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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, Zmijewska A, Orini E, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Bioengineering-tissue strategies to model mammalian implantation in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1430235. [PMID: 39132254 PMCID: PMC11310004 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1430235] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
During mammalian implantation, complex and well-orchestrated interactions between the trophectoderm of implanting blastocysts and the maternal endometrium lead to a successful pregnancy. On the other hand, alteration in endometrium-blastocyst crosstalk often causes implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and complications that result in overall infertility. In domestic animals, this represents one of the major causes of economic losses and the understanding of the processes taking place during the early phases of implantation, in both healthy and pathological conditions, is of great importance, to enhance livestock system efficiency. Here we develop highly predictive and reproducible functional tridimensional (3D) in vitro models able to mimic the two main actors that play a key role at this developmental stage: the blastocyst and the endometrium. In particular, we generate a 3D endometrial model by co-culturing primary epithelial and stromal cells, isolated from sow uteri, onto highly porous polystyrene scaffolds. In parallel, we chemically reprogram porcine adult dermal fibroblasts and encapsulate them into micro-bioreactors to create trophoblast (TR) spheroids. Finally, we combine the generated artificial endometrium with the TR spheroids to model mammalian implantation in vitro and mimic the embryo-maternal interactions. The protocols here described allow the generation of reproducible and functional 3D models of both the maternal compartment as well as the implanting embryo, able to recreate in vitro the architecture and physiology of the two tissues in vivo. We suggest that these models can find useful applications to further elucidate early implantation mechanisms and to study the complex interactions between the maternal tissue and the developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Agata Zmijewska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elena Orini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A. L. Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
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2
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Winston T, Song Y, Shi H, Yang J, Alsudais M, Kontaridis MI, Wu Y, Gaborski TR, Meng Q, Cooney RN, Ma Z. Lineage-Specific Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Human iPSCs Showed Distinct Patterns in Transcriptomic Profile and Extracellular Vesicle Production. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308975. [PMID: 38757640 PMCID: PMC11267277 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308975] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been extensively investigated as a potential therapeutic cell source for the treatment of various disorders. Differentiation of MSCs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iMSCs) has provided a scalable approach for the biomanufacturing of MSCs and related biological products. Although iMSCs shared typical MSC markers and functions as primary MSCs (pMSCs), there is a lack of lineage specificity in many iMSC differentiation protocols. Here, a stepwise hiPSC-to-iMSC differentiation method is employed via intermediate cell stages of neural crest and cytotrophoblast to generate lineage-specific MSCs with varying differentiation efficiencies and gene expression. Through a comprehensive comparison between early developmental cell types (hiPSCs, neural crest, and cytotrophoblast), two lineage-specific iMSCs, and six source-specific pMSCs, are able to not only distinguish the transcriptomic differences between MSCs and early developmental cells, but also determine the transcriptomic similarities of iMSC subtypes to postnatal or perinatal pMSCs. Additionally, it is demonstrated that different iMSC subtypes and priming conditions affected EV production, exosomal protein expression, and cytokine cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tackla Winston
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
| | - Yuanhui Song
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
| | - Huaiyu Shi
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
| | - Junhui Yang
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
| | - Munther Alsudais
- Departments of Biomedical and Chemical EngineeringRochester Institute of TechnologyOne Lomb Memorial DriveRochesterNY14623USA
| | - Maria I. Kontaridis
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational MedicineMasonic Medical Research Institute2150 Bleecker StreetUticaNY13501USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical School330 Brookline AveBostonMA02215USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyHarvard Medical SchoolBuilding C, 240 Longwood AveBostonMA02115USA
| | - Yaoying Wu
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologySUNY Upstate Medical University766 Irving AvenueSyracuseNY13210USA
| | - Thomas R. Gaborski
- Departments of Biomedical and Chemical EngineeringRochester Institute of TechnologyOne Lomb Memorial DriveRochesterNY14623USA
| | - Qinghe Meng
- Department of SurgeryState University of New York Upstate Medical University750 East Adams StreetSyracuseNY13210USA
- Sepsis Interdisciplinary Research CenterState University of New York Upstate Medical University766 Irving AvenueSyracuseNY13210USA
| | - Robert N. Cooney
- Department of SurgeryState University of New York Upstate Medical University750 East Adams StreetSyracuseNY13210USA
- Sepsis Interdisciplinary Research CenterState University of New York Upstate Medical University766 Irving AvenueSyracuseNY13210USA
| | - Zhen Ma
- Department of Biomedical & Chemical EngineeringSyracuse University329 Link HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- BioInspired Institute for Materials and Living SystemsSyracuse University318 Bowne HallSyracuseNY13244USA
- Department of BiologySyracuse University107 College PlSyracuseNY13210USA
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3
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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4
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Lewis PA, Silajdžić E, Smith H, Bates N, Smith CA, Mancini FE, Knight D, Denning C, Brison DR, Kimber SJ. A secreted proteomic footprint for stem cell pluripotency. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299365. [PMID: 38875182 PMCID: PMC11178176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
With a view to developing a much-needed non-invasive method for monitoring the healthy pluripotent state of human stem cells in culture, we undertook proteomic analysis of the waste medium from cultured embryonic (Man-13) and induced (Rebl.PAT) human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Cells were grown in E8 medium to maintain pluripotency, and then transferred to FGF2 and TGFβ deficient E6 media for 48 hours to replicate an early, undirected dissolution of pluripotency. We identified a distinct proteomic footprint associated with early loss of pluripotency in both hPSC lines, and a strong correlation with changes in the transcriptome. We demonstrate that multiplexing of four E8- against four E6- enriched secretome biomarkers provides a robust, diagnostic metric for the pluripotent state. These biomarkers were further confirmed by Western blotting which demonstrated consistent correlation with the pluripotent state across cell lines, and in response to a recovery assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Lewis
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Edina Silajdžić
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Smith
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Bates
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A Smith
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio E Mancini
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Knight
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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5
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Artificial Blastoids Combining miR-200-Mediated Reprogramming and Mechanical Cues. Cells 2024; 13:628. [PMID: 38607067 PMCID: PMC11011911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070628] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro-generated blastocyst-like structures are of great importance since they recapitulate specific features or processes of early embryogenesis, thus avoiding ethical concerns as well as increasing scalability and accessibility compared to the use of natural embryos. Here, we combine cell reprogramming and mechanical stimuli to create 3D spherical aggregates that are phenotypically similar to those of natural embryos. Specifically, dermal fibroblasts are reprogrammed, exploiting the miR-200 family property to induce a high plasticity state in somatic cells. Subsequently, miR-200-reprogrammed cells are either driven towards the trophectoderm (TR) lineage using an ad hoc induction protocol or encapsulated into polytetrafluoroethylene micro-bioreactors to maintain and promote pluripotency, generating inner cell mass (ICM)-like spheroids. The obtained TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids are then co-cultured in the same micro-bioreactor and, subsequently, transferred to microwells to encourage blastoid formation. Notably, the above protocol was applied to fibroblasts obtained from young as well as aged donors, with results that highlighted miR-200's ability to successfully reprogram young and aged cells with comparable blastoid rates, regardless of the donor's cell age. Overall, the approach here described represents a novel strategy for the creation of artificial blastoids to be used in the field of assisted reproduction technologies for the study of peri- and early post-implantation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana A. L. Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Dou C, Wu L, Zhang J, He H, Xu T, Yu Z, Su P, Zhang X, Wang J, Miao YL, Zhou J. The transcriptional activator Klf5 recruits p300-mediated H3K27ac for maintaining trophoblast stem cell pluripotency. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad045. [PMID: 37533201 PMCID: PMC10768793 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) is indispensable for the development of the placenta, which is the key to maintaining normal fetal growth during pregnancy. Kruppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) is implicated in the activation of pluripotency gene expression in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), yet its function in TSCs is poorly understood. Here, we showed that Klf5 knockdown resulted in the downregulation of core TSC-specific genes, consequently causing rapid differentiation of TSCs. Consistently, Klf5-depleted embryos lost the ability to establish TSCs in vitro. At the molecular level, Klf5 preferentially occupied the proximal promoter regions and maintained an open chromatin architecture of key TSC-specific genes. Deprivation of Klf5 impaired the enrichment of p300, a major histone acetyl transferase of H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), and further reduced the occupancy of H3K27ac at promoter regions, leading to decreased transcriptional activity of TSC pluripotency genes. Thus, our findings highlight a novel mechanism of Klf5 in regulating the self-renewal and differentiation of TSCs and provide a reference for understanding placental development and improving pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengli Dou
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Linhui Wu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hainan He
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tian Xu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhisheng Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Peng Su
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi 435000, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jilong Zhou
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
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Liu X, Wang G, Huang H, Lv X, Si Y, Bai L, Wang G, Li Q, Yang W. Exploring maternal-fetal interface with in vitro placental and trophoblastic models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1279227. [PMID: 38033854 PMCID: PMC10682727 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1279227] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta, being a temporary organ, plays a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. Any abnormalities in the development of this vital organ not only lead to various pregnancy-related disorders that can result in fetal injury or death, but also have long-term effects on maternal health. In vitro models have been employed to study the physiological features and molecular regulatory mechanisms of placental development, aiming to gain a detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related diseases. Among these models, trophoblast stem cell culture and organoids show great promise. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current mature trophoblast stem cell models and emerging organoid models, while also discussing other models in a systematic manner. We believe that this knowledge will be valuable in guiding further exploration of the complex maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Liu
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Lv
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yanru Si
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lixia Bai
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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8
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Kuo YC, Lin SY, De S, Rajesh R. Regeneration of Pancreatic Cells Using Optimized Nanoparticles and l-Glutamic Acid-Gelatin Scaffolds with Controlled Topography and Grafted Activin A/BMP4. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6208-6224. [PMID: 37882705 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) under controlled conditions has a lot of promise to emulate the pancreatic mechanism in vivo as a foundation of cell-based diabetic therapy. l-Glutamic acid-gelatin scaffolds with orderly pore sizes of 160 and 200 μm were grafted with activin A and bone morphogenic proteins 4 (BMP4) to differentiate iPSCs into definitive endoderm (DE) cells, which were then guided with fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7)-grafted retinoic acid (RA)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (FR-SLNs) to harvest IPCs. Response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the l-glutamic acid-to-gelatin ratio of scaffolds and to optimize surfactant concentration and lipid proportion in FR-SLNs. Experimental results of immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and western blots revealed that activin A (100 ng/mL)-BMP4 (50 ng/mL)-l-glutamic acid (5%)-gelatin (95%) scaffolds provoked the largest number of SOX17-positive DE cells from iPSCs. Treatment with FGF7 (50 ng/mL)-RA (600 ng/mL)-SLNs elicited the highest number of PDX1-positive β-cells from differentiated DE cells. To imitate the natural pancreas, the scaffolds with controlled topography were appropriate for IPC production with sufficient insulin secretion. Hence, the current scheme using FR-SLNs and activin A-BMP4-l-glutamic acid-gelatin scaffolds in the two-stage differentiation of iPSCs can be promising for replacing impaired β-cells in diabetic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chih Kuo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan 62102, ROC
- Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan 62102, ROC
| | - Sheng-Yuan Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan 62102, ROC
| | - Sourav De
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan 62102, ROC
| | - Rajendiran Rajesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan 62102, ROC
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9
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Morey R, Bui T, Fisch KM, Horii M. Modeling placental development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. Placenta 2023; 141:18-25. [PMID: 36333266 PMCID: PMC10148925 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of placental epithelial cells, trophoblast, primarily came from the use of mouse trophoblast stem cells and tumor-derived or immortalized human trophoblast cell lines. This was mainly due to the difficulties in maintaining primary trophoblast in culture and establishing human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) lines. However, in-depth characterization of these cellular models and in vivo human trophoblast have revealed significant discrepancies. For the past two decades, multiple groups have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be differentiated into trophoblast, and thus could be used as a model for normal and disease trophoblast differentiation. During this time, trophoblast differentiation protocols have evolved, enabling researchers to study cellular characteristics at trophectoderm (TE), trophoblast stem cells (TSC), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) stages. Recently, several groups reported methods to derive hTSC from pre-implantation blastocyst or early gestation placenta, and trophoblast organoids from early gestation placenta, drastically changing the landscape of trophoblast research. These culture conditions have been rapidly applied to generate hPSC-derived TSC and trophoblast organoids. As a result of these technological advancements, the field's capacity to better understand trophoblast differentiation and their involvement in pregnancy related disease has greatly expanded. Here, we present in vitro models of human trophoblast differentiation, describing both primary and hPSC-derived TSC, maintained as monolayers and 3-dimensional trophoblast organoids, as a tool to study early placental development and disease in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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10
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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11
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Zhong J, Tian L, Gou Y, Zhao P, Dong X, Guo M, Zhao G, Li A, Hao A, He TC, Fan J. BMP4 upregulates glycogen synthesis through the SMAD/SLC2A1 (GLUT1) signaling axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Cancer Metab 2023; 11:9. [PMID: 37443106 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-023-00310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive hepatic glycogen accumulation benefits tumorigenesis and cancer cell survival. We previously reported that BMP4 has the strongest ability to promote glycogenesis among the 14 BMPs in hepatocytes and augmented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell survival under hypoxia and hypoglycemia conditions by promoting the glycolysis pathway. However, the mechanism underlying BMP4's effect on glycogenesis in HCC remains elusive. METHODS The expression of BMP4 and SLC2A1 were acquired by analyzing the TCGA-LIHC dataset, as well as by immunohistochemical analysis of the 40 pairs of human HCC samples and para-tumor tissues. Gene expressions were detected by qPCR, immunoflurorescence staining, and Western blotting. Overexpression and silencing of BMP4 were accomplished through adenoviruses Ad-B4 and Ad-siB4 infection. Hepatic glycogen was detected by PAS staining. SLC2A1 (GLUT1) function was blocked by the inhibitor BAY-876. ChIP assay was used to determine the binding of SMADs to the promoter region of SLC2A1 in HCC cells. Lastly, the in vivo effect of BMP4-regulated SLC2A1 on HCC tumor growth was assessed in a xenograft model of HCC. RESULTS The elevated expression of BMP4 in HCC tumor tissues was highly correlated with hepatic glycogen accumulation in clinical samples. SLC2A1 was highly expressed in HCC tumor tissue and correlated with clinical stage and prognosis. Exogenous BMP4 augmented glycogen accumulation and upregulated the expression of glycogen synthesis-related genes in Huh7 and HepG2 cells, both of which were effectively blunted by SLC2A1inhibitor BAY-876. In mechanism, BMP4 activated SMAD5 to regulate the promoter of SLC2A1to enhance its expression. The in vivo xenograft experiments revealed that BMP4 promoted glycogen accumulation and tumor growth, which were effectively diminished by BAY-876. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that BMP4 upregulates glycogen synthesis through the SMAD/SLC2A1 (GLUT1) signaling axis in HCC cells, which may be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Zhong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Luyao Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yannian Gou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Piao Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiangyu Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Meichun Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Aohua Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ailing Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Jiaming Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical School Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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12
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Giri J, Modi D. Endometrial and placental stem cells in successful and pathological pregnancies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1509-1522. [PMID: 37338750 PMCID: PMC10352206 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02856-2] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes extensive remodeling during the menstrual cycle and further gets modified during pregnancy. Different kinds of stem cells are reported in the endometrium. These include epithelial stem cells, endometrial mesenchymal stem cells, side population stem cells, and very small embryonic-like stem cells. Stem cells are also reported in the placenta which includes trophoblast stem cells, side population trophoblast stem cells, and placental mesenchymal stem cells. The endometrial and placental stem cells play a pivotal role in endometrial remodeling and placental vasculogenesis during pregnancy. The dysregulation of stem cell function is reported in various pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. However, the mechanisms by which it does so are yet elusive. Herein, we review the current knowledge of the different type of stem cells involved in pregnancy initiation and also highlight how their improper functionality leads to pathological pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeeta Giri
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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13
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Milano-Foster J, Schulz LC. RISING STARS: Approaches to modeling placental function in preeclampsia in vitro and in vivo. J Endocrinol 2023; 258:e230008. [PMID: 37014303 PMCID: PMC10330201 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Modeling preeclampsia remains difficult due to the nature of the disease and the unique characteristics of the human placenta. Members of the Hominidae superfamily have a villous hemochorial placenta that is different in structure from those of other therian mammals, including the mouse hemochorial placenta, making this common animal model less ideal for studying this disease. Human placental tissues delivered from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia are excellent for assessing the damage the disease causes but cannot answer how or when the disease begins. Symptoms of preeclampsia manifest halfway through pregnancy or later, making it currently impossible to identify preeclampsia in human tissues obtained from an early stage of pregnancy. Many animal and cell culture models recapitulate various aspects of preeclampsia, though none can on its own completely capture the complexity of human preeclampsia. It is particularly difficult to uncover the cause of the disease using models in which the disease is induced in the lab. However, the many ways by which preeclampsia-like features can be induced in a variety of laboratory animals are consistent with the idea that preeclampsia is a two-stage disease, in which a variety of initial insults may lead to placental ischemia, and ultimately systemic symptoms. The recent development of stem cell-based models, organoids, and various coculture systems have brought in vitro systems with human cells ever closer to recapitulating in vivo events that lead to placental ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Division of Animal Sciences, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 Rollins Dr University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, N610 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO 65212
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14
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1015-1027. [PMID: 36933093 PMCID: PMC10024007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. METHODS A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation. RESULTS Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2- cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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15
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Abstract
The complex process by which a single-celled zygote develops into a viable embryo is nothing short of a miraculous wonder of the natural world. Elucidating how this process is orchestrated in humans has long eluded the grasp of scientists due to ethical and practical limitations. Thankfully, pluripotent stem cells that resemble early developmental cell types possess the ability to mimic specific embryonic events. As such, murine and human stem cells have been leveraged by scientists to create in vitro models that aim to recapitulate different stages of early mammalian development. Here, we examine the wide variety of stem cell-based embryo models that have been developed to recapitulate and study embryonic events, from pre-implantation development through to early organogenesis. We discuss the applications of these models, key considerations regarding their importance within the field, and how such models are expected to grow and evolve to achieve exciting new milestones in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan H. Terhune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeyoon Bok
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shiyu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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16
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Roberts RM, Ezashi T, Temple J, Owen JR, Soncin F, Parast MM. The role of BMP4 signaling in trophoblast emergence from pluripotency. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:447. [PMID: 35877048 PMCID: PMC10243463 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway has established roles in early embryonic morphogenesis, particularly in the epiblast. More recently, however, it has also been implicated in development of extraembryonic lineages, including trophectoderm (TE), in both mouse and human. In this review, we will provide an overview of this signaling pathway, with a focus on BMP4, and its role in emergence and development of TE in both early mouse and human embryogenesis. Subsequently, we will build on these in vivo data and discuss the utility of BMP4-based protocols for in vitro conversion of primed vs. naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSC) into trophoblast, and specifically into trophoblast stem cells (TSC). PSC-derived TSC could provide an abundant, reproducible, and ethically acceptable source of cells for modeling placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
| | - Jasmine Temple
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joseph R Owen
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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17
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Delamination of trophoblast-like syncytia from the amniotic ectodermal analogue in human primed embryonic stem cell-based differentiation model. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110973. [PMID: 35732132 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human primed embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known to be converted to cells with several trophoblast properties, but it has remained controversial whether this phenomenon represents the inherent differentiation competence of human primed ESCs to trophoblast lineages. In this study, we report that chemical blockage of ACTIVIN/NODAL and FGF signals is sufficient to steer human primed ESCs into GATA3-expressing cells that give rise to placental hormone-producing syncytia analogous to syncytiotrophoblasts of the post-implantation stage of the human embryo. Despite their cytological similarity to syncytiotrophoblasts, these syncytia arise from the non-trophoblastic differentiation trajectory that recapitulates amniogenesis. These results provide insights into the possible extraembryonic differentiation pathway that is unique in primate embryogenesis.
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18
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Nikitina TV, Lebedev IN. Stem Cell-Based Trophoblast Models to Unravel the Genetic Causes of Human Miscarriages. Cells 2022; 11:1923. [PMID: 35741051 PMCID: PMC9221414 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage affects approximately 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies, and 1-3% of couples experience pregnancy loss recurrently. Approximately 50-60% of miscarriages result from chromosomal abnormalities, whereas up to 60% of euploid recurrent abortions harbor variants in candidate genes. The growing number of detected genetic variants requires an investigation into their role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since placental defects are the main cause of first-trimester miscarriages, the purpose of this review is to provide a survey of state-of-the-art human in vitro trophoblast models that can be used for the functional assessment of specific abnormalities/variants implicated in pregnancy loss. Since 2018, when primary human trophoblast stem cells were first derived, there has been rapid growth in models of trophoblast lineage. It has been found that a proper balance between self-renewal and differentiation in trophoblast progenitors is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy. Different responses to aneuploidy have been shown in human embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. Stem cell-based models provide a powerful tool to explore the effect of a specific aneuploidy/variant on the fetus through placental development, which is important, from a clinical point of view, for deciding on the suitability of embryos for transfer after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Nikitina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
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19
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Abstract
Treatment with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in human primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for generating trophoblast lineage cells has sparked debate that the resulting cells are closer to amnion lineage cells rather than trophoblast. This study reports that trophoblast stem-like cells (TSLCs) can be generated from human primed PSCs by a short-term treatment of BMP4 without amnion lineage marker expression. In addition, we describe that TSLCs are self-renewing in long-term culture and bipotent as they can differentiate into functional extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. We propose an alternative method to generate an available model for studying human placental development from human primed PSCs. The placenta is a transient but important multifunctional organ crucial for healthy pregnancy for both mother and fetus. Nevertheless, limited access to human placenta samples and the paucity of a proper in vitro model system have hampered our understanding of the mechanisms underlying early human placental development and placenta-associated pregnancy complications. To overcome these constraints, we established a simple procedure with a short-term treatment of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in trophoblast stem cell culture medium (TSCM) to convert human primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to trophoblast stem-like cells (TSLCs). These TSLCs show not only morphology and global gene expression profiles comparable to bona fide human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) but also long-term self-renewal capacity with bipotency that allows the cells to differentiate into functional extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblasts (ST). These indicate that TSLCs are equivalent to genuine human TSCs. Our data suggest a straightforward approach to make human TSCs directly from preexisting primed PSCs and provide a valuable opportunity to study human placenta development and pathology from patients with placenta-related diseases.
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20
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Seetharam AS, Vu HTH, Choi S, Khan T, Sheridan MA, Ezashi T, Roberts RM, Tuteja G. The product of BMP-directed differentiation protocols for human primed pluripotent stem cells is placental trophoblast and not amnion. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1289-1302. [PMID: 35594861 PMCID: PMC9214062 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.014] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The observation that trophoblast (TB) can be generated from primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) by exposure to bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) when FGF2 and ACTIVIN signaling is minimized has recently been challenged with the suggestion that the procedure instead produces amnion. Here, by analyzing transcriptome data from multiple sources, including bulk and single-cell data, we show that the BMP4 procedure generates bona fide TB with similarities to both placental villous TB and TB generated from TB stem cells. The analyses also suggest that the transcriptomic signatures between embryonic amnion and different forms of TB have commonalities. Our data provide justification for the continued use of TB derived from PSCs as a model for investigating placental development. Cells differentiated by using BAP protocols resemble TB more than embryonic amnion Deviation from the standard BAP protocol results in less differentiated TB Single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq analysis identifies two syncytiotrophoblast populations
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun S Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ha T H Vu
- Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sehee Choi
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Megan A Sheridan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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21
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Choi S, Khan T, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Leveraging Optimized Transcriptomic and Personalized Stem Cell Technologies to Better Understand Syncytialization Defects in Preeclampsia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872818. [PMID: 35432469 PMCID: PMC9006100 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the process of human placentation is important to the development of strategies for treatment of pregnancy complications. Several animal and in vitro human model systems for the general study human placentation have been used. The field has expanded rapidly over the past decades to include stem cell-derived approaches that mimic preclinical placental development, and these stem cell-based models have allowed us to better address the physiology and pathophysiology of normal and compromised trophoblast (TB) sublineage development. The application of transcriptomic approaches to these models has uncovered limitations that arise when studying the distinctive characteristics of the large and fragile multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which plays a key role in fetal-maternal communication during pregnancy. The extension of these technologies to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is just now being reported and will allow, for the first time, a reproducible and robust approach to the study of the developmental underpinnings of late-manifesting diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation in a manner that is patient- and disease-specific. Here, we will first focus on the application of various RNA-seq technologies to TB, prior limitations in fully accessing the STB transcriptome, and recent leveraging of single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) technology to improve our understanding of the STB transcriptome. Next, we will discuss new stem-cell derived models that allow for disease- and patient-specific study of pregnancy disorders, with a focus on the study of STB developmental abnormalities in PE that combine snRNA-seq approaches and these new in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Danny J. Schust,
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22
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Liu W, Li N, Zhang M, Arisha AH, Hua J. The role of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:750-755. [PMID: 34727865 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211102091513] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 and structural gene Y-linked (Eif2s3y) gene, the gene encoding eIF2γ protein, is located on the mouse Y chromosome short arm. The Eif2s3y gene is globally expressed in all tissues and plays an important role in regulating global and gene-specific mRNA translation initiation. During the process of protein translation initiation, Eif2s3x(its homolog) and Eif2s3y encoded eIF2γ perform similar functions. However, it has been noticed that Eif2s3y plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, including spermatogonia mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis of spermatids, which may account for infertility. In the period of spermatogenesis, the role of Eif2s3x and Eif2s3y are not equivalent. Importance of Eif2s3y has been observed in ESC and implicated in several aspects, including the pluripotency state and the proliferation rate. Here, we discuss the functional significance of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis and self-renewal of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig El_Sharkia 44519 . Egypt
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
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23
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Karvas RM, McInturf S, Zhou J, Ezashi T, Schust DJ, Roberts RM, Schulz LC. Use of a human embryonic stem cell model to discover GABRP, WFDC2, VTCN1 and ACTC1 as markers of early first trimester human trophoblast. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:425-440. [PMID: 32359161 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placental development during early pregnancy is poorly understood. Many conceptuses are lost at this stage. It is thought that preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and other placental syndromes that manifest later in pregnancy may originate early in placentation. Thus, there is a need for models of early human placental development. Treating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with BMP4 (bone morphogenic protein 4) plus A83-01 (ACTIVIN/NODAL signaling inhibitor) and PD173074 (fibroblast growth factor 2 or FGF2 signaling inhibitor) (BAP conditions) induces differentiation to the trophoblast lineage (hESCBAP), but it is not clear which stage of trophoblast differentiation these cells resemble. Here, comparison of the hESCBAP transcriptome to those of trophoblasts from human blastocysts, trophoblast stem cells and placentas collected in the first-third trimester of pregnancy by principal component analysis suggests that hESC after 8 days BAP treatment most resemble first trimester syncytiotrophoblasts. To further test this hypothesis, transcripts were identified that are expressed in hESCBAP but not in cultures of trophoblasts isolated from term placentas. Proteins encoded by four genes, GABRP (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit Pi), WFDC2 (WAP four-disulfide core domain 2), VTCN1 (V-set domain containing T-cell activation inhibitor 1) and ACTC1 (actin alpha cardiac muscle 1), immunolocalized to placentas at 4-9 weeks gestation, and their expression declined with gestational age (R2 = 0.61-0.83). None are present at term. Expression was largely localized to syncytiotrophoblast of both hESCBAP cells and placental material from early pregnancy. WFDC2, VTCN1 and ACTC1 have not previously been described in placenta. These results support the hypothesis that hESCBAP represent human trophoblast analogous to that of early first trimester and are a tool for discovery of factors important to this stage of placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Samuel McInturf
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Biochemistry University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Laura C Schulz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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24
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Cherubini M, Erickson S, Haase K. Modelling the Human Placental Interface In Vitro-A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:884. [PMID: 34442506 PMCID: PMC8398961 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal-fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.C.); (S.E.)
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25
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Khan T, Seetharam AS, Zhou J, Bivens NJ, Schust DJ, Ezashi T, Tuteja G, Roberts RM. Single Nucleus RNA Sequence (snRNAseq) Analysis of the Spectrum of Trophoblast Lineages Generated From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695248. [PMID: 34368143 PMCID: PMC8334858 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
One model to study the emergence of the human trophoblast (TB) has been the exposure of pluripotent stem cells to bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in presence of inhibitors of ACTIVIN/TGFB; A83-01 and FGF2; PD173074 (BAP), which generates a mixture of cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, and cells with similarities to extravillous trophoblast. Here, H1 human embryonic stem cells were BAP-exposed under two O2 conditions (20% and 5%, respectively). At day 8, single nuclei RNA sequencing was used for transcriptomics analysis, thereby allowing profiling of fragile syncytial structures as well as the more resilient mononucleated cells. Following cluster analysis, two major groupings, one comprised of five (2,4,6,7,8) and the second of three (1,3,5) clusters were evident, all of which displayed recognized TB markers. Of these, two (2 and 3) weakly resembled extravillous trophoblast, two (5 and 6) strongly carried the hallmark transcripts of syncytiotrophoblast, while the remaining five were likely different kinds of mononucleated cytotrophoblast. We suggest that the two populations of nuclei within syncytiotrophoblast may have arisen from fusion events involving two distinct species of precursor cells. The number of differentially expressed genes between O2 conditions varied among the clusters, and the number of genes upregulated in cells cultured under 5% O2 was highest in syncytiotrophoblast cluster 6. In summary, the BAP model reveals an unexpectedly complex picture of trophoblast lineage emergence that will need to be resolved further in time-course studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Arun S. Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jie Zhou
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Nathan J. Bivens
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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26
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Arcuri S, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Generation of Trophoblast-Like Cells From Hypomethylated Porcine Adult Dermal Fibroblasts. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:706106. [PMID: 34350230 PMCID: PMC8326560 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706106] [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: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first differentiation event in mammalian embryos is the formation of the trophectoderm, which is the progenitor of the outer epithelial components of the placenta, and which supports the fetus during the intrauterine life. However, the epigenetic and paracrine controls at work in trophectoderm differentiation are still to be fully elucidated and the creation of dedicated in vitro models is desirable to increase our understanding. Here we propose a novel approach based on the epigenetic conversion of adult dermal fibroblasts into trophoblast-like cells. The method combines the use of epigenetic erasing with an ad hoc differentiation protocol. Dermal fibroblasts are erased with 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) that confers cells a transient high plasticity state. They are then readdressed toward the trophoblast (TR) phenotype, using MEF conditioned medium, supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and inhibitors of the Activin/Nodal and FGF2 signaling pathways in low O2 conditions. The method here described allows the generation of TR-like cells from easily accessible material, such as dermal fibroblasts, that are very simply propagated in vitro. Furthermore, the strategy proposed is free of genetic modifications that make cells prone to instability and transformation. The TR model obtained may also find useful application in order to better characterize embryo implantation mechanisms and developmental disorders based on TR defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Centre for Stem Cell Research, UniStem, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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27
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Sato M, Inohaya A, Yasuda E, Mogami H, Chigusa Y, Kawasaki K, Kawamura Y, Ueda Y, Takai H, Mandai M, Kondoh E. Three-dimensional human placenta-like bud synthesized from induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14167. [PMID: 34239021 PMCID: PMC8266876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction is related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, but there is no effective treatment for it. Recently, various functional three-dimensional organs have been generated from human induced-pluripotent cells (iPSCs), and the transplantation of these iPSCs-derived organs has alleviated liver failure or diabetes mellitus in mouse models. Here we successfully generated a three-dimensional placental organ bud from human iPSCs. The iPSCs differentiated into various lineages of trophoblasts such as cytotrophoblast-like, syncytiotrophoblast-like, and extravillous trophoblast-like cells, forming organized layers in the bud. Placental buds were transplanted to the murine uterus, where 22% of the buds were successfully engrafted. These iPSC-derived placental organ buds could serve as a new model for the study of placental function and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Asako Inohaya
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Eriko Yasuda
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Haruta Mogami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Chigusa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kawasaki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kawamura
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ueda
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondoh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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28
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Zhou J, West RC, Ehlers EL, Ezashi T, Schulz LC, Roberts RM, Yuan Y, Schust DJ. Modeling human peri-implantation placental development and function†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:40-51. [PMID: 33899095 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is very difficult to gain a better understanding of the events in human pregnancy that occur during and just after implantation because such pregnancies are not yet clinically detectable. Animal models of human placentation are inadequate. In vitro models that utilize immortalized cell lines and cells derived from trophoblast cancers have multiple limitations. Primary cell and tissue cultures often have limited lifespans and cannot be obtained from the peri-implantation period. We present here two contemporary models of human peri-implantation placental development: extended blastocyst culture and stem-cell derived trophoblast culture. We discuss current research efforts that employ these models and how such models might be used in the future to study the "black box" stage of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zhou
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA.,Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - R C West
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO USA
| | - E L Ehlers
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
| | - T Ezashi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - L C Schulz
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
| | - R M Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Y Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO USA
| | - D J Schust
- Mizzou Institute for Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO USA
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29
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Cui J. Gene expression pattern of trophoblast-specific transcription factors in trophectoderm by analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data of human blastocyst. Funct Integr Genomics 2021; 21:205-214. [PMID: 33543402 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-021-00770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The dysfunction of placenta development is correlated to the defects of pregnancy and fetal growth. The detailed molecular mechanism of placenta development is not identified in humans due to the lack of material in vivo. Trophoblast (TB) lineage derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) induced by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) has been applied as a model for studying TB lineage specification in vitro. With the development of single-cell sequencing technology, it became possible to detect the transcriptome of the post-implantation embryo at unprecedented precision. In this study, we reanalyzed single-cell RNA-seq of post-implantation embryos derived from two separate groups and identified different subtypes of trophoblast cells and their marker, respectively. At the same time, we focused on the gene expression patterns of trophoblast-specific transcription factors in different models. Our analysis sheds new light on the transcription regulation mechanism of trophoblast differentiation at the early stage of pregnancy establishment in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China. .,Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, No.100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, No.100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shiwen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinquan Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China. .,Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, No.100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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30
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Two distinct trophectoderm lineage stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100386. [PMID: 33556374 PMCID: PMC7948510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The trophectoderm layer of the blastocyst-stage embryo is the precursor for all trophoblast cells in the placenta. Human trophoblast stem (TS) cells have emerged as an attractive tool for studies on early trophoblast development. However, the use of TS cell models is constrained by the limited genetic diversity of existing TS cell lines and restrictions on using human fetal tissue or embryos needed to generate additional lines. Here we report the derivation of two distinct stem cell types of the trophectoderm lineage from human pluripotent stem cells. Analogous to villous cytotrophoblasts in vivo, the first is a CDX2- stem cell comparable with placenta-derived TS cells—they both exhibit identical expression of key markers, are maintained in culture and differentiate under similar conditions, and share high transcriptome similarity. The second is a CDX2+ stem cell with distinct cell culture requirements, and differences in gene expression and differentiation, relative to CDX2- stem cells. Derivation of TS cells from pluripotent stem cells will significantly enable construction of in vitro models for normal and pathological placental development.
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31
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Chromatin Regulation in Development: Current Understanding and Approaches. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8817581. [PMID: 33603792 PMCID: PMC7872760 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8817581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of mammalian stem cell fate during differentiation is complex and can be delineated across many levels. At the chromatin level, the replacement of histone variants by chromatin-modifying proteins, enrichment of specific active and repressive histone modifications, long-range gene interactions, and topological changes all play crucial roles in the determination of cell fate. These processes control regulatory elements of critical transcriptional factors, thereby establishing the networks unique to different cell fates and initiate waves of distinctive transcription events. Due to the technical challenges posed by previous methods, it was difficult to decipher the mechanism of cell fate determination at early embryogenesis through chromatin regulation. Recently, single-cell approaches have revolutionised the field of developmental biology, allowing unprecedented insights into chromatin structure and interactions in early lineage segregation events during differentiation. Here, we review the recent technological advancements and how they have furthered our understanding of chromatin regulation during early differentiation events.
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32
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Abstract
Three versions of syncytiotrophoblast exist in the human placenta: an invasive type associated with the implanting conceptus, non-invasive villous type of definitive placenta, and placental bed giant cells. Syncytins are encoded by modified env genes of endogenous retroviruses (ERV), but how they contribute functionally to placental syncytial structures is unclear. A minimum of eight genes (ERVW1, ERVFRD-1, ERVV-1, ERVV-2, ERVH48-1, ERVMER34-1, ERV3-1, & ERVK13-1) encoding syncytin family members are expressed in human trophoblast, the majority from implantation to term. ERVW1 (Syncytin 1) and ERVFRD-1 (Syncytin 2) are considered the major fusogens, but, when the expression of their genes is analyzed by single cell RNAseq in first trimester placenta, their transcripts are distinctly patterned and also differ from those of their proposed binding partners, SLC1A5 and MFSD2A, respectively. ERVRH48-1 (suppressyn or SUPYN) and ERVMER34-1 are probable negative regulators of fusion and co-expressed, primarily in cytotrophoblast. The remaining genes and their products have been little studied. Syncytin expression is a feature of placental development in almost all eutherian mammals studied, in at least one marsupial, and in viviparous lizards, which lack the trophoblast lineage. Their expression has been inferred to be essential for pregnancy success in the mouse. All the main human ERV genes arose following independent retroviral insertion events, none of which trace back to the divergence of eutherians and metatherians (marsupials). While syncytins may be crucial for placental development, it seems unlikely that they helped orchestrate the divergence of eutherians and marsupials.
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Cui J. Recognized trophoblast-like cells conversion from human embryonic stem cells by BMP4 based on convolutional neural network. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 99:39-47. [PMID: 33249234 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of models of stem cell differentiation to trophoblastic cells provides an effective perspective for understanding the early molecular events in the establishment and maintenance of human pregnancy. In combination with the newly developed deep learning technology, the automated identification of this process can greatly accelerate the contribution to relevant knowledge. Based on the transfer learning technique, we used a convolutional neural network to distinguish the microscopic images of Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from differentiated trophoblast -like cells (TBL). To tackle the problem of insufficient training data, the strategies of data augmentation were used. The results showed that the convolutional neural network could successfully recognize trophoblast cells and stem cells automatically, but could not distinguish TBL from the immortalized trophoblast cell lines in vitro (JEG-3 and HTR8-SVneo). We compare the recognition effect of the commonly used convolutional neural network, including DenseNet, VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, and Xception. This study extends the deep learning technique to trophoblast cell phenotype classification and paves the way for automatic bright-field microscopic image analysis of trophoblast cells in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Gynecological Oncology Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Jinquan Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Gynecological Oncology Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University Translational Medicine Platform, Zhengzhou University, China.
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Schmidt JK, Keding LT, Block LN, Wiepz GJ, Koenig MR, Meyer MG, Dusek BM, Kroner KM, Bertogliat MJ, Kallio AR, Mean KD, Golos TG. Placenta-derived macaque trophoblast stem cells: differentiation to syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts reveals phenotypic reprogramming. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19159. [PMID: 33154556 PMCID: PMC7644694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primates are excellent models for studying human placentation as experimental manipulations in vitro can be translated to in vivo pregnancy. Our objective was to develop macaque trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) as an in vitro platform for future assessment of primate trophoblast development and function. Macaque TSC lines were generated by isolating first and second trimester placental villous cytotrophoblasts followed by culture in TSC medium to maintain cellular proliferation. TSCs grew as mononuclear colonies, whereas upon induction of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) differentiation multinuclear structures appeared, indicative of syncytium formation. Chorionic gonadotropin secretion was > 4000-fold higher in ST culture media compared to TSC media. The secretion of chorionic gonadotropin by TSC-derived ST reflects a reprogramming of macaque TSCs to an earlier pregnancy phenotype. Characteristic trophoblast hallmarks were defined in TSCs and ST including expression of C19MC miRNAs and the macaque placental nonclassical MHC class I molecule, Mamu-AG. Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) were derived that express macaque EVT markers Mamu-AG and CD56, and also secrete high levels of MMP2. Our analyses of macaque TSCs suggests that these cells represent a proliferative, self-renewing population capable of differentiating to STs and EVTs in vitro thereby establishing an experimental model of primate placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Logan T Keding
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lindsey N Block
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gregory J Wiepz
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michelle R Koenig
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael G Meyer
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany M Dusek
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kamryn M Kroner
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mario J Bertogliat
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Avery R Kallio
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katherine D Mean
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Ji Y, Zhang W, Yang J, Li C. MiR-193b inhibits autophagy and apoptosis by targeting IGFBP5 in high glucose-induced trophoblasts. Placenta 2020; 101:185-193. [PMID: 33010605 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhibiting apoptosis of trophoblasts in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is expected to guarantee adequate nutrition for the fetus and avoid abortion. MiR-193b is one of the most downregulated miRNAs in GDM patients. However, less is known about the role of miR-193b in autophagy and apoptosis in GDM patients. METHODS We detected the expression of miR-193b in GDM patients. Then, we cultured human trophoblasts (HTR8 cells) with high glucose (HG) to simulate a diabetic environment in vitro, and further explored the effects of miR-193b on apoptosis and autophagy of HG-treated HTR8 cells. RESULTS The expression of miR-193b was significantly downregulated in the peripheral blood of GDM patients compared with healthy controls, and decreased miR-193b caused apparent autophagy and a substantially high apoptosis rate in HG-treated HTR8 cells. These effects were reversed by enhancing miR-193b expression or using the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Inhibiting miR-193b induced the pro-autophagic, cytostatic, and pro-apoptotic effects reduced by 3-MA in HTR8 cells upon HG treatment. Moreover, the expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) was upregulated notably in the peripheral blood of GDM patients, and IGFBP5 appears to represent a direct miR-193b target. Note that silencing IGFBP5 blocked autophagy and apoptosis in HG-treated HTR8 cells, an effect that was diminished by inhibiting miR-193b. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that aberrantly low expression of miR-193b in HG-induced trophoblasts results in massive apoptosis events by upregulating IGFBP5-induced autophagy, which may trigger GDM. Therefore, miR-193b may became a potential target for GDM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Horii M, Bui T, Touma O, Cho HY, Parast MM. An Improved Two-Step Protocol for Trophoblast Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 50:e96. [PMID: 31479595 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously established a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into trophoblasts, using a StemPro-based minimal medium (EMIM) with bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4). This protocol was suboptimal, resulting in induction of mixed mesoderm and trophoblast markers. Furthermore, adapting hPSCs to StemPro has proven difficult, and prolonged culture in this medium has been shown to promote genomic instability. Therefore, we moved on to the use of new media, including E8, and most recently, StemFlex, for rapid adaptation from feeder to non-feeder conditions. In the new protocol, we have incorporated the WNT inhibitor IWP2 into the first step, resulting in uniform differentiation of hPSCs into cytotrophoblast (CTB)-like cells, without induction of the mesoderm lineage. We also show that, at the end of the second step, there are distinct populations of terminally differentiated multinucleated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-producing syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and HLAG+ extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ojeni Touma
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Hee Young Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Cheng LC, Zheng D, Baljinnyam E, Sun F, Ogami K, Yeung PL, Hoque M, Lu CW, Manley JL, Tian B. Widespread transcript shortening through alternative polyadenylation in secretory cell differentiation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3182. [PMID: 32576858 PMCID: PMC7311474 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic genes produce alternative polyadenylation (APA) isoforms. Here we report that, unlike previously characterized cell lineages, differentiation of syncytiotrophoblast (SCT), a cell type critical for hormone production and secretion during pregnancy, elicits widespread transcript shortening through APA in 3'UTRs and in introns. This global APA change is observed in multiple in vitro trophoblast differentiation models, and in single cells from placentas at different stages of pregnancy. Strikingly, the transcript shortening is unrelated to cell proliferation, a feature previously associated with APA control, but instead accompanies increased secretory functions. We show that 3'UTR shortening leads to transcripts with higher mRNA stability, which augments transcriptional activation, especially for genes involved in secretion. Moreover, this mechanism, named secretion-coupled APA (SCAP), is also executed in B cell differentiation to plasma cells. Together, our data indicate that SCAP tailors the transcriptome during formation of secretory cells, boosting their protein production and secretion capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry C Cheng
- Graduate Program in Quantitative Biomedicine, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, and Center for Systems and Computational Biology, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dinghai Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Erdene Baljinnyam
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Fangzheng Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Koichi Ogami
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8603, Japan
| | - Percy Luk Yeung
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Mainul Hoque
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Chi-Wei Lu
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Bin Tian
- Graduate Program in Quantitative Biomedicine, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, and Center for Systems and Computational Biology, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Alexdottir MS, Valdimarsdottir G. The TGFβ Family in Human Placental Development at the Fetal-Maternal Interface. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030453. [PMID: 32183218 PMCID: PMC7175362 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that a trophoblast stem cell (TSC) population exists in the early human placenta. However, in vitro stem cell culture models are still in development and it remains under debate how well they reflect primary trophoblast (TB) cells. The absence of robust protocols to generate TSCs from humans has resulted in limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human placental development and TB lineage specification when compared to other human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). As placentation in mouse and human differ considerably, it is only with the development of human-based disease models using TSCs that we will be able to understand the various diseases caused by abnormal placentation in humans, such as preeclampsia. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on normal human placental development, the placental disease preeclampsia, and current stem cell model systems used to mimic TB differentiation. A special focus is given to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family as it has been shown that the TGFβ family has an important role in human placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Dept. Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Dept. Reproductive Medicine Anatomy and Embryology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marta S. Alexdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Gudrun Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +354-5254797
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Abstract
The placenta is essential for normal in utero development in mammals. In humans, defective placental formation underpins common pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The great variation in placental types across mammals means that animal models have been of limited use in understanding human placental development. However, new tools for studying human placental development, including 3D organoids, stem cell culture systems and single cell RNA sequencing, have brought new insights into this field. Here, we review the morphological, molecular and functional aspects of human placental formation, with a focus on the defining cell of the placenta - the trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Y Turco
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
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Abstract
Preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, is accompanied by shallow placentation and deficient remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries by invasive placental trophoblast cells during the first trimester of pregnancy. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells from umbilical cords of normal pregnancies and ones complicated by early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and converted them to trophoblast to recapitulate events of early pregnancy. Parameters disturbed in EOPE, including trophoblast invasiveness, were assessed. Under low O2, both sets of cells behaved similarly, but, under the more stressful 20% O2 conditions, the invasiveness of EOPE trophoblast was markedly reduced. Gene expression changes in EOPE trophoblast suggested a dysregulation invasion linked to high O2. We describe a model for early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) that uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from umbilical cords of EOPE and control (CTL) pregnancies. These iPSCs were then converted to placental trophoblast (TB) representative of early pregnancy. Marker gene analysis indicated that both sets of cells differentiated at comparable rates. The cells were tested for parameters disturbed in EOPE, including invasive potential. Under 5% O2, CTL TB and EOPE TB lines did not differ, but, under hyperoxia (20% O2), invasiveness of EOPE TB was reduced. RNA sequencing analysis disclosed no consistent differences in expression of individual genes between EOPE TB and CTL TB under 20% O2, but, a weighted correlation network analysis revealed two gene modules (CTL4 and CTL9) that, in CTL TB, were significantly linked to extent of TB invasion. CTL9, which was positively correlated with 20% O2 (P = 0.02) and negatively correlated with invasion (P = 0.03), was enriched for gene ontology terms relating to cell adhesion and migration, angiogenesis, preeclampsia, and stress. Two EOPE TB modules, EOPE1 and EOPE2, also correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with 20% O2 conditions, but only weakly with invasion; they largely contained the same sets of genes present in modules CTL4 and CTL9. Our experiments suggest that, in EOPE, the initial step precipitating disease is a reduced capacity of placental TB to invade caused by a dysregulation of O2 response mechanisms and that EOPE is a syndrome, in which unbalanced expression of various combinations of genes affecting TB invasion provoke disease onset.
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Genome-wide identification of enhancer elements in the placenta. Placenta 2018; 79:72-77. [PMID: 30268337 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Normal placental development is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and is contingent upon tight spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression. One level of transcriptional control is via enhancer elements in the genome. Enhancers are distal cis-regulatory elements that can impact gene expression regardless of their position or orientation. The study of enhancers in the placenta is usually focused on one or two at a time, and the simultaneous identification of all enhancers has been limited. However, such a holistic approach is necessary if we are to gain a systems-level understanding of gene expression regulation in the placenta. Here, we review current methods for genome-scale enhancer identification, as well as studies that have applied those techniques in the placenta, with the aim of guiding future research.
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Sheridan MA, Balaraman V, Schust DJ, Ezashi T, Roberts RM, Franz AWE. African and Asian strains of Zika virus differ in their ability to infect and lyse primitive human placental trophoblast. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200086. [PMID: 29985932 PMCID: PMC6037361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) drew worldwide attention when a recent epidemic was linked to fetal microcephaly. Here we used human embryonic stem cell derived trophoblasts as a model for primitive placental trophoblast to test the hypothesis that there are differences in how the two genetically distinct ZIKV lineages, African (AF) and Asian (AS), target the human placenta. Upon infection with three AF (ib-H30656, SEN/1984/41525-DAK, and MR-766) and three AS (FSS13025, MexI-44, and PANcdc259249) ZIKV strains, we observed that severe placental cell lysis was only induced after infection with AF strains, while viral replication rates remained similar between both lineages. Differences in cytopathic effects (CPE) were not observed in Vero cells, indicating that the AF strains were not inherently superior at cell lysis. Taken together, we propose that infection with AF strains of ZIKV early in pregnancy would likely result in pregnancy loss, rather than allow further fetal development with accompanying brain damage. Our results also suggest that the long term laboratory-adapted MR-766 strain does not behave aberrantly in cell culture relative to other AF lineage strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Sheridan
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Alexander W. E. Franz
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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