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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhang L, Wu Y, Feng Y, Ma F. lncRNA CLRN1-AS1 reduces adhesion ability of human trophoblasts via CXCL10/CXCL11. Placenta 2023; 140:47-59. [PMID: 37531749 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.003] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trophoblast cells play an important role in embryo recognition and localization, as well as placental development during embryo implantation. Dysfunction of trophoblastic cells causes pathological changes that lead to insufficient recognition, positioning, and adhesion during embryo implantation, ultimately leading to embryo development has stopped. METHODS High-throughput sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed the mRNA and lncRNA in the villi tissue of pregnant women diagnosed with embryo cessation. In vitro implantation cell models, characteristic analysis, and bio information analysis confirmed that CLRN1-AS1 affected the adhesion function of trophoblast cells by influencing the chemokines CXCL10/CXCL11. RESULTS High throughput sequencing technology was used to identify 438 differentially expressed mRNAs and 41 lncRNAs. The three lncRNAs, namely CLRN1-AS1, USP27X-AS1, and AC104809.4, were screened by the mRNA-lncRNA network. In vitro implantation model suggested that all three lncRNAs could affect the adhesion between trophoblast cells, among which CLRN1-AS1 had the most significant effect. Characteristic analysis and correlation analysis showed that CLRN1-AS1 was closely related to the expression of six adhesion-related genes, LAMA1, FGL2, ITGB2, FBN1, EMP2, and PODN. Cell experiments and re-sequencing confirmed that CLRN1-AS1 could affect the adhesion ability of trophoblast cells to the extracellular matrix, and its process was related to the chemokine CXCL10/CXCL11. DISCUSSION These results constructed the network of mRNA-lncRNA and enrichment when embryonic development has stopped and found CLRN1-AS1 highly correlated to failure of embryo implantation, and revealed that CLRN1-AS1 modulates the adhesion ability of trophoblast cells to the extracellular matrix via the chemokines CXCL10/CXCL11 during the early stage of embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Post-Graduate Training, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - YingJiao Chen
- Office for West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - YiLun Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan,610041, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Sieg W, Kiewisz J, Podolak A, Jakiel G, Woclawek-Potocka I, Lukaszuk J, Lukaszuk K. Inflammation-Related Molecules at the Maternal–Fetal Interface during Pregnancy and in Pathologically Altered Endometrium. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3792-3808. [PMID: 36135172 PMCID: PMC9497515 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The blastocyst expresses paternally derived alloantigens and induces inflammation during implantation. However, it is necessary for the onset of pregnancy. An abnormal response might result in a pathological course of pregnancy or pregnancy failure. On the other hand, a state of maternal immune tolerance is necessary to ensure the normal development of pregnancy by suppressing inflammatory processes. This article discusses recognized mechanisms and the significance of inflammatory processes for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. We would also like to present disorders involving excessive inflammatory response and their influence on events occurring during embryo implantation. The chain of correlation between the processes responsible for embryo implantation and the subsequent physiological course of pregnancy is complicated. Many of those interrelationships are still yet to be discovered. Undoubtedly, their recognition will give hope to infertile couples for the emergence of new treatments that will increase the chance of giving birth to a healthy child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jolanta Kiewisz
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Amira Podolak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Grzegorz Jakiel
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
- The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gdansk, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jakub Lukaszuk
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lukaszuk
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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Yang T, Zhao J, Liu F, Li Y. Lipid metabolism and endometrial receptivity. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:858-889. [PMID: 35639910 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has now been recognized as a high-risk factor for reproductive health. Although remarkable advancements have been made in ART, a considerable number of infertile obese women still suffer from serial implantation failure, despite the high quality of embryos transferred. Although obesity has long been known to exert various deleterious effects on female fertility, the underlying mechanisms, especially the roles of lipid metabolism in endometrial receptivity, remain largely elusive. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes current evidence on the impacts of several major lipids and lipid-derived mediators on the embryonic implantation process. Emerging methods for evaluating endometrial receptivity, for example transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, are also discussed. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: (lipid or fatty acid or prostaglandin or phospholipid or sphingolipid or endocannabinoid or lysophosphatidic acid or cholesterol or progesterone or estrogen or transcriptomic or lipidomic or obesity or dyslipidemia or polycystic ovary syndrome) AND (endometrial receptivity or uterine receptivity or embryo implantation or assisted reproductive technology or in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer). A comprehensive literature search was performed on the roles of lipid-related metabolic pathways in embryo implantation published between January 1970 and March 2022. Only studies with original data and reviews published in English were included in this review. Additional information was obtained from references cited in the articles resulting from the literature search. OUTCOMES Recent studies have shown that a fatty acids-related pro-inflammatory response in the embryo-endometrium boundary facilitates pregnancy via mediation of prostaglandin signaling. Phospholipid-derived mediators, for example endocannabinoids, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate, are associated with endometrial receptivity, embryo spacing and decidualization based on evidence from both animal and human studies. Progesterone and estrogen are two cholesterol-derived steroid hormones that synergistically mediate the structural and functional alterations in the uterus ready for blastocyst implantation. Variations in serum cholesterol profiles throughout the menstrual cycle imply a demand for steroidogenesis at the time of window of implantation (WOI). Since 2002, endometrial transcriptomic analysis has been serving as a diagnostic tool for WOI dating. Numerous genes that govern lipid homeostasis have been identified and, based on specific alterations of lipidomic signatures differentially expressed in WOI, lipidomic analysis of endometrial fluid provides a possibility for non-invasive diagnosis of lipids alterations during the WOI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Given that lipid metabolic dysregulation potentially plays a role in infertility, a better understanding of lipid metabolism could have significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Tryfonos M, Lucas ES. Organoids to model the endometrium: implantation and beyond. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:R85-R101. [PMID: 35118399 PMCID: PMC8801025 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive techniques in the 4 decades since the first human birth after in vitro fertilisation, 1–2% of couples experience recurrent implantation failure, and some will never achieve a successful pregnancy even in the absence of a confirmed dysfunction. Furthermore, 1–2% of couples who do conceive, either naturally or with assistance, will experience recurrent early loss of karyotypically normal pregnancies. In both cases, embryo-endometrial interaction is a clear candidate for exploration. The impossibility of studying implantation processes within the human body has necessitated the use of animal models and cell culture approaches. Recent advances in 3-dimensional modelling techniques, namely the advent of organoids, present an exciting opportunity to elucidate the unanswerable within human reproduction. In this review, we will explore the ontogeny of implantation modelling and propose a roadmap to application and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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5
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Emerging in vitro platforms and omics technologies for studying the endometrium and early embryo-maternal interface in humans. Placenta 2022; 125:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Xiang R, Chen P, Zeng Z, Liu H, Zhou J, Zhou C, Peng J, Zeng H. Transcriptomic analysis shows that surgical treatment is likely to influence the endometrial receptivity of patients with stage III/IV endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:932339. [PMID: 36171908 PMCID: PMC9511704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.932339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis negatively affects fertility, and it is a common disease in assisted reproductive practice. Surgical removal of endometriotic lesions is widely carried out to relieve symptoms and promote fertility. But it is not intensively investigated what changes in the secretory eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis after surgery. METHODS Eighteen patients with stage III/IV endometriosis were included in the study, and they were divided into the untreated group and the treated group (6 vs. 12). Basic clinical data were compared, and transcriptomic data of the secretory eutopic endometrium were analyzed with DESeq2, Cytoscape, ClueGO, CluePedia, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). CIBERSORT was used to calculate the relative abundance of 22 immune cells in the samples. RESULTS We determined 346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using DESeq2. These DEGs were used to enrich seven Gene Ontology terms including three associated with immune processes and one correlated to prostaglandin using ClueGO and CluePedia. GSEA enriched 28 Gene Ontology terms in the treated group mainly associated with immune and blood pressure regulation process. Compared to the untreated group, the relative abundance of resting CD4+ memory T cells [0.218 (0.069, 0.334) vs. 0.332 (0.181, 0.429), P = 0.022] and the even less abundant memory B cells [0.001 (0.000, 0.083) vs. 0.033 (0.007, 0.057), P = 0.049] are significantly decreased in the treated group. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of stage III/IV endometriosis influences some genes and biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, but more evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jintao Peng, ; Haitao Zeng,
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jintao Peng, ; Haitao Zeng,
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7
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Main actors behind the endometrial receptivity and successful implantation. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101656. [PMID: 34634636 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation occurs during a short period of time, the implantation window, in the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The cross-talk between the endometrium and the embryo, at the stage of blastocyst, is a necessary condition for successful implantation. Till now, no single molecule or receptor has been identified to play an essential role on embryo implantation but a huge number of mediators, including cytokines, lipids, adhesion molecules, growth factors, and others, are reported to support the establishment of pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this review is not only to describe the different actors involved in the implantation process, but also to try to characterize the relationships between these factors as well as their time-regulated activation. Moreover, the availability of in vitro culture systems to study the interactions between embryo and endometrium as well as the paracrine communication regulated by exosomal vesicles will be investigated, as an innovative approach for a more precise characterization of the interactions between the different molecules involved in this process. The in-depth knowledge of all these complex mechanisms will allow to address the reasons of implantation failure and infertility, thus providing new avenues for promoting the successful establishment of a pregnancy.
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8
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Yang Y, Zhu QY, Liu JL. Deciphering mouse uterine receptivity for embryo implantation at single-cell resolution. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13128. [PMID: 34558134 PMCID: PMC8560620 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mice are widely used as an animal model for studying human uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. Although transcriptional changes related to mouse uterine receptivity have been determined by using bulk RNA‐seq, the data are of limited value because the uterus is a complex organ consisting of many cell types. Here, we aimed to decipher mouse uterine receptivity for embryo implantation at single‐cell resolution. Materials and methods Single‐cell RNA sequencing was performed for the pre‐receptive and the receptive mouse uterus. Gene expression profiles in luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium were validated by comparing against a published laser capture microdissection (LCM)‐coupled microarray dataset. Results We revealed 19 distinct cell clusters, including 3 stromal cell clusters, 2 epithelial cell clusters, 1 smooth muscle cell cluster, 4 endothelial cell clusters and 8 immune cell clusters. We identified global gene expression changes associated with uterine receptivity in each cell type. Additionally, we predicted signalling interactions for distinct cell types to understand the crosstalk between the blastocyst and the receptive uterus. Conclusion Our data provide a valuable resource for deciphering the molecular mechanism underlying uterine receptivity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Yang Zhu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Park HR, Choi HJ, Kim BS, Chung TW, Kim KJ, Joo JK, Ryu D, Bae SJ, Ha KT. Paeoniflorin Enhances Endometrial Receptivity through Leukemia Inhibitory Factor. Biomolecules 2021; 11:439. [PMID: 33809755 PMCID: PMC8002267 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology, treatment for deficient endometrial receptivity is a major clinical unmet need. In our previous study, the water extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. enhanced endometrial receptivity in vitro and in vivo via induction of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine. In the present study, we found that paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, is the major active compound of P. lactiflora. Paeoniflorin significantly improved the embryo implantation rate in a murine model of mifepristone (RU486)-induced implantation failure. In addition, paeoniflorin increased the adhesion of human trophectoderm-derived JAr cells to endometrial Ishikawa cells through the expression of LIF in vitro. Moreover, using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the human endometrium, we confirmed that LIF signaling is a key regulator for improving human endometrial receptivity. Therefore, these results suggest that paeoniflorin might be a potent drug candidate for the treatment of endometrial implantation failure by enhancing endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Rin Park
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Bo-Sung Kim
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Chung
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Daekyeung University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsanabuk-do 38547, Korea;
| | - Jong-Kil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Korea;
| | - Dongryeol Ryu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Sung-Jin Bae
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
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Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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Hebeda CB, Sandri S, Benis CM, de Paula-Silva M, Loiola RA, Reutelingsperger C, Perretti M, Farsky SHP. Annexin A1/Formyl Peptide Receptor Pathway Controls Uterine Receptivity to the Blastocyst. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051188. [PMID: 32403233 PMCID: PMC7291299 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the uterine wall is a highly modulated, complex process. We previously demonstrated that Annexin A1 (AnxA1), which is a protein secreted by epithelial and inflammatory cells in the uterine microenvironment, controls embryo implantation in vivo. Here, we decipher the effects of recombinant AnxA1 in this phenomenon by using human trophoblast cell (BeWo) spheroids and uterine epithelial cells (Ishikawa; IK). AnxA1-treated IK cells demonstrated greater levels of spheroid adherence and upregulation of the tight junction molecules claudin-1 and zona occludens-1, as well as the glycoprotein mucin-1 (Muc-1). The latter effect of AnxA1 was not mediated through IL-6 secreted from IK cells, a known inducer of Muc-1 expression. Rather, these effects of AnxA1 involved activation of the formyl peptide receptors FPR1 and FPR2, as pharmacological blockade of FPR1 or FPR1/FPR2 abrogated such responses. The downstream actions of AnxA1 were mediated through the ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway and F-actin polymerization in IK cells, as blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation reversed AnxA1-induced Muc-1 and claudin-1 expression. Moreover, FPR2 activation by AnxA1 induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by IK cells, and the supernatant of AnxA1-treated IK cells evoked angiogenesis in vitro. In conclusion, these data highlight the role of the AnxA1/FPR1/FPR2 pathway in uterine epithelial control of blastocyst implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina B. Hebeda
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Silvana Sandri
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Cláudia M. Benis
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Marina de Paula-Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Rodrigo A. Loiola
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Chris Reutelingsperger
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Part of Maastricht University Medical Center, Part of Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Mauro Perretti
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK;
| | - Sandra H. P. Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.H.); (S.S.); (C.M.B.); (M.d.P.-S.); (R.A.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(11)-3091-2197
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He JP, Zhao M, Zhang WQ, Huang MY, Zhu C, Cheng HZ, Liu JL. Identification of Gene Expression Changes Associated With Uterine Receptivity in Mice. Front Physiol 2019; 10:125. [PMID: 30890945 PMCID: PMC6413723 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse is a widely used animal model for studying human reproduction. Although global gene expression changes associated with human uterine receptivity have been determined by independent groups, the same studies in the mouse are scarce. The extent of similarities/differences between mice and humans on uterine receptivity at the molecular level remains to be determined. In the present study, we analyzed global gene expression changes in receptive uterus on day 4 of pregnancy compared to non-receptive uterus on day 3 of pregnancy in mice. A total of 541 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 316 genes were up-regulated and 225 genes were down-regulated in receptive uterus compared to non-receptive uterus. Gene ontology and gene network analysis highlighted the activation of inflammatory response in the receptive uterus. By analyzing the promoter sequences of differentially expressed genes, we identified 12 causal transcription factors. Through connectivity map (CMap) analysis, we revealed several compounds with potential anti-receptivity activity. Finally, we performed a cross-species comparison against human uterine receptivity from a published dataset. Our study provides a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying uterine receptivity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Peng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Qian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Yu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Zhuang Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhu J, Mayr D, Kuhn C, Mahner S, Jeschke U, von Schönfeldt V. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 in healthy and diseased human endometrium. Histochem Cell Biol 2017; 149:153-160. [PMID: 29134301 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-017-1616-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is well described to be associated with both endometrial functions and disorders. The primary aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms that affect the growth and function of endometrial epithelium and stroma by assessing the staining intensity of PGE2 receptors (EP) in healthy endometrium across the menstrual cycle and in pathological endometrium, such as ovarian endometriosis and endometrial cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the EPs staining intensity in human nonpregnant endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle by immunohistochemistry and further focused on EP1 (n = 42). The variation of EP1 was compared among healthy endometrium, ovarian endometriosis (n = 14), and endometrial cancer (n = 140) crosswise. EP1 presented cyclical changes with increased intensity in both epithelium and stroma during the proliferative phase. EP1 staining in the epithelium was increased in endometriotic tissue compared to healthy endometrium and tumor tissue, while in the stroma, the staining in the tumor was lower than that in both normal tissue and endometriosis. No significant differences in EP1 intensity were detected for histological, stage, grading, metastatic and recurrent subtypes in endometrial cancer. EP1 was also correlated with neither progression-free survival nor overall survival of patients with cancer. EP1 staining in progesterone receptor B (PRB)-positive tumor was stronger compared to PRB-negative tumor. EP1 may play a role in human endometrial physiology and pathology. Further studies on the effect of EP1 on human endometrium are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 142, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Viktoria von Schönfeldt
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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