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Diao H, Xiao S, Zhou T, Martin TE, Watford WT, Ye X. Attenuated retinoic acid signaling is among the early responses in mouse uterus approaching embryo attachment. REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE 2024; 8:61-65. [PMID: 38404366 PMCID: PMC10885870 DOI: 10.1097/rd9.0000000000000090] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterus is transiently receptive for embryo implantation. It remains to be understood why the uterus does not reject a semi-allogeneic embryo (to the biological mother) or an allogeneic embryo (to a surrogate) for implantation. To gain insights, we examined uterine early response genes approaching embryo attachment on day 3 post coitum (D3) at 22 hours when blue dye reaction, an indication of embryo attachment, had not manifested in mice. C57BL/6 pseudo-pregnant (control) and pregnant mouse uteri were collected on D3 at 22 hours for microarray analysis. The self-assembling-manifold (SAM) algorithm identified 21,858 unique probesets. Principal component analysis indicated a clear separation between the pseudo-pregnant and pregnant groups. There were 106 upregulated and five downregulated protein-coding genes in the pregnant uterus with fold change (fc) >1.5 and q value <5%. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the 106 upregulated genes revealed 38 significant GO biological process (GOBP) terms (P <0.05), and 32 (84%) of them were associated with immune responses, with a dominant natural killer (NK) cell activation signature. Among the top eight upregulated protein-coding genes, Cyp26a1 inactivates retinoic acid (RA) while Lrat promotes vitamin A storage, both of which are expected to attenuate RA bioavailability; Atp6v0d2 and Gjb2 play roles in ion transport and transmembrane transport; Gzmb, Gzmc, and Il2rb are involved in immune responses; and Tdo2 is important for kynurenine pathway. Most of these genes or their related pathways have functions in immune regulations. RA signaling has been implicated in immune tolerance and immune homeostasis, and uterine NK cells have been implicated in immunotolerance at the maternal-fetal interface in the placenta. The mechanisms of immune responses approaching embryo attachment remain to be elucidated. The coordinated effects of the early response genes may hold the keys to the question of why the uterus does not reject an implanting embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglu Diao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Taylor E. Martin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Wendy T. Watford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Wang P, Du S, Guo C, Ni Z, Huang Z, Deng N, Bao H, Deng W, Lu J, Kong S, Zhang H, Wang H. The presence of blastocyst within the uteri facilitates lumenal epithelium transformation for implantation via upregulating lysosome proteostasis activity. Autophagy 2024; 20:58-75. [PMID: 37584546 PMCID: PMC10761037 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2247747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS ACTB: actin beta; AREG: amphiregulin; ATP6V0A4: ATPase, H+ transporting, lysosomal V0 subunit A4; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CLDN1: claudin 1; CTSB: cathepsin B; DEGs: differentially expressed genes; E2: 17β-estradiol; ESR: estrogen receptor; GATA2: GATA binding protein 2; GLA: galactosidase, alpha; GO: gene ontology; HBEGF: heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor; IGF1R: insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor; Ihh: Indian hedgehog; ISH: in situ hybridization; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LCM: laser capture microdissection; Le: lumenal epithelium; LGMN: legumain; LIF: leukemia inhibitory factor; LIFR: LIF receptor alpha; MSX1: msh homeobox 1; MUC1: mucin 1, transmembrane; P4: progesterone; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PCA: principal component analysis; PPT1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; PGR: progesterone receptor; PSP: pseudopregnancy; PTGS2/COX2: prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2; qPCR: quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; SP: pregnancy; TFEB: transcription factor EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuailin Du
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ziying Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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3
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Yin L, Wang W, Pang W, Yang G, Gao L, Chu G. Insulin regulates gap junction intercellular communication in porcine granulosa cells through modulation of connexin43 protein expression. Theriogenology 2023; 212:172-180. [PMID: 37738821 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) among granulosa cells plays an important role in folliculogenesis, and it is temporal-spatially regulated during follicular development. Connexin (Cx) proteins predominantly form the basal structure of gap junctions in granulosa cells. In our study, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Cx43 is the most widely expressed connexin in porcine follicles, especially among the large antral follicles. With application of insulin on porcine granulosa cells, we found that insulin significantly facilitated the protein level of Cx43, not mRNA level. This process is dependent on the phosphorylated activities of AKT and Erk since selective AKT and Erk inhibitors, LY294002 and U0126, respectively, hampered the potential of insulin to up-regulate Cx43 protein expression. As a consequence, the insulin-enhanced Cx43-couple GJIC activity in porcine granulosa cells was corresponding attenuated by the administration of LY294002 and U0126. Our findings provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which insulin mediates cell-cell communication in porcine granulosa cells and sheds light on nutrition-reproduction interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Wusu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Weijun Pang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Gongshe Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Lei Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Guiyan Chu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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Li R, Wang T, Marquardt RM, Lydon JP, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. TRIM28 modulates nuclear receptor signaling to regulate uterine function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4605. [PMID: 37528140 PMCID: PMC10393996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone, acting through their cognate receptors the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor (PR) respectively, regulate uterine biology. Using rapid immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (RIME) and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified TRIM28 (Tripartite motif containing 28) as a protein which complexes with ERα and PR in the regulation of uterine function. Impairment of TRIM28 expression results in the inability of the uterus to support early pregnancy through altered PR and ERα action in the uterine epithelium and stroma by suppressing PR and ERα chromatin binding. Furthermore, TRIM28 ablation in PR-expressing uterine cells results in the enrichment of a subset of TRIM28 positive and PR negative pericytes and epithelial cells with progenitor potential. In summary, our study reveals the important roles of TRIM28 in regulating endometrial cell composition and function in women, and also implies its critical functions in other hormone regulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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5
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Li R, Wang X, Huang Z, Balaji J, Kim TH, Wang T, Zhou L, Deleon A, Cook ME, Marbrey MW, Wu SP, Jeong JW, Arora R, DeMayo FJ. The role of epithelial progesterone receptor isoforms in embryo implantation. iScience 2021; 24:103487. [PMID: 34934913 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of uterine epithelial progesterone receptor (PGR) is crucial for successful embryo implantation in both humans and mice. The two major isoforms PGRA and PGRB have divergent functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. The present study compares phenotypes and gene signatures of PGRA and PGRB in uterine epithelium using uterine epithelial-specific constitutively expressed PGRA or PGRB mouse models. The cistrome and transcriptome analysis reveals substantial overlap between epithelial PGRA and PGRB, and both disrupt embryo implantation through FOXO1 pathways. Constitutive epithelial PGRA and PGRB expression impairs ESR1 occupancy at the promoter of Lif leading to reduced Lif transcription and further exaggerates SGK1 expression leading to enhanced PI3K-SGK1 activities, and both contribute to the decline of nuclear FOXO1 expression. Our study demonstrates that PGRA and PGRB in the uterine epithelium act on a similar set of target genes and commonly regulate the LIF-SGK1-FOXO1 signaling pathway for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaoqiu Wang
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Zhenyao Huang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jayani Balaji
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lecong Zhou
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ashley Deleon
- Laser Capture Microdissection Core Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA.,Kelly Government Solutions, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Molly E Cook
- Epigenomics and DNA Sequencing Core, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Margeaux W Marbrey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jae Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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6
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Wang Z, El Zowalaty AE, Li Y, Andersen CL, Ye X. Association of luteal cell degeneration and progesterone deficiency with lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis type IV in Mcoln1-/- mouse model†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:782-790. [PMID: 31317194 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential cation channel, mucolipin subfamily, member 1 (TRPML1) (MCOLN1/Mcoln1) is a lysosomal counter ion channel. Mutations in MCOLN1 cause mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), a progressive and severe lysosomal storage disorder with a slow onset. Mcoln1-/- mice recapitulate typical MLIV phenotypes but roles of TRPML1 in female reproduction are unknown. Despite normal mating activities, Mcoln1-/- female mice had reduced fertility at 2 months old and quickly became infertile at 5 months old. Progesterone deficiency was detected on 4.5 days post coitum/gestation day 4.5 (D4.5). Immunohistochemistry revealed TRPML1 expression in luteal cells of wild type corpus luteum (CL). Corpus luteum formation was not impaired in 5-6 months old Mcoln1-/- females indicated by comparable CL numbers in control and Mcoln1-/- ovaries on both D1.5 and D4.5. In the 5-6 months old Mcoln1-/- ovaries, histology revealed less defined corpus luteal cord formation, extensive luteal cell vacuolization and degeneration; immunofluorescence revealed disorganized staining of collagen IV, a basal lamina marker for endothelial cells; Nile Red staining detected lipid droplet accumulation, a typical phenotype of MLIV; immunofluorescence of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60, a mitochondrial marker) and in situ hybridization of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR, for the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis) showed reduced expression of HSP60 and StAR, indicating impaired mitochondrial functions. Luteal cell degeneration and impaired mitochondrial functions can both contribute to progesterone deficiency in the Mcoln1-/- mice. This study demonstrates a novel function of TRPML1 in maintaining CL luteal cell integrity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zidao Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuehuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian L Andersen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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7
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Wang G, Huang Y, Hu T, Zhang B, Tang Z, Yao R, Huang Y, Fan X, Ni X. Contribution of placental 11β-HSD2 to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. FASEB J 2020; 34:15379-15399. [PMID: 32978833 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001003rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a major human pregnancy-specific disorder, leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Here we reported that 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), an enzyme that degrades active glucocorticoids, is one of the key factors that contributes to preeclampsia development. In the pregnant rat model, we firstly confirmed that administration of 11β-HSD2 inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX) subcutaneously or by placenta-targeted delivery system could lead to a decrease in placental 11β-HSD2 expression and activity and an increase in corticosterone level in placenta and maternal circulation. Then, we showed that subcutaneous administration and placenta-targeted delivery of CBX resulted in the hallmark of preeclampsia-like features including hypertension, proteinuria, renal damages as well as elevated circulatory soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) and increased sFlt1/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio in pregnant rats. These animals displayed decreased trophoblast invasion in uterus, impaired spiral artery remodeling, and reduced placental blood flow. Preeclampsia-like features could also be induced by administration of dexamethasone in pregnant rats. In the cultured human trophoblast models, we found that cortisol only inhibited migration and invasion of the extravillous trophoblasts with 11β-HSD2 knockdown, and promoted sFlt1 release in the cultured syncytiotrophoblasts with 11β-HSD2 knockdown. Furthermore, we elucidated that cortisol stimulated a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)17 expression in placentas, thereby promoting sFlt1 release in placenta. Collectively, our study provided the evidence that placental 11β-HSD2 dysfunction plays a key role in the development of preeclampsia and immediately identified innovative target to counteract preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxiao Hu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baozhen Zhang
- Center for Reproduction and Health Development, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS Key Lab for Health Informatics, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengshan Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruojing Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Center for Reproduction and Health Development, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS Key Lab for Health Informatics, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Gu XW, Chen ZC, Yang ZS, Yang Y, Yan YP, Liu YF, Pan JM, Su RW, Yang ZM. Blastocyst-induced ATP release from luminal epithelial cells initiates decidualization through the P2Y2 receptor in mice. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/646/eaba3396. [PMID: 32843542 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aba3396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation involves a sterile inflammatory reaction that is required for the invasion of the blastocyst into the decidua. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from stressed or injured cells acts as an important signaling molecule to regulate many key physiological events, including sterile inflammation. We found that the amount of ATP in the uterine luminal fluid of mice increased during the peri-implantation period, and this depended on the presence of an embryo. We further showed that the release of ATP from receptive epithelial cells was likely stimulated by lactate released from the blastocyst through connexin hemichannels. The ATP receptor P2y2 was present on uterine epithelial cells during the preimplantation period and increased in the stromal cells during the time at which decidualization began. Pharmacological inhibition of P2y2 compromised decidualization and implantation. ATP-P2y2 signaling stimulated the phosphorylation of Stat3 in uterine luminal epithelial cells and the expression of early growth response 1 (Egr1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2, also known as Cox-2), all of which are required for decidualization and/or implantation, in stromal cells. Short exposure to high concentrations of ATP promoted decidualization of primary stromal cells, but longer exposures or lower ATP concentrations did not. The expression of genes encoding ATP-degrading ectonucleotidases increased in the decidua during the peri-implantation period, suggesting that they may limit the duration of the ATP signal. Together, our results indicate that the blastocyst-induced release of ATP from uterine epithelial cells during the peri-implantation period may be important for the initiation of stromal cell decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zi-Cong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhen-Shan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ya-Ping Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yue-Fang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ji-Min Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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10
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Mohd Kamal DA, Ibrahim SF, Mokhtar MH. Androgen effect on connexin expression in the mammalian female reproductive system: A systematic review. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2020; 20:293-302. [PMID: 31881167 PMCID: PMC7416182 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of androgen and connexin in the mammalian female reproductive system are suggested to be related. Previous research has shown that androgen affects connexin expression in the female reproductive system, altering its function. However, no definitive conclusion on their cause-effect relationship has been drawn yet. In addition, a high prevalence of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who are characterized by elevated androgen levels and failure of ovulation, has prompted the studies on the relationship between androgen and connexin in the ovaries. This systematic review aims to investigate the effect of androgen on connexin expression in the mammalian female reproductive system. The literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE via EBSCOhost and the Scopus database and the following keywords: “androgen” or “testosterone” or “androgen blocker” or “anti-androgen” or “androstenedione” or “dehydroepiandrosterone” or “flutamide AND connexin” or “gap junction” or “cell junction”. We only considered in vitro and in vivo studies that involved treatment by androgen or androgen receptor blockers and measured connexin expression as one of the parameters. Our review showed that the exposure to androgen or androgen blocker affects connexin expression but not its localization in the mammalian ovary. However, it is not clear whether androgen downregulates or upregulates connexin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Fatimah Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Ye X. Uterine Luminal Epithelium as the Transient Gateway for Embryo Implantation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:165-180. [PMID: 31866217 PMCID: PMC6983336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The uterine luminal epithelium (LE) is the first maternal contact for an implanting embryo. Intrauterine fluid resorption, cessation of LE proliferation and apoptosis, and LE structural changes are prerequisites for establishing transient uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. Vesicle trafficking in the LE and receptor-mediated paracrine and autocrine mechanisms are crucial both for LE preparation and LE communications with the embryo and stroma during the initiation of embryo implantation. This review mainly covers recent in vivo studies in LE of mouse models from 0.5 days post-coitus (D0.5) to ∼D4 20 h when the trophoblasts pass through the LE layer for embryo implantation. The review is organized into three interconnected sections: preimplantation LE preparation for embryo attachment, embryo-LE communications, and LE-stroma communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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12
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El Zowalaty AE, Li R, Chen W, Ye X. Seipin deficiency leads to increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in mammary gland alveolar epithelial cells during lactation. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:570-578. [PMID: 29236949 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seipin is an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein encoded by Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2/Bscl2) gene. Most litters (59%) from Bscl2-/- dams mated with wild type (WT) (Bscl2+/+) males did not survive postnatal day 5 (PND5) and pups (Bscl2+/-) lacked milk in their stomachs. The survived litters had reduced pup survival rate at PND21. It was hypothesized that seipin was critical for lactation. Bscl2 was upregulated and highly detected in the lactation day 1 (LD1) WT mammary gland alveolar epithelial cells. LD1 Bscl2-/- mammary glands lacked adipocytes and alveolar clusters and had varied alveolar morphology: from interconnected mammary gland alveoli with dilated lumen and sloughed epithelial cells to undifferentiated mammary gland alveoli with unexpanded lumen. Comparable levels of whey acidic protein (WAP, a major component in rodent milk) staining and Nile Red lipid droplet staining between WT and Bscl2-/- LD1 alveolar epithelial cells indicated normal milk protein synthesis and lipid syntheses in LD1 Bscl2-/- mammary glands. Significantly reduced percentage of larger lipid droplets was detected in LD1 Bscl2-/- alveoli with unexpanded lumen. There was no obviously impaired proliferation detected by PCNA staining but increased apoptosis detected by cleaved caspase-3 staining in LD1 Bscl2-/- alveolar epithelial cells. Increased expression of protein disulfide isomerase and binding immunoglobulin protein in the LD1 Bscl2-/- mammary gland alveolar epithelial cells indicated increased ER stress. This study demonstrates increased ER stress and apoptosis in LD1 Bscl2-/- mammary gland alveolar epithelial cells and reveals a novel in vivo function of seipin in lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Weiqin Chen
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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13
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Jin YZ, Zhang P, Hao T, Wang LM, Guo MD, Gan YH. Connexin 43 contributes to temporomandibular joint inflammation induced-hypernociception via sodium channel 1.7 in trigeminal ganglion. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134301. [PMID: 31152853 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) was a critical factor in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation-induced hypernociception, but the mechanism underlying inflammation-induced upregulation of Nav1.7 remained unclear. Glial-neuron interaction plays a critical role in pain process and connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs) has been shown to play an important role in several pain models. In the present study, we investigate the role of Cx43 in TMJ inflammation-induced hypernociception and its possible impact on neuronal Nav1.7. We induced TMJ inflammation in rats by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into TMJ and observed a decrease in head withdraw threshold after 24 h. Electron microscopy showed morphological alterations of SGCs in TMJ-inflamed rats. The expression of Cx43, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Nav1.7 increased greatly compared with controls. In addition, pretreatment with Cx43 blockers in TMJ-inflamed rats could alleviate mechanical hypernociception, inhibit SGCs activation and IL-1βrelease, and thus block the upregulation of Nav1.7. These findings indicate that the propagation of SGCs activation via Cx43 plays a critical role in Nav1.7-involved mechanical hypernociception induced by TMJ inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhou Jin
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ting Hao
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lu-Ming Wang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mu-Di Guo
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ye-Hua Gan
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China.
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14
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Polusani SR, Huang YW, Huang G, Chen CW, Wang CM, Lin LL, Osmulski P, Lucio ND, Liu L, Hsu YT, Zhou Y, Lin CL, Aguilera-Barrantes I, Valente PT, Kost ER, Chen CL, Shim EY, Lee SE, Ruan J, Gaczynska ME, Yan P, Goodfellow PJ, Mutch DG, Jin VX, Nicholson BJ, Huang THM, Kirma NB. Adipokines Deregulate Cellular Communication via Epigenetic Repression of Gap Junction Loci in Obese Endometrial Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 79:196-208. [PMID: 30389702 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that adipose stromal cells (ASC) are recruited to enhance cancer development. In this study, we examined the role these adipocyte progenitors play relating to intercellular communication in obesity-associated endometrial cancer. This is particularly relevant given that gap junctions have been implicated in tumor suppression. Examining the effects of ASCs on the transcriptome of endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) in an in vitro coculture system revealed transcriptional repression of GJA1 (encoding the gap junction protein Cx43) and other genes related to intercellular communication. This repression was recapitulated in an obesity mouse model of endometrial cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), which was the most abundant ASC adipokine, led to reversal of cellular distribution associated with the GJA1 repression profile, suggesting that PAI-1 may mediate actions of ASC on transcriptional regulation in EEC. In an endometrial cancer cohort (n = 141), DNA hypermethylation of GJA1 and related loci TJP2 and PRKCA was observed in primary endometrial endometrioid tumors and was associated with obesity. Pharmacologic reversal of DNA methylation enhanced gap-junction intercellular communication and cell-cell interactions in vitro. Restoring Cx43 expression in endometrial cancer cells reduced cellular migration; conversely, depletion of Cx43 increased cell migration in immortalized normal EEC. Our data suggest that persistent repression by ASC adipokines leads to promoter hypermethylation of GJA1 and related genes in the endometrium, triggering long-term silencing of these loci in endometrial tumors of obese patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Studies reveal that adipose-derived stem cells in endometrial cancer pathogenesis influence epigenetic repression of gap junction loci, which suggests targeting of gap junction activity as a preventive strategy for obesity-associated endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth R Polusani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukie, Wisconsin
| | - Guangcun Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chiou-Miin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Li-Ling Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Pawel Osmulski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nicholas D Lucio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Computer Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yufan Zhou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Lin Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Philip T Valente
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Edward R Kost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eun Yong Shim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sang Eun Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jianhua Ruan
- Department of Computer Science, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Maria E Gaczynska
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Paul J Goodfellow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - David G Mutch
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Victor X Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bruce J Nicholson
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Tim H-M Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - Nameer B Kirma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
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15
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Direct Cell⁻Cell Interactions in the Endometrium and in Endometrial Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082227. [PMID: 30061539 PMCID: PMC6121364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell contacts exhibit a considerable influence on tissue physiology and homeostasis by controlling paracellular and intercellular transport processes, as well as by affecting signaling pathways. Since they maintain cell polarity, they play an important role in cell plasticity. The knowledge about the junctional protein families and their interactions has increased considerably during recent years. In contrast to most other tissues, the endometrium undergoes extensive physiological changes and reveals an extraordinary plasticity due to its crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. These complex changes are accompanied by changes in direct cell–cell contacts to meet the various requirements in the respective developmental stage. Impairment of this sophisticated differentiation process may lead to failure of implantation and embryo development and may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial diseases. In this article, we focus on the knowledge about the distribution and regulation of the different junctional proteins in the endometrium during cycling and pregnancy, as well as in pathologic conditions such as endometriosis and cancer. Decoding these sophisticated interactions should improve our understanding of endometrial physiology as well as of the mechanisms involved in pathological conditions.
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16
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Yoshinaga K. A historical review of blastocyst implantation research. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:175-195. [PMID: 30010858 PMCID: PMC6279068 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research development on blastocyst implantation was reviewed in three sections: primate implantation, ungulate farm animal implantation, and the general process of blastocyst implantation in small rodents. Future research directions of this area are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshinaga
- Fertility and Infertility Branch, Division of Extramural Research, NICHD, NIH,
Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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17
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Matson BC, Pierce SL, Espenschied ST, Holle E, Sweatt IH, Davis ES, Tarran R, Young SL, Kohout TA, van Duin M, Caron KM. Adrenomedullin improves fertility and promotes pinopodes and cell junctions in the peri-implantation endometrium. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:466-477. [PMID: 29025060 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is a complex event demanding contributions from both embryo and endometrium. Despite advances in assisted reproduction, endometrial receptivity defects persist as a barrier to successful implantation in women with infertility. We previously demonstrated that maternal haploinsufficiency for the endocrine peptide adrenomedullin (AM) in mice confers a subfertility phenotype characterized by defective uterine receptivity and sparse epithelial pinopode coverage. The strong link between AM and implantation suggested the compelling hypothesis that administration of AM prior to implantation may improve fertility, protect against pregnancy complications, and ultimately lead to better maternal and fetal outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that intrauterine delivery of AM prior to blastocyst transfer improves the embryo implantation rate and spacing within the uterus. We then use genetic decrease-of-function and pharmacologic gain-of-function mouse models to identify potential mechanisms by which AM confers enhanced implantation success. In epithelium, we find that AM accelerates the kinetics of pinopode formation and water transport and that, in stroma, AM promotes connexin 43 expression, gap junction communication, and barrier integrity of the primary decidual zone. Ultimately, our findings advance our understanding of the contributions of AM to uterine receptivity and suggest potential broad use for AM as therapy to encourage healthy embryo implantation, for example, in combination with in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke C Matson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephanie L Pierce
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott T Espenschied
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric Holle
- Animal Models Core Facility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Imani H Sweatt
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric S Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Tarran
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Trudy A Kohout
- Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Zowalaty AEE, Ye X. Seipin deficiency leads to defective parturition in mice. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:378-386. [PMID: 29088395 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Seipin is an integral endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein encoded by Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2/Bscl2) gene. Seipin deficiency results in lipodystrophy, diabetes, muscle hypertrophy, and male infertility in both human and mouse. Seipin function in female reproduction is unknown. Bscl2-/- dams had normal embryo implantation and body weight gain during pregnancy but reduced delivery rates from 2nd to 4th pregnancies and reduced numbers of pups delivered from 1st to 4th pregnancies. Characterization of first pregnancy revealed increased gestation period and parturition problems, including uterine prolapse, difficulty in delivery, undelivered fetuses, and undelivered tissues in Bscl2-/- females. Bscl2-/- uterine weight was comparable to control at 3 weeks old but significantly increased with myometrial hypertrophy at 10 months old. In situ hybridization revealed relatively low level of Bscl2 mRNA expression in myometrium throughout pregnancy and postpartum but high level of expression in uterine luminal epithelium, suggesting that systemic effect (e.g. elevated glucose and insulin levels) rather than local seipin-deficiency in myometrium might be a main contributing factor to myometrial hypertrophy. On near-term gestation day 18.5 (D18.5), Bscl2-/- females had normal levels of serum progesterone and 17β-estradiol, indicating functional ovary and placenta. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) staining showed minimal myometrial cell proliferation in both D18.5 Bscl2+/+ and Bscl2-/- uteri. There was strong LC3 immunostaining in Bscl2+/+ and Bscl2-/- peripartum myometrium and increased LC3 staining in Bscl2-/- peripartum uterine luminal epithelium, suggesting a potential role of seipin in regulating autophagy in uterine luminal epithelium but not myometrium. This study demonstrates an association of seipin with myometrium and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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19
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Xiao S, Li R, El Zowalaty AE, Diao H, Zhao F, Choi Y, Ye X. Acidification of uterine epithelium during embryo implantation in mice. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:232-243. [PMID: 28395338 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine luminal epithelium (LE) is essential for establishing uterine receptivity. Previous microarray analysis revealed upregulation of Atp6v0d2 in gestation day 4.5 (D4.5) LE in mice. Realtime PCR showed upregulation of uterine Atp6v0d2 starting right before embryo attachment ∼D4.0. In situ hybridization demonstrated specific uterine localization of Atp6v0d2 in LE upon embryo implantation. Atp6v0d2 encodes one subunit for vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), which regulates acidity of intracellular organelles and extracellular environment. LysoSensor Green DND-189 detected acidic signals in LE and glandular epithelium upon embryo implantation, correlating with Atp6v0d2 upregulation in early pregnant uterus. Atp6v0d2-/- females had significantly reduced implantation rate and marginally reduced delivery rate from first mating only, but comparable number of implantation sites and litter size compared to control and comparable fertility to control from subsequent matings, suggesting a nonessential role of Atp6v0d2 subunit in embryo implantation. Successful implantation in both control and Atp6v0d2-/- females was associated with uterine epithelial acidification. No significant compensatory upregulation of Atp6v0d1 mRNA was detected in D4.5 Atp6v0d2-/- uteri. To determine the role of V-ATPase instead of a single subunit in embryo implantation, a specific V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (2.5 μg/kg) was injected via uterine fat pad on D3 18:00 h. This treatment resulted in reduced uterine epithelial acidification, delayed implantation, and reduced number of implantation sites. It also suppressed oil-induced artificial decidualization. These data demonstrate uterine epithelial acidification as a novel phenomenon during embryo implantation and V-ATPase is involved in uterine epithelial acidification and uterine preparation for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Honglu Diao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yongwon Choi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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20
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Yu HF, Yue ZP, Wang K, Yang ZQ, Zhang HL, Geng S, Guo B. Gja1 acts downstream of Acvr1 to regulate uterine decidualization via Hand2 in mice. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:145-157. [PMID: 28219934 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although Gja1 has been proved to play an important role in uterine decidualization, its regulatory mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that Gja1 was highly expressed in the decidual cells and promoted the proliferation of uterine stromal cells and expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, which were two well-known differentiation markers for decidualization. Further analysis revealed that Gja1 might act downstream of Acvr1 and cAMP to regulate the differentiation of uterine stromal cells. Administration of cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP to Acvr1 siRNA-transfected stromal cells resulted in an obvious increase of Gja1 expression, whereas PKA inhibitor H89 impeded the induction of Gja1 elicited by Acvr1 overexpression, indicating that cAMP-PKA signal mediates the regulation of Acvr1 on Gja1 expression. In uterine stromal cells, knockdown of Gja1 blocked the cAMP induction of Hand2 Moreover, siRNA-mediated downregulation of Hand2 impaired the stimulatory effects of Gja1 overexpression on the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1, whereas constitutive expression of Hand2 reversed the inhibitory effects of Gja1 siRNA on stromal differentiation. Meanwhile, Gja1 might play a vital role in the crosstalk between Acvr1 and Hand2 Collectively, Gja1 may act downstream of cAMP-PKA signal to mediate the effects of Acvr1 on the differentiation of uterine stromal cells through targeting Hand2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Fan Yu
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan-Peng Yue
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan-Qing Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Geng
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Guo
- College of Veterinary MedicineJilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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21
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Jeanson T, Duchêne A, Richard D, Bourgoin S, Picoli C, Ezan P, Mouthon F, Giaume C, Hamon M, Charvériat M. Potentiation of Amitriptyline Anti-Hyperalgesic-Like Action By Astroglial Connexin 43 Inhibition in Neuropathic Rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38766. [PMID: 27941941 PMCID: PMC5150232 DOI: 10.1038/srep38766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antidepressants, prescribed as first line treatment of neuropathic pain, have a limited efficacy and poorly tolerated side effects. Because recent studies pointed out the implication of astroglial connexins (Cx) in both neuropathic pain and antidepressive treatment, we investigated whether their blockade by mefloquine could modulate the action of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. Using primary cultures, we found that both mefloquine and amitriptyline inhibited Cx43-containing gap junctions, and that the drug combination acted synergically. We then investigated whether mefloquine could enhance amitriptyline efficacy in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain. Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent chronic unilateral constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve (SN) were treated with either amitriptyline, mefloquine or the combination of both drugs. Whereas acute treatments were ineffective, chronic administration of amitriptyline reduced CCI-SN-induced hyperalgesia-like behavior, and this effect was markedly enhanced by co-administration of mefloquine, which was inactive on its own. No pharmacokinetic interactions between both drugs were observed and CCI-SN-induced neuroinflammatory and glial activation markers remained unaffected by these treatments in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. Mechanisms downstream of CCI-SN-induced neuroinflammation and glial activation might therefore be targeted. Connexin inhibition in astroglia could represent a promising approach towards improving neuropathic pain therapy by antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Jeanson
- Theranexus, Lyon, France.,CIRB, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | | | - Damien Richard
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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22
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Narciso C, Wu Q, Brodskiy P, Garston G, Baker R, Fletcher A, Zartman J. Patterning of wound-induced intercellular Ca(2+) flashes in a developing epithelium. Phys Biol 2015; 12:056005. [PMID: 26331891 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/12/5/056005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Differential mechanical force distributions are increasingly recognized to provide important feedback into the control of an organ's final size and shape. As a second messenger that integrates and relays mechanical information to the cell, calcium ions (Ca(2+)) are a prime candidate for providing important information on both the overall mechanical state of the tissue and resulting behavior at the individual-cell level during development. Still, how the spatiotemporal properties of Ca(2+) transients reflect the underlying mechanical characteristics of tissues is still poorly understood. Here we use an established model system of an epithelial tissue, the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, to investigate how tissue properties impact the propagation of Ca(2+) transients induced by laser ablation. The resulting intercellular Ca(2+) flash is found to be mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and depends on gap junction communication. Further, we find that intercellular Ca(2+) transients show spatially non-uniform characteristics across the proximal-distal axis of the larval wing imaginal disc, which exhibit a gradient in cell size and anisotropy. A computational model of Ca(2+) transients is employed to identify the principle factors explaining the spatiotemporal patterning dynamics of intercellular Ca(2+) flashes. The relative Ca(2+) flash anisotropy is principally explained by local cell shape anisotropy. Further, Ca(2+) velocities are relatively uniform throughout the wing disc, irrespective of cell size or anisotropy. This can be explained by the opposing effects of cell diameter and cell elongation on intercellular Ca(2+) propagation. Thus, intercellular Ca(2+) transients follow lines of mechanical tension at velocities that are largely independent of tissue heterogeneity and reflect the mechanical state of the underlying tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Narciso
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 182 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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23
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Li R, Diao H, Zhao F, Xiao S, El Zowalaty AE, Dudley EA, Mattson MP, Ye X. Olfactomedin 1 Deficiency Leads to Defective Olfaction and Impaired Female Fertility. Endocrinology 2015; 156:3344-57. [PMID: 26107991 PMCID: PMC4541623 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Olfactomedin 1 (OLFM1) is a glycoprotein highly expressed in the brain. Olfm1(-/-) female mice were previously reported to have reduced fertility. Previous microarray analysis revealed Olfm1 among the most highly upregulated genes in the uterine luminal epithelium upon embryo implantation, which was confirmed by in situ hybridization. We hypothesized that Olfm1 deficiency led to defective embryo implantation and thus impaired fertility. Indeed, Olfm1(-/-) females had defective embryo implantation. However, Olfm1(-/-) females rarely mated and those that mated rarely became pregnant. Ovarian histology indicated the absence of corpora lutea in Olfm1(-/-) females, indicating defective ovulation. Superovulation using equine chorionic gonadotropin-human chorionic gonadotropin rescued mating, ovulation, and pregnancy, and equine chorionic gonadotropin alone rescued ovulation in Olfm1(-/-) females. Olfm1(-/-) females had a 13% reduction of hypothalamic GnRH neurons but comparable basal serum LH levels and GnRH-induced LH levels compared with wild-type controls. These results indicated no obvious local defects in the female reproductive system and a functional hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Olfm1(-/-) females were unresponsive to the effects of male bedding stimulation on pubertal development and estrous cycle. There were 41% fewer cFos-positive cells in the mitral cell layer of accessory olfactory bulb upon male urine stimulation for 90 minutes. OLFM1 was expressed in the main and accessory olfactory systems including main olfactory epithelium, vomeronasal organ, main olfactory bulb, and accessory olfactory bulb, with the highest expression detected in the axon bundles of olfactory sensory neurons. These data demonstrate that defective fertility in Olfm1(-/-) females is most likely a secondary effect of defective olfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Honglu Diao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Elizabeth A Dudley
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (R.L., H.D., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), College of Veterinary Medicine, and Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program (R.L., F.Z., S.X., A.E.E.Z., E.A.D., X.Y.), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; and Laboratory of Neurosciences (M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
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Kibschull M, Gellhaus A, Carette D, Segretain D, Pointis G, Gilleron J. Physiological roles of connexins and pannexins in reproductive organs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2879-98. [PMID: 26100514 PMCID: PMC11114083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive organs are complex and well-structured tissues essential to perpetuate the species. In mammals, the male and female reproductive organs vary on their organization, morphology and function. Connectivity between cells in such tissues plays pivotal roles in organogenesis and tissue functions through the regulation of cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Connexins and pannexins can be seen as major regulators of these physiological processes. In the present review, we assembled several lines of evidence demonstrating that these two families of proteins are essential for male and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Diane Carette
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Dominique Segretain
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
| | - Georges Pointis
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Jerome Gilleron
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
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25
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Seipin deficiency increases chromocenter fragmentation and disrupts acrosome formation leading to male infertility. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1817. [PMID: 26181198 PMCID: PMC4650735 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (Bscl2, seipin) gene is involved in adipogenesis. Bscl2−/− males were infertile but had normal mating behavior. Both Bscl2−/− cauda epididymis sperm count and sperm motility were ~20 × less than control. Bscl2−/− seminiferous tubules had relatively normal presence of spermatogonia and spermatocytes but had reduced spermatids and sperm. Spatiotemporal expression analyses in Bscl2+/+ testes demonstrated prominent Bscl2 transcriptional activity in spermatocytes with a plateau reached around postnatal day 28. Seipin protein localization was most abundant in postmeiotic spermatids, suggesting translational repression of Bscl2 mRNA in spermatocytes. In situ end-labeling plus detected increased spermatid apoptosis in Bscl2−/− testis and annexin V detected increased percentage of positive Bscl2−/− round spermatids compared with control. Immunofluorescence of marker proteins synaptonemal complex proteins 3 and 1 (SYCP3 and SYCP1), and H3K9me3 (histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 9) in germ cell spreads detected normal meiotic chromosome pairing and homologous chromosome synapsis in Bscl2−/− spermatocytes, but significantly increased percentages of round spermatids with chromocenter fragmentation and late spermatids and sperm with chromatin vacuoles, indicating defective chromatin condensation in Bscl2−/− spermatids. Bscl2−/− late spermatids were disorganized within the seminiferous epithelium, despite normal appearance of Sertoli cells detected by vimentin immunofluorescence. Peanut agglutinin staining revealed various abnormalities of acrosomes in Bscl2−/− late spermatids, including the absence, irregular-shaped, and fragmented acrosomes, indicating defective acrosome formation in Bscl2−/− late spermatids, which may affect late spermatid orientation in the seminiferous epithelium. Mitotracker strongly stained the midpiece of control sperm but only very weakly labeled the midpiece of Bscl2−/− sperm, indicating defective mitochondrial activity that most likely contributed to reduced Bscl2−/− sperm motility. These data demonstrate novel roles of seipin in spermatid chromatin integrity, acrosome formation, and mitochondrial activity. Increased spermatid apoptosis, increased chromocenter fragmentation, defective chromatin condensation, abnormal acrosome formation, and defective mitochondrial activity contributed to decreased sperm production and defective sperm that resulted in Bscl2−/− male infertility.
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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27
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Zhao F, Zhou J, El Zowalaty AE, Li R, Dudley EA, Ye X. Timing and recovery of postweaning exposure to diethylstilbestrol on early pregnancy in CD-1 mice. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 49:48-54. [PMID: 25062584 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure timing could play an important role in the effects of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) on early pregnancy. This study examined the sensitivity of different exposure periods from weaning to gestation day 4.5 (D4.5) to 50ppb diethylstilbestrol (DES, a test EEDC) diet on embryo implantation and potential recovery upon temporary cessation of DES exposure in CD-1 mice. Peripubertal (3-5 weeks old) DES exposure reduced the numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites. Postpubertal (5-7 weeks old) DES exposure did not have significant effects on early pregnancy. Postmating (D0.5-D4.5) DES exposure affected postovulation events leading to impaired embryo implantation. A 5-day premating rest from 5-week DES exposure (3-8 weeks old) resulted in recovery of early pregnancy rate. These data demonstrate that peripubertal and postmating periods are sensitive windows to endocrine disruption of early pregnancy and temporary cessation of exposure could partially alleviate adverse effects of DES on early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Ahmed E El Zowalaty
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Dudley
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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28
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Yoshinaga K. Progesterone and Its Downstream Molecules as Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:117-28. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshinaga
- Fertility and Infertility Branch; Division of Extramural Research; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health; DHHS; Bethesda MD USA
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29
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Xu Q, Cheong YK, Yang F, Tiwari V, Li J, Liu J, Raja SN, Li W, Guan Y. Intrathecal carbenoxolone inhibits neuropathic pain and spinal wide-dynamic range neuronal activity in rats after an L5 spinal nerve injury. Neurosci Lett 2014; 563:45-50. [PMID: 24486838 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinal glial gap junctions may play an important role in dorsal horn neuronal sensitization and neuropathic pain. In rats after an L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), we examined the effects of intrathecal injection of carbenoxolone (CBX), a gap junction decoupler, on neuropathic pain manifestations and on wide-dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activity in vivo. Intrathecal injection of CBX dose-dependently (0.1-50 μg, 10 μl) inhibited mechanical hypersensitivity in rats at 2-3 weeks post-SNL. However, the same doses of glycyrrhizic acid (an analogue of CBX that does not affect gap junctions) and mefloquine hydrochloride (a selective neuronal gap junction decoupler) were ineffective. Intrathecal CBX (5μg) also attenuated heat hypersensitivity in SNL rats. Further, rats did not develop tachyphylaxis to CBX-induced inhibition of mechanical hypersensitivity after repetitive drug treatments (25 μg/day) during days 14-16 post-SNL. Electrophysiological study in SNL rats showed that spinal topical application of CBX (100 μg, 50 μl), which mimics intrathecal drug administration, attenuated WDR neuronal responses to mechanical stimuli and to repetitive intracutaneous electrical stimuli (0.5 Hz) that induce windup, a short-form of activity-dependent neuronal sensitization. The current findings suggest that the inhibition of neuropathic pain manifestations by intrathecal injection of CBX in SNL rats may involve an inhibition of glial gap junctions and an attenuation of WDR neuronal activity in the dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yong-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jinheng Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weiyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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30
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Lu S, Peng H, Zhang H, Zhang L, Cao Q, Li R, Zhang Y, Yan L, Duan E, Qiao J. Excessive intrauterine fluid cause aberrant implantation and pregnancy outcome in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78446. [PMID: 24194934 PMCID: PMC3806840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal intrauterine fluid environment is essential for embryo implantation. In hydrosalpinx patients, the implantation and pregnancy rates are markedly decreased after IVF-embryo transfer, while salpingectomy could significantly improve the pregnancy rates. The leakage of hydrosalpinx fluid into the endometrial cavity was supposed to be the major cause for impaired fertility. However, the underlying mechanisms of hydrosalpinx fluids on implantation and ongoing pregnancy were not fully understood and remain controversial regarding its toxicity. In present study, by infusing different volume of non-toxic fluid (0.9% saline) into uterine lumen before embryo implantation in mice (Day4 08:30), we found that while the embryos were not "flushed out" from the uteri, the timing of implantation was deferred and normal intrauterine distribution (embryo spacing) was disrupted. The abnormal implantation at early pregnancy further lead to embryo growth retardation, miscarriage and increased pregnancy loss, which is similar to the adverse effects observed in hydrosalpinx patients undergoing IVF-ET. We further examined uterine receptivity related gene expression reported to be involved in human hydrosalpinx (Lif, Hoxa10, Integrin α(v) and β(3)). The results showed that expression of integrin α(v) and β(3) were increased in the fluid infused mouse uteri, implicating a compensatory effect to cope with the excessive fluid environment. Our data suggested that the adverse effects of excessive non-toxic luminal fluid on pregnancy are primarily due to the mechanical interference for normal timing and location of embryo apposition, which might be the major cause of decreased implantation rate in IVF-ET patients with hydrosalpinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qichen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (YZ); (LY)
| | - Liying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (YZ); (LY)
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
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