czika
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - John Ogooluwa Aremu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Sadaf Pervaz
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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Cheng JC, Fang L, Li Y, Thakur A, Hoodless PA, Guo Y, Wang Z, Wu Z, Yan Y, Jia Q, Gao Y, Han X, Yu Y, Sun YP. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor stimulates human trophoblast cell invasion via YAP-mediated ANGPTL4 expression. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1285. [PMID: 34773076 PMCID: PMC8589964 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02816-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine decidua is associated with preeclampsia (PE). G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a membrane estrogen receptor involved in non-genomic estrogen signaling. GPER is expressed in human trophoblast cells and downregulated GPER levels are noted in PE. However, to date, the role of GPER in trophoblast cells remains largely unknown. Here, we applied RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to HTR-8/SVneo human trophoblast cells in response to G1, an agonist of GPER, and identified angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) as a target gene of GPER. Treatment of trophoblast cells with G1 or 17β-estradiol (E2) activated Yes-associated protein (YAP), the major downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, via GPER but in a mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1)-independent manner. Using pharmacological inhibitors as well as loss- and gain-of-function approaches, our results revealed that YAP activation was required for GPER-stimulated ANGPTL4 expression. Transwell invasion assays demonstrated that activation of GPER-induced ANGPTL4 promoted cell invasion. In addition, the expression levels of GPER, YAP, and ANGPTL4 were downregulated in the placenta of patients with PE. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which GPER exerts its stimulatory effect on human trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating YAP-mediated ANGPTL4 expression. Cheng, Fan, Li et al. identified ANGPTL4 as a G1-induced target gene of GPER/YAP in HRT8 cells using RNA-seq and highlighted its importance in regulating trophoblast cell invasion. The authors also reported GPER downregulation in the placenta and lower estradiol levels in patients who developed preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Avinash Thakur
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1L3.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Pamela A Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1L3.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.,School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiping Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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30
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Huang M, Zhang D, Wu JY, Xing K, Yeo E, Li C, Zhang L, Holland E, Yao L, Qin L, Binder ZA, O'Rourke DM, Brem S, Koumenis C, Gong Y, Fan Y. Wnt-mediated endothelial transformation into mesenchymal stem cell-like cells induces chemoresistance in glioblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/532/eaay7522. [PMID: 32102932 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay7522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance remains a persistent challenge for patients with malignant tumors. Here, we reveal that endothelial cells (ECs) acquire transformation into mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells in glioblastoma (GBM), driving tumor resistance to cytotoxic treatment. Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that ECs undergo mesenchymal transformation and stemness-like activation in GBM microenvironment. Furthermore, we identified a c-Met-mediated axis that induces β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675 and Wnt signaling activation, inducing multidrug resistance-associated protein-1(MRP-1) expression and leading to EC stemness-like activation and chemoresistance. Last, genetic ablation of β-catenin in ECs overcome GBM tumor resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy in vivo. Combination of Wnt inhibition and TMZ chemotherapy eliminated tumor-associated ECs, inhibited GBM growth, and increased mouse survival. These findings identified a cell plasticity-based, microenvironment-dependent mechanism that controls tumor chemoresistance, and suggest that targeting Wnt/β-catenin-mediated EC transformation and stemness activation may overcome therapeutic resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menggui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janet Y Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Kun Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eujin Yeo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric Holland
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lutian Yao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zev A Binder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Donald M O'Rourke
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven Brem
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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31
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Ding YB, Wang YX. Regulation of placentation by the transforming growth factor beta superfamily†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:18-26. [PMID: 31566220 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, there is increased expression of some cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface; and the clarification of their roles in trophoblast-endometrium interactions is crucial to understanding the mechanism of placentation. This review addresses the up-to-date reported mechanisms by which the members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily regulate trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of the decidua, which are the main phases of placentation. The available information shows that these cytokines regulate placentation in somehow a synergistic and an antagonistic manner; and that dysregulation of their levels can lead to aberrant placentation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to reconcile some conflicting reports; and identify some unknown mediators involved in the actions of these cytokines before their detailed mechanistic regulation of human placentation could be fully characterized. The TGF beta superfamily are expressed in the placenta, and regulate the process of placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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32
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Lamptey J, Li F, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Chen XM, Czika A, Otoo A, Liu TH, Wang YX, Ding YB. Downregulation of fascin in the first trimester placental villi is associated with early recurrent miscarriage. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112597. [PMID: 33862100 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate trophoblast proliferation, shallow invasion and exaggerated rate of trophoblast apoptosis are implicated in early recurrent miscarriage (ERM). However, the mechanistic bases of this association have not been fully established. We aimed at investigating the involvement of fascin, an actin-bundling protein, in trophoblast activities and ERM. We found that fascin was downregulated in the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and distal cytotrophoblasts (DCTs) of ERM placentae. Knockdown of fascin altered cellular and nucleolar morphology, and inhibited the proliferation but increased apoptosis of trophoblastic HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, fascin knockdown decreased the expression of transcription factors such as Snail1/2, Twist and Zeb1/2, mesenchymal molecules such as Vimentin and N-cadherin, and the protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylates signal transducer and activator of transcript 3 (STAT3). Exposure of HTR-8/SVneo cells to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) decreased fascin expression to affect the cells' invasion. Our results indicate for the first time that the downregulation of fascin is involved in the pathogenesis of early recurrent miscarriage; and hence a potential therapeutic target against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Fangfang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
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33
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Wang M, Xu Y, Wang P, Xu Y, Jin P, Wu Z, Qian Y, Bai L, Dong M. Galectin-14 Promotes Trophoblast Migration and Invasion by Upregulating the Expression of MMP-9 and N-Cadherin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645658. [PMID: 33796532 PMCID: PMC8007908 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-14 is specifically expressed in placental trophoblasts, and its expression is reduced in trophoblasts retrieved from the cervix of women destined to develop early pregnancy loss. However, the roles of galectin-14 in regulating trophoblasts and in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complication have never been investigated. In the current research, we aimed to investigate the roles of galectin-14 in the regulation of trophoblasts. Tissues of the placenta and villi were collected. Primary trophoblasts and human trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo were used. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to quantify gene expression. The siRNA-mediated galectin-14 knockdown and lentivirus-mediated overexpression were performed to manipulate the gene expression in trophoblasts. Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion capacity. Gelatin zymography was used to determine the gelatinase activity. Galectin-14 was significantly decreased in the villi of early pregnancy loss and the placenta of preeclampsia. Knockdown of galectin-14 in primary trophoblasts inhibited cell migration and invasion, downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and N-cadherin, the activity of MMP-9, and decreased the phosphorylation of Akt. Meanwhile, the overexpression of galectin-14 in HTR-8/SVneo promoted cell migration and invasion, upregulated the expression of MMP-9 and N-cadherin, the activity of MMP-9, and increased the phosphorylation of Akt. Increased Akt phosphorylation promoted cell migration and invasion and upregulated the expression and activity of MMP-9, while decreased Akt phosphorylation inhibited cell migration and invasion and downregulated the expression and activity of MMP-9. Thus, galectin-14 promotes trophoblast migration and invasion by enhancing the expression of MMP-9 and N-cadherin through Akt phosphorylation. The dysregulation of galectin-14 is involved in the pathogenesis of early pregnancy loss and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Xu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengzhen Jin
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zaigui Wu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeqing Qian
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Long Bai
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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34
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Li Y, Yan J, Chang HM, Chen ZJ, Leung PCK. Roles of TGF-β Superfamily Proteins in Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:170-189. [PMID: 33478870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Following embryo implantation, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the maternal decidua to a certain extent during early pregnancy, which is critical for normal placentation and successful pregnancy in humans. Although sharing a similar protein structure, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members exert divergent functions in regulating EVT invasion, which contributes to a relative balance of TGF-β superfamily proteins in precisely modulating this process at the maternal-fetal interface during the first trimester of pregnancy. This review details recent advances in our understanding of the functions of TGF-β superfamily members and their corresponding receptors, signaling pathways, and downstream molecular targets in regulating human EVT invasion from studies using various in vitro or ex vivo experimental models. Also, the relevance of these discoveries about TGF-β superfamily members to adverse pregnancy outcomes is summarized. The application of 3D culture trophoblast organoids, single-cell sequencing, and microfluidic assays in EVT invasion studies will help better reveal the molecular mechanisms through which TGF-β superfamily members regulate human EVT invasion, shedding light on the development of innovative strategies for predicting, diagnosing, treating, and preventing adverse human pregnancy outcomes related to EVT invasion dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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35
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You J, Wang W, Chang HM, Yi Y, Zhao H, Zhu H, Sun Y, Tang M, Wang C, Sang Y, Feng G, Cheng S, Leung PCK, Zhu YM. The BMP2 Signaling Axis Promotes Invasive Differentiation of Human Trophoblasts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:607332. [PMID: 33614644 PMCID: PMC7889606 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.607332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion are principal limiting factors of pregnancy establishment. Aberrant embryo development or improper trophoblast differentiation and invasion may lead to various unfavorable pregnancy-related outcomes, including early pregnancy loss (EPL). Our clinical data show that the serum BMP2 levels were significantly increased during the first trimester of pregnancy and that the serum and BMP2 expression levels were lower in women with EPL than in women with normal early pregnancies. Moreover, we observed that BMP2 was expressed in oocytes and trophoblast cells of cleaved embryos and blastocysts prior to implantation in both humans and mice. Exogenous BMP2 promoted embryonic development by enhancing blastocyst formation and hatching in mice. LncRNA NR026833.1 was upregulated by BMP2 and promoted SNAIL expression by competitively binding to miR-502-5p. SNAIL induced MMP2 expression and promoted cell invasion in primary extravillous trophoblast cells. BMP2 promotes the invasive differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells by downregulating the expression of TS cell marker and upregulating the expression of trophoblast giant cell marker and labyrinthine/spongiotrophoblast marker. Our findings provide significant insights into the regulatory roles of BMP2 in the development of the placenta, which may give us a framework to explore new therapeutic strategies to pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali You
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hongjin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Tang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimiao Sang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guofang Feng
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaobing Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yi-Min Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Yasuzawa T, Nakamura T, Ueshima S, Mima A. Protective Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on the Glomerular Endothelium via Inhibition of EndMT in Diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:2182225. [PMID: 34977254 PMCID: PMC8720008 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2182225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-induced endothelial pathologies are hypothesized to lead to the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) possibly induces fibrosis, leading to glomerulosclerosis in the kidney. Furthermore, this could lead to albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy due to glomerular endothelial dysfunction. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), purified from fish oil, decreases inflammatory cytokine levels in glomerulonephritis. Here, we aimed at finding whether ethyl eicosapentaenoate (EPA-E) exerts renal protective effects via EndMT inhibition. To find out whether EPA inhibits EndMT in vitro, the changes in CD31 expression were studied in cultured mouse endothelial cells. The addition of the conditioned medium from the adipocyte culture significantly decreased the protein levels of CD31, while the addition of EPA-E partially reversed this inhibition. Further, EndMT inhibition by EPA-E treatment might occur via the inhibition of the protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ)/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) signaling and not via microRNAs. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet (60% from fat) exhibited mesangial expansion and albuminuria. Induction of EPA-E ameliorated the mesangial expansion and decreased albuminuria without affecting blood pressure, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and intraperitoneal glucose. These findings suggest that EPA-E exerts renal protective effects on endothelial cells, by normalizing EndMT followed by the PKCβ/TGF-β/PAI-1 signaling. Thus, EPA-E has the potential for imparting renal protection by regulating EndMT in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Yasuzawa
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nakamura
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shigeru Ueshima
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Akira Mima
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
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Gregório PC, Bucharles S, da Cunha RS, Braga T, Almeida AC, Henneberg R, Stinghen AE, Barreto FC. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D supplementation may be blurred in hemodialysis patients. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2021; 76:e1821. [PMID: 33624705 PMCID: PMC7885853 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e1821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D supplementation under uremic conditions, both in vivo and in vitro, and its effects on the parameters of mineral metabolism. METHODS Thirty-two hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (N=14) or cholecalciferol (N=18) for six months. Serum levels of calcium, phosphate, total alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and vitamin D were measured at baseline and after three and six months. The levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also measured at baseline and at six months. Human monocytes were used for in vitro experiments and treated with cholecalciferol (150 nM) and uremic serum. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cathelicidin (CAMP) expression were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay, and real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS Both patient groups were clinically and biochemically similar at baseline. After six months, the levels of vitamin D and iPTH were higher and lower, respectively, in the cholecalciferol group than in the placebo group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the parameters of mineral metabolism, such as IL-1β and hs-CRP levels, in both groups. Treatment with uremic serum lowered the monocyte viability (p<0.0001) and increased ROS production (p<0.01) and CAMP expression (p<0.05); these effects were counterbalanced by cholecalciferol treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Thus, cholecalciferol supplementation is an efficient strategy to ameliorate hypovitaminosis D in hemodialysis patients, but its beneficial effects on the control of secondary hyperparathyroidism are relatively unclear. Even though cholecalciferol exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, its short-term supplementation was not effective in improving the inflammatory profile of patients on hemodialysis, as indicated by the IL-1β and hs-CRP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo C. Gregório
- Laboratorio de Nefrologia Experimental, Departamento de Patologia Basica, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Sergio Bucharles
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Divisao de Nefrologia, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Regiane S. da Cunha
- Laboratorio de Nefrologia Experimental, Departamento de Patologia Basica, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Tárcio Braga
- Laboratorio de Nefrologia Experimental, Departamento de Patologia Basica, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Ana Clara Almeida
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciencias da Saude, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Railson Henneberg
- Departamento de Analises Clinicas, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Andréa E.M. Stinghen
- Laboratorio de Nefrologia Experimental, Departamento de Patologia Basica, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
| | - Fellype C. Barreto
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Divisao de Nefrologia, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Czika A, Gorleku PN, Ullah A, Panhwar Z, Ruan LL, Ding YB, Wang YX. The Involvement of Cell Adhesion Molecules, Tight Junctions, and Gap Junctions in Human Placentation. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:305-320. [PMID: 33146876 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Placentation is a major determinant of the success of pregnancy. It is regulated by several factors such as cell adhesion molecules, tight junctions, and gap junctions. The cell adhesion molecules are integrins, cadherins, immunoglobulins, nectins, and selectins. The tight junctions are composed of claudins, occludin, and junction adhesion molecule proteins while the gap junctions are composed of connexins of varying molecular weights. During placentation, some of these molecules regulate trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast fusion, trophoblast migration, trophoblast invasion, trophoblast-endothelium adhesion, glandular remodeling, and spiral artery remodeling. There is a dysregulated placental expression of some of these molecules during obstetric complications. We have, hereby, indicated the expression patterns of the subunits of each of these molecules in the various trophoblast subtypes and in the decidua, and have highlighted their involvement in physiological and pathological placentation. The available evidence points to the relevance of these molecules as distinguishing markers of the various trophoblast lineages and as potential therapeutic targets in the management of malplacentation-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Armin Czika
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Philip Narteh Gorleku
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Republic of Ghana
| | - Amin Ullah
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulqarnain Panhwar
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ling Ruan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Box 197, No. 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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miR-18a Contributes to Preeclampsia by Downregulating Smad2 (Full Length) and Reducing TGF-β Signaling. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:542-556. [PMID: 33230456 PMCID: PMC7566009 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The study investigated the regulation of Smad2 by miR-18a and its role in preeclampsia (PE). Bioinformatics analysis showed that both Smad2 and Smad3 were the predicted targets for miR-18a. Mass spectrum analysis showed that two mature Smad2 isoforms existed in human placenta: full length, Smad2(FL), and that lacking exon3, Smad2(Δexon3). The protein level of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, was significantly increased in severe PE (sPE) placenta, which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-18a. Elevated Smad2(FL) phosphorylation level appeared in sPE placenta, and Smad2 was colocalized with miR-18a in various subtypes of trophoblasts in human placenta. Smad2(FL) was validated as the direct target of miR-18a in HTR8/SVneo cells. miR-18a enhanced trophoblast cell invasion, which was blocked by the overexpression of Smad2(FL). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-18a repressed Smad2 activation and the inhibition of trophoblast cell invasion by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-18a inhibits the expression of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, which can reduce TGF-β signaling, leading to the enhancement of trophoblast cell invasion. A lack of miR-18a, which results in the upregulation of Smad2(FL), contributes to the development of PE.
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Cheng W, Li X, Liu D, Cui C, Wang X. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Cardiac Fibrosis. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2020; 26:3-11. [PMID: 32851865 DOI: 10.1177/1074248420952233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process by which endothelial cells lose their endothelial cell characteristics and acquire mesenchymal cell properties under certain physiological or pathological conditions. Recently, it has been found that EndMT plays an important role in the occurrence and development of fibrotic cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we first summarize the main induction pathways involved in EndMT process. In addition, we discuss the role of EndMT in fibrotic cardiovascular diseases and its potential implication in new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Dongling Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Chaochu Cui
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, 91593Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Bahia W, Soltani I, Abidi A, Haddad A, Ferchichi S, Menif S, Almawi WY. Identification of genes and miRNA associated with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss: an exploratory data mining study. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:75. [PMID: 32487076 PMCID: PMC7268288 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-00730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a significant adverse pregnancy complication, with an incompletely understood pathology. While many entities were proposed to elucidate the pathogenic basis of RPL, only few were significant enough to warrant investigation in all affected couples.. The aim of this study was to provide novel insights into the biological characteristics and related pathways of differentially expressed miRNA (DEMs) and genes (DEGs), in RPL, and construct a molecular miRNAs-mRNAs network. METHODS miRNAs and gene expression data were collected, and a number of DEMs and (DEGs) were obtained, and regulatory co-expression network were constructed. Function and enrichment analyses of DEMs were conducted using DIANA-miRPath. DEGs were screened, and were used in generation of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, using STRING online database. Modularity analysis, and pathway identification operations were used in identifying graph clusters and associated pathways. DEGs were also used for further gene ontology (GO) analysis, followed by analysis of KEGG pathway. RESULTS A total of 34 DEMs were identified, and were found to be highly enriched in TGF-β signaling pathway, Fatty acid metabolism and TNF signaling pathway. Hub miRNAs were selected and were found to be involved in several functional pathways including progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and Thyroid hormone signaling pathway. Five dysregulated feedback loops involving miRNA and TFs were identified and characterized. Most notably, PPI network analysis identified hub-bottleneck protein panel. These appear to offer potential candidate biomarker pattern for RPL diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Bahia
- Research Unit of Clinical and Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Faculty of Science of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Ismael Soltani
- Molecular and Cellular Hematology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anouar Abidi
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, la Rabta, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anis Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salima Ferchichi
- Research Unit of Clinical and Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Samia Menif
- Molecular and Cellular Hematology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wassim Y Almawi
- Faculty of Sciences, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Ma J, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Goumans MJ, ten Dijke P. TGF-β-Induced Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Disease and Tissue Engineering. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:260. [PMID: 32373613 PMCID: PMC7187792 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process that gives rise to cells with multipotent potential. EndMT is essential for the formation of the cardiovascular system during embryonic development. Emerging results link EndMT to the postnatal onset and progression of fibrotic diseases and cancer. Moreover, recent reports have emphasized the potential for EndMT in tissue engineering and regenerative applications by regulating the differentiation status of cells. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) engages in many important physiological processes and is a potent inducer of EndMT. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway as it relates to EndMT. Thereafter, we discuss the pivotal role of TGF-β-induced EndMT in the development of cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis, and cancer, as well as the potential application of TGF-β-induced EndMT in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Weinstein N, Mendoza L, Álvarez-Buylla ER. A Computational Model of the Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Genet 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32226439 PMCID: PMC7080988 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) form the lining of lymph and blood vessels. Changes in tissue requirements or wounds may cause ECs to behave as tip or stalk cells. Alternatively, they may differentiate into mesenchymal cells (MCs). These processes are known as EC activation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), respectively. EndMT, Tip, and Stalk EC behaviors all require SNAI1, SNAI2, and Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) function. However, only EndMT inhibits the expression of VE-cadherin, PECAM1, and VEGFR2, and also leads to EC detachment. Physiologically, EndMT is involved in heart valve development, while a defective EndMT regulation is involved in the physiopathology of cardiovascular malformations, congenital heart disease, systemic and organ fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the control of EndMT has many promising potential applications in regenerative medicine. Despite the fact that many molecular components involved in EC activation and EndMT have been characterized, the system-level molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. Toward this end, hereby we present Boolean network model of the molecular involved in the regulation of EC activation and EndMT. The simulated dynamic behavior of our model reaches fixed and cyclic patterns of activation that correspond to the expected EC and MC cell types and behaviors, recovering most of the specific effects of simple gain and loss-of-function mutations as well as the conditions associated with the progression of several diseases. Therefore, our model constitutes a theoretical framework that can be used to generate hypotheses and guide experimental inquiry to comprehend the regulatory mechanisms behind EndMT. Our main findings include that both the extracellular microevironment and the pattern of molecular activity within the cell regulate EndMT. EndMT requires a lack of VEGFA and sufficient oxygen in the extracellular microenvironment as well as no FLI1 and GATA2 activity within the cell. Additionally Tip cells cannot undergo EndMT directly. Furthermore, the specific conditions that are sufficient to trigger EndMT depend on the specific pattern of molecular activation within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena R Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bone morphogenetic protein 2 induces the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and human trophoblast invasion through up-regulating BAMBI. Cell Signal 2020; 67:109489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Jia J, Shi E, Zhou X, Zhu S, Li J, Zhang J, Yu J, Wang S, Feng L. Expression of ESRP1 at human fetomaternal interface and involvement in trophoblast migration and invasion. Placenta 2020; 90:18-26. [PMID: 32056547 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies have reported that villous cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) undergo a partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) when differentiating into extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVTs). Epithelial splicing-regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1), an alternative splicing regulator, has been demonstrated to play important roles in the EMT process. Nevertheless, the roles of ESRP1 in the placentation remain undefined. METHODS ESRP1 expression in placental tissues throughout pregnancy was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The effect of ESRP1 knockdown by using small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the phenotype of trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo) and villous explants was evaluated. RESULTS ESRP1 was localized within the CTBs, trophoblast columns, and EVTs located in the decidua. ESRP1 expression was changed during pregnancy, with the highest expression level in term placentae. ESRP1 knockdown significantly increased the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, as well as the outgrowth of EVTs from villous explants, without affecting cell proliferation. This enhanced effect was associated with the increased expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and CD44. DISCUSSION Our results suggested an important role for ESRP1 in regulating trophoblast migration and invasion during placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Erjiao Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shenglan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaoshuai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Brkić J, Dunk C, Shan Y, O'Brien JA, Lye P, Qayyum S, Yang P, Matthews SG, Lye SJ, Peng C. Differential Role of Smad2 and Smad3 in the Acquisition of an Endovascular Trophoblast-Like Phenotype and Preeclampsia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:436. [PMID: 32733385 PMCID: PMC7362585 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During placental development, cytotrophoblast progenitor cells differentiate into the syncytiotrophoblast and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Some EVTs further differentiate into endovascular trophoblasts (enEVTs) which exhibit endothelial-like properties. Abnormal placental development, including insufficient enEVT-mediated remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries, is thought to be a precipitating factor in the onset of preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. Several members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, such as TGF-βs, Nodal, and Activin have been reported to either promote or inhibit the invasive EVT pathway. These ligands signal through serine/threonine receptor complexes to activate downstream signaling mediators, Smad2 and Smad3. In this study, we determined Smad2 and Smad3 expression pattern in placenta and their effects on trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Total Smad2/3 levels were relatively constant across gestation while the ratio of active phosphorylated forms to their total levels varied with gestational stages, with a higher pSmad2/total Smad2 in later gestation and a higher pSmad3/total Smad3 in early gestation. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that pSmad3 was localized in nuclei of EVTs in anchoring villi. On the other hand, pSmad2 was mostly absent in this invasive EVT population. In addition, pSmad3/total Smad3, but not pSmad2/total Smad2, was significantly lower in both early onset and late onset PE cases, as compared to gestational age-matched controls. Functional studies carried out using a first trimester trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, and first trimester human placental explants showed that Smad2 and Smad3 had differential roles in the invasive pathway. Specifically, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Smad2 resulted in an increase in trophoblast invasion and an upregulation of mRNA levels of enEVT markers while the opposite was observed with Smad3 knockdown. In addition, Smad2 siRNA accelerated the EVT outgrowth in first trimester placental explants while the Smad3 siRNA reduced the outgrowth of EVTs when compared to the control. Furthermore, knockdown of Smad2 enhanced, whereas overexpression of Smad2 suppressed, the ability of trophoblasts to form endothelial-like networks. Conversely, Smad3 had opposite effects as Smad2 on network formation. These findings suggest that Smad2 and Smad3 have opposite functions in the acquisition of an enEVT-like phenotype and defects in Smad3 activation are associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Brkić
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sheza Qayyum
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peifeng Yang
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stephen J. Lye
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng
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Msheik H, Azar J, El Sabeh M, Abou-Kheir W, Daoud G. HTR-8/SVneo: A model for epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the human placenta. Placenta 2019; 90:90-97. [PMID: 32056558 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placenta is a transitory organ essential for proper fetal maturation and growth. Trophoblasts, the main cell type of the placenta, differentiate along the villous or extravillous pathways. The ability of villous cytotrophoblasts to undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to form the invasive extravillous trophoblasts is vital for a successful pregnancy outcome. Many trophoblastic cell lines, including HTR-8/SVneo, have been widely used to investigate extravillous trophoblast biology and functions. We have previously reported that HTR-8/SVneo cell line contains a mixed populations of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying this heterogeneity is essential for the proper study of normal and pathological placental function. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo was subjected to monoclonal isolation, spheroid formation assay and cell sorting to isolate pure epithelial and mesenchymal populations. These fractions were maintained in culture and assessed for expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. In addition, the implication of TGFβ in the EMT process was investigated using a selective inhibitor of TGF-βR1 (A83-01). RESULTS Passaging of the pure epithelial population maintained under normal culture condition resulted in a shift to a mesenchymal phenotype. This transition was reduced upon inhibiting TGF-βR1. Similarly, E-cadherin positive HTR-8/SVneo spheroids plated in 2D culture resulted in the emergence of streams of invading mesenchymal cells. DISCUSSION HTR-8/SVneo cell line is undergoing EMT under normal culture condition and TGFβ is a key mediator of this process. Our results raise the possibility of using HTR-8/SVneo cell line as a model to investigate EMT in extravillous trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Msheik
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Azar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Malak El Sabeh
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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Arumugasaamy N, Gudelsky A, Hurley-Novatny A, Kim PC, Fisher JP. Model Placental Barrier Phenotypic Response to Fluoxetine and Sertraline: A Comparative Study. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900476. [PMID: 31407872 PMCID: PMC6752965 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Medications taken during pregnancy may significantly impact fetal development, yet there are few studies that rigorously assess medication safety due to ethical concerns. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drug increasingly being prescribed for depression, yet multiple studies have shown that taking SSRIs during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth and potential health concerns for the baby. Therefore, a biomimetic placental barrier model is utilized herein to assess transport profiles and phenotypic effects resulting from SSRI exposure, comparing fluoxetine and sertraline. Results show that the placental barrier quickly uptakes drug from the maternal side, but slowly releases on the fetal side. Phenotypically, there is a dose-dependent change in cell adhesion molecule (CAM) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) secretions, markers of cell adhesion and angiogenesis. Both drugs impact CAM secretions, whereas sertraline alone impacts TGFβ secretions. When evaluating cell type, it becomes clear that endothelial cells, not trophoblast, are the main cell type involved in these phenotypic changes. Overall, these findings further the understanding of SSRI transplacental transport and drug-induced effects on the placental barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navein Arumugasaamy
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Health System, Washington, D.C. 20010
| | - Alana Gudelsky
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Health System, Washington, D.C. 20010
| | - Amelia Hurley-Novatny
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Peter C.W. Kim
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Health System, Washington, D.C. 20010
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037
| | - John P. Fisher
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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50
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Mani S, Ghosh J, Lan Y, Senapati S, Ord T, Sapienza C, Coutifaris C, Mainigi M. Epigenetic changes in preterm birth placenta suggest a role for ADAMTS genes in spontaneous preterm birth. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:84-95. [PMID: 30239759 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) affects approximately 1 in 10 pregnancies and contributes to approximately 50% of neonatal mortality. However, despite decades of research, little is understood about the etiology of PTB, likely due to the multifactorial nature of the disease. In this study, we examined preterm and term placentas, from unassisted conceptions and those conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF increases the risk of PTB and causes epigenetic change in the placenta and fetus; therefore, we utilized these patients as a unique population with a potential common etiology. We investigated genome-wide DNA methylation in placentas from term IVF, preterm IVF, term control (unassisted conception) and preterm control pregnancies and discovered epigenetic dysregulation of multiple genes involved in cell migration, including members of the ADAMTS family, ADAMTS12 and ADAMTS16. These genes function in extracellular matrix regulation and tumor cell invasion, processes replicated by invasive trophoblasts (extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs)) during early placentation. Though expression was similar between term and preterm placentas, we found that both genes demonstrate high expression in first- and second-trimester placenta, specifically in EVTs and syncytiotrophoblasts. When we knocked down ADAMTS12 or ADAMTS16in vitro, there was poor EVT invasion and reduced matrix metalloproteinase activity, reinforcing their critical role in placentation. In conclusion, utilizing a population at high risk for PTB, we have identified a role for ADAMTS gene methylation in regulating early placentation and susceptibility to PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Teri Ord
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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