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Chen Y, Ye Z, Lin M, Zhu L, Xu L, Wang X. Deciphering the Epigenetic Landscape: Placental Development and Its Role in Pregnancy Outcomes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:996-1014. [PMID: 38457061 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The placenta stands out as a unique, transitory, and multifaceted organ, essential to the optimal growth and maturation of the fetus. Functioning as a vital nexus between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, it oversees the critical exchange of nutrients and waste. This exchange is facilitated by placental cells, known as trophoblasts, which adeptly invade and remodel uterine blood vessels. Deviations in placental development underpin a slew of pregnancy complications, notably fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), and preterm birth. Central to placental function and development is epigenetic regulation. Despite its importance, the intricate mechanisms by which epigenetics influence the placenta are not entirely elucidated. Recently, the scientific community has turned its focus to parsing out the epigenetic alterations during placental development, such as variations in promoter DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and shifts in non-coding RNA expression. By establishing correlations between epigenetic shifts in the placenta and pregnancy complications, researchers are unearthing invaluable insights into the biology and pathophysiology of these conditions. This review seeks to synthesize the latest findings on placental epigenetic regulation, spotlighting its crucial role in shaping fetal growth trajectories and development. Through this lens, we underscore the overarching significance of the placenta in the larger narrative of gestational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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Hossain MN, Gao Y, Hatfield MJ, de Avila JM, McClure MC, Du M. Cold exposure impacts DNA methylation patterns in cattle sperm. Front Genet 2024; 15:1346150. [PMID: 38444759 PMCID: PMC10912962 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1346150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is influenced by various exogenous factors such as nutrition, temperature, toxicants, and stress. Bulls from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and other northern areas are exposed to extreme cold temperatures during winter. However, the effects of cold exposure on the methylation patterns of bovine sperm remain unclear. To address, DNA methylation profiles of sperm collected during late spring and winter from the same bulls were analyzed using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Bismark (0.22.3) were used for mapping the WGBS reads and R Bioconductor package DSS was used for differential methylation analysis. Cold exposure induced 3,163 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) with methylation difference ≥10% and a q-value < 0.05. We identified 438 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with q-value < 0.05, which overlapped with 186 unique genes. We also identified eight unique differentially methylated genes (DMGs) (Pax6, Macf1, Mest, Ubqln1, Smg9, Ctnnb1, Lsm4, and Peg10) involved in embryonic development, and nine unique DMGs (Prmt6, Nipal1, C21h15orf40, Slc37a3, Fam210a, Raly, Rgs3, Lmbr1, and Gan) involved in osteogenesis. Peg10 and Mest, two paternally expressed imprinted genes, exhibited >50% higher methylation. The differential methylation patterns of six distinct DMRs: Peg10, Smg9 and Mest related to embryonic development and Lmbr1, C21h15orf40 and Prtm6 related to osteogenesis, were assessed by methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR), which confirmed the existence of variable methylation patterns in those locations across the two seasons. In summary, cold exposure induces differential DNA methylation patterns in genes that appear to affect embryonic development and osteogenesis in the offspring. Our findings suggest the importance of replicating the results of the current study with a larger sample size and exploring the potential of these changes in affecting offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nazmul Hossain
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Yao Gao
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Michael J. Hatfield
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jeanene M. de Avila
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | | | - Min Du
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Xue H, Yu A, Zhang L, Chen L, Guo Q, Lin M, Lin N, Chen X, Xu L, Huang H. Genetic testing for fetal loss of heterozygosity using single nucleotide polymorphism array and whole-exome sequencing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2190. [PMID: 38273042 PMCID: PMC10810965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The study explored the clinical significance of fetal loss of heterozygosity (LOH) identified by single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array). We retrospectively reviewed data from pregnant women who underwent invasive diagnostic procedures at prenatal diagnosis centers in southeastern China from December 2016 to December 2021. SNP array was performed by the Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K array platform. Fetuses with LOH were further identified by parental verification, MS-MLPA, and/or trio whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES). The genetic results, fetal clinical manifestations, and perinatal outcome were analyzed. Of 11,062 fetuses, 106 (0.96%) had LOH exhibiting a neutral copy number, 88 (83.0%) had LOH in a single chromosome, whereas 18 (17.0%) had multiple LOHs on different chromosomes. Sixty-six fetuses had ultrasound anomalies (UAs), most frequently fetal growth restriction (18/66 (27.3%)). Parental SNP array verification was performed in 21 cases and trio-WES in 21 cases. Twelve cases had clinically relevant uniparental disomy, five had pathogenic variants, four had likely pathogenic variants, six had variants of unknown significance, and eight had identity by descent. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in fetuses with LOH and UAs (24/66 (36.4%)) was higher than in those without UAs (6/40 (15.0%)) (p < 0.05). LOH is not uncommon. Molecular genetic testing techniques, including parental SNP array verification, trio-WES, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, regular and systematic ultrasonic monitoring, and placental study, can accurately assess the prognosis and guide the management of the affected pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Xue
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Aili Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Fujian Medical University, No. 88 Jiaotong Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingji Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qun Guo
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Min Lin
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Na Lin
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Hailong Huang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Key Laboratory for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defects, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
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Merrill AK, Sobolewski M, Susiarjo M. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112031. [PMID: 37506868 PMCID: PMC10592265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Song YP, Lv JW, Zhang ZC, Qian QH, Fan YJ, Chen DZ, Zhang H, Xu FX, Zhang C, Huang Y, Wang H, Wei W, Xu DX. Effects of Gestational Arsenic Exposures on Placental and Fetal Development in Mice: The Role of Cyr61 m6A. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:97004. [PMID: 37682722 PMCID: PMC10489955 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several epidemiological investigations demonstrated that maternal arsenic (As) exposure elevated risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR), but the mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational As exposure on placental and fetal development and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Dams were exposed to 0.15, 1.5, and 15 mg / L NaAsO 2 throughout pregnancy via drinking water. Sizes of fetuses and placentas, placental histopathology, and glycogen content were measured. Placental RNA sequencing was conducted. Human trophoblasts were exposed to NaAsO 2 (2 μ M ) to establish an in vitro model of As exposure. The mRNA stability and protein level of genes identified through RNA sequencing were measured. N 6 -Methyladenosine (m 6 A ) modification was detected by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reason (qPCR). The binding ability of insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 2 to the gene of interest was detected by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation-qPCR. Intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and methyltransferase activity were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and colorimetry, respectively. In vitro As + 3 methyltransferase (As3MT) knockdown or SAM supplementation and in vivo folic acid (FA) supplementation were used to evaluate the protective effect. A case-control study verified the findings. RESULTS Sizes of fetuses (exposed to 1.5 and 15 mg / L NaAsO 2 ) and placentas (exposed to 15 mg / L NaAsO 2 ) were lower in As-exposed mice. More glycogen + trophoblasts accumulated and the expression of markers of interstitial invasion was lower in the 15 mg / L NaAsO 2 -exposed mouse group in comparison with control. Placental RNA sequencing identified cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61) as a candidate gene of interest. Mechanistically, mice and cells exposed to As had lower protein expression of CYR61, and this was attributed to a lower incidence of Cyr61 m 6 A . Furthermore, cells exposed to As had lower methyltransferase activity, suggesting that this could be the mechanism by which Cyr61 m 6 A was affected. Depletion of intracellular SAM, a cofactor for m 6 A methyltransferase catalytic domain, partially contributed to As-induced methyltransferase activity reduction. Either As3MT knockdown or SAM supplementation attenuated As-induced Cyr61 m 6 A down-regulation. In mice, FA supplementation rescued As-induced defective trophoblastic invasion and FGR. In humans, a negative correlation between maternal urinary As and plasma CYR61 was observed in infants who were small for gestational age. DISCUSSION Using in vitro and in vivo models, we found that intracellular SAM depletion-mediated Cyr61 m 6 A down-regulation partially contributed to As-induced defective trophoblastic invasion and FGR. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Song
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jin-Wei Lv
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing-Hua Qian
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Jun Fan
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dao-Zhen Chen
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Education Ministry of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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6
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Varberg KM, Dominguez EM, Koseva B, Varberg JM, McNally RP, Moreno-Irusta A, Wesley ER, Iqbal K, Cheung WA, Schwendinger-Schreck C, Smail C, Okae H, Arima T, Lydic M, Holoch K, Marsh C, Soares MJ, Grundberg E. Extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development is associated with active remodeling of the chromatin landscape. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4826. [PMID: 37563143 PMCID: PMC10415281 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extravillous trophoblast cell lineage is a key feature of placentation and successful pregnancy. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation driving extravillous trophoblast cell development is limited. Here, we map the transcriptome and epigenome landscape as well as chromatin interactions of human trophoblast stem cells and their transition into extravillous trophoblast cells. We show that integrating chromatin accessibility, long-range chromatin interactions, transcriptomic, and transcription factor binding motif enrichment enables identification of transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms critical for extravillous trophoblast cell development. We elucidate functional roles for TFAP2C, SNAI1, and EPAS1 in the regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell development. EPAS1 is identified as an upstream regulator of key extravillous trophoblast cell transcription factors, including ASCL2 and SNAI1 and together with its target genes, is linked to pregnancy loss and birth weight. Collectively, we reveal activation of a dynamic regulatory network and provide a framework for understanding extravillous trophoblast cell specification in trophoblast cell lineage development and human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Esteban M Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Boryana Koseva
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Joseph M Varberg
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ross P McNally
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Emily R Wesley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Carl Schwendinger-Schreck
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Craig Smail
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael Lydic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kristin Holoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
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Vasconcelos S, Caniçais C, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Marques CJ, Dória S. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation and TET enzymes in placental development and pregnancy outcome. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 37095555 PMCID: PMC10127343 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that is essential for supporting mammalian embryo and fetal development. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying trophoblast differentiation and placental function may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications. Epigenetics plays a significant role in the regulation of gene expression, particularly at imprinted genes, which are fundamental in the control of placental development. The Ten-Eleven-Translocation enzymes are part of the epigenetic machinery, converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). DNA hydroxymethylation is thought to act as an intermediate in the DNA demethylation mechanism and potentially be a stable and functionally relevant epigenetic mark on its own. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation during differentiation and development of the placenta is not fully understood but increasing knowledge in this field will help to evaluate its potential role in pregnancy complications. This review focuses on DNA hydroxymethylation and its epigenetic regulators in human and mouse placental development and function. Additionally, we address 5hmC in the context of genomic imprinting mechanism and in pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia and pregnancy loss. The cumulative findings show that DNA hydroxymethylation might be important for the control of gene expression in the placenta and suggest a dynamic role in the differentiation of trophoblast cell types during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - C Joana Marques
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
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8
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Zhu W, Gu Y, Li M, Zhang Z, Liu J, Mao Y, Zhu Q, Zhao L, Shen Y, Chen F, Xia L, He L, Du J. Integrated single-cell RNA-seq and DNA methylation reveal the effects of air pollution in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:105. [PMID: 35999615 PMCID: PMC9400245 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal air pollutants exposure is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of RSA and its relationship with air pollution exposure. We compared data of decidual tissue from individuals with induced abortions and those with RSA by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified using RT-qPCR and pyrosequencing. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between air pollutants exposure and RSA. Results We identified 98 DEGs with aberrant methylation by overlapping the RRBS and RNA-seq data. Nineteen immune cell subsets were identified. Compared with normal controls, NK cells and macrophages accounted for different proportions in the decidua of patients with RSA. We observed that the methylation and expression of IGF2BP1 were different between patients with RSA and controls. Furthermore, we observed significant positive associations between maternal air pollutants exposure during the year prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy and the risk of RSA. Mediation analyses suggested that 24.5% of the effects of air pollution on the risk of RSA were mediated through IGF2BP1 methylation. Conclusion These findings reveal a comprehensive cellular and molecular mechanism of RSA and suggest that air pollution might cause pregnancy loss by affecting the methylation level of the IGF2BP1 promoter. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Mao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qianxi Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fujia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingjin Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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Hjort L, Novakovic B, Cvitic S, Saffery R, Damm P, Desoye G. Placental DNA Methylation in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes and/or obesity: State of the Art and research gaps. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2188-2208. [PMID: 35950598 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2111755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYMaternal diabetes and/or obesity in pregnancy are undoubtedly associated with later disease-risk in the offspring. The placenta, interposed between the mother and the fetus, is a potential mediator of this risk through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. In recent years, multiple studies have identified differentially methylated CpG sites in the placental tissue DNA in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity. We reviewed all published original research relevant to this topic and analyzed our findings with the focus of identifying overlaps, contradictions and gaps. Most studies focused on the association of gestational diabetes and/or hyperglycemia in pregnancy and DNA methylation in placental tissue at term. We identified overlaps in results related to specific candidate genes, but also observed a large research gap of pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. Other unanswered questions relate to analysis of specific placental cell types and the timing of DNA methylation change in response to diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. Maternal metabolism is altered already in the first trimester involving structural and functional changes in the placenta, but studies into its effects on placental DNA methylation during this period are lacking and urgently needed. Fetal sex is also an important determinant of pregnancy outcome, but only few studies have taken this into account. Collectively, we provide a reference work for researchers working in this large and evolving field. Based on the results of the literature review, we formulate suggestions for future focus of placental DNA methylation studies in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Hjort
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Environmental Epigenetics Group, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Dept. of Pediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Dept. of Pediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Damm
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Dept. of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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10
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Pinson MR, Tseng AM, Adams A, Lehman TE, Chung K, Gutierrez J, Larin KV, Chambers C, Miranda RC. Prenatal alcohol exposure contributes to negative pregnancy outcomes by altering fetal vascular dynamics and the placental transcriptome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1036-1049. [PMID: 35474222 PMCID: PMC9325399 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to alter fetal blood flow in utero and is also associated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), suggesting an underlying connection between perturbed circulation and pregnancy outcomes. Methods Timed‐pregnant C57/BL6NHsd mice, bred in‐house, were exposed by gavage on gestational day 10 (GD10) to ethanol (3 g/kg) or purified water, as a control. Pulse‐wave Doppler ultrasound measurements for umbilical arteries and ascending aorta were obtained post‐gavage (GD12, GD14, GD18) on 2 fetuses/litter. RNA from the non‐decidual (labyrinthine and junctional zone) portion of placentas was isolated and processed for RNA‐seq and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, and the association between transcriptomic changes and fetal phenotypes assessed. Results Exposure to ethanol in pregnant mice on GD10 attenuates umbilical cord blood flow transiently during gestation, and is associated with indices of IUGR, specifically decreased fetal weight and morphometric indices of cranial growth. Moreover, RNA‐seq of the fetal portion of the placenta demonstrated that this single exposure has lasting transcriptomic changes, including upregulation of Tet3, which is associated with spontaneous abortion. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified erythrocyte differentiation and homeostasis as important pathways associated with improved umbilical cord blood flow as gestation progresses. WGCNA also identified sensory perception of chemical stimulus/odorant and receptor activity as important pathways associated with cranial growth. Conclusion Our data suggest that PAE perturbs the expression of placental genes relevant for placental hematopoiesis and environmental sensing, resulting in transient impairment of umbilical cord blood flow and, subsequently, IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R Pinson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander M Tseng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Adams
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Tenley E Lehman
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Karen Chung
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kirill V Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christina Chambers
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program of Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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11
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Non-Coding RNAs Regulate Spontaneous Abortion: A Global Network and System Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084214. [PMID: 35457031 PMCID: PMC9028476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion is a common pregnancy complication that negatively impacts women’s health and commercial pig production. It has been demonstrated that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is involved in SA by affecting cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), migration, and immune response. Over the last decade, research on ncRNAs in SA has primarily concentrated on micro RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). In this review, we discuss recent ncRNA studies focused on the function and mechanism of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in regulating SA. Meanwhile, we suggest that a ceRNA regulatory network exists in the onset and development of SA. A deeper understanding of this network will accelerate the process of the quest for potential RNA markers for SA diagnosis and treatment.
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12
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Udumudi A, Lava C. Genetic markers for inherited thrombophilia related pregnancy loss and implantation failure in Indian population - implications for diagnosis and clinical management. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9406-9414. [PMID: 35139737 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2038560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM The biology of recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure (RPL-RIF) is complex with multi-factorial etiology, with defective thrombosis being one of the most important and highly prevalent causes. The role of several thrombophilia related genes and variants associated with RPL-RIF is widely reported, and this study aimed to identify the risk associated with these genes in the Indian population. METHODS Next generation sequencing (NGS) was employed for the current study. NGS enables sequencing of multiple genes, identification of new variants, and establishment of genetic correlations with reproductive failure in diverse population groups. The present NGS based study evaluates association of twenty-nine genotypes of ten coagulation pathway genes (F2, F5, F13, MTR, MTRR, MTHFR, ANXA5, PROZ, SERPINE1 and VEGFA) with RPL-RIF in 540 female subjects - 474 patients with early recurrent pregnancy loss, late pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications in late gestation and recurrent implantation failure, with 66 controls. RESULTS The results emphasize inclusion of genotypes of seven thrombophilia genes (MTHFR, MTRR, MTR, ANXA5, PROZ, SERPINE1, VEGFA) for diagnosis of inherited thrombophilia risk for RPL-RIF in Indian population, as against the common practice of testing limited to F2, F5 and MTHFR genes. CONCLUSION Deriving risk magnitude from Combined Risk Analysis and interpretation of high-risk haplotypes are crucial components for evidence based personalized management such as selection of drugs and dosage, and prenatal or pre-implantation recommendations, for high-risk patients in fertility and obstetric clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chaitra Lava
- Fertility Genomics Division, GeneTech, Hyderabad, India
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13
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Zhou Q, Xiong Y, Qu B, Bao A, Zhang Y. DNA Methylation and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Mysterious Compass? Front Immunol 2021; 12:738962. [PMID: 34745108 PMCID: PMC8566749 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common and severe pathological pregnancy, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. With the development of epigenetics, the study of DNA methylation, provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis and therapy of RPL. The abnormal DNA methylation of imprinted genes, placenta-specific genes, immune-related genes and sperm DNA may, directly or indirectly, affect embryo implantation, growth and development, leading to the occurrence of RPL. In addition, the unique immune tolerogenic microenvironment formed at the maternal-fetal interface has an irreplaceable effect on the maintenance of pregnancy. In view of these, changes in the cellular components of the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment and the regulation of DNA methylation have attracted a lot of research interest. This review summarizes the research progress of DNA methylation involved in the occurrence of RPL and the regulation of the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment. The review provides insights into the personalized diagnosis and treatment of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunhe Xiong
- Urology Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Anyu Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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14
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Liu A, Jin M, Xie L, Jing M, Zhou Y, Tang M, Lin T, Wang D. Loss of miR-29a impairs decidualization of endometrial stromal cells by TET3 mediated demethylation of Col1A1 promoter. iScience 2021; 24:103065. [PMID: 34568789 PMCID: PMC8449092 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A conceptual framework for understanding abnormal endometrial decidualization, with considerable significance for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal decidualization-related changes in non-receptive endometrium in implantation failure during early pregnancy is very important. Here, we found the expression levels of miR-29a in endometrial tissues were associated with the menstrual phases and pregnancy outcome. Inhibition of miR-29a led to decreased decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro, whereas Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3) and its potential demethylation target, the collagen type I alpha 1 chain (Col1A1), were restored. The binding capacity of TET3 to the Col1A1 promoter could be enhanced by the inhibition of miR-29a. Finally, deletion of TET3 rescued the inhibitory effect of the miR-29a antagomir on the proliferation of decidualized ESCs in vitro and embryo implantation in vivo. Thus, loss of miR-29a causes implantation failure because of the limitation of ESCs decidualization-related changes in non-receptive endometrium during early pregnancy. Loss of miR-29a inhibits decidualization of ESCs TET3 demethylates the Col1A1 promoter Loss of miR-29a enhances the binding capacity of TET3 to the Col1A1 promoter Loss of miR-29a suppresses embryo implantation during early pregnancy in mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixia Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Laidi Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Mengyu Jing
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Minyue Tang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Dimin Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
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15
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Huang TC, Chang KC, Chang JY, Tsai YS, Yang YJ, Chang WC, Mo CF, Yu PH, Chiang CT, Lin SP, Kuo PL. Variants in Maternal Effect Genes and Relaxed Imprinting Control in a Special Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia Case with Mild Trophoblast Hyperplasia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050544. [PMID: 34068021 PMCID: PMC8152467 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) and partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) placentas share similar characteristics, such as placental overgrowth and grape-like placental tissues. Distinguishing PMD from PHM is critical because the former can result in normal birth, while the latter diagnosis will lead to artificial abortion. Aneuploidy and altered dosage of imprinted gene expression are implicated in the pathogenesis of PHM and also some of the PMD cases. Diandric triploidy is the main cause of PHM, whereas mosaic diploid androgenetic cells in the placental tissue have been associated with the formation of PMD. Here, we report a very special PMD case also presenting with trophoblast hyperplasia phenotype, which is a hallmark of PHM. This PMD placenta has a normal biparental diploid karyotype and is functionally sufficient to support normal fetal growth. We took advantage of this unique case to further dissected the potential common etiology between these two diseases. We show that the differentially methylated region (DMR) at NESP55, a secondary DMR residing in the GNAS locus, is significantly hypermethylated in the PMD placenta. Furthermore, we found heterozygous mutations in NLRP2 and homozygous variants in NLRP7 in the mother’s genome. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are known maternal effect genes, and their mutation in pregnant females affects fetal development. The variants/mutations in both genes have been associated with imprinting defects in mole formation and potentially contributed to the mild abnormal imprinting observed in this case. Finally, we identified heterozygous mutations in the X-linked ATRX gene, a known maternal–zygotic imprinting regulator in the patient. Overall, our study demonstrates that PMD and PHM may share overlapping etiologies with the defective/relaxed dosage control of imprinted genes, representing two extreme ends of a spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Chi Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Kung-Chao Chang
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Yun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Yi-Shan Tsai
- Department of Radiology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Yao-Jong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Chu-Fan Mo
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
| | - Pei-Hsiu Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan 700, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ting Chiang
- Department and Graduated Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (T.-C.H.); (J.-Y.C.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-F.M.)
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Center for Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-P.L.); (P.-L.K.)
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (S.-P.L.); (P.-L.K.)
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16
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Caniçais C, Vasconcelos S, Ramalho C, Marques CJ, Dória S. Deregulation of imprinted genes expression and epigenetic regulators in placental tissue from intrauterine growth restriction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:791-801. [PMID: 33389447 PMCID: PMC8079450 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal growth complication that can be caused by ineffective nutrient transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Abnormal placental development and function have been correlated with abnormal expression of imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications at imprinting control regions (ICRs). In this study, we analyzed the expression of imprinted genes known to be involved in fetal growth and epigenetic regulators involved in DNA methylation, as well as DNA methylation at the KvDMR1 imprinting control region and global levels of DNA hydroxymethylation, in IUGR cases. METHODS Expression levels of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators were analyzed in term placental samples from 21 IUGR cases and 9 non-IUGR (control) samples, by RT-qPCR. Additionally, KvDMR1 methylation was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) techniques. Moreover, global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels were also measured. RESULTS We observed increased expression of PHLDA2, CDKN1C, and PEG10 imprinted genes and of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and TET3 epigenetic regulators in IUGR placentas. No differences in methylation levels at the KvDMR1 were observed between the IUGR and control groups; similarly, no differences in global DNA methylation and hydromethylation were detected. CONCLUSION Our study shows that deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms, namely increased expression of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators, might be associated with IUGR etiology. Therefore, this study adds knowledge to the molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR, which may contribute to novel prediction tools and future therapeutic options for the management of IUGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caniçais
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Vasconcelos
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Ramalho
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Joana Marques
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Bai RX, Tang ZY. Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates Bcl-2, Bax and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase expression in spontaneous abortion. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:41. [PMID: 33273971 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion (SA) is the most frequently occurring pregnancy disorder and is a serious threat to women's health. Identifying novel risk factors and the molecular mechanisms underlying SA are important. The present study reported that the RNA expression levels of long non-coding RNA H19 were lower in SA group compared with those in the control group, and the expression of Bax was increased and levels of Bcl-2 and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) were decreased in SA group at both the mRNA and protein levels. H19 expression was positively correlated with Bcl-2 and GPX4 expression and negatively linked with Bax levels. It was demonstrated that silencing H19 downregulated Bcl-2 and GPX4 expression and upregulated Bax expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that H19 has important roles in SA by promoting apoptosis and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xia Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Zou-Ying Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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