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Wu L, Wang S, Li H, Lu H, Zheng Y, Feng T, Sun Y. Human trophoblast invasion and migration are mediated by the YAP1-CCN1 pathway: defective signaling in trophoblasts during early-onset severe preeclampsia†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:866-878. [PMID: 38874283 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae097] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription coactivator YAP1 mediates the major effects of the Hippo signaling pathway. The CCN family is a small group of glycoproteins known to be downstream effectors of YAP1 in diverse tissues. However, whether CCN family members mediate the effects of YAP1 in human trophoblasts is unknown. In this study, placental expression of both YAP1 and CCN1 was found to be impaired in pregnancies complicated by early-onset severe preeclampsia. CCN1 was expressed not only in cytotrophoblasts, trophoblast columns, and mesenchymal cells, similar to active YAP1, but also in syncytiotrophoblasts of normal first-trimester placental villi; moreover, decidual staining of active YAP1 and CCN1 was found in both interstitial and endovascular extravillous trophoblasts. In cultured immortalized human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells, knockdown of YAP1 decreased CCN1 mRNA and protein expression and led to impaired cell invasion and migration. Also, CCN1 knockdown negatively affected HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion and migration but not viability. YAP1 knockdown was further found to impair HTR-8/SVneo cell viability via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while CCN1 knockdown had minimal effect on cell cycle arrest and no effect on apoptosis. Accordingly, treatment with recombinant CCN1 partially reversed the YAP1 knockdown-induced impairment in trophoblast invasion and migration but not in viability. Thus, CCN1 mediates the effects of YAP1 on human trophoblast invasion and migration but not apoptosis, and decreased placental expression of YAP1 and CCN1 in pregnancies complicated by early-onset severe preeclampsia might contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shengfu Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongyue Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haotian Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanke Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianfei Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Motomura K, Morita H, Yamamoto H, Wada S, Sago H, Takahashi H, Saito H, Matsumoto K. Isolation of pure primary term human cytotrophoblasts and their differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells as an ex vivo model of the human placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00603-9. [PMID: 39089887 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a fundamental role in fetal growth and maintenance of pregnancy. Its cellular components include a large multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and its progenitor, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), both of which perform vital functions in the human placenta. Primary cytotrophoblasts isolated from term human placentas that spontaneously fuse and differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells in vitro have been utilized to investigate the functions of the syncytiotrophoblast and placenta with multiple modifications. Although recent advances have enabled the use of trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids as a model for villous trophoblasts, primary CTBs offer several advantages, including spontaneous differentiation, easy access to materials (from term-delivered human placentas), and simple methodology. Here, we present a precise step-by-step process for isolating pure CTBs from term human placenta based on previously reported placenta digestion, density centrifugation, and CTB purification using anti-HLA-A, B, C antibody. Subsequently, we provide a method to improve CTB viability and differentiation into STB-like cells using epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) that ensures long-term and stable cultures without altering their proliferation. Because these cells can grow on standard tissue culture plates, this model can be easily utilized for various placental investigations, including innate immune responses, drug resistance, and STB metabolism. Employing this approach considerably enhances our understanding of placental functions, which are key to maternal and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Yamamoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Seiji Wada
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sago
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Center for Medical Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Saito
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
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Keenen MM, Yang L, Liang H, Farmer VJ, Singh R, Gladfelter AS, Coyne CB. Comparative analysis of the syncytiotrophoblast in placenta tissue and trophoblast organoids using snRNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601571. [PMID: 39005304 PMCID: PMC11244908 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The outer surface of chorionic villi in the human placenta consists of a single multinucleated cell called the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The unique cellular ultrastructure of the STB presents challenges in deciphering its gene expression signature at the single-cell level, as the STB contains billions of nuclei in a single cell. There are many gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms and developmental trajectories involved in STB formation and differentiation. To identify the underlying control of the STB, we performed comparative single nucleus (SN) and single cell (SC) RNA sequencing on placental tissue and tissue-derived trophoblast organoids (TOs). We found that SN was essential to capture the STB population from both tissue and TOs. Differential gene expression and pseudotime analysis of TO-derived STB identified three distinct nuclear subtypes reminiscent of those recently identified in vivo . These included a juvenile nuclear population that exhibited both CTB and STB marker expression, a population enriched in genes involved in oxygen sensing, and a fully differentiated subtype. Notably, suspension culture conditions of TOs that restore the native orientation of the STB (STB out ) showed elevated expression of canonical STB markers and pregnancy hormones, along with a greater proportion of the terminally differentiated mature STB subtype, compared to those cultivated with an inverted STB polarity (STB in ). Gene regulatory analysis identified novel markers of STB differentiation conserved in tissue and TOs, including the chromatin remodeler RYBP, that exhibited STB-specific RNA and protein expression. Finally, we compared STB gene expression signatures amongst first trimester tissue, full-term tissue, and TOs, identifying many commonalities but also notable variability across each sample type. This indicates that STB gene expression is responsive to its environmental context. Our findings emphasize the utility of TOs to accurately model STB differentiation and the distinct nuclear subtypes observed in vivo , offering a versatile platform for unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing STB functions in placental biology and disease.
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Lin Q, Cao J, Yu J, Zhu Y, Shen Y, Wang S, Wang Y, Liu Z, Chang Y. YAP-mediated trophoblast dysfunction: the common pathway underlying pregnancy complications. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:353. [PMID: 38098027 PMCID: PMC10722737 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a pivotal regulator in cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration, with significant roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and tumorigenesis. At the maternal-fetal interface, emerging evidence underscores the importance of precisely regulated YAP activity in ensuring successful pregnancy initiation and progression. However, despite the established association between YAP dysregulation and adverse pregnancy outcomes, insights into the impact of aberrant YAP levels in fetal-derived, particularly trophoblast cells, and the ensuing dysfunction at the maternal-fetal interface remain limited. This review comprehensively examines YAP expression and its regulatory mechanisms in trophoblast cells throughout pregnancy. We emphasize its integral role in placental development and maternal-fetal interactions and delve into the correlations between YAP dysregulation and pregnancy complications. A nuanced understanding of YAP's functions during pregnancy could illuminate intricate molecular mechanisms and pave the way for innovative prevention and treatment strategies for pregnancy complications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimei Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Jiasong Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yongmei Shen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Academy of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, 300100, China.
- Academy of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Li X, Li ZH, Wang YX, Liu TH. A comprehensive review of human trophoblast fusion models: recent developments and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:372. [PMID: 37816723 PMCID: PMC10564767 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential component of the maternal-fetal interface, the placental syncytiotrophoblast layer contributes to a successful pregnancy by secreting hormones necessary for pregnancy, transporting nutrients, mediating gas exchange, balancing immune tolerance, and resisting pathogen infection. Notably, the deficiency in mononuclear trophoblast cells fusing into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Despite the availability of many models for the study of trophoblast fusion, there exists a notable disparity from the ideal model, limiting the deeper exploration into the placental development. Here, we reviewed the existing models employed for the investigation of human trophoblast fusion from several aspects, including the development history, latest progress, advantages, disadvantages, scope of application, and challenges. The literature searched covers the monolayer cell lines, primary human trophoblast, placental explants, human trophoblast stem cells, human pluripotent stem cells, three-dimensional cell spheres, organoids, and placenta-on-a-chip from 1938 to 2023. These diverse models have significantly enhanced our comprehension of placental development regulation and the underlying mechanisms of placental-related disorders. Through this review, our objective is to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the existing trophoblast fusion models, making it easier to select most suitable models to address specific experimental requirements or scientific inquiries. Establishment and application of the existing human placental trophoblast fusion models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo-Hang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Medical Laboratory Department, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yaan, 625099, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Mizutani T, Orisaka M, Kawabe S, Morichika R, Uesaka M, Yoshida Y. YAP/TAZ-TEAD is a novel transcriptional regulator of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes in rat granulosa cells and KGN cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 559:111808. [PMID: 36309205 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells is regulated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) via transcriptional regulation of its related genes. We herein showed the involvement of the Hippo pathway in this regulation. In KGN granulosa cell, repression of YAP/TAZ activity induced the expression of CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP19A1 in a TEAD-dependent manner without cAMP stimulation. A selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, suppressed YAP/TAZ knockdown-indued the expression of these genes, suggesting this signal could be involved. The expression of these genes was induced by 8Br-cAMP, whereas that of CYR61 and ADATS1, typical YAP/TAZ-TEAD target genes, was suppressed, suggesting that the cellular signaling of cAMP reduced YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity. The constitutively active mutant YAP canceled the FSH- and 8Br-cAMP-mediated induction of these genes in primary rat granulosa and KGN cells, respectively. Moreover, regulation of steroidogenesis-related genes by YAP/TAZ-TEAD was independent of steroidogenic factor 1, a master gene regulator of steroidogenesis. These results suggest that YAP/TAZ-TEAD is a negative regulator of steroidogenesis and that suppression of YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity by FSH is involved in ovarian steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan.
| | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Shinya Kawabe
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Fisheries University, Japan
| | - Ririko Morichika
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Miki Uesaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan
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