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Zhao X, Wang S, Du T, Jiang Y, Zhao Y, Ma Y, Shen D, Shen Y, Ma J. Demystifying the landscape of endometrial immune microenvironment in luteal-phase from cuprotosis: Implications for the mechanism and treatment of RPL. Gene 2024; 903:148191. [PMID: 38253297 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptive changes in the endometrial immune microenvironment during the luteal phase are essential for pregnancy, and their abnormalities are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Nevertheless, the specific mechanism is still unknown. Cuprotosis, an innovatively discovered type of programmed cell death, provides us with a pioneering perspective to decipher the landscape of luteal-phase endometrial immune microenvironment in RPL. This study aimed to analyze the immune landscape of luteal-phase endometrial microenvironment in RPL and explore the association of cuprotosis with it through integrative bioinformatics analysis. METHODS The microarrays involving the luteal phase endometrial tissue of RPL were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RPL were screened and key modules were detected by WGCNA. GO, KEGG, and GSEA immune enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs in the most relevant modules to RPL. Then, the endometrial immune microenvironment landscape of RPL was analyzed, including immune infiltration analysis and correlation analysis between immune cells or immune functions. The interaction of cuprotosis-related genes (CRGs), the expression level between groups, the immune localization and their correlation with immune cells and immune function were analyzed. LASSO regression and Nomogram evaluated the diagnostic value of immune-related CRGS in RPL. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the RPL signature CRGs. And RPL samples were grouped according to the expression of 7 RPL signature CRGs through unsupervised clustering analysis. After that, we analyzed the expression level of CRGs and immune infiltration, as well as performed immune function enrichment analysis in subtypes. In addition, we also screened potential drugs that might act on CRGs to improve the pathological mechanism of RPL. RESULTS In this study, we uncovered that DEGs and genes in key modules derived from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were involved in immune regulation. And the immune infiltration landscape of RPL was significantly different from healthy controls. Furthermore, six hub genes were screened from CRGs based on Cytohubba, and their expression profilings were verified in RPL and normal mouse samples. Besides, seven CRGs closely associated with the immune regulation of RPL were identified by Spearman correlation analysis, including SLC31A1, LIAS, DLD, DLAT, DBT, ATP7B, and ATP7A, named as immune-related CRGs. Furthermore, three subgroups clustered according to these seven genes showed significant differences in immune landscape, suggesting a remarkable effect of CRGs on immune regulation. Last but not least, we analyzed the regulation network of transcription factors, miRNAs, and CRGs, and screened potential compounds for the treatment of RPL by targeting CRGs. CONCLUSIONS The abnormal endometrial immune microenvironment in the luteal phase was associated with the pathomechanism of RPL, and cuprotosis was closely involved in the immune microenvironment in the luteal phase endometrium of RPL. Collectively, this study revealed the potential contribution of CRGs to the pathogenesis of RPL, providing a novel breakthroughs in insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Du
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuepeng Jiang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiming Ma
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Dong R, Ye N, Zhao S, Wang G, Zhang Y, Wang T, Zou P, Wang J, Yao T, Chen M, Zhou C, Zhang T, Luo L. Studies on Novel Diagnostic and Predictive Biomarkers of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Through Metabolomics and Proteomics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733225. [PMID: 34721396 PMCID: PMC8552060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) usually occurs in the third trimester and is associated with increased risks in fetal complications. Currently, the exact mechanism of this disease is unknown. The purpose of this study was to develop potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of ICP. Methods We enrolled 40 pregnant women diagnosed with ICP and 40 healthy pregnant controls. The number of placental samples and serum samples between the two groups was 10 and 40 respectively. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze placental metabolomics. Then, we verified the differentially expressed proteins and metabolites, both placental and blood serum, in the first, second, and third trimesters. Results Metabolomic analysis of placental tissue revealed that fatty acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis were enriched. In the integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis of placental tissue, peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), L-palmitoylcarnitine, and glycocholic acid were found to be three potential biomarkers. In a follow–up analysis, expression levels of both placental and serum ACOX1, L-palmitoylcarnitine, and glycocholic acid in both placenta and serum were found to be significantly higher in third-trimester ICP patients; the areas under the ROC curves were 0.823, 0.896, and 0.985, respectively. Expression levels of serum ACOX1, L-palmitoylcarnitine, and glycocholic acid were also significantly higher in first- and second-trimester ICP patients; the areas under the ROC curves were 0.726, 0.657, and 0.686 in the first trimester and 0.718, 0.727, and 0.670 in the second trimester, respectively. Together, levels of the three aforementioned biomarkers increased the value for diagnosing and predicting ICP (AUC: 0.993 for the third, 0.891 for the second, and 0.932 for the first trimesters). Conclusions L-palmitoylcarnitine, ACOX1, and glycocholic acid levels taken together may serve as a new biomarker set for the diagnosis and prediction of ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Dong
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ningzhen Ye
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shaojie Zhao
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Gaoying Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ping Zou
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tingting Yao
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Conghua Zhou
- School of Computer Science and Telecommunication Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Liang Luo
- The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
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Mika K, Marinić M, Singh M, Muter J, Brosens JJ, Lynch VJ. Evolutionary transcriptomics implicates new genes and pathways in human pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. eLife 2021; 10:e69584. [PMID: 34623259 PMCID: PMC8660021 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary changes in the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system underlie the origins and diversification of pregnancy in Eutherian ('placental') mammals. This developmental and evolutionary history constrains normal physiological functions and biases the ways in which dysfunction contributes to reproductive trait diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we show that gene expression changes in the human endometrium during pregnancy are associated with the evolution of human-specific traits and pathologies of pregnancy. We found that hundreds of genes gained or lost endometrial expression in the human lineage. Among these are genes that may contribute to human-specific maternal-fetal communication (HTR2B) and maternal-fetal immunotolerance (PDCD1LG2) systems, as well as vascular remodeling and deep placental invasion (CORIN). These data suggest that explicit evolutionary studies of anatomical systems complement traditional methods for characterizing the genetic architecture of disease. We also anticipate our results will advance the emerging synthesis of evolution and medicine ('evolutionary medicine') and be a starting point for more sophisticated studies of the maternal-fetal interface. Furthermore, the gene expression changes we identified may contribute to the development of diagnostics and interventions for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Mika
- Department of Human Genetics, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Mirna Marinić
- Department of Human Genetics, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Manvendra Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Joanne Muter
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & WarwickshireCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwic Medical School, University of WarwickBuffaloUnited States
| | - Jan Joris Brosens
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & WarwickshireCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwic Medical School, University of WarwickBuffaloUnited States
| | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at BuffaloBuffaloUnited States
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Ticconi C, Di Simone N, Campagnolo L, Fazleabas A. Clinical consequences of defective decidualization. Tissue Cell 2021; 72:101586. [PMID: 34217128 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Decidualization is characterized by a series of genetic, metabolic, morphological, biochemical, vascular and immune changes occurring in the endometrial stroma in response to the implanting embryo or even before conception and involves the stromal cells of the endometrium. It is a fundamental reproductive event occurring in mammalian species with hemochorial placentation. A growing body of experimental and clinical evidence strongly suggests that defective or disrupted decidualization contributes to the establishment of an inappropriate maternal-fetal interface. This has relevant clinical consequences, ranging from recurrent implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss in early pregnancy to several significant complications of advanced gestation. Moreover, recent evidence indicates that selected diseases of the endometrium, such as chronic endometritis and endometriosis, can have a detrimental impact on the decidualization response in the endometrium and may help explain some aspects of the reduced reproductive outcome associated with these conditions. Further research efforts are needed to fully understand the biomolecular mechanisms ans events underlying an abnormal decidualization response. This will permit the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aimed to improve the likelihood of achieveing a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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5
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RNA Sequencing of Decidua Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2261-2269. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Marinić M, Mika K, Chigurupati S, Lynch VJ. Evolutionary transcriptomics implicates HAND2 in the origins of implantation and regulation of gestation length. eLife 2021; 10:61257. [PMID: 33522483 PMCID: PMC7943190 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins and evolutionary histories of cell types, tissues, and organs contribute to the ways in which their dysfunction produces disease. In mammals, the nature, development and evolution of maternal-fetal interactions likely influence diseases of pregnancy. Here we show genes that evolved expression at the maternal-fetal interface in Eutherian mammals play essential roles in the evolution of pregnancy and are associated with immunological disorders and preterm birth. Among these genes is HAND2, a transcription factor that suppresses estrogen signaling, a Eutherian innovation allowing blastocyst implantation. We found dynamic HAND2 expression in the decidua throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, gradually decreasing to a low at term. HAND2 regulates a distinct set of genes in endometrial stromal fibroblasts including IL15, a cytokine also exhibiting dynamic expression throughout the menstrual cycle and gestation, promoting migration of natural killer cells and extravillous cytotrophoblasts. We demonstrate that HAND2 promoter loops to an enhancer containing SNPs implicated in birth weight and gestation length regulation. Collectively, these data connect HAND2 expression at the maternal-fetal interface with evolution of implantation and gestational regulation, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Marinić
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Katelyn Mika
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | | | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
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7
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Ali S, Majid S, Ali MN, Taing S, Rehman MU, Arafah A. Cytokine imbalance at materno-embryonic interface as a potential immune mechanism for recurrent pregnancy loss. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107118. [PMID: 33191177 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a prominent reproductive disease that distresses about 2%-5% of couples. RPL is the loss of two or more successive spontaneous pregnancies prior to the 20th week of embryo development. The commencement of pregnancy necessitates implantation of the embryo into responsive maternal decidua synchronized with the process of placentation, decidual and myometrial trophoblast incursion as well as refashioning of spiral blood arteries of uterus. The collapse of any of the processes fundamental for pregnancy success may result into an array of pregnancy problems including spontaneous pregnancy loss. Endometrium of human female manufactures an extensive range of cytokines during the proliferative and secretory stage of the menstrual cycle. These endometrial cytokines are thought as major players for making the uterus ready for embryo implantation and placental development during pregnancy. Decidual cytokines regulate the invasion of trophoblast and remodeling of spiral arteries as well as take part in immune suppression to accomplish the pregnancy. Deterrence of maternal rejection of embryo needs a regulated milieu, which takes place essentially at the embryo-maternal interface and the tissues of the uterus. The reasons of RPL remain anonymous in a large number of cases that lead to difficulties in management and severe trauma in couples. Cytokine modulatory therapies have been shown promising for preventing RPL. Further study of novel factors is wanted to establish more effective RPL treatment protocols. The present study aims to review the outcome of cytokine breach at materno-embryonic interface and the efficacy of cytokine modulatory therapies in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir-190006, Srinagar, J&K, India; Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India.
| | - Sabhiya Majid
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Md Niamat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir-190006, Srinagar, J&K, India.
| | - Shahnaz Taing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Govt. Medical College Associated Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Muneeb U Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Zhang Y, Zhan W, Du Q, Wu L, Ding H, Liu F, Yin A. Variants c.677 C>T, c.1298 A>C in MTHFR, and c.66 A>G in MTRR Affect the Occurrence of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Chinese Women. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:717-722. [PMID: 33121283 PMCID: PMC7698989 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Although genetic variants of key enzymes in the folic acid-methionine metabolic circulation, including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) were thought to be related to the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), the results of recent studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, the present retrospective case-control study was designed to explore whether the variants c.66A>G in MTRR and c.677C>T and c.1298A>C in MTHFR are associated with the susceptibility of RPL in Southeast Chinese women. Materials and Methods: In total, samples from 237 RPL patients and 618 healthy controls were collected and genotyped by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of the variants were calculated and compared between the two groups. The relative risk of the various genotypes was further determined by calculating the odds ratio (OR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the variants MTHFR c.677C>T, MTHFR c.1298A>C, MTRR c.66A>G, and RPL susceptibility (MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58-0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09-1.77, p = 0.008; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10-1.73, p = 0.006). Further analysis of the genotypic distributions of the three variants between the two groups showed that the MTHFR c.677C>T heterozygote was associated with lower RPL risk, while the MTHFR c.1298A>C variant and MTRR c.66A>G heterozygote were correlated with higher RPL risk (dominant model, MTHFR c.677C>T, OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52-0.95, p = 0.02; MTHFR c.1298A>C, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.03-1.88, p = 0.032; MTRR c.66A>G, OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20-2.19, p = 0.002). Conclusion: MTHFR c.677C>T and c.1298A>C and MTRR c.66A>G were associated with RPL in Southeast Chinese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Disease Key Laboratory of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenli Zhan
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qianyi Du
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Li Wu
- Health Care Institute, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongke Ding
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Disease Key Laboratory of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fenghua Liu
- Reproductive Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Aihua Yin
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Disease Key Laboratory of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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9
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Weighted gene correlation network analysis reveals novel regulatory modules associated with recurrent early pregnancy loss. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:224126. [PMID: 32401299 PMCID: PMC7295631 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL) are not completely clear. Therefore, identifying the underlying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of REPL can provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of REPL. The chip data of REPL (GSE63901) were downloaded from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a co-expression module for studying the relationship between gene modules and clinical features. In addition, functional analysis of hub genes in modules of interest was performed. A total of 23 co-expression modules were identified, two of which were most significantly associated with three clinical features. The MEbrown module was positively correlated with cyclin E level and the out-of-phase trait while the MEred module was positively correlated with the effect of progesterone. We identified 17 hub genes in the MEred module. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that such hub genes were mainly involved in pathways related to cellular defense response and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In the MEbrown module, we identified 19 hub genes, which were mainly enriched in cell adhesion molecule production, regulation of cellular response to growth factor stimulus, epithelial cell proliferation, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. In addition, the hub genes were validated by using other datasets and three true hub genes were finally obtained, namely DOCK2 for the MEred module, and TRMT44 and ERVMER34-1 for the MEbrown module. In conclusion, our results screened potential biomarkers that might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of REPL.
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10
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Time-to-Pregnancy in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Controlled Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1121-1128. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Messaoudi S, El Kasmi I, Bourdiec A, Crespo K, Bissonnette L, Le Saint C, Bissonnette F, Kadoch IJ. 15 years of transcriptomic analysis on endometrial receptivity: what have we learnt? FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 5:9. [PMID: 31396393 PMCID: PMC6681490 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-019-0059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - François Bissonnette
- Ovo r&d, Montreal, Quebec Canada.,2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Isaac-Jacques Kadoch
- Ovo r&d, Montreal, Quebec Canada.,2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
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13
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Dhaenens L, Lierman S, De Clerck L, Govaert E, Deforce D, Tilleman K, De Sutter P. Endometrial stromal cell proteome mapping in repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss cases and fertile women. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:442-454. [PMID: 30612956 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are there proteomic differences between endometrial stromal cells of repeated implantation failure (RIF), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and normal fertile women, and is there differential protein expression upon decidualization? DESIGN This exploratory study investigated the proteome of in-vitro cultured endometrial stromal cells of women with RIF (n = 4), women with RPL (n = 3) and normal fertile women (n = 4), comparing day 0 with 5 days of decidualization. Total proteins extracted from cell lysates were analysed by high-definition mass spectrometry. Data analysis was performed using significance analysis of microarray in R (P < 0.05; false discovery rate [FDR] 10%). RESULTS In the RIF group, ANXA6, PSMC5 and FSCN1 were up-regulated (1.9-fold, 2.5-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively), whereas PBXIP1 was down-regulated (7.7-fold) upon decidualization. In the RPL group, RPS25 and ACADVL were down-regulated (1.9-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively; FDR 10%) between the non-decidualized and the decidualized samples. In the normal fertile group VIM and RPL23A were down-regulated (1.9-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively). Comparing ratios of expression of decidualized over non-decidualized samples in the different groups revealed six differentially expressed proteins: DUX4L2, CNPY4, PDE7A, CTSK, PCBP2 and PSMD4. Comparison of RPL versus normal fertile in the decidualized condition revealed serotransferrin to be differentially expressed. The changes in expression levels for serotransferrin, ANX6, ACDVL and VIM were confirmed by western blot. CONCLUSIONS Results show a varying response of endometrial stromal cells in distinct clinical groups (RIF, RPL and normal fertile) upon in-vitro decidualization. Serotransferrin could serve as a marker for the aberrant decidualization process in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Dhaenens
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-Fast), Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Sylvie Lierman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-Fast), Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Laura De Clerck
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Govaert
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-Fast), Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-Fast), Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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14
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Transcriptomic changes in the pre-implantation uterus highlight histotrophic nutrition of the developing marsupial embryo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2412. [PMID: 29402916 PMCID: PMC5799185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a critical time for successful reproduction; up to half of human pregnancies fail before the development of the definitive chorioallantoic placenta. Unlike the situation in eutherian mammals, marsupial pregnancy is characterised by a long pre-implantation period prior to the development of the short-lived placenta, making them ideal models for study of the uterine environment promoting embryonic survival pre-implantation. Here we present a transcriptomic study of pre-implantation marsupial pregnancy, and identify differentially expressed genes in the Sminthopsis crassicaudata uterus involved in metabolism and biosynthesis, transport, immunity, tissue remodelling, and uterine receptivity. Interestingly, almost one quarter of the top 50 genes that are differentially upregulated in early pregnancy are putatively involved in histotrophy, highlighting the importance of nutrient transport to the conceptus prior to the development of the placenta. This work furthers our understanding of the mechanisms underlying survival of pre-implantation embryos in the earliest live bearing ancestors of mammals.
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15
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Strug MR, Su RW, Kim TH, Mauriello A, Ticconi C, Lessey BA, Young SL, Lim JM, Jeong JW, Fazleabas AT. RBPJ mediates uterine repair in the mouse and is reduced in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. FASEB J 2018; 32:2452-2466. [PMID: 29242273 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701032r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL) is associated with repeated embryo loss and endometrial repair with elevated endometrial expression of inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ. Notch signaling through its transcription factor recombination signal binding protein Jκ (RBPJ) regulates mechanisms including the immune response and repair after tissue injury. Initially, null mutation of RBPJ in the mouse uterus ( Pgrcre/+Rbpjf/f; Rbpj c-KO) results in subfertility, but we have found that these mice become infertile after pregnancy as a result of dysfunctional postpartum uterine repair, including delayed endometrial epithelial and myometrial regeneration. RNA sequencing of postpartum uterine repair sites revealed global up-regulation of inflammatory pathways, including IFN signaling. Consistent with elevated IFN-γ, macrophages were recruited and polarized toward an M1-cytotoxic phenotype, which is associated with preventing repair and promoting further tissue injury. Through embryo transfer experiments, we show that dysfunctional postpartum repair directly impairs future embryo implantation in Rbpj c-KO mice. Last, we clinically correlated our findings from the Rbpj c-KO mouse in women diagnosed with uRPL. Reduced RBPJ in women with uRPL was associated with increased levels of IFN-γ. The data, taken together, indicate that RBPJ regulates inflammation during endometrial repair, which is essential for future pregnancy potential, and its dysregulation may serve as an unidentified contributor to uRPL in women.-Strug, M. R., Su, R.-W., Kim, T. H., Mauriello, A., Ticconi, C., Lessey, B. A., Young, S. L., Lim, J. M., Jeong, J.-W., Fazleabas, A. T. RBPJ mediates uterine repair in the mouse and is reduced in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Strug
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeong Mook Lim
- World Class University (WCU) Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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16
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Huang J, Jin N, Qin H, Shi X, Liu Y, Cheung W, Wang CC, Chan TF, Li TC. Transcriptomic profiles in peripheral blood between women with unexplained recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage and the correlation with endometrium: A pilot study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189159. [PMID: 29216287 PMCID: PMC5720758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To study the transcriptome profiles in the blood of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), recurrent miscarriage (RM) and fertile women during the window of implantation, and further analysis the correlation of transcriptome profiles between blood and endometrium. Methods This is an observational prospective study. In total 9 subjects were recruited, 3 RIF, 3 RM, and 3 controls. Paired samples (endometrium and peripheral blood) from the same subjects were precisely timed on the 7th days after luteal hormone surge (LH+7). RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the transcriptome profiles. Results The results of transcriptome in peripheral blood cannot be used to characterize women with RIF and unexplained RM. There was a medium level correlation between transcriptome in peripheral blood and endometrium during the window of implantation. Conclusion The differential transcriptome patterns in blood are not representative of those in endometrium, and the blood transcriptome cannot differentiate among the women with RIF, RM or fertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nana Jin
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Qin
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wingching Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- * E-mail:
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17
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Lee A, Lee MR, Lee HH, Kim YS, Kim JM, Enkhbold T, Kim TH. Vitamin D Proliferates Vaginal Epithelium through RhoA Expression in Postmenopausal Atrophic Vagina tissue. Mol Cells 2017; 40:677-684. [PMID: 28843271 PMCID: PMC5638775 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2017.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Postmenopausal atrophic vagina (PAV) is the thinning of the walls of the vagina and decreased lugae of the vagina. PAV is caused by decreased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. However, the harmful effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have resulted in considerable caution in its use. Various estrogen agonist treatment options are available. Vitamin D is influences the regulation of differentiation and proliferation of various cells, especially tissues lining stratified squamous epithelium, such as the vaginal epithelium. In this study, we hypothesized that vitamin D could provide an alternative and a safe treatment option for PAV by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the vaginal epithelium. Thirty six patients were enrolled in this case-control study. Vitamin D associated proteins in a vitamin D and sex hormone treated vaginal epithelial cell line as well as normal and PAV tissues were measured. To confirm of cell-to-cell junction protein expression, cell line and tissue studies included RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and immunoblot analyses. The expression of cell-to-cell junction proteins was higher in women with symptoms of atrophic vagina tissue compared to women without the symptoms. Vitamin D stimulated the proliferation of the vaginal epithelium by activating p-RhoA and Erzin through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The results suggest that vitamin D positively regulates cell-to-cell junction by increasing the VDR/p-RhoA/p-Ezrin pathway. This is the first study to verify the relationship of the expression of RhoA and Ezrin proteins in vaginal tissue of PAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University Graduate School, Asan 31538,
Korea
| | - Man Ryul Lee
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS) and Institute of Tissue Regeneration, College of Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151,
Korea
| | - Hae-Hyeog Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon 14584,
Korea
| | - Yeon-Suk Kim
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University Graduate School, Asan 31538,
Korea
| | - Jun-Mo Kim
- Departments of Urology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon 14584,
Korea
| | - Temuulee Enkhbold
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University Graduate School, Asan 31538,
Korea
| | - Tae-Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon 14584,
Korea
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18
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Huang J, Qin H, Yang Y, Chen X, Zhang J, Laird S, Wang CC, Chan TF, Li TC. A comparison of transcriptomic profiles in endometrium during window of implantation between women with unexplained recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. Reproduction 2017; 153:749-758. [PMID: 28283674 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The endometrium becomes receptive to the embryo only in the mid-luteal phase, but not in the other stages of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial factors play an important role in implantation. Women with recurrent miscarriage and recurrent implantation failure have both been reported to have altered expression of receptivity markers during the window of implantation. We aimed to compare the gene expression profiles of the endometrium in the window of implantation among women with unexplained recurrent implantation failures (RIF) and unexplained recurrent miscarriages (RM) by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). In total 20 patients (9 RIF and 11 RM) were recruited. In addition 4 fertile subjects were included as reference. Endometrium samples were precisely timed on the 7th day after luteal hormone surge (LH + 7). All the 24 endometrium samples were extracted for total RNA. The transcriptome was determined by RNA-Seq in the first 14 RNA samples (5 RIF, 6 RM and 3 fertile). Differentially expressed genes between RM and RIF were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in all 24 RNA samples (9 RIF, 11 RM and 4 fertile). Transcriptomic profiles of RM and RIF, but not control samples, were separated from each other by principle component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM). Complementary and coagulation cascades pathway was significantly up-regulated in RIF while down-regulated in RM. Differentially expressed genes C3, C4, C4BP, DAF, DF and SERPING1 in complement and coagulation cascade pathway between RM and RIF were further validated by qPCR. This study compared endometrial transcriptome among patients with RIF and RM in the window of implantation; it identified differential molecular pathways in endometrium between RIF and RM, which potentially affect the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
| | - Hao Qin
- School of Life SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yihua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of the Affiliated HospitalGuilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | | | - Jiamiao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of the Affiliated HospitalGuilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Susan Laird
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SAR, China
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19
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Burrows CK, Kosova G, Herman C, Patterson K, Hartmann KE, Velez Edwards DR, Stephenson MD, Lynch VJ, Ober C. Expression Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping Studies in Mid-secretory Phase Endometrial Cells Identifies HLA-F and TAP2 as Fecundability-Associated Genes. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005858. [PMID: 27447835 PMCID: PMC4957750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility traits in humans are heritable, however, little is known about the genes that influence reproductive outcomes or the genetic variants that contribute to differences in these traits between individuals, particularly women. To address this gap in knowledge, we performed an unbiased genome-wide expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping study to identify common regulatory (expression) single nucleotide polymorphisms (eSNPs) in mid-secretory endometrium. We identified 423 cis-eQTLs for 132 genes that were significant at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 1%. After pruning for strong LD (r2 >0.95), we tested for associations between eSNPs and fecundability (the ability to get pregnant), measured as the length of the interval to pregnancy, in 117 women. Two eSNPs were associated with fecundability at a FDR of 5%; both were in the HLA region and were eQTLs for the TAP2 gene (P = 1.3x10-4) and the HLA-F gene (P = 4.0x10-4), respectively. The effects of these SNPs on fecundability were replicated in an independent sample. The two eSNPs reside within or near regulatory elements in decidualized human endometrial stromal cells. Our study integrating eQTL mapping in a primary tissue with association studies of a related phenotype revealed novel genes and associated alleles with independent effects on fecundability, and identified a central role for two HLA region genes in human implantation success. Little is known about the genetics of female fertility. In this study, we addressed this gap in knowledge by first searching for genetic variants that regulate gene expression in uterine endometrial cells, and then testing those functional variants for associations with the length of time to pregnancy in fertile women. Two functional genetic variants were associated with time to pregnancy in women after correcting for multiple testing. Those variants were each associated with the expression of genes in the HLA region, HLA-F and TAP2, which are have not previously been implicated female fertility. The association between HLA-F and TAP2 genotypes on the length of time to pregnancy was replicated in an independent cohort of women. Because HLA-F and TAP2 are involved in immune processes, these results suggest their role in specific immune regulation in the endometrium during implantation. Future studies will characterize these molecules in the implantation process and their potential as drug targets for treatment of conditions related to implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K. Burrows
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gülüm Kosova
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Catherine Herman
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kristen Patterson
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katherine E. Hartmann
- Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Digna R. Velez Edwards
- Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Mary D. Stephenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vincent J. Lynch
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Grimstad F, Krieg S. Immunogenetic contributions to recurrent pregnancy loss. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:833-47. [PMID: 27169601 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While sporadic pregnancy loss is common, occurring in 15 % of pregnancies, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) impacts approximately 5 % of couples. Though multiple causes are known (including structural, hormonal, infectious, autoimmune, and thrombophilic causes), after evaluation, roughly half of all cases remain unexplained. The idiopathic RPL cases pose a challenging therapeutic dilemma in addition to incurring much physical and emotional morbidity. Immunogenetic causes have been postulated to contribute to these cases of RPL. Natural Killer cell, T cell expression pattern changes in the endometrium have both been shown in patients with RPL. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cytokine allelic variations have also been studied as etiologies for RPL. Some of the results have been promising, however the studies are small and have not yet put forth outcomes that would change our current diagnosis and management of RPL. Larger database studies are needed with stricter control criteria before reasonable conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Grimstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd MS 2028, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Sacha Krieg
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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21
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Kim M, Cooper BA, Venkat R, Phillips JB, Eidem HR, Hirbo J, Nutakki S, Williams SM, Muglia LJ, Capra JA, Petren K, Abbot P, Rokas A, McGary KL. GEneSTATION 1.0: a synthetic resource of diverse evolutionary and functional genomic data for studying the evolution of pregnancy-associated tissues and phenotypes. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:D908-16. [PMID: 26567549 PMCID: PMC4702823 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian gestation and pregnancy are fast evolving processes that involve the interaction of the fetal, maternal and paternal genomes. Version 1.0 of the GEneSTATION database (http://genestation.org) integrates diverse types of omics data across mammals to advance understanding of the genetic basis of gestation and pregnancy-associated phenotypes and to accelerate the translation of discoveries from model organisms to humans. GEneSTATION is built using tools from the Generic Model Organism Database project, including the biology-aware database CHADO, new tools for rapid data integration, and algorithms that streamline synthesis and user access. GEneSTATION contains curated life history information on pregnancy and reproduction from 23 high-quality mammalian genomes. For every human gene, GEneSTATION contains diverse evolutionary (e.g. gene age, population genetic and molecular evolutionary statistics), organismal (e.g. tissue-specific gene and protein expression, differential gene expression, disease phenotype), and molecular data types (e.g. Gene Ontology Annotation, protein interactions), as well as links to many general (e.g. Entrez, PubMed) and pregnancy disease-specific (e.g. PTBgene, dbPTB) databases. By facilitating the synthesis of diverse functional and evolutionary data in pregnancy-associated tissues and phenotypes and enabling their quick, intuitive, accurate and customized meta-analysis, GEneSTATION provides a novel platform for comprehensive investigation of the function and evolution of mammalian pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Brian A Cooper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Rohit Venkat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Julie B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Haley R Eidem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jibril Hirbo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Sashank Nutakki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Scott M Williams
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - J Anthony Capra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kenneth Petren
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Patrick Abbot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kriston L McGary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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22
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Moffett A, Shreeve N. First do no harm: uterine natural killer (NK) cells in assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1519-25. [PMID: 25954039 PMCID: PMC4472320 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte circulating in peripheral blood named because of their effector functions in killing target cells. Immune cells that share similar phenotypic characteristics but are poor killers populate the uterine lining at implantation and during early pregnancy when the placenta is established. The functions of these uterine NK (uNK) cells are essentially unknown but available data point to a role in regulating placentation in concert with other elements of the decidua and invading trophoblast cells. Despite the lack of scientific rationale and advice from clinical governing bodies, such as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, an increasing range of tests and therapies are still offered to women undergoing IVF or attending recurrent miscarriage clinics based on the myth that uterine NK cells need suppressing to prevent damage to the embryo. New treatments can be introduced at whim with subsequent demands for expensive trials to prove/disprove their efficacy. The evidence that targeting uNK or peripheral blood NK cells assists women with recurrent pregnancy failure is lacking. Healthcare professionals and patients should very carefully evaluate the practice of immunomodulation to enhance pregnancy outcome. A discussion on how to move towards stricter regulation of immunotherapy in non-hospital settings is now needed because it is clear that the potential risks and costs of these therapies outweigh any benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Norman Shreeve
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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