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Stadtmauer DJ, Basanta S, Maziarz JD, Cole AG, Dagdas G, Smith GR, van Breukelen F, Pavličev M, Wagner GP. Comparative single cell analysis reveals complex patterns of cell type and cell signaling innovations at the fetal-maternal interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.591945. [PMID: 38746137 PMCID: PMC11092578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.591945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The decidual-placental interface is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving tissues in mammals. Its origin as a chimeric fetal-maternal tissue poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. We present single-cell RNA sequencing atlases from the fetal-maternal interfaces of the opossum, a marsupial, the Malagasy common tenrec, an afrotherian with primitive reproductive features, and mouse, guinea pig, and human. Invasive trophoblast shares a common transcriptomic signature across eutherians, which we argue represents a cell type family that radiated following the evolution of hemochorial placentation. We find evidence that the eutherian decidual stromal cell evolved stepwise from a predecidual state retained in Tenrec , followed by a second decidual cell type originating in Boreoeutheria with endocrine characteristics. We reconstruct ligand-receptor signaling to test evolutionary hypotheses at scale. Novel trophoblast and decidual cell types display strong integration into signaling networks compared to other cells. Additionally, we find consistent disambiguation between fetal and maternal signaling. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer the cell-cell signaling network of the Placental common ancestor, and identify increased rates of signaling evolution in Euarchontoglires. Together, our findings reveal novel cell type identities and cell signaling dynamics at the mammalian fetal-maternal interface.
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Tsuru A, Yoshie M, Negishi R, Mukoyama T, Yonekawa R, Kojima J, Azumi M, Kusama K, Nishi H, Tamura K. Regulatory action of PGRMC1 on cyclic AMP-mediated COX2 expression in human endometrial cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2023; 153:188-196. [PMID: 37973216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) undergo differentiation, known as decidualization, and endometrial epithelial cells mature around the embryo implantation stage. In the uterus, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), the rate-limiting enzyme that produces prostaglandin E2, is expressed in endometrial stromal and epithelial cells, and promotes decidualization of the former cells. Our recent study demonstrated that progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is downregulated during decidualization and may be involved in cellular senescence associated with decidualization via the transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). Therefore, we investigated the role of PGRMC1 in COX2 expression during differentiation and maturation of endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. Inhibition or knockdown of PGRMC1 significantly enhanced differentiation stimuli-induced COX2 expression in both cell types. However, this COX2 expression was suppressed by FOXO1 knockdown or nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition. Silencing of COX2 expression inhibited PGRMC1 knockdown-induced expression of decidual markers in ESCs. Thus, PGRMC1 may be linked to FOXO1- and NF-κB-mediated COX2 expression in endometrial cells. Taken together, our data suggest that downregulation of PGRMC1 expression facilitates differentiation of endometrial cells, i.e., decidualization and glandular maturation, via upregulation of COX2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuya Tsuru
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Mikihiro Yoshie
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Ryota Negishi
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Toko Mukoyama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Ryo Yonekawa
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Junya Kojima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Mana Azumi
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Nishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Tamura
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
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Zeng C, Liu J, Zheng X, Hu X, He Y. Prostaglandin and prostaglandin receptors: present and future promising therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Respir Res 2023; 24:263. [PMID: 37915044 PMCID: PMC10619262 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02559-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), Group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a type of pulmonary vascular disease characterized by abnormal contraction and remodeling of the pulmonary arterioles, manifested by pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and increased pulmonary arterial pressure, eventually leading to right heart failure or even death. The mechanisms involved in this process include inflammation, vascular matrix remodeling, endothelial cell apoptosis and proliferation, vasoconstriction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and hypertrophy. In this study, we review the mechanisms of action of prostaglandins and their receptors in PAH. MAIN BODY PAH-targeted therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, prostacyclin, and prostacyclin analogs, improve PVR, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and the six-minute walk distance, cardiac output and exercise capacity and are licensed for patients with PAH; however, they have not been shown to reduce mortality. Current treatments for PAH primarily focus on inhibiting excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction, however, vascular remodeling is recalcitrant to currently available therapies. Lung transplantation remains the definitive treatment for patients with PAH. Therefore, it is imperative to identify novel targets for improving pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH. Studies have confirmed that prostaglandins and their receptors play important roles in the occurrence and development of PAH through vasoconstriction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. CONCLUSION Prostacyclin and related drugs have been used in the clinical treatment of PAH. Other prostaglandins also have the potential to treat PAH. This review provides ideas for the treatment of PAH and the discovery of new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139, Middle Ren-min Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139, Middle Ren-min Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xialei Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139, Middle Ren-min Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqun Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139, Middle Ren-min Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuhu He
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139, Middle Ren-min Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou C, Zheng L, Teng H, Yang Y, Ma R, Wang S, Yang Y, Jing J, Li M, Wu R, Chen L, Yao B. Maternal RNA binding protein with multiple splicing 2 (RBPMS2) is involved in mouse blastocyst formation through the bone morphogenetic protein pathway. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103238. [PMID: 37573751 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is early embryo development in mice influenced by RNA binding protein with multiple splicing 2 (RBPMS2), a maternal factor that accumulates and is stored in the cytoplasm of mature oocytes? DESIGN The expression patterns of RBPMS2 in mouse were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of knockdown of RBPMS2 on embryo development was evaluated through a microinjection of specific morpholino or small interfering RNA. RNA sequencing was performed for mechanistic analysis. The interaction between RBPMS2 and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway was studied using BMP inhibitor and activator. The effect on the localization of E-cadherin was determined by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Maternal protein RBPMS2 is highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and knockdown of RBPMS2 inhibits embryo development from the morula to the blastocyst stage. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway. BMPs are members of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors. It was found that the addition of BMP inhibitor to the culture medium led to a morula-stage arrest, similar to that seen in RBPMS2 knockdown embryos. This morula-stage arrest defect caused by RBPMS2 knockdown was partially rescued by BMP activator. Furthermore, the localization of E-cadherin to the membrane was impaired in response to a knockdown of RBPMS2 or inhibition of the BMP pathway. CONCLUSION This study suggests that RBPMS2 activates the BMP pathway and thus influences the localization of E-cadherin, which is important for early mouse embryo development during blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Basic Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiling Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ronghua Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China..
| | - Bing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China..
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Habiba M, Guo SW, Benagiano G. In Memory of Ivo Brosens: Reflections on the Pathophysiology of Neonatal Uterine Bleeding. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 88:257-266. [PMID: 37494891 DOI: 10.1159/000533123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of vaginal bleeding in early neonatal life has been observed for centuries and was considered a consequence of the sudden drop in circulating hormones following birth. As such, neonatal uterine bleeding was dismissed as having no clinical significance. Interest in the phenomenon was renewed when a new theory suggested a link between neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) and accelerated endometrial maturation. This theory was based on the observation of a higher incidence of NUB in babies born post-term or after pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, or blood group incompatibility. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review of available evidence on the pathogenesis of NUB. METHOD Review of available literature using Medline search (August 2022, no limit on start date or language) to identify articles that may link NUB with features of the uterus and/or endometrium. OUTCOME The fetal endometrial responses differ from that of the adult. In the fetus, the endometrium features progestogenic response only in a minority of cases. The endometrium in most newborn girls does not exhibit secretory or decidual changes which indicate lack of progesterone response. Most newborn girls do not have visible bleeding. Animal studies linked exogenous progestogen exposure during the period of organogenesis to poor endometrial gland development, progesterone resistance, and to alterations of reproductive performance. Although the fetal endometrium may not exhibit a full proliferative response, it is clearly sensitive to circulating estrogens. Molecular mechanisms involved in NUB may include "ontogenetic progesterone resistance." CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK Endometrial development and its response to withdrawal of hormones at birth varies and may be affected by intrauterine stressors and gestational age. Factors that affect endometrial development during fetal life and in preterm neonates can have implications on future reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Gynecology & Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Chen ST, Shi WW, Lin YQ, Yang ZS, Wang Y, Li MY, Li Y, Liu AX, Hu Y, Yang ZM. Embryo-derive TNF promotes decidualization via fibroblast activation. eLife 2023; 12:e82970. [PMID: 37458359 PMCID: PMC10374279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidualization is a process in which endometrial stromal fibroblasts differentiate into specialized secretory decidual cells and essential for the successful establishment of pregnancy. The underlying mechanism during decidualization still remains poorly defined. Because decidualization and fibroblast activation share similar characteristics, this study was to examine whether fibroblast activation is involved in decidualization. In our study, fibroblast activation-related markers are obviously detected in pregnant decidua and under in vitro decidualization. ACTIVIN A secreted under fibroblast activation promotes in vitro decidualization. We showed that arachidonic acid released from uterine luminal epithelium can induce fibroblast activation and decidualization through PGI2 and its nuclear receptor PPARδ. Based on the significant difference of fibroblast activation-related markers between pregnant and pseudopregnant mice, we found that embryo-derived TNF promotes CPLA2α phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release from luminal epithelium. Fibroblast activation is also detected under human in vitro decidualization. Similar arachidonic acid-PGI2-PPARδ-ACTIVIN A pathway is conserved in human endometrium. Collectively, our data indicate that embryo-derived TNF promotes CPLA2α phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release from luminal epithelium to induce fibroblast activation and decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Mountain Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Wen Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qian Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Shan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ai-Xia Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Mountain Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Meng X, Chen C, Qian J, Cui L, Wang S. Energy metabolism and maternal-fetal tolerance working in decidualization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203719. [PMID: 37404833 PMCID: PMC10315848 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One pivotal aspect of early pregnancy is decidualization. The decidualization process includes two components: the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells to decidual stromal cells (DSCs), as well as the recruitment and education of decidual immune cells (DICs). At the maternal-fetal interface, stromal cells undergo morphological and phenotypic changes and interact with trophoblasts and DICs to provide an appropriate decidual bed and tolerogenic immune environment to maintain the survival of the semi-allogeneic fetus without causing immunological rejection. Despite classic endocrine mechanism by 17 β-estradiol and progesterone, metabolic regulations do take part in this process according to recent studies. And based on our previous research in maternal-fetal crosstalk, in this review, we elaborate mechanisms of decidualization, with a special focus on DSC profiles from aspects of metabolism and maternal-fetal tolerance to provide some new insights into endometrial decidualization in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liyuan Cui
- *Correspondence: Songcun Wang, ; Liyuan Cui,
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Kirschen GW, Hessami K, AlAshqar A, Afrin S, Lulseged B, Borahay M. Uterine Transcriptome: Understanding Physiology and Disease Processes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:634. [PMID: 37106834 PMCID: PMC10136129 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, transcriptomics has enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental reproductive physiology, including the menstrual cycle, through a more precise molecular analysis. The endometrial mRNA transcript levels fluctuate during the normal menstrual cycle, indicating changes in the relative recruitment and abundance of inflammatory cells, as well as changes in the receptivity and remodeling of the endometrium. In addition to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of pathological gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, leiomyomas, and adenomyosis through RNA sequencing, this has allowed researchers to create transcriptome profiles during both normal menstrual cycles and pathological gynecological conditions. Such insights could potentially lead to more targeted and personalized therapies for benign gynecological conditions. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in transcriptome analysis of normal and pathological endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Kirschen
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kamran Hessami
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abdelrahman AlAshqar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Mostafa Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Fitzgerald HC, Kelleher AM, Ranjit C, Schust DJ, Spencer TE. Basolateral secretions of human endometrial epithelial organoids impact stromal cell decidualization. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad007. [PMID: 36821428 PMCID: PMC10321591 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions impact uterine receptivity, blastocyst implantation, stromal cell decidualization, and placental development. Changes in gland function across the menstrual cycle are primarily governed by the steroid hormones estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) but can also be influenced by extrinsic factors from the stroma. Using a human endometrial epithelial organoid system, transcriptome and proteome analyses identified distinct responses of the organoids to steroid hormones and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Notably, P4 and PGE2 modulated the basolateral secretion of organoid proteins, particularly cystatin C (CST3), serpin family A member 3 (SERPINA3), and stanniocalcin 1 (STC1). CST3, but not SERPINA3 or STC1, attenuated the in vitro stromal decidualization response to steroid hormones and PGE2. These findings provide evidence that uterine gland-derived factors impact stromal cell decidualization, which has implications for pregnancy establishment and fertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet C Fitzgerald
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Present address: The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168 Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, 3168 Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Chaman Ranjit
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Diessler ME, Hernández R, Gomez Castro G, Barbeito CG. Decidual cells and decidualization in the carnivoran endotheliochorial placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1134874. [PMID: 37009475 PMCID: PMC10060884 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1134874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidualization is considered a distinctive feature of eutherian pregnancy, and has appeared during evolution along with the development of invasive forms of placentation, as the endotheliochorial placenta. Although decidualization is not massive in carnivores, as it is in most species developing hemochorial placentas, isolated or grouped cells regarded as decidual have been documented and characterized, mainly in bitches and queens. For the majority of the remaining species of the order, data in the bibliography are fragmentary. In this article, general morphological aspects of decidual stromal cells (DSCs), their time of appearance and lasting, data about the expression of cytoskeletal proteins and molecules considered as markers of decidualization were reviewed. From the data reviewed, it follows that carnivoran DSCs take part either in the secretion of progesterone, prostaglandins, relaxin, among other substances, or at least in the signaling pathways triggered by them. Beyond their physiological roles, some of those molecules are already being used, or are yet under study, for the non-invasive endocrine monitoring and reproductive control of domestic and wild carnivores. Only insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, among the main decidual markers, has been undoubtedly demonstrated in both species. Laminin, on the contrary, was found only in feline DSCs, and prolactin was preliminary reported in dogs and cats. Prolactin receptor, on the other hand, was found in both species. While canine DSCs are the only placental cell type expressing the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR), that receptor has not been demonstrated neither in feline DSCs, nor in any other cell in the queen placenta, although the use of PGR blockers leads to abortion. Against this background, and from the data gathered so far, it is unquestionable that DSCs in carnivorans do play a pivotal role in placental development and health. The knowledge about placental physiology is critical for medical care and breeding management, primarily in domestic carnivores; it is also absolutely crucial for a conservation approach in the management of endangered carnivore species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Elizabeth Diessler
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Mónica Elizabeth Diessler,
| | - Rocío Hernández
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gimena Gomez Castro
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FCV, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FCV, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
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Transcriptomic profiling of canine decidualization and effects of antigestagens on decidualized dog uterine stromal cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21890. [PMID: 36535952 PMCID: PMC9763427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24790-6] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal-stroma derived decidual cells, the only cell population in the canine placenta expressing the nuclear progesterone (P4) receptor (PGR), are crucial for the maintenance of canine pregnancy. Decreased circulating progesterone (P4) levels, or blockage of PGR function with antigestagens, terminate canine pregnancy. As an in vitro model for canine decidualization, dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells can be decidualized in vitro with cAMP. The antigestagens aglepristone and mifepristone ablate the expression of decidualization markers in DUS cells (e.g., PGR, PRLR, IGF1 or PTGES). Here, the transcriptome profile of DUS cells was investigated to acquire deeper insights into decidualization-associated changes. Additionally, effects mediated by antigestagens (competitive PGR blockers) in decidualized cells were assessed. Decidualization led to the upregulation of 1841 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, P and FDR < 0.01) involved in cellular proliferation and adhesion, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, extracellular matrix organization, and vaso- and immunomodulation. The 1475 DEGs downregulated after decidualization were mostly associated with apoptosis and cell migration. In decidualized DUS cells, aglepristone modulated 1400 DEGs and mifepristone 1558 DEGs. Interestingly, around half of the identified DEGs were modulated by only one of the antigestagens. In all cases, however, PGR-blockage was mainly associated with an inversion of several decidualization-induced effects. Comparison between antigestagen-mediated effects and transcriptional changes in the canine placenta at term allowed the identification of 191 DEGs associated with diminished cell proliferation and adhesion, and vascular and immune modulation. This study emphasizes the importance of P4/PGR signaling for decidual cell function, providing new insights into the maintenance of canine pregnancy.
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Deryabin PI, Ivanova JS, Borodkina AV. Senescent endometrial stromal cells transmit reactive oxygen species to the trophoblast-like cells and impair spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6825317. [PMID: 36370081 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires a fine-tuned dialog between the invading embryo and the maternal endometrium. Recently, we discovered that premature senescence of endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) might mediate improper decidual transformation of endometrial tissue and impair endometrial-blastocyst interaction. Here, we show that senescent EnSC are characterized by elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels that originate from mitochondrial dysfunction and insufficient antioxidant defense. Decidualization of senescent EnSC is defective and is accompanied by the elevated intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Antioxidant defense during decidualization is significantly less efficient in senescent EnSC compared to healthy ones. Senescent EnSC secrete increased amounts of ROS into the extracellular space. Elevated ROS released by senescent EnSC shift the redox balance and induce DNA damage in the neighboring trophoblast-like cells. In an in vitro implantation model, we observed impaired spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids into a monolayer of decidualizing senescent EnSC, which could be compensated by pretreatment of the senescent cells with the antioxidant, Tempol. Hence, we propose a possible mechanism that might be responsible, at least in part, for the defective embryo implantation realized via ROS transmitting from senescent EnSC to trophoblast cells. Such transmission results in the accumulation of ROS and subsequent DNA damage in trophoblastic cells, which might lead to improper migration and invasion of an embryo. In light of these findings, the application of antioxidants prior to implantation might be a promising strategy to improve implantation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Deryabin
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - J S Ivanova
- Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - A V Borodkina
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Li R, Wang TY, Shelp-Peck E, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. The single-cell atlas of cultured human endometrial stromal cells. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:349-366. [PMID: 36089208 PMCID: PMC9669198 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically analyze the cell composition and transcriptome of primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) and transformed human endometrial stromal cells (THESCs). DESIGN The primary HESCs from 3 different donors and 1 immortalized THESC were collected from the human endometrium at the midsecretory phase and cultured in vitro. SETTING Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis. RESULT(S) We found the individual differences among the primary HESCs and bigger changes between the primary HESCs and THESCs. Cell clustering with or without integration identified cell clusters belonging to mature, proliferative, and active fibroblasts that were conserved across all samples at different stages of the cell cycles with intensive cell communication signals. All primary HESCs and THESCs can be correlated with some subpopulations of fibroblasts in the human endometrium. CONCLUSION(S) Our study indicated that the primary HESCs and THESCs displayed conserved cell characters and distinct cell clusters. Mature, proliferative, and active fibroblasts at different stages or cell cycles were detected across all samples and presented with a complex cell communication network. The cultured HESCs and THESCs retained the features of some subpopulations within the human endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tian-Yuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elinor Shelp-Peck
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina; The Biological Sciences Department, The Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geosciences, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina.
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Overexpression of ErbB-1 (EGFR) Protein in Eutopic Endometrium of Infertile Women with Severe Ovarian Endometriosis during the ‘Implantation Window’ of Menstrual Cycle. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3040022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The strong association between endometriosis and infertility is of high clinical significance. High proliferative bias in eutopic endometrium during the secretory phase is a hallmark of endometriosis, which may result in high occurrence of implantation failure and resultant infertility in endometriosis. The ErbB family of proteins regulates the proliferation capacity in the endometrium, potentially causing endometrial hostility to the implantation process in endometriosis. However, our knowledge regarding the involvement of the ErbB family in human endometrium during the window of implantation (WOI) in endometriosis-associated infertility is scant. In the present study, the cellular profiles of immunopositive ErbBs-1 to -4 in the endometrium of endometriosis-free, infertile women (Group 1; n = 11) and in eutopic endometrium of infertile women diagnosed with stage IV ovarian endometriosis (Group 2; n = 13) during the mid-secretory phase were compared using standardized guidelines. Computer-aided standardized combinative analysis of immunoprecipitation in different compartments revealed an overexpression of ErbB-1 in the epithelial, stromal and vascular compartments, along with marginally higher ErbB-3 expression (p < 0.06) in the vascular compartment and ErbB-4 expression (p < 0.05) in the glandular epithelium and stroma in the endometrium during the WOI in women with primary infertility associated with stage IV ovarian endometriosis compared with disease-free endometrium of control infertile women. It appears that changes in ErbBs in the eutopic endometrium during WOI induce anomalous proliferative, inflammatory and angiogenic activities in it, which can antagonize endometrial preparation for embryo implantation in endometriosis. This knowledge appears usable in strategizing methods for the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility, as well as preempting the oncogenic potential of endometriosis.
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Moffett A, Shreeve N. Local immune recognition of trophoblast in early human pregnancy: controversies and questions. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 23:222-235. [PMID: 36192648 PMCID: PMC9527719 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The role of the maternal immune system in reproductive success in humans remains controversial. Here we focus on the events that occur in the maternal decidua during the first few weeks of human pregnancy, because this is the site at which maternal leukocytes initially interact with and can recognize fetal trophoblast cells, potentially involving allorecognition by both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are the dominant leukocyte population in first-trimester decidua, and genetic studies point to a role of allorecognition by uterine NK cells in establishing a boundary between the mother and the fetus. By contrast, definitive evidence that allorecognition by decidual T cells occurs during the first trimester is lacking. Thus, our view is that during the crucial period when the placenta is established, damaging T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses towards placental trophoblast are minimized, whereas NK cell allorecognition contributes to successful implantation and healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moffett
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Norman Shreeve
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Progesterone Receptor Signaling in the Uterus Is Essential for Pregnancy Success. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091474. [PMID: 35563781 PMCID: PMC9104461 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus plays an essential role in the reproductive health of women and controls critical processes such as embryo implantation, placental development, parturition, and menstruation. Progesterone receptor (PR) regulates key aspects of the reproductive function of several mammalian species by directing the transcriptional program in response to progesterone (P4). P4/PR signaling controls endometrial receptivity and decidualization during early pregnancy and is critical for the establishment and outcome of a successful pregnancy. PR is also essential throughout gestation and during labor, and it exerts critical roles in the myometrium, mainly by the specialized function of its two isoforms, progesterone receptor A (PR-A) and progesterone receptor B (PR-B), which display distinct and separate roles as regulators of transcription. This review summarizes recent studies related to the roles of PR function in the decidua and myometrial tissues. We discuss how PR acquired key features in placental mammals that resulted in a highly specialized and dynamic role in the decidua. We also summarize recent literature that evaluates the myometrial PR-A/PR-B ratio at parturition and discuss the efficacy of current treatment options for preterm birth.
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Kazemian A, Tavares Pereira M, Hoffmann B, Kowalewski MP. Antigestagens Mediate the Expression of Decidualization Markers, Extracellular Matrix Factors and Connexin 43 in Decidualized Dog Uterine Stromal (DUS) Cells. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070798. [PMID: 35405788 PMCID: PMC8996927 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Adequate embryo-maternal communication is essential for a successful pregnancy. In the dog, this interaction is intimately associated with maternal stroma-derived decidual cells, the only cell population in the canine placenta expressing the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and, therefore, sensitive to the circulating progesterone levels. Prepartum decrease of progesterone or clinical application of PGR blockers (antigestagens, e.g., aglepristone and mifepristone) induce placental release of luteolytic factors and terminate pregnancy. However, the importance of progesterone for decidual cells functionality has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PGR blockers on the expression of markers of decidualization and cellular viability, as well as on epithelial and mesenchymal factors in in vitro decidualized dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells. Decidualization increased the expression of the respective markers, including factors involved in cell growth and prostaglandin synthesis. Their expression was suppressed by the application of antigestagens. Additionally, the expression of factors involved in tissue remodeling and cell-cell communication was increased, and antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were induced in decidualized cells. Altogether, progesterone signaling appears to be crucial for modulating decidual cells physiology and biological activity, and thus for the maintenance of pregnancy. Abstract Feto-maternal communication in the dog involves the differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells. As the only placental cells expressing the nuclear progesterone (P4) receptor (PGR), decidual cells play crucial roles in the maintenance and termination of pregnancy. Accordingly, to investigate possible PGR-mediated mechanisms in canine decidual cells, in vitro decidualized dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells were treated with functional PGR-blockers, mifepristone and aglepristone. Effects on decidualization markers, epithelial and mesenchymal factors, and markers of cellular viability were assessed. Decidualization increased the expression of PTGES, PGR, IGF1, and PRLR, along with ECM1, COL4 and CX43, but downregulated IGF2. DUS cells retained their mesenchymal character, and the expression of COL4 indicated the mesenchymal-epithelial transformation. Antigestagen treatment decreased the availability of PTGES, PRLR, IGF1 and PGR. Furthermore, antigestagens decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CX43, and transcriptional levels of ECM1 and COL4. Additionally, antigestagens increased levels of activated-CASP3 (a proapoptotic factor), associated with lowered levels of PCNA (a proliferation marker). These data reveal important aspects of the functional involvement of PGR in canine decidual cells, regarding the expression of decidualization markers and acquisition of epithelial-like characteristics. Some of these mechanisms may be crucial for the maintenance and/or termination of canine pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kazemian
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.T.P.)
| | - Miguel Tavares Pereira
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.T.P.)
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Mariusz P. Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.T.P.)
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Muter J, Kong CS, Brosens JJ. The Role of Decidual Subpopulations in Implantation, Menstruation and Miscarriage. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:804921. [PMID: 36303960 PMCID: PMC9580781 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.804921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In each menstrual cycle, the endometrium becomes receptive to embryo implantation while preparing for tissue breakdown and repair. Both pregnancy and menstruation are dependent on spontaneous decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a progesterone-dependent process that follows rapid, oestrogen-dependent proliferation. During the implantation window, stromal cells mount an acute stress response, which leads to the emergence of functionally distinct decidual subsets, reflecting the level of replication stress incurred during the preceding proliferative phase. Progesterone-dependent, anti-inflammatory decidual cells (DeC) form a robust matrix that accommodates the conceptus whereas pro-inflammatory, progesterone-resistant stressed and senescent decidual cells (senDeC) control tissue remodelling and breakdown. To execute these functions, each decidual subset engages innate immune cells: DeC partner with uterine natural killer (uNK) cells to eliminate senDeC, while senDeC co-opt neutrophils and macrophages to assist with tissue breakdown and repair. Thus, successful transformation of cycling endometrium into the decidua of pregnancy not only requires continuous progesterone signalling but dominance of DeC over senDeC, aided by recruitment and differentiation of circulating NK cells and bone marrow-derived decidual progenitors. We discuss how the frequency of cycles resulting in imbalanced decidual subpopulations may determine the recurrence risk of miscarriage and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Joanne Muter
| | - Chow-Seng Kong
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Biomedicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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