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Oh JE, Kwon S, Byun H, Song H, Lim HJ. Repopulation of autophagy-deficient stromal cells with autophagy-intact cells after repeated breeding in uterine mesenchyme-specific Atg7 knockout mice. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:170-176. [PMID: 37643830 PMCID: PMC10477416 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autophagy is highly active in ovariectomized mice experiencing hormone deprivation, especially in the uterine mesenchyme. Autophagy is responsible for the turnover of vasoactive factors in the uterus, which was demonstrated in anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 receptor (Amhr2)-Cre-driven autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7) knockout (Amhr-Cre/Atg7f/f mice). In that study, we uncovered a striking difference in the amount of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) accumulation between virgin mice and breeder mice with the same genotype. Herein, we aimed to determine whether repeated breeding changed the composition of mesenchymal cell populations in the uterine stroma. METHODS All female mice used in this study were of the same genotype. Atg7 was deleted by Amhr2 promoter-driven Cre recombinase in the uterine stroma and myometrium, except for a triangular stromal region on the mesometrial side. Amhr-Cre/Atg7f/f female mice were divided into two groups: virgin mice with no mating history and aged between 11 and 12 months, and breeder mice with at least 6-month breeding cycles with multiple pregnancies and aged around 12 months. The uteri were used for Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS SQSTM1 accumulation, representing Atg7 deletion and halted autophagy, was much higher in virgin mice than in breeders. Breeders showed reduced accumulation of several vasoconstrictive factors, which are potential autophagy targets, in the uterus, suggesting that the uterine stroma was repopulated with autophagy-intact cells during repeated pregnancies. CONCLUSION Multiple pregnancies seem to have improved the uterine environment by replacing autophagy-deficient cells with autophagy-intact cells, providing evidence of cell mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Byun
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Al-Abri M, Kharousi KA, Hamrashdi AA, Toobi AGA, Salem MM. Genome wide association analysis for twinning ability in Jabal Akhdar Omani goats. Small Rumin Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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METTL3 is essential for normal progesterone signaling during embryo implantation via m 6A-mediated translation control of progesterone receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214684120. [PMID: 36693099 PMCID: PMC9945998 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214684120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation, a crucial step in human reproduction, is tightly controlled by estrogen and progesterone (P4) via estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor (PGR), respectively. Here, we report that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes, plays an essential role in embryo implantation through the maintenance of P4 signaling. Conditional deletion of methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3), encoding the m6A writer METTL3, in the female reproductive tract using a Cre mouse line with Pgr promoter (Pgr-Cre) resulted in complete implantation failure due to pre-implantation embryo loss and defective uterine receptivity. Moreover, the uterus of Mettl3 null mice failed to respond to artificial decidualization. We further found that Mettl3 deletion was accompanied by a marked decrease in PGR protein expression. Mechanistically, we found that Pgr mRNA is a direct target for METTL3-mediated m6A modification. A luciferase assay revealed that the m6A modification in the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of Pgr mRNA enhances PGR protein translation efficiency in a YTHDF1-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that METTL3 is required for human endometrial stromal cell decidualization in vitro and that the METTL3-PGR axis is conserved between mice and humans. In summary, this study provides evidence that METTL3 is essential for normal P4 signaling during embryo implantation via m6A-mediated translation control of Pgr mRNA.
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Hua R, Liu Q, Lian W, Kang TT, Gao D, Huang C, Wang Y, Lei M. Extracellular vesicles derived from endometrial epithelial cells deliver exogenous miR-92b-3p to affect the function of embryonic trophoblast cells via targeting TSC1 and DKK3. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:152. [PMID: 36284344 PMCID: PMC9594956 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) could mediate embryo-maternal communication to affect embryo implantation by delivering biology information, including microRNA (miRNA), protein, lipid. Our previous research shows that miR-92b-3p was differentially expressed in EVs of uterine flushing fluids during the embryo implantation period. However, the role of miR-92b-3p from EVs in embryo implantation remains elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS EVs were isolated from porcine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) by ultracentrifugation. MiR-92b-3p mimics and EVs were used to regulate the expression of miR-92b-3p in porcine trophoblast cells (PTr2 cells). Cell proliferation, migration and adhesion analyses were used to observe the phenotype. RT-qPCR, western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to assess the targets of miR-92b-3p. RESULTS In this study, EVs derived from porcine EECs were identified and could be taken up by PTr2 cells. We found that the EVs derived from EECs transfected with miR-92b-3p mimic (EVs-miR-92b-3p) significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and adhesion of PTr2 cells. We verified that Tuberous sclerosis complex subunit (TSC1) and Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) were the target genes of miR-92b-3p. Moreover, our study showed that miR-92b-3p plays a vital role in PTr2 cells via targeting TSC1 and DKK3. Furthermore, the 3'UTR vectors of TSC1 and DKK3 can rescue the effect of miR-92b-3p on PTr2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study reveals a novel mechanism that EVs derived from porcine EECs treated with miR-92b-3p crosstalk with trophoblasts by targeting TSC1 and DKK3, leading to an enhanced ability for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwu Hua
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ting Ting Kang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Dengying Gao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yueying Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, 272000, China.
| | - Minggang Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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Delayed Implantation Induced by Letrozole in Mice. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2864-2875. [PMID: 35257352 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00902-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Implantation timing is critical for a successful pregnancy. A short delay in embryo implantation caused by targeted gene ablation produced a cascading problem in the later stages of the pregnancy. Although several delayed implantation models have been established in wild mice, almost none of them is suitable for investigating the early delay's effects on the late events of pregnancy. Here, we report a new delayed implantation model established by the intraperitoneal administration of letrozole at 5 mg/kg body weight on day 3 of pregnancy. In these mice, initiation of implantation was induced at will by the injection of estradiol (E2). When the estradiol (3 ng) was injected on day 4 of pregnancy (i.e., without delay), the embryo implantation restarted, and the pregnancy continued normally. However, 25 ng estrogen caused compromised implantation. We also found that 67% of the female mice could be pregnant normally and finally gave birth when the estradiol injection (3 ng) was on day 5 of pregnancy (i.e., 1-day delay). Most failed pregnancies had impaired decidualization, decreased serum progesterone levels, and compromised angiogenesis. Progesterone supplementation could rescue decidualization failure in the mice. Collectively, we established a new model of delayed implantation by letrozole, which can be easily applied to study the effect and mechanisms of delay of embryo implantation on the progression of late pregnancy events.
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Maru Y, Hippo Y. Two-Way Development of the Genetic Model for Endometrial Tumorigenesis in Mice: Current and Future Perspectives. Front Genet 2021; 12:798628. [PMID: 34956336 PMCID: PMC8696168 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.798628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract worldwide. Although comprehensive genomic analyses of EC have already uncovered many recurrent genetic alterations and deregulated signaling pathways, its disease model has been limited in quantity and quality. Here, we review the current status of genetic models for EC in mice, which have been developed in two distinct ways at the level of organisms and cells. Accordingly, we first describe the in vivo model using genetic engineering. This approach has been applied to only a subset of genes, with a primary focus on Pten inactivation, given that PTEN is the most frequently altered gene in human EC. In these models, the tissue specificity in genetic engineering determined by the Cre transgenic line has been insufficient. Consequently, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC development remain poorly understood, and preclinical models are still limited in number. Recently, refined Cre transgenic mice have been created to address this issue. With highly specific gene recombination in the endometrial cell lineage, acceptable in vivo modeling of EC development is warranted using these Cre lines. Second, we illustrate an emerging cell-based model. This hybrid approach comprises ex vivo genetic engineering of organoids and in vivo tumor development in immunocompromised mice. Although only a few successful cases have been reported as proof of concept, this approach allows quick and comprehensive analysis, ensuring a high potential for reconstituting carcinogenesis. Hence, ex vivo/in vivo hybrid modeling of EC development and its comparison with corresponding in vivo models may dramatically accelerate EC research. Finally, we provide perspectives on future directions of EC modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Maru
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hippo
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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Jones I, Hägglund AC, Carlsson L. Reduced mTORC1-signaling in retinal ganglion cells leads to vascular retinopathy. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:321-335. [PMID: 34148274 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coordinated wiring of neurons, glia and endothelial cells into neurovascular units is critical for central nervous system development. This is best exemplified in the mammalian retina where interneurons, astrocytes and retinal ganglion cells sculpt their vascular environment to meet the metabolic demands of visual function. Identifying the molecular networks that underlie neurovascular unit formation is an important step towards a deeper understanding of nervous system development and function. RESULTS Here, we report that cell-to-cell mTORC1-signaling is essential for neurovascular unit formation during mouse retinal development. Using a conditional knockout approach we demonstrate that reduced mTORC1 activity in asymmetrically positioned retinal ganglion cells induces a delay in postnatal vascular network formation in addition to the production of rudimentary and tortuous vessel networks in adult animals. The severity of this vascular phenotype is directly correlated to the degree of mTORC1 down regulation within the neighboring retinal ganglion cell population. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a cell nonautonomous role for mTORC1-signaling during retinal development. These findings contribute to our current understanding of neurovascular unit formation and demonstrate how ganglion cells actively sculpt their local environment to ensure that the retina is perfused with an appropriate supply of oxygen and nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwan Jones
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Leif Carlsson
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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8
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Kim YS, Yang SC, Park M, Choi Y, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Kim H, Lim HJ, Song H. Different Cre systems induce differential microRNA landscapes and abnormalities in the female reproductive tracts of Dgcr8 conditional knockout mice. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e12996. [PMID: 33496365 PMCID: PMC7941225 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The female reproductive tract comprises several different cell types. Using three representative Cre systems, we comparatively analysed the phenotypes of Dgcr8 conditional knockout (cKO) mice to understand the function of Dgcr8, involved in canonical microRNA biogenesis, in the female reproductive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dgcr8f/f mice were crossed with Ltficre/+ , Amhr2cre/+ or PRcre/+ mice to produce mice deficient in Dgcr8 in epithelial (Dgcr8ed/ed ), mesenchymal (Dgcr8md/md ) and all the compartments (Dgcr8td/td ) in the female reproductive tract. Reproductive phenotypes were evaluated in Dgcr8 cKO mice. Uteri and/or oviducts were used for small RNA-seq, mRNA-seq, real-time RT-PCR, and/or morphologic and histological analyses. RESULT Dgcr8ed/ed mice did not exhibit any distinct defects, whereas Dgcr8md/md mice showed sub-fertility and oviductal smooth muscle deformities. Dgcr8td/td mice were infertile due to anovulation and acute inflammation in the female reproductive tract and suffered from an atrophic uterus with myometrial defects. The microRNAs and mRNAs related to immune modulation and/or smooth muscle growth were systemically altered in the Dgcr8td/td uterus. Expression profiles of dysregulated microRNAs and mRNAs in the Dgcr8td/td uterus were different from those in other genotypes in a Cre-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Dgcr8 deficiency with different Cre systems induces overlapping but distinct phenotypes as well as the profiles of microRNAs and their target mRNAs in the female reproductive tract, suggesting the importance of selecting the appropriate Cre driver to investigate the genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Kim
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
- Present address:
Division of reproductive sciencesDepartment of PediatricsCincinnati Children’s HospitalOHUSA
| | | | - Mira Park
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative BiotechnologyKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Department of Reproductive and Developmental Biology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Reproductive MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Hye‐Ryun Kim
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
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Mallela K, Kumar A. Role of TSC1 in physiology and diseases. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2269-2282. [PMID: 33575875 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04088-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery as the gene altered in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), an autosomal dominant disorder, the interest in TSC1 (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1) has steadily risen. TSC1, an essential component of the pro-survival PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway, plays an important role in processes like development, cell growth and proliferation, survival, autophagy and cilia development by co-operating with a variety of regulatory molecules. Recent studies have emphasized the tumor suppressive role of TSC1 in several human cancers including liver, lung, bladder, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. TSC1 perceives inputs from various signaling pathways, including TNF-α/IKK-β, TGF-β-Smad2/3, AKT/Foxo/Bim, Wnt/β-catenin/Notch, and MTOR/Mdm2/p53 axis, thereby regulating cancer cell proliferation, metabolism, migration, invasion, and immune regulation. This review provides a first comprehensive evaluation of TSC1 and illuminates its diverse functions apart from its involvement in TSC genetic disorder. Further, we have summarized the physiological functions of TSC1 in various cellular events and conditions whose dysregulation may lead to several pathological manifestations including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Mallela
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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Nanjappa MK, Mesa AM, Medrano TI, Jefferson WN, DeMayo FJ, Williams CJ, Lydon JP, Levin ER, Cooke PS. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 is required for normal uterine development and function in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:306-317. [PMID: 31201420 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a rate-limiting catalytic subunit of a histone methyltransferase, polycomb repressive complex, which silences gene activity through the repressive histone mark H3K27me3. EZH2 is critical for epigenetic effects of early estrogen treatment, and may be involved in uterine development and pathologies. We investigated EZH2 expression, regulation, and its role in uterine development/function. Uterine epithelial EZH2 expression was associated with proliferation and was high neonatally then declined by weaning. Pre-weaning uterine EZH2 expression was comparable in wild-type and estrogen receptor 1 knockout mice, showing neonatal EZH2 expression is ESR1 independent. Epithelial EZH2 was upregulated by 17β-estradiol (E2) and inhibited by progesterone in adult uteri from ovariectomized mice. To investigate the uterine role of EZH2, we developed a EZH2 conditional knockout (Ezh2cKO) mouse using a cre recombinase driven by the progesterone receptor (Pgr) promoter that produced Ezh2cKO mice lacking EZH2 in Pgr-expressing tissues (e.g. uterus, mammary glands). In Ezh2cKO uteri, EZH2 was deleted neonatally. These uteri had reduced H3K27me3, were larger than WT, and showed adult cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Ovary-independent uterine epithelial proliferation and increased numbers of highly proliferative uterine glands were seen in adult Ezh2cKO mice. Female Ezh2cKO mice were initially subfertile, and then became infertile by 9 months. Mammary gland development in Ezh2cKO mice was inhibited. In summary, uterine EZH2 expression is developmentally and hormonally regulated, and its loss causes aberrant uterine epithelial proliferation, uterine hypertrophy, and cystic endometrial hyperplasia, indicating a critical role in uterine development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ellis R Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Herrera GGB, Lierz SL, Harris EA, Donoghue LJ, Hewitt SC, Rodriguez KF, Jefferson WN, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Williams CJ, Korach KS, Winuthayanon W. Oviductal Retention of Embryos in Female Mice Lacking Estrogen Receptor α in the Isthmus and the Uterus. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqz033. [PMID: 31883000 PMCID: PMC7295936 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ESR1; encoded by Esr1) is a crucial nuclear transcription factor for female reproduction and is expressed throughout the female reproductive tract. To assess the function of ESR1 in reproductive tissues without confounding effects from a potential developmental defect arising from global deletion of ESR1, we generated a mouse model in which Esr1 was specifically ablated during postnatal development. To accomplish this, a progesterone receptor Cre line (PgrCre) was bred with Esr1f/f mice to create conditional knockout of Esr1 in reproductive tissues (called PgrCreEsr1KO mice) beginning around 6 days after birth. In the PgrCreEsr1KO oviduct, ESR1 was most efficiently ablated in the isthmic region. We found that at 3.5 days post coitus (dpc), embryos were retrieved from the uterus in control littermates while all embryos were retained in the PgrCreEsr1KO oviduct. Additionally, serum progesterone (P4) levels were significantly lower in PgrCreEsr1KO compared to controls at 3.5 dpc. This finding suggests that expression of ESR1 in the isthmus and normal P4 levels allow for successful embryo transport from the oviduct to the uterus. Therefore, alterations in oviductal isthmus ESR1 signaling and circulating P4 levels could be related to female infertility conditions such as tubal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo G B Herrera
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
| | - Sydney L Lierz
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Emily A Harris
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
| | - Lauren J Donoghue
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, US
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US
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Jones I, Hägglund AC, Carlsson L. Reduced mTORC1-signalling in retinal progenitor cells leads to visual pathway dysfunction. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.044370. [PMID: 31285269 PMCID: PMC6737973 DOI: 10.1242/bio.044370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the vertebrate central nervous system involves the co-ordinated differentiation of progenitor cells and the establishment of functional neural networks. This neurogenic process is driven by both intracellular and extracellular cues that converge on the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Here we demonstrate that mTORC1-signalling mediates multi-faceted roles during central nervous system development using the mouse retina as a model system. Downregulation of mTORC1-signalling in retinal progenitor cells by conditional ablation of Rptor leads to proliferation deficits and an over-production of retinal ganglion cells during embryonic development. In contrast, reduced mTORC1-signalling in postnatal animals leads to temporal deviations in programmed cell death and the consequent production of asymmetric retinal ganglion cell mosaics and associated loss of axonal termination topographies in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of adult mice. In combination these developmental defects induce visually mediated behavioural deficits. These collective observations demonstrate that mTORC1-signalling mediates critical roles during visual pathway development and function. Summary: Conditional deletion of Rptor in retinal progenitor cells demonstrates that mTORC1-signalling is critical for visual pathway development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwan Jones
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Hägglund
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Leif Carlsson
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Liang X, Daikoku T, Terakawa J, Ogawa Y, Joshi AR, Ellenson LH, Sun X, Dey SK. The uterine epithelial loss of Pten is inefficient to induce endometrial cancer with intact stromal Pten. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007630. [PMID: 30142194 PMCID: PMC6126871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation of the tumor suppressor Pten often leads to tumorigenesis in various organs including the uterus. We previously showed that Pten deletion in the mouse uterus using a Pgr-Cre driver (Ptenf/fPgrCre/+) results in rapid development of endometrial carcinoma (EMC) with full penetration. We also reported that Pten deletion in the stroma and myometrium using Amhr2-Cre failed to initiate EMC. Since the Ptenf/fPgrCre/+ uterine epithelium was primarily affected by tumorigenesis despite its loss in both the epithelium and stroma, we wanted to know if Pten deletion in epithelia alone will induce tumorigenesis. We found that mice with uterine epithelial loss of Pten under a Ltf-iCre driver (Ptenf/f/LtfCre/+) develop uterine complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH), but rarely EMC even at 6 months of age. We observed that Ptenf/fPgrCre/+ uteri exhibit a unique population of cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and transformation related protein 63 (p63)-positive epithelial cells; these cells mark stratified epithelia and squamous differentiation. In contrast, Ptenf/fLtfCre/+ hyperplastic epithelia do not undergo stratification, but extensive epithelial cell apoptosis. This increased apoptosis is associated with elevation of TGFβ levels and activation of downstream effectors, SMAD2/3 in the uterine stroma. Our results suggest that stromal PTEN via TGFβ signaling restrains epithelial cell transformation from hyperplasia to carcinoma. In conclusion, this study, using tissue-specific deletion of Pten, highlights the epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk in the genesis of endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Liang
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanazawa University Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanazawa University Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ayesha R. Joshi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lora H. Ellenson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XS); (SKD)
| | - Sudhansu K. Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XS); (SKD)
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Rodriguez A, Tripurani SK, Burton JC, Clementi C, Larina I, Pangas SA. SMAD Signaling Is Required for Structural Integrity of the Female Reproductive Tract and Uterine Function During Early Pregnancy in Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:44. [PMID: 27335065 PMCID: PMC5029477 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.139477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex physiological process tightly controlled by the interplay among hormones, morphogens, transcription factors, and signaling pathways. Although recent studies using genetically engineered mouse models have revealed that ligands and receptors of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are essential for multiple reproductive events during pregnancy, the functional role of SMAD transcription factors, which serve as the canonical signaling platform for the TGFbeta/BMP pathways, in the oviduct and uterus is undefined. Here, we used a mouse model containing triple conditional deletion of the BMP receptor signaling Smads (Smad1 and Smad5) and Smad4, the central mediator of both TGFbeta and BMP signaling, to investigate the role of the SMADs in reproductive tract structure and function in cells from the Amhr2 lineage. Unlike the respective single- or double-knockouts, female Smad1(flox/flox) Smad5(flox/flox) Smad4(flox/flox) Amhr2(cre/+)conditional knockout (i.e., Smad1/5/4-Amhr2-cre KO) mice are sterile. We discovered that Smad1/5/4-Amhr2-cre KO females have malformed oviducts that subsequently develop oviductal diverticuli. These oviducts showed dysregulation of multiple genes essential for oviduct and smooth muscle development. In addition, uteri from Smad1/5/4-Amhr2-cre KO females exhibit multiple defects in stroma, epithelium, and smooth muscle layers and fail to assemble a closed uterine lumen upon embryo implantation, with defective uterine decidualization that led to pregnancy loss at early to mid-gestation. Taken together, our study uncovers a new role for the SMAD transcription factors in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of oviduct and uterus, required for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Swamy K Tripurani
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason C Burton
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Caterina Clementi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Irina Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie A Pangas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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15
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Wang X, Khatri S, Broaddus R, Wang Z, Hawkins SM. Deletion of Arid1a in Reproductive Tract Mesenchymal Cells Reduces Fertility in Female Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:93. [PMID: 26962117 PMCID: PMC4861168 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis can suffer from decreased fecundity or complete infertility via abnormal oocyte function or impaired placental-uterine interactions required for normal pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Although AT-rich interactive domain 1A (SWI-like) (ARID1A) is a putative tumor suppressor in human endometrial cancers and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, little is known about its role in normal uterine function. To study the potential function of ARID1A in the female reproductive tract, we generated mice with a conditional knockout of Arid1a using anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2-Cre. Female Arid1a conditional knockout mice exhibited a progressive decrease in number of pups per litter, with a precipitous decline after the second litter. We observed no tumors in virgin mice, although one knockout mouse developed a uterine tumor after pregnancy. Unstimulated virgin female knockout mice showed normal oviductal, ovarian, and uterine histology. Uteri of Arid1a knockout mice showed a normal decidualization response and appropriate responses to estradiol and progesterone stimulation. In vitro studies using primary cultures of human endometrial stromal fibroblasts revealed that small interfering RNA knockdown of ARID1A did not affect decidualization in vitro. Timed pregnancy studies revealed the significant resorption of embryos at Embryonic Day 16.5 in knockout mice in the third pregnancy. In addition to evidence of implantation site hemorrhage, pregnant Arid1a knockout mice showed abnormal placental morphology. These results suggest that Arid1a supports successful pregnancy through its role in placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Wang
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shikha Khatri
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Houston, Texas
| | - Russell Broaddus
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhong Wang
- University of Michigan, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Commandeur AE, Styer AK, Teixeira JM. Epidemiological and genetic clues for molecular mechanisms involved in uterine leiomyoma development and growth. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:593-615. [PMID: 26141720 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are highly prevalent benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. In the USA, the lifetime risk for women developing uterine leiomyomas is estimated as up to 75%. Except for hysterectomy, most therapies or treatments often provide only partial or temporary relief and are not successful in every patient. There is a clear racial disparity in the disease; African-American women are estimated to be three times more likely to develop uterine leiomyomas and generally develop more severe symptoms. There is also familial clustering between first-degree relatives and twins, and multiple inherited syndromes in which fibroid development occurs. Leiomyomas have been described as clonal and hormonally regulated, but despite the healthcare burden imposed by the disease, the etiology of uterine leiomyomas remains largely unknown. The mechanisms involved in their growth are also essentially unknown, which has contributed to the slow progress in development of effective treatment options. METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search for and critical assessment of articles related to the epidemiological, biological and genetic clues for uterine leiomyoma development was performed. The individual functions of some of the best candidate genes are explained to provide more insight into their biological function and to interconnect and organize genes and pathways in one overarching figure that represents the current state of knowledge about uterine leiomyoma development and growth. RESULTS In this review, the widely recognized roles of estrogen and progesterone in uterine leiomyoma pathobiology on the basis of clinical and experimental data are presented. This is followed by fundamental aspects and concepts including the possible cellular origin of uterine fibroids. The central themes in the subsequent parts are cytogenetic aberrations in leiomyomas and the racial/ethnic disparities in uterine fibroid biology. Then, the attributes of various in vitro and in vivo, human syndrome, rodent xenograft, naturally mutant, and genetically modified models used to study possible molecular mechanisms of leiomyoma development and growth are described. Particular emphasis is placed on known links to fibrosis, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia and genes that are potentially important in these processes. CONCLUSIONS Menstrual cycle-related injury and repair and coinciding hormonal cycling appears to affect myometrial stem cells that, at a certain stage of fibroid development, often obtain cytogenetic aberrations and mutations of Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a master regulator of proliferation, is activated in many of these tumors, possibly by mechanisms that are similar to some human fibrosis syndromes and/or by mutation of upstream tumor suppressor genes. Animal models of the disease support some of these dysregulated pathways in fibroid etiology or pathogenesis, but none are definitive. All of this suggests that there are likely several key mechanisms involved in the disease that, in addition to increasing the complexity of uterine fibroid pathobiology, offer possible approaches for patient-specific therapies. A final model that incorporates many of these reported mechanisms is presented with a discussion of their implications for leiomyoma clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno E Commandeur
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, 4018A, Grand Rapids, MI, USA Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health Systems, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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17
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Kaneko-Tarui T, Commandeur AE, Patterson AL, DeKuiper JL, Petillo D, Styer AK, Teixeira JM. Hyperplasia and fibrosis in mice with conditional loss of the TSC2 tumor suppressor in Müllerian duct mesenchyme-derived myometria. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1126-34. [PMID: 25189766 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomata are the most common tumors found in the female reproductive tract. Despite the high prevalence and associated morbidities of these benign tumors, little is known about the molecular basis of uterine leiomyoma development and progression. Loss of the Tuberous Sclerosis 2 (TSC2) tumor suppressor has been proposed as a mechanism important for the etiology of uterine leiomyomata based on the Eker rat model. However, conflicting evidence showing increased TSC2 expression has been reported in human uterine leiomyomata, suggesting that TSC2 might not be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We have produced mice with conditional deletion of the Tsc2 gene in the myometria to determine whether loss of TSC2 leads to leiomyoma development in murine uteri. Myometrial hyperplasia and increased collagen deposition was observed in Tsc2(cKO) mice compared with control mice, but no leiomyomata were detected by post-natal week 24. Increased signaling activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, which is normally repressed by TSC2, was also detected in the myometria of Tsc2(cKO) mice. Treatment of the mutant mice with rapamycin significantly inhibited myometrial expansion, but treatment with the progesterone receptor modulator, mifepristone, did not. The ovaries of the Tsc2(cKO) mice appeared normal, but half the mice were infertile and most of the other half became infertile after a single litter, which was likely due to oviductal blockage. Our study shows that although TSC2 loss alone does not lead to leiomyoma development, it does lead to myometrial hyperplasia and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kaneko-Tarui
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arno E Commandeur
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda L Patterson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Justin L DeKuiper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - David Petillo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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18
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Daikoku T, Terakawa J, Hossain MM, Yoshie M, Cappelletti M, Yang P, Ellenson LH, Dey SK. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 pathways cooperatively exacerbate endometrial cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:2390-402. [PMID: 25058027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The underlying causes of endometrial cancer (EMC) are poorly understood, and treatment options for patients with advanced stages of the disease are limited. Mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue gene are frequently detected in EMC. Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) are known downstream targets of the phosphatase and tensin homologue protein, and their activities are up-regulated in EMC. However, it is not clear whether Cox2 and mTORC1 are crucial players in cancer progression or whether they work in parallel or cooperatively. In this study, we used a Cox2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and an mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, in mouse models of EMC and in human EMC cell lines to explore the interactive roles of Cox2 and mTORC1 signaling. We found that a combined treatment with celecoxib and rapamycin markedly reduces EMC progression. We also observed that rapamycin reduces Cox2 expression, whereas celecoxib reduces mTORC1 activity. These results suggest that Cox2 and mTORC1 signaling is cross-regulated and cooperatively exacerbate EMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Md M Hossain
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mikihiro Yoshie
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Monica Cappelletti
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Peiying Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Medical Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lora H Ellenson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Daikoku T, Ogawa Y, Terakawa J, Ogawa A, DeFalco T, Dey SK. Lactoferrin-iCre: a new mouse line to study uterine epithelial gene function. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2718-24. [PMID: 24823394 PMCID: PMC4060188 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic animal models are valuable for studying gene function in various tissue compartments. Mice with conditional deletion of genes in the uterus using the Cre-loxP system serve as powerful tools to study uterine biology. The uterus is comprised of 3 major tissue types: myometrium, stroma, and epithelium. Proliferation and differentiation in each uterine cell type are differentially regulated by ovarian hormones, resulting in spatiotemporal control of gene expression. Therefore, examining gene function in each uterine tissue type will provide more meaningful information regarding uterine biology during pregnancy and disease states. Although currently available Cre mouse lines have been very useful in exploring functions of specific genes in uterine biology, overlapping expression of these Cre lines in more than 1 tissue type and in other reproductive organs sometimes makes interpretation of results difficult. In this article, we report the generation of a new iCre knock-in mouse line, in which iCre is expressed from endogenous lactoferrin (Ltf) promoter. Ltf-iCre mice primarily direct recombination in the uterine epithelium in adult females and in immature females after estrogen treatment. These mice will allow for specific interrogation of gene function in the mature uterine epithelium, providing a helpful tool to uncover important aspects of uterine biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039
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Sun X, Terakawa J, Clevers H, Barker N, Daikoku T, Dey SK. Ovarian LGR5 is critical for successful pregnancy. FASEB J 2014; 28:2380-9. [PMID: 24469993 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-248344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) is expressed in many organs, including female reproductive organs, and is a stem cell marker in the stomach and intestinal epithelium, hair follicles, and ovarian surface epithelium. Despite ongoing studies, the definitive physiological functions of Lgr5 remain unclear. We utilized mice with conditional deletion of Lgr5 (Lgr5(d/d)) in the female reproductive organs by progesterone receptor-Cre (Pgr(Cre)) to determine Lgr5's functions during pregnancy. Only 30% of plugged Lgr5(d/d) females delivered live pups, and their litter sizes were lower. We found that pregnancy failure in Lgr5(d/d) females was due to insufficient ovarian progesterone (P4) secretion that compromised decidualization, terminating pregnancy. The drop in P4 levels was reflected in elevated levels of P4-metabolizing enzyme 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in corpora lutea (CL) inactivated of Lgr5. Of interest, P4 supplementation rescued decidualization failure and supported pregnancy to full term in Lgr5(d/d) females. These results provide strong evidence that Lgr5 is critical to normal CL function, unveiling a new role of LGR5 in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Sun
- 1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Reproductive Sciences, MLC 7045, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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