1
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Van Schoor K, Bruet E, Jones EAV, Migeotte I. Origin and flow-mediated remodeling of the murine and human extraembryonic circulation systems. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1395006. [PMID: 38818524 PMCID: PMC11137303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1395006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The transduction of mechanical stimuli produced by blood flow is an important regulator of vascular development. The vitelline and umbilico-placental circulations are extraembryonic vascular systems that are required for proper embryonic development in mammalian embryos. The morphogenesis of the extraembryonic vasculature and the cardiovascular system of the embryo are hemodynamically and molecularly connected. Here we provide an overview of the establishment of the murine and human vitelline and umbilico-placental vascular systems and how blood flow influences various steps in their development. A deeper comprehension of extraembryonic vessel development may aid the establishment of stem-cell based embryo models and provide novel insights to understanding pregnancy complications related to the umbilical cord and placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Van Schoor
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Bruet
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth Anne Vincent Jones
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Migeotte
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Vidal MS, Richardson LS, Kumar Kammala A, Kim S, Lam PY, Cherukuri R, Thomas TJ, Bettayeb M, Han A, Rusyn I, Menon R. Endocrine-disrupting compounds and their impact on human placental function: evidence from placenta organ-on-chip studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1727-1749. [PMID: 38334486 PMCID: PMC10998263 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00998j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on the placenta, a critical gestational organ for xenobiotic protection, are well reported; however, models to determine the role of EDCs in placental disruption are limited. An advanced 2nd-trimester human placenta organ-on-chip model (2TPLA-OOC) was developed and validated, with six representative cells of the maternal and the fetal interface interconnected with microchannels. Various EDCs (150 ng mL-1 each of bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers-47 and -99) were gradually propagated across the chip for 72 hours, and their various effects were determined. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), an environmental risk factor, was used as a positive control. EDCs produced overall oxidative stress in the placental/decidual cells, induced cell-specific endocrine effects, caused limited (<10%) apoptosis/necrosis in trophoblasts and mesenchymal cells, induced localized inflammation but an overall anti-inflammatory shift, did not change immune cell migration from stroma to decidua, and did not affect placental nutrient transport. Overall, (1) the humanized 2TPLA-OOC recreated the placental organ and generated data distinct from the trophoblast and other cells studied in isolation, and (2) at doses associated with adverse pregnancies, EDCs produced limited and localized insults, and the whole organ compensated for the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rahul Cherukuri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tilu Jain Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mohammed Bettayeb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
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3
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Parameshwar PK, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineering placental trophoblast fusion: A potential role for biomechanics in syncytialization. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00054-7. [PMID: 38448351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.02.006] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The process by which placental trophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast around the chorionic villi is not fully understood. Mechanical features of the in vivo and in vitro culture environments have recently emerged as having the potential to influence fusion efficiency, and considering these mechanical cues may ultimately allow predictive control of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we review recent studies that suggest that biomechanical factors such as shear stress, tissue stiffness, and dimensionally-related stresses affect villous trophoblast fusion efficiency. We then discuss how these stimuli might arise in vivo and how they can be incorporated in cultures to study and enhance villous trophoblast fusion. We believe that this mechanical paradigm will provide novel insight into manipulating the syncytialization process to better engineer improved models, understand disease progression, and ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, H7B 1B7, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3L 1K5, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada; Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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4
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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5
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Elzinga FA, Khalili B, Touw DJ, Prins JR, Olinga P, Leuvenink HGD, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Nagelkerke A, Mian P. Placenta-on-a-Chip as an In Vitro Approach to Evaluate the Physiological and Structural Characteristics of the Human Placental Barrier upon Drug Exposure: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4315. [PMID: 37445348 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of fetal drug exposure remains challenging since sampling from the placenta or fetus during pregnancy is too invasive. Currently existing in vivo (e.g., cord blood sampling) and ex vivo (e.g., placenta perfusion) models have inherent limitations. A placenta-on-a-chip model is a promising alternative. A systematic search was performed in PubMed on 2 February 2023, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Studies were included where placenta-on-a-chip was used to investigate placental physiology, placenta in different obstetric conditions, and/or fetal exposure to maternally administered drugs. Seventeen articles were included that used comparable approaches but different microfluidic devices and/or different cultured maternal and fetal cell lines. Of these studies, four quantified glucose transfer, four studies evaluated drug transport, three studies investigated nanoparticles, one study analyzed bacterial infection and five studies investigated preeclampsia. It was demonstrated that placenta-on-a-chip has the capacity to recapitulate the key characteristics of the human placental barrier. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps and provide the first steps towards an overview of current protocols for developing a placenta-on-a-chip, that facilitates comparison of results from different studies. Although models differ, they offer a promising approach for in vitro human placental and fetal drug studies under healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke A Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Behrad Khalili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henri G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Qiu X, Deng Z, Wang M, Feng Y, Bi L, Li L. Piezo protein determines stem cell fate by transmitting mechanical signals. Hum Cell 2023; 36:540-553. [PMID: 36580272 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Piezo ion channel is a mechanosensitive protein on the cell membrane, which contains Piezo1 and Piezo2. Piezo channels are activated by mechanical forces, including stretch, matrix stiffness, static pressure, and shear stress. Piezo channels transmit mechanical signals that cause different downstream responses in the differentiation process, including integrin signaling pathway, ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway, Notch signaling, and WNT signaling pathway. In the fate of stem cell differentiation, scientists found differences in Piezo channel expression and found that Piezo channel expression is related to developmental diseases. Here, we briefly review the structure and function of Piezo channels and the relationship between Piezo and mechanical signals, discussing the current understanding of the role of Piezo channels in stem cell fate and associated molecules and developmental diseases. Ultimately, we believe this review will help identify the association between Piezo channels and stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Qiu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhuoyue Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Meijing Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yuqi Feng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lintao Bi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
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7
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Mosavati B, Oleinikov A, Du E. 3D microfluidics-assisted modeling of glucose transport in placental malaria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15278. [PMID: 36088464 PMCID: PMC9464215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a critical organ, mediating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between fetus and mother. Placental malaria (PM) resulted from Plasmodium falciparum infections causes up to 200 thousand newborn deaths annually, mainly due to low birth weight, as well as 10 thousand mother deaths. In this work, a placenta-on-a-chip model is developed to mimic the nutrient exchange between the fetus and mother under the influence of PM. In this model, trophoblasts cells (facing infected or uninfected blood simulating maternal blood and termed “trophoblast side”) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (facing uninfected blood simulating fetal blood and termed “endothelial” side) are cultured on the opposite sides of an extracellular matrix gel in a compartmental microfluidic system, forming a physiological barrier between the co-flow tubular structure to mimic a simplified maternal–fetal interface in placental villi. The influences of infected erythrocytes (IEs) sequestration through cytoadhesion to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) expressed on the surface of trophoblast cells, a critical feature of PM, on glucose transfer efficiency across the placental barrier was studied. To create glucose gradients across the barrier, uninfected erythrocyte or IE suspension with a higher glucose concentration was introduced into the “trophoblast side” and a culture medium with lower glucose concentration was introduced into the “endothelial side”. The glucose levels in the endothelial channel in response to CSA-adherent erythrocytes infected with CS2 line of parasites in trophoblast channel under flow conditions was monitored. Uninfected erythrocytes served as a negative control. The results demonstrated that CSA-binding IEs added resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decreased the glucose transfer across this barrier. The results of this study can be used for better understanding of PM pathology and development of models useful in studying potential treatment of PM.
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8
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Abostait A, Tyrrell J, Abdelkarim M, Shojaei S, Tse WH, El-Sherbiny IM, Keijzer R, Labouta HI. Placental Nanoparticle Uptake-On-a-Chip: The Impact of Trophoblast Syncytialization and Shear Stress. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3757-3769. [PMID: 36053057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic and complex organ that plays an essential role in the health and development of the fetus. Placental disorders can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. There is currently an unmet clinical need to develop nanoparticle-based therapies to target and treat placental disorders. However, little is known about the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with the human placenta under biomimetic conditions. Specifically, the impact of shear stress exerted on the trophoblasts (placental epithelial cells) by the maternal blood flow, the gradual fusion of the trophoblasts along the gestation period (syncytialization), and the impact of microvilli formation on the cell uptake of NPs is not known. To this end, we designed dynamic placenta-on-a-chip models using BeWo cells to recapitulate the micro-physiological environment, and we induced different degrees of syncytialization via chemical induction with forskolin. We characterized the degree of syncytialization quantitatively by measuring beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) secretion, as well as qualitatively by immunostaining the tight junction protein, ZO-1, and counter nuclear staining. We also characterized microvilli formation under static and dynamic conditions via F-actin staining. We used these models to measure the cell uptake of chondroitin sulfate a binding protein (CSA) conjugated and control liposomes using confocal microscopy, followed by image analysis. Interestingly, exposure of the cells to a dynamic flow of media intrinsically induced syncytialization and microvilli formation compared to static controls. Under dynamic conditions, BeWo cells produced more β-hCG in conditions that increased the cell exposure time to forskolin (p < 0.005). Our cell uptake results clearly show a combined effect of the exerted shear stress and forskolin treatment on the cell uptake of liposomes as uptake increased in forskolin exposed conditions (p < 0.05). Overall, the difference in the extent of cell uptake of liposomes among the different conditions clearly displays a need for the development of dynamic models of the placenta that consider the changes in the placental cell phenotype along the gestation period, including syncytialization, microvilli formation, and the expression of different transport and uptake receptors. Knowledge generated from this work will inform future research aiming at developing drug delivery systems targeting the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Jack Tyrrell
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Wai Hei Tse
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny
- Nanomedicine Research Labs, Center for Materials Science, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
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9
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Azevedo Portilho N, Pastor WA, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineered models for placental toxicology: Emerging approaches based on tissue decellularization. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:148-159. [PMID: 35840119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.003] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in prescriptions and illegal drug use as well as exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy have highlighted the critical importance of placental toxicology in understanding and identifying risks to both mother and fetus. Although advantageous for basic science, current in vitro models often fail to capture the complexity of placental response, likely due to their inability to recreate and monitor aspects of the microenvironment including physical properties, mechanical forces and stiffness, protein composition, cell-cell interactions, soluble and physicochemical factors, and other exogenous cues. Tissue engineering holds great promise in addressing these challenges and provides an avenue to better understand basic biology, effects of toxic compounds and potential therapeutics. The key to success lies in effectively recreating the microenvironment. One strategy to do this would be to recreate individual components and then combine them. However, this becomes challenging due to variables present according to conditions such as tissue location, age, health status and lifestyle. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to influence cellular fate by working as a storage of factors. Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a recent tool that allows usage of the original ECM in a refurbished form, providing a relatively reliable representation of the microenvironment. This review focuses on using dECM in modified forms such as whole organs, scaffold sheets, electrospun nanofibers, hydrogels, 3D printing, and combinations as building blocks to recreate aspects of the microenvironment to address general tissue engineering and toxicology challenges, thus illustrating their potential as tools for future placental toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalia Azevedo Portilho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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10
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Deng P, Cui K, Shi Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Shao X, Qin J. Fluidic Flow Enhances the Differentiation of Placental Trophoblast-Like 3D Tissue from hiPSCs in a Perfused Macrofluidic Device. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907104. [PMID: 35845423 PMCID: PMC9280037 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta serves as a multifunctional organ to maintain the proper development of a fetus. However, our knowledge of the human placenta is limited due to the lack of appropriate experimental models. In this work, we created an in vitro placental trophoblast-like model via self-organization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in a perfused 3D culture macrofluidic device. This device allowed cell seeding, in situ trophoblast lineage differentiation, and formation of trophoblast-like tissues from hiPSCs in a biomimetic microenvironment. It incorporated extracellular matrix (ECM) and fluid flow in a single device. After trophoblast lineage differentiation, we were able to generate the 3D clusters with major cell types of the human placenta, including trophoblast progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) under long-term 3D culture (∼23 days). Moreover, the formed tissues exhibited enhanced expressions of CTB-, STB-, and EVT-related markers at the level of genes and proteins under a dynamic culture compared with static conditions. RNA-seq analysis revealed the higher expression of trophoblast-specific genes in 3D tissues, indicating the essential role of fluid flow to promote the trophoblast differentiation of hiPSCs. The established placental 3D model combined a bioengineering strategy with developmental principles, providing a promising platform for the study of placental biology in a biomimetic microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Deng
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kangli Cui
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoguang Shao
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Qin,
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11
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Mai P, Hampl J, Baca M, Brauer D, Singh S, Weise F, Borowiec J, Schmidt A, Küstner JM, Klett M, Gebinoga M, Schroeder IS, Markert UR, Glahn F, Schumann B, Eckstein D, Schober A. MatriGrid® Based Biological Morphologies: Tools for 3D Cell Culturing. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050220. [PMID: 35621498 PMCID: PMC9138054 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent trends in 3D cell culturing has placed organotypic tissue models at another level. Now, not only is the microenvironment at the cynosure of this research, but rather, microscopic geometrical parameters are also decisive for mimicking a tissue model. Over the years, technologies such as micromachining, 3D printing, and hydrogels are making the foundation of this field. However, mimicking the topography of a particular tissue-relevant substrate can be achieved relatively simply with so-called template or morphology transfer techniques. Over the last 15 years, in one such research venture, we have been investigating a micro thermoforming technique as a facile tool for generating bioinspired topographies. We call them MatriGrid®s. In this research account, we summarize our learning outcome from this technique in terms of the influence of 3D micro morphologies on different cell cultures that we have tested in our laboratory. An integral part of this research is the evolution of unavoidable aspects such as possible label-free sensing and fluidic automatization. The development in the research field is also documented in this account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mai
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Jörg Hampl
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-3677-6933387 (A.S.)
| | - Martin Baca
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Dana Brauer
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Sukhdeep Singh
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Frank Weise
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Justyna Borowiec
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - André Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (A.S.); (U.R.M.)
| | - Johanna Merle Küstner
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Maren Klett
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Gebinoga
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Insa S. Schroeder
- Biophysics Division, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany;
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (A.S.); (U.R.M.)
| | - Felix Glahn
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Berit Schumann
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Diana Eckstein
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Andreas Schober
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-3677-6933387 (A.S.)
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12
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Bonasoni MP, Muciaccia B, Pelligra CB, Goldoni M, Cecchi R. Third trimester intrauterine fetal death: proposal for the assessment of the chronology of umbilical cord and placental thrombosis. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:705-711. [PMID: 35147733 PMCID: PMC9005411 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The timing of umbilical cord and placental thrombosis in the third trimester intrauterine fetal death (TT-IUFD) may be fundamental for medico-legal purposes, when it undergoes medical litigation due to the absence of risk factors. Authors apply to human TT-IUFD cases a protocol, which includes histochemistry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the assessment of thrombi’s chronology. A total of 35 thrombi of umbilical cord and/or placenta were assessed: 2 in umbilical artery, 6 in umbilical vein, 15 in insertion, 10 in chorionic vessels, 1 in fetal renal vein, 1 in fetal brachiocephalic vein. Thrombi’s features were evaluated with hematoxylin–eosin, Picro-Mallory, Von Kossa, Perls, and immunohistochemistry for CD15, CD68, CD31, CD61, and Smooth Muscle Actin. The estimation of the age of the thrombi was established by applying neutrophils/macrophages ratio taking into consideration, according to literature, the presence of hemosiderophagi, calcium deposition, and angiogenesis. To estimate an approximate age of fresh thrombi (< 1 day), a non-linear regression model was tested. Results were compared to maternal risk factors, fetal time of death estimated at autopsy, mechanism, and cause of death. Our study confirms that the maternal risk factors for fetal intrauterine death and the pathologies of the cord, followed by those of the placental parenchyma, are the conditions that are most frequently associated with the presence of thrombi. Results obtained with histological stainings document that the neutrophile/macrophage ratio is a useful tool for determining placental thrombi’s age. Age estimation of thrombi on the first day is very challenging; therefore, the study presented suggests the N/M ratio as a parameter to be used, together with others, i.e., hemosiderophagi, calcium deposition, and angiogenesis, for thrombi’s age determination, and hypothesizes that its usefulness regards particularly the first days when all other parameters are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Muciaccia
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal Medical and Orthopaedic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina B Pelligra
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Laboratory of Legal Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Goldoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Statistics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Laboratory of Legal Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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13
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Saw SN, Dai Y, Yap CH. A Review of Biomechanics Analysis of the Umbilical-Placenta System With Regards to Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:587635. [PMID: 34475826 PMCID: PMC8406807 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.587635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is an important organ that is crucial for both fetal and maternal health. Abnormalities of the placenta, such as during intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia (PE) are common, and an improved understanding of these diseases is needed to improve medical care. Biomechanics analysis of the placenta is an under-explored area of investigation, which has demonstrated usefulness in contributing to our understanding of the placenta physiology. In this review, we introduce fundamental biomechanics concepts and discuss the findings of biomechanical analysis of the placenta and umbilical cord, including both tissue biomechanics and biofluid mechanics. The biomechanics of placenta ultrasound elastography and its potential in improving clinical detection of placenta diseases are also discussed. Finally, potential future work is listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shier Nee Saw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yichen Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Cherubini M, Erickson S, Haase K. Modelling the Human Placental Interface In Vitro-A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:884. [PMID: 34442506 PMCID: PMC8398961 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal-fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.C.); (S.E.)
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15
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Krause BJ. Novel insights for the role of nitric oxide in placental vascular function during and beyond pregnancy. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7984-7999. [PMID: 34121195 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
More than 30 years have passed since endothelial nitric oxide synthesis was described using the umbilical artery and vein endothelium. That seminal report set the cornerstone for unveiling the molecular aspects of endothelial function. In parallel, the understanding of placental physiology has gained growing interest, due to its crucial role in intrauterine development, with considerable long-term health consequences. This review discusses the evidence for nitric oxide (NO) as a critical player of placental development and function, with a special focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) vascular effects. Also, the regulation of eNOS-dependent vascular responses in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related diseases and their impact on prenatal and postnatal vascular health are discussed. Recent and compelling evidence has reinforced that eNOS regulation results from a complex network of processes, with novel data concerning mechanisms such as mechano-sensing, epigenetic, posttranslational modifications, and the expression of NO- and l-arginine-related pathways. In this regard, most of these mechanisms are expressed in an arterial-venous-specific manner and reflect traits of the fetal systemic circulation. Several studies using umbilical endothelial cells are not aimed to understand placental function but general endothelial function, reinforcing the influence of the placenta on general knowledge in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo J Krause
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
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16
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Winter M, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Roberts CT, Bianco-Miotto T, Thierry B. Bioengineered Microphysiological Placental Models: Towards Improving Understanding of Pregnancy Health and Disease. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1221-1235. [PMID: 33965246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Driven by a lack of appropriate human placenta models, recent years have seen the introduction of bioengineered in vitro models to better understand placental health and disease. Thus far, the focus has been on the maternal-foetal barrier. However, there are many other physiologically and pathologically significant aspects of the placenta that would benefit from state-of-the-art bioengineered models, in particular, integrating advanced culture systems with contemporary biological concepts such as organoids. This critical review defines and discusses the key parameters required for the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models of the placenta. Specifically, it highlights the importance of cell type, mechanical forces, and culture microenvironment towards the use of physiologically relevant models to improve the understanding of human placental function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Winter
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia.
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
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17
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Hendrickx G, Fischer V, Liedert A, von Kroge S, Haffner-Luntzer M, Brylka L, Pawlus E, Schweizer M, Yorgan T, Baranowsky A, Rolvien T, Neven M, Schumacher U, Beech DJ, Amling M, Ignatius A, Schinke T. Piezo1 Inactivation in Chondrocytes Impairs Trabecular Bone Formation. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:369-384. [PMID: 33180356 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The skeleton is a dynamic tissue continuously adapting to mechanical stimuli. Although matrix-embedded osteocytes are considered as the key mechanoresponsive bone cells, all other skeletal cell types are principally exposed to macroenvironmental and microenvironmental mechanical influences that could potentially affect their activities. It was recently reported that Piezo1, one of the two mechanically activated ion channels of the Piezo family, functions as a mechanosensor in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Here we show that Piezo1 additionally plays a critical role in the process of endochondral bone formation. More specifically, by targeted deletion of Piezo1 or Piezo2 in either osteoblast (Runx2Cre) or osteoclast lineage cells (Lyz2Cre), we observed severe osteoporosis with numerous spontaneous fractures specifically in Piezo1Runx2Cre mice. This phenotype developed at an early postnatal stage and primarily affected the formation of the secondary spongiosa. The presumptive Piezo1Runx2Cre osteoblasts in this region displayed an unusual flattened appearance and were positive for type X collagen. Moreover, transcriptome analyses of primary osteoblasts identified an unexpected induction of chondrocyte-related genes in Piezo1Runx2Cre cultures. Because Runx2 is not only expressed in osteoblast progenitor cells, but also in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, these data suggested that Piezo1 functions in growth plate chondrocytes to ensure trabecular bone formation in the process of endochondral ossification. To confirm this hypothesis, we generated mice with Piezo1 deletion in chondrocytes (Col2a1Cre). These mice essentially recapitulated the phenotype of Piezo1Runx2Cre animals, because they displayed early-onset osteoporosis with multiple fractures, as well as impaired formation of the secondary spongiosa with abnormal osteoblast morphology. Our data identify a previously unrecognized key function of Piezo1 in endochondral ossification, which, together with its role in bone remodeling, suggests that Piezo1 represents an attractive target for the treatment of skeletal disorders. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretl Hendrickx
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Verena Fischer
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid Liedert
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon von Kroge
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Haffner-Luntzer
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura Brylka
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Pawlus
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Schweizer
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timur Yorgan
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Baranowsky
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Rolvien
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mona Neven
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David J Beech
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael Amling
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anita Ignatius
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schinke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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18
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Placental blood flow sensing and regulation in fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2021; 113:23-28. [PMID: 33509641 PMCID: PMC8448138 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical force of blood flow is a fundamental determinant of vascular homeostasis. This frictional stimulation of cells, fluid shear stress (FSS), is increasingly recognised as being essential to placental development and function. Here, we focus on the role of FSS in regulating fetoplacental circulatory flow, both in normal pregnancy and that affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR). The fetus is reliant on placental perfusion to meet its circulatory and metabolic demands. Failure of normal vascular adaptation and the mechanisms enabling responsive interaction between fetoplacental and maternal circulations can result in FGR. FSS generates vasodilatation at least partly through the release of endothelial nitric oxide, a process thought to be vital for adequate blood flow. Where FGR is caused by placental dysfunction, placental vascular anatomy is altered, alongside endothelial dysfunction and hypoxia, each impacting upon the complex balance of FSS forces. Identifying specific mechanical sensors and the mechanisms governing how FSS force is converted into biochemical signals is a fast-paced area of research. Here, we raise awareness of Piezo1 proteins, recently discovered to be FSS-sensitive in fetoplacental endothelium, and with emerging roles in NO generation, vascular tone and angiogenesis. We discuss the emerging concept that activating mechanosensors such as Piezo1 ultimately results in the orchestrated processes of placental vascular adaptation. Piecing together the mechanisms governing endothelial responses to FSS in placental insufficiency is an important step towards developing new treatments for FGR.
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19
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Gräfe C, Müller EK, Gresing L, Weidner A, Radon P, Friedrich RP, Alexiou C, Wiekhorst F, Dutz S, Clement JH. Magnetic hybrid materials interact with biological matrices. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2019-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Magnetic hybrid materials are a promising group of substances. Their interaction with matrices is challenging with regard to the underlying physical and chemical mechanisms. But thinking matrices as biological membranes or even structured cell layers they become interesting with regard to potential biomedical applications. Therefore, we established in vitro blood-organ barrier models to study the interaction and processing of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with these cellular structures in the presence of a magnetic field gradient. A one-cell-type–based blood-brain barrier model was used to investigate the attachment and uptake mechanisms of differentially charged magnetic hybrid materials. Inhibition of clathrin-dependent endocytosis and F-actin depolymerization led to a dramatic reduction of cellular uptake. Furthermore, the subsequent transportation of SPIONs through the barrier and the ability to detect these particles was of interest. Negatively charged SPIONs could be detected behind the barrier as well as in a reporter cell line. These observations could be confirmed with a two-cell-type–based blood-placenta barrier model. While positively charged SPIONs heavily interact with the apical cell layer, neutrally charged SPIONs showed a retarded interaction behavior. Behind the blood-placenta barrier, negatively charged SPIONs could be clearly detected. Finally, the transfer of the in vitro blood-placenta model in a microfluidic biochip allows the integration of shear stress into the system. Even without particle accumulation in a magnetic field gradient, the negatively charged SPIONs were detectable behind the barrier. In conclusion, in vitro blood-organ barrier models allow the broad investigation of magnetic hybrid materials with regard to biocompatibility, cell interaction, and transfer through cell layers on their way to biomedical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gräfe
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Medical Oncology , Jena University Hospital , Jena , Germany
| | - Elena K. Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Medical Oncology , Jena University Hospital , Jena , Germany
| | - Lennart Gresing
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Medical Oncology , Jena University Hospital , Jena , Germany
| | - Andreas Weidner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (BMTI), Technische Universität Ilmenau , Ilmenau , Germany
| | - Patricia Radon
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt , Berlin , Germany
| | - Ralf P. Friedrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON) , Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON) , Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen , Erlangen , Germany
| | | | - Silvio Dutz
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (BMTI), Technische Universität Ilmenau , Ilmenau , Germany
| | - Joachim H. Clement
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Medical Oncology , Jena University Hospital , Jena , Germany
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20
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Clark AR, Lee TC, James JL. Computational modeling of the interactions between the maternal and fetal circulations in human pregnancy. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1502. [PMID: 32744412 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In pregnancy, fetal growth is supported by its placenta. In turn, the placenta is nourished by maternal blood, delivered from the uterus, in which the vasculature is dramatically transformed to deliver this blood an ever increasing volume throughout gestation. A healthy pregnancy is thus dependent on the development of both the placental and maternal circulations, but also the interface where these physically separate circulations come in close proximity to exchange gases and nutrients between mum and baby. As the system continually evolves during pregnancy, our understanding of normal vascular anatomy, and how this impacts placental exchange function is limited. Understanding this is key to improve our ability to understand, predict, and detect pregnancy pathologies, but presents a number of challenges, due to the inaccessibility of the pregnant uterus to invasive measurements, and limitations in the resolution of imaging modalities safe for use in pregnancy. Computational approaches provide an opportunity to gain new insights into normal and abnormal pregnancy, by connecting observed anatomical changes from high-resolution imaging to function, and providing metrics that can be observed by routine clinical ultrasound. Such advanced modeling brings with it challenges to scale detailed anatomical models to reflect organ level function. This suggests pathways for future research to provide models that provide both physiological insights into pregnancy health, but also are simple enough to guide clinical focus. We the review evolution of computational approaches to understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy in the uterus, placenta, and beyond focusing on both opportunities and challenges. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases >Computational Models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tet Chuan Lee
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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21
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Brugger BA, Guettler J, Gauster M. Go with the Flow-Trophoblasts in Flow Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134666. [PMID: 32630006 PMCID: PMC7369846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
With establishment of uteroplacental blood flow, the perfused fetal chorionic tissue has to deal with fluid shear stress that is produced by hemodynamic forces across different trophoblast subtypes. Amongst many other cell types, trophoblasts are able to sense fluid shear stress through mechanotransduction. Failure in the adaption of trophoblasts to fluid shear stress is suggested to contribute to pregnancy disorders. Thus, in the past twenty years, a significant body of work has been devoted to human- and animal-derived trophoblast culture under microfluidic conditions, using a rather broad range of different fluid shear stress values as well as various different flow systems, ranging from commercially 2D to customized 3D flow culture systems. The great variations in the experimental setup reflect the general heterogeneity in blood flow through different segments of the uteroplacental circulation. While fluid shear stress is moderate in invaded uterine spiral arteries, it drastically declines after entrance of the maternal blood into the wide cavity of the intervillous space. Here, we provide an overview of the increasing body of evidence that substantiates an important influence of maternal blood flow on several aspects of trophoblast physiology, including cellular turnover and differentiation, trophoblast metabolism, as well as endocrine activity, and motility. Future trends in trophoblast flow culture will incorporate the physiological low oxygen conditions in human placental tissue and pulsatile blood flow in the experimental setup. Investigation of trophoblast mechanotransduction and development of mechanosome modulators will be another intriguing future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Gauster
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-71896; Fax: +43-316-385-79612
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Jauniaux E, Zosmer N, Subramanian D, Shaikh H, Burton GJ. Ultrasound-histopathologic features of the utero-placental interface in placenta accreta spectrum. Placenta 2020; 97:58-64. [PMID: 32792064 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between utero-placental vascular changes on ultrasound imaging and histopathologic findings according to the grade of villous invasion in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). METHODS The ultrasound features of 31 patients with singleton pregnancies diagnosed prenatally with low-lying/placenta previa accreta were compared with histopathology findings following caesarean hysterectomy (n = 25) or partial myometrial resection (n = 6). The number and degree of transformation of arteries within the superficial layer of myometrium were recorded. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) immunohistochemistry was used to complement H&E analysis. RESULTS All 31 patients presented with loss of clear zone, myometrial thinning and placenta lacunae. Subplacental hypervascularity and lacunae feeder vessels were found in 25 and nine cases, respectively. Large recent intervillous thromboses were found in one case with adherent villi and 12 cases with invasive villi, and showed a significantly different distribution according to lacunae scores. Thick basal plate fibrinoid deposits were found in all the areas of abnormally adherent and invasive villous tissue There was no significant difference in the mean count of partially remodeled vessels or vessels completely lacking remodeling according to the lacunae score and grade of placental invasiveness. EVT cells were arranged in superficial confluent sheets or superficial irregular clusters, or were scattered deep below the basal plate. CONCLUSION Placental ultrasound and histopathologic features associated with PAS are more pronounced in invasive cases suggesting that they are secondary to the haemodynamic effects of abnormally deep placentation and transformation of the radial and arcuate arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Jauniaux
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | - Nurit Zosmer
- The Fetal Medicine Research Institute, Harris Birthright Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Devi Subramanian
- The Fetal Medicine Research Institute, Harris Birthright Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Hizbullah Shaikh
- Department of Histopathology (Dr Shaikh), King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Graham J Burton
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Utero-placental vascular remodeling during late gestation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 20:36-43. [PMID: 32172168 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries and blood vessels within the placenta allows delivery of nutrients to the growing utero-fetal-placental unit. While abnormal remodeling of these vessels is thought to play an important role in syndromes including intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia, there are a lack of studies that have quantified vascular remodeling in normal pregnant rats. Thus, the purpose of this study was to quantify time-dependent remodeling of the utero-placental vasculature during late gestation in normal pregnant rats. METHODS Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Gestational days of 14 and 19 were chosen because this when a large amount of fetal and placental growth occurs. A combined method of perfusion-casting and 3D micro-computed tomography were utilized to construct ex-vivo utero-placental vasculature images. RESULTS Significant spiral artery remodeling occurred between days 14 and 19. Vessel density shifted away from a distribution of smaller to larger diameters by day 19. Total spiral artery area and average diameter were increased by day 19. Moreover, branching and tortuosity of the spiral arteries were greater by day 19. In rodents, spiral arteries feed into the central canal vessels that funnel to sites of exchange. Canal vessel area and diameter were increased by day 19. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports a quantitative method to examine the placental vasculature showing that significant vascular remodeling occurs during late gestation in the utero-placental-fetal unit of the normal pregnant rat. This method may serve as a tool to investigate fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms underlying placental-related diseases in rat models.
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