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Singh P, Metkari SM, Bhartiya D. Mice Uterine Stem Cells are Affected by Neonatal Endocrine Disruption & Initiate Uteropathies in Adult Life Independent of Circulatory Ovarian Hormones. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1686-1701. [PMID: 34750780 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is generally believed that ovarian hormones regulate uterine functions and their altered levels result in various uteropathies like non-receptive uterus, endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, endometriosis, leiomyomas and cancer. Uterus harbors two populations of stem cells including pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-specific progenitors (endometrial stem cells, EnSCs). Unlike endometrial mesenchymal stem/ stromal cells, VSELs/EnSCs express ERα, ERβ and PR which makes them directly vulnerable to perinatal endocrine insults. Present study was undertaken to evaluate whether uteropathies occur due to altered hormones and/or intrinsic changes in stem/progenitor cells. Mice pups, exposed to estradiol (20 µg/pup/day) on postnatal days 3-7 or vehicle, were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy on day 30 and later exposed sequentially to estradiol and progesterone resulting in receptive uterus in control mice. Despite similar hormonal exposure, endocrine disruption resulted in non-receptive uterus with noticeable endometrial and myometrial hyperplasia and up-regulation of stem cell markers (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sox2, Nanog). Glands were poorly formed and 'defective' epithelial progenitors were found disseminated into myometrium and blood vessels revealing how adenomyosis and endometriosis possibly initiate. Progesterone resistance and estradiol dominance due to downregulation of Erα & Pr and upregulation of Erβ transcripts was observed in both intact uterus and stem cells enriched from uterus. Transcripts specific for DNA mismatch repair axis (Pcna, NP95 and Dnmt1), repair enzymes (Brca-1, Rad51 and Mlh1) were dysregulated whereas Ki67 was ten-folds increased suggestive of genomic instability. Study reveals role of stem cells in initiating uteropathies during adult life independent of circulatory ovarian hormones. Endocrine disruption affects tissue resident stem/progenitor cells (VSELs/EnSCs) in both endometrium and myometrium, result in epithelial cells hyperplasia, non-receptive endometrium, adenomyosis and defective stem cells and epithelial progenitors were detected in the perimetrium from where they can mobilize to ectopic sites to initiate endometriosis. Study shows stem cell basis for various uteropathies. VSEL: Very small embryonic like stem cell; EnSC: Endometrial stem cell; E + P: Estradiol + Progesterone; E: Endometrium; P: Perimetrium; M: Myometrium; ACD: Asymmetrical cell division; SCD: Symmetrical cell division; CE: Clonal expansion; G: Gland; S: Stromal cell; US: Undifferentiated stromal cell; LE: Luminal epithelium; GE: Glandular epithelium; EP: Epithelial progenitors; SMC: Spindle-shaped myometrial cell; OMC: Oval-shaped myometrial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Siddhanath M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
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Kong Y, Shao Y, Ren C, Yang G. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their roles in immunity, clinical application, and endometriosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:474. [PMID: 34425902 PMCID: PMC8383353 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells have been proved to exist in periodically regenerated female endometrium and can be divided into three categories: endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells, CD140b+CD146+ or SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs), and side population cells (SPs). Endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the menstruation blood are defined as menstrual stem cells (MenSCs). Due to their abundant sources, excellent proliferation, and autotransplantation capabilities, MenSCs are ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine, inflammation, and immune-related diseases. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells also participate in the occurrence and development of endometriosis by entering the pelvic cavity from retrograde menstruation and becoming overreactive under certain conditions to form new glands and stroma through clonal expansion. Additionally, the limited bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMDSCs) in blood circulation can be recruited and infiltrated into the lesion sites, leading to the establishment of deep invasive endometriosis. On the other hand, cell derived from endometriosis may also enter the blood circulation to form circulating endometrial cells (CECs) with stem cell-like properties, and to migrate and implant into distant tissues. In this manuscript, by reviewing the available literature, we outlined the characteristics of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and summarized their roles in immunoregulation, regenerative medicine, and endometriosis, through which to provide some novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive and cancerous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Bhartiya D, Singh P, Sharma D, Kaushik A. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) regenerate whereas mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) rejuvenate diseased reproductive tissues. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1718-1727. [PMID: 34410593 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compared to embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have made their presence felt with good therapeutic promise and safety profile. Transplanting MSCs has successfully helped to reverse infertility and resulted in live births in animal models and also in humans. But the underlying mechanism for their therapeutic potential is not yet clear. MSCs are not pluripotent and hence lack plasticity to differentiate into multiple adult cell types. They rather act as 'paracrine providers' to the tissue-resident stem cells since similar beneficial effects are also observed when their secretome (microvesicles or exosomes) is transplanted. Cytokines, growth factors, signaling lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs secreted by MSCs enables tissue-resident stem cells to undergo differentiation into specific cell types. Tissue-resident stem cells include pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and progenitors [spermatogonial (SSCs), ovarian (OSCs) and endometrial (EnSCs) stem cells in testes, ovary and uterus respectively] which function in a subtle manner to maintain life-long tissue homeostasis and regenerate damaged (non-functional) reproductive tissues by differentiating into sperm, oocytes and endometrial epithelial cells respectively. Similar to restoring spermatogenesis, primordial follicles numbers are increased upon transplanting MSCs. Published literature suggests that MSCs do not differentiate into epithelial cells in the endometrium. Nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and cytoplasmic OCT-4, AXIN2 and KERATIN-19 positive epithelial progenitors have a greater role during endometrial regeneration. We propose, transplantation of MSCs simply provides growth factors/cytokines essential for the tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells to undergo differentiation into sperm, eggs and endometrial epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Pluripotent Stem (VSELs) and Progenitor (EnSCs) Cells Exist in Adult Mouse Uterus and Show Cyclic Changes Across Estrus Cycle. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:278-290. [PMID: 32710237 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have earlier reported pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) in adult mouse uterus and their regulation by gonadotropin and steroid hormones. VSELs can differentiate into cells of all three lineages in vitro; however, they neither expand readily in vitro nor compliment a developing embryo. In the present study, a robust protocol is described to enrich uterine stem/progenitor cells along with their characterization and variation across estrus cycle. After enzymatic digestion of adult mouse uterus, single-cell suspension obtained was spun at 1000 rpm (250 g) to pellet majority of cells. Stem cells remain buoyant at this speed and were pelleted by spinning supernatant at 3000 rpm (1000 g). Spherical, darkly stained VSELs (2-6 μm) with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio and EnSCs (> 6 μm) expressed OCT-4, NANOG, SSEA-1, SCA-1, and c-KIT. OCT-4-positive cells co-expressed SSEA-1, ERα, ERβ, PR, and FSHR. Transcripts specific for pluripotent state (Oct-4, Oct-4a, Sox-2, Nanog), primordial germ cells (Stella, Fragilis), and receptors for pituitary and steroid hormones (ERα, ERβ, PR, FSHR 1 and 3) were studied by RT-PCR in 3000 rpm pellet. Cell pellet collected at 3000 rpm showed 10-fold enrichment of VSELs (2-6 μm, viable cells with surface phenotype of LIN-CD45-SCA-1+) by flow cytometry and upregulation of pluripotent transcripts by qRT-PCR compared with 1000 rpm pellet. VSELs were maximal during estrus and metestrus phases of estrus cycle. To conclude, VSELs/EnSCs can be enriched from adult uterus using the strategy described here, vary in numbers across estrus cycle, and are vulnerable to endocrine disruption as they express steroid receptors.
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Lv H, Hu Y, Cui Z, Jia H. Human menstrual blood: a renewable and sustainable source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:325. [PMID: 30463587 PMCID: PMC6249727 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) play an important role in autologous and even allogenic applications. Menstrual blood discharge has been identified as a valuable source of SCs which are referred to as menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs). Compared to SCs from bone marrow and adipose tissues, MenSCs come from body discharge and obtaining them is non-invasive to the body, they are easy to collect, and there are no ethical concerns. There is, hence, a growing interest in the functions of MenSCs and their potential applications in regenerative medicine. This review presents recent progress in research into MenSCs and their potential application. Clinical indications of using MenSCs for various regenerative medicine applications are emphasized, and future research is recommended to accelerate clinical applications of MenSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Tissue Engineering Group, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Huidong Jia
- Tissue Engineering Group, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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Bhartiya D, James K. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in adult mouse uterine perimetrium and myometrium. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:29. [PMID: 28438190 PMCID: PMC5404303 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We have earlier reported the presence of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in adult mouse uterus along with slightly bigger progenitors termed endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) and their regulation by ovarian hormones thus demonstrating a crucial role played by them during proliferation, differentiation and remodeling of the endometrium. Present study is a brief communication wherein we have examined the effect of higher dose of estrogen (E, 2 μg/day), progesterone (P, 1 mg/day) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 5 IU/day for 5 days) specifically on the myometrium and perimetrium surrounding the endometrium in bilaterally ovariectomized mice. Similar treatment with E & P was recently used in a study published in the journal Nature to study the effect of steroid hormones on hematopoietic stem cells and this treatment regimen helps achieve hormone levels observed during pregnancy. Quiescent spherical stem cells (lacking PCNA expression) with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio and nuclear OCT-4A were detected in the perimetrium of atrophied (bilaterally ovariectomized) uterus. PCNA expression was observed after treatment and cells with cytoplasmic OCT-4B were invariably observed in the myometrium. VSELs were clearly visualized after treatment and the effect of P and FSH was more prominent compared to E on the development of myometrium. It is speculated that stem cells with nuclear OCT-4A located in the perimetrium differentiate to give rise to endothelial and myometrial cells with cytoplasmic OCT-4B. Based on the results of present study and published reports showing the presence of pluripotent markers (OCT-4, NANOG and SOX2) in human myometrial side population and expression of particularly OCT-4A in human leiomyomas, we speculate that these nuclear OCT-4 positive stem cells located in the perimetrium are the possible tumor initiating cells leading to the development of leiomyomas rather than the mesenchymal cells which express cytoplasmic OCT-4B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Kreema James
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Bhartiya D, Shaikh A, Anand S, Patel H, Kapoor S, Sriraman K, Parte S, Unni S. Endogenous, very small embryonic-like stem cells: critical review, therapeutic potential and a look ahead. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:41-76. [PMID: 27614362 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were reported in 2006. In 2012, a Nobel Prize was awarded for iPS technology whereas even today the very existence of VSELs is not well accepted. The underlying reason is that VSELs exist in low numbers, remain dormant under homeostatic conditions, are very small in size and do not pellet down at 250-280g. The VSELs maintain life-long tissue homeostasis, serve as a backup pool for adult stem cells and are mobilized under stress conditions. An imbalance in VSELs function (uncontrolled proliferation) may result in cancer. SEARCH METHODS The electronic database 'Medline/Pubmed' was systematically searched with the subject heading term 'very small embryonic-like stem cells'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The most primitive stem cells that undergo asymmetric cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to progenitors still remain elusive in the hematopoietic system and testes, while the presence of stem cells in ovary is still being debated. We propose to review the available literature on VSELs, the methods of their isolation and characterization, their ontogeny, how they compare with embryonic stem (ES) cells, primordial germ cells (PGCs) and iPS cells, and their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The review includes a look ahead on how VSELs will result in paradigm shifts in basic reproductive biology. OUTCOMES Adult tissue-specific stem cells including hematopoietic, spermatogonial, ovarian and mesenchymal stem cells have good proliferation potential and are indeed committed progenitors (with cytoplasmic OCT-4), which arise by asymmetric cell divisions of pluripotent VSELs (with nuclear OCT-4). VSELs are the most primitive stem cells and postulated to be an overlapping population with the PGCs. Rather than migrating only to the gonads, PGCs migrate and survive in various adult body organs throughout life as VSELs. VSELs express both pluripotent and PGC-specific markers and are epigenetically and developmentally more mature compared with ES cells obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-stage embryo. As a result, VSELs readily differentiate into three embryonic germ layers and spontaneously give rise to both sperm and oocytes in vitro. Like PGCs, VSELs do not divide readily in culture, nor produce teratoma or integrate in the developing embryo. But this property of being relatively quiescent allows endogenous VSELs to survive various kinds of toxic insults. VSELs that survive oncotherapy can be targeted to induce endogenous regeneration of non-functional gonads. Transplanting healthy niche (mesenchymal) cells have resulted in improved gonadal function and live births. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Being quiescent, VSELs possibly do not accumulate genomic (nuclear or mitochondrial) mutations and thus may be ideal endogenous, pluripotent stem cell candidates for regenerative and reproductive medicine. The presence of VSELs in adult gonads and the fact that they survive oncotherapy may obviate the need to bank gonadal tissue for fertility preservation prior to oncotherapy. VSELs and their ability to undergo spermatogenesis/neo-oogenesis in the presence of a healthy niche will help identify newer strategies toward fertility restoration in cancer survivors, delaying menopause and also enabling aged mothers to have better quality eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Ambreen Shaikh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sona Kapoor
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,The Foundation for Medical Research, 84-A, RG Thadani Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400018, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sreepoorna Unni
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Inter Disciplinary Studies Department, University College, Zayed University, Academic City, PO Box 19282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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