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Ma Y, Duan L, Reisch B, Kimmig R, Iannaccone A, Gellhaus A. CCN1-Mediated Signaling in Placental Villous Tissues after SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Term Pregnant Women: Implications for Dysregulated Angiogenesis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3533-3550. [PMID: 38666951 PMCID: PMC11049059 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has increased infections among pregnant women. This study aimed to explore placental pathology alterations and angiogenic factor levels in term pregnant women after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a retrospective single-center study. Additionally, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of the vascular inflammation-promoting, cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61/CCN1) in this context. All analyses were performed in term pregnant women infected with or without SARS-CoV-2. The sFlt-1, PlGF, and sEng serum levels were quantified using ELISA. Placental protein expressions were examined by immunoblot and immunostaining. Additionally, the effect of CCN1 protein on SGHPL-5 trophoblast cells was examined. We found that SARS-CoV-2 activated the inflammatory response in pregnant women, leading to pronounced vascular alterations in placental villous tissues. Elevated serum anti-angiogenic factors (sFlt-1, sEng) upon SARS-CoV-2 infection may directly contribute to these pathological changes. Upregulated CCN1 and pNF-κB in placental villous tissues of infected patients are identified as crucial factors in placental alterations. As a conclusion, CCN1 was significantly elevated in the placentas of term pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. By activating a cascade of inflammatory responses, CCN1 induced the production of the anti-angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and sEng, which may lead to abnormal placental vascular architecture.
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2
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. Core conserved transcriptional regulatory networks define the invasive trophoblast cell lineage. Development 2023; 150:dev201826. [PMID: 37417811 PMCID: PMC10445752 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineages in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model for studying hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus ATAC-seq data from gestation day 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues, and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility with extravillous trophoblast cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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3
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Vu HTH, Scott RL, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Tuteja G. CORE CONSERVED TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORY NETWORKS DEFINE THE INVASIVE TROPHOBLAST CELL LINEAGE. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.30.534962. [PMID: 37066272 PMCID: PMC10103937 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive trophoblast cell lineage in rat and human share crucial responsibilities in establishing the uterine-placental interface of the hemochorial placenta. These observations have led to the rat becoming an especially useful animal model to study hemochorial placentation. However, our understanding of similarities or differences between regulatory mechanisms governing rat and human invasive trophoblast cell populations is limited. In this study, we generated single-nucleus (sn) ATAC-seq data from gestation day (gd) 15.5 and 19.5 rat uterine-placental interface tissues and integrated the data with single-cell RNA-seq data generated at the same stages. We determined the chromatin accessibility profiles of invasive trophoblast, natural killer, macrophage, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells, and compared invasive trophoblast chromatin accessibility to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell accessibility. In comparing chromatin accessibility profiles between species, we found similarities in patterns of gene regulation and groups of motifs enriched in accessible regions. Finally, we identified a conserved gene regulatory network in invasive trophoblast cells. Our data, findings and analysis will facilitate future studies investigating regulatory mechanisms essential for the invasive trophoblast cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. H. Vu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO, 64108
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
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4
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Gu Z, Guo J, Zhai J, Feng G, Wang X, Gao Z, Li K, Ji S, Wang L, Xu Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Guo S, Yang M, Li L, Han H, Jiang L, Wen Y, Wang L, Hao J, Li W, Wang S, Wang H, Gu Q. A Uterus-Inspired Niche Drives Blastocyst Development to the Early Organogenesis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202282. [PMID: 35843885 PMCID: PMC9534964 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental physical features such as the mechanical properties and microstructures of the uterus need to be considered when building in vitro culture platforms to mimic the uterus for embryo implantation and further development but have long been neglected. Here, a uterus-inspired niche (UN) constructed by grafting collagen gels onto polydimethylsiloxane based on a systematic investigation of a series of parameters (varying concentrations and thicknesses of collagen gel) is established to intrinsically specify and simulate the mechanics and microstructures of the mouse uterus. This brand-new and unique system is robust in supporting embryo invasion, as evidenced by the special interaction between the embryos and the UN system and successfully promoting E3.5 embryo development into the early organogenesis stage. This platform serves as a powerful tool for developmental biology and tissue engineering.
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5
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The regulatory role of AP-2β in monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems: insights on its signalling pathway, linked disorders and theragnostic potential. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:151. [PMID: 36076256 PMCID: PMC9461128 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMonoaminergic neurotransmitter systems play a central role in neuronal function and behaviour. Dysregulation of these systems gives rise to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders with high prevalence and societal burden, collectively termed monoamine neurotransmitter disorders (MNDs). Despite extensive research, the transcriptional regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems is not fully explored. Interestingly, certain drugs that act on these systems have been shown to modulate central levels of the transcription factor AP-2 beta (AP-2β, gene: TFAP2Β). AP-2β regulates multiple key genes within these systems and thereby its levels correlate with monoamine neurotransmitters measures; yet, its signalling pathways are not well understood. Moreover, although dysregulation of TFAP2Β has been associated with MNDs, the underlying mechanisms for these associations remain elusive. In this context, this review addresses AP-2β, considering its basic structural aspects, regulation and signalling pathways in the controlling of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, and possible mechanisms underpinning associated MNDS. It also underscores the significance of AP-2β as a potential diagnostic biomarker and its potential and limitations as a therapeutic target for specific MNDs as well as possible pharmaceutical interventions for targeting it. In essence, this review emphasizes the role of AP-2β as a key regulator of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems and its importance for understanding the pathogenesis and improving the management of MNDs.
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6
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Van Gronigen Case G, Storey KM, Parmeley LE, Schulz LC. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during the periconceptional period on placental development in the mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244971. [PMID: 33444393 PMCID: PMC7808591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal undernutrition has detrimental effects on fetal development and adult health. Total caloric restriction during early pregnancy followed by adequate nutrition for the remainder of gestation, is particularly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks during adulthood. The placenta is responsible for transport of nutrients from the maternal to fetal circulation, and the efficiency with which it does so can be adjusted to the maternal nutrient supply. There is evidence that placental adaptations to nutrient restriction in early pregnancy may be retained even when adequate nutrition is restored later in pregnancy, leading to a potential mismatch between placental efficiency and maternal nutrient supplies. However, in the mouse, 50% caloric restriction from days 1.5-11.5 of gestation, while temporarily altering placental structure and gene expression, had no significant effect on day 18.5. The periconceptional period, during which oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development occur may be especially critical in creating lasting impact on the placenta. Here, mice were subjected to 50% caloric restriction from 3 weeks prior to pregnancy through d11.5, and then placental structure, the expression of key nutrient transporters, and global DNA methylation levels were examined at gestation d18.5. Prior exposure to caloric restriction increased maternal blood space area, but decreased expression of the key System A amino acid transporter Slc38a4 at d18.5. Neither placental and fetal weights, nor placental DNA methylation levels were affected. Thus, total caloric restriction beginning in the periconceptional period does have a lasting impact on placental development in the mouse, but without changing placental efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerialisa Van Gronigen Case
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Storey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Parmeley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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7
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Zybina TG, Zybina EV. Role of cell cycling and polyploidy in placental trophoblast of different mammalian species. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:895-904. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana G. Zybina
- Laboratory of Cell Morphology Institute of Cytology RAS St.‐Petersburg Russia
| | - Eugenia V. Zybina
- Laboratory of Cell Morphology Institute of Cytology RAS St.‐Petersburg Russia
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8
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Tomikawa J, Takada S, Okamura K, Terao M, Ogata-Kawata H, Akutsu H, Tanaka S, Hata K, Nakabayashi K. Exploring trophoblast-specific Tead4 enhancers through chromatin conformation capture assays followed by functional screening. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:278-289. [PMID: 31777916 PMCID: PMC6943130 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tead4 is critical for blastocyst development and trophoblast differentiation. We assayed long-range chromosomal interactions on the Tead4 promoter in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Using luciferase reporter assays with ES and TS cells for 34 candidate enhancer regions, we identified five genomic fragments that increased Tead4 promoter activity in a TS-specific manner. The five loci consisted of three intra- and two inter-chromosomal loci relative to Tead4 on chromosome 6. We established five mouse lines with one of the five enhancer elements deleted and evaluated the effect of each deletion on Tead4 expression in blastocysts. By quantitative RT-PCR, we measured a 42% decrease in Tead4 expression in the blastocysts with a homozygous deletion with a 1.5 kb genomic interval on chromosome 19 (n = 14) than in wild-type blastocysts. By conducting RNA-seq analysis, we confirmed the trans effect of this enhancer deletion on Tead4 without significant cis effects on its neighbor genes at least within a 1.7 Mb distance. Our results demonstrated that the genomic interval on chromosome 19 is required for the appropriate level of Tead4 expression in blastocysts and suggested that an inter-chromosomal enhancer-promoter interaction may be the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Tomikawa
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohji Okamura
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Terao
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ogata-Kawata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Akutsu
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Prenatal androgen exposure and transgenerational susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome. Nat Med 2019; 25:1894-1904. [DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Boroviak T, Stirparo GG, Dietmann S, Hernando-Herraez I, Mohammed H, Reik W, Smith A, Sasaki E, Nichols J, Bertone P. Single cell transcriptome analysis of human, marmoset and mouse embryos reveals common and divergent features of preimplantation development. Development 2018; 145:145/21/dev167833. [PMID: 30413530 PMCID: PMC6240320 DOI: 10.1242/dev.167833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mouse embryo is the canonical model for mammalian preimplantation development. Recent advances in single cell profiling allow detailed analysis of embryogenesis in other eutherian species, including human, to distinguish conserved from divergent regulatory programs and signalling pathways in the rodent paradigm. Here, we identify and compare transcriptional features of human, marmoset and mouse embryos by single cell RNA-seq. Zygotic genome activation correlates with the presence of polycomb repressive complexes in all three species, while ribosome biogenesis emerges as a predominant attribute in primate embryos, supporting prolonged translation of maternally deposited RNAs. We find that transposable element expression signatures are species, stage and lineage specific. The pluripotency network in the primate epiblast lacks certain regulators that are operative in mouse, but encompasses WNT components and genes associated with trophoblast specification. Sequential activation of GATA6, SOX17 and GATA4 markers of primitive endoderm identity is conserved in primates. Unexpectedly, OTX2 is also associated with primitive endoderm specification in human and non-human primate blastocysts. Our cross-species analysis demarcates both conserved and primate-specific features of preimplantation development, and underscores the molecular adaptability of early mammalian embryogenesis. Highlighted Article: Analysis of stage-matched, single-cell gene expression data from three mammalian species reveals conserved and primate-specific regulation of early embryogenesis and lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Boroviak
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Giuliano G Stirparo
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | | | - Hisham Mohammed
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Department of Applied Developmental Biology, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Paul Bertone
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
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11
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Bogutz AB, Oh-McGinnis R, Jacob KJ, Ho-Lau R, Gu T, Gertsenstein M, Nagy A, Lefebvre L. Transcription factor ASCL2 is required for development of the glycogen trophoblast cell lineage. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007587. [PMID: 30096149 PMCID: PMC6105033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor ASCL2 plays essential roles in diploid multipotent trophoblast progenitors, intestinal stem cells, follicular T-helper cells, as well as during epidermal development and myogenesis. During early development, Ascl2 expression is regulated by genomic imprinting and only the maternally inherited allele is transcriptionally active in trophoblast. The paternal allele-specific silencing of Ascl2 requires expression of the long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 in cis and the deposition of repressive histone marks. Here we show that Del7AI, a 280-kb deletion allele neighboring Ascl2, interferes with this process in cis and leads to a partial loss of silencing at Ascl2. Genetic rescue experiments show that the low level of Ascl2 expression from the paternal Del7AI allele can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with maternally inherited Ascl2 mutations, in a level-dependent manner. Despite their ability to support development to term, the rescued placentae have a pronounced phenotype characterized by severe hypoplasia of the junctional zone, expansion of the parietal trophoblast giant cell layer, and complete absence of invasive glycogen trophoblast cells. Transcriptome analysis of ectoplacental cones at E7.5 and differentiation assays of Ascl2 mutant trophoblast stem cells show that ASCL2 is required for the emergence or early maintenance of glycogen trophoblast cells during development. Our work identifies a new cis-acting mutation interfering with Kcnq1ot1 silencing function and establishes a novel critical developmental role for the transcription factor ASCL2. By controlling precise networks of target genes, transcription factors play important roles in cell fate determination during development. The Ascl2 gene codes for a transcription factor essential for the maintenance of progenitor cell populations able to differentiate into specialized cell types in the intestine and in the extra-embryonic trophoblast lineage. The trophoblast is an essential component of the placenta, an organ required for development of the embryo in placental mammals. Ascl2 belongs to a group of unusual genes, called imprinted genes, which are expressed from only a single parental copy. Ascl2 is only expressed from the maternally inherited copy in the trophoblast, the paternal copy being kept silent. Here, we describe an engineered deletion neighboring Ascl2 that interferes with the complete silencing of the paternal copy of the gene. We show that the low amount of ASCL2 produced from this deletion can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with non-functional maternal copies of Ascl2. Although the rescued embryos can often survive to term, their placenta is highly disorganized and lacks members of a specific cell lineage, the trophoblast glycogen cells. By analyzing the transcriptional profile of mutant trophoblast progenitors in vivo and of differentiated trophoblast stem cells, we show that ASCL2 plays a very early role in the formation of this cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Bogutz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rosemary Oh-McGinnis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen J. Jacob
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rita Ho-Lau
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Gu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina Gertsenstein
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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12
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Kühnel E, Kleff V, Stojanovska V, Kaiser S, Waldschütz R, Herse F, Plösch T, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Placental-Specific Overexpression of sFlt-1 Alters Trophoblast Differentiation and Nutrient Transporter Expression in an IUGR Mouse Model. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:1316-1329. [PMID: 27859593 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since it is known that placental overexpression of the human anti-angiogenic molecule sFlt-1, the main candidate in the progression of preeclampsia, lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in mice by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts, we hypothesize that sFlt-1 influence placental morphology and physiology resulting in fetal IUGR. We therefore examined the effect of sFlt-1 on placental morphology and physiology at embryonic day 18.5 with histologic and morphometric analyses, transcript analyses, immunoblotting, and methylation studies. Interestingly, placental overexpression of sFlt-1 leads to IUGR in the fetus and results in lower placental weights. Moreover, we observed altered trophoblast differentiation with reduced expression of IGF2, resulting in a smaller placenta, a smaller labyrinth, and the loss of glycogen cells in the junctional zone. Changes in IGF2 are accompanied by small changes in its DNA methylation, whereas overall DNA methylation is unaffected. In addition, the expression of placental nutrient transporters, such as the glucose diffusion channel Cx26, is decreased. In contrast, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 and the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 is significantly increased. In conclusion, placental sFlt-1 overexpression resulted in a reduction in the differentiation of the spongiotrophoblast into glycogen cells. These findings of a reduced exchange area of the labyrinth and glycogen stores, as well as decreased expression of glucose transporter, could contribute to the intrauterine growth restriction phenotype. All of these factors change the intrauterine availability of nutrients. Thus, we speculate that the alterations triggered by increased anti-angiogenesis strongly affect fetal outcome and programming. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1316-1329, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Veronika Kleff
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ralph Waldschütz
- Central Animal Laboratory, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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13
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Sharma N, Kubaczka C, Kaiser S, Nettersheim D, Mughal SS, Riesenberg S, Hölzel M, Winterhager E, Schorle H. Tpbpa mediated deletion of Tfap2c leads to deregulation of MAPK, P21, AKT and subsequent placental growth arrest. Development 2016; 143:787-98. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.128553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Loss of Tfap2c leads to developmental defects in the extra-embryonic compartment with embryonic lethality at E7.5. To investigate requirement of Tfap2c in later placental development, deletion of Tfap2c was induced throughout extra-embryonic ectoderm at E6.5 leading to severe placental abnormalities caused by reduced trophoblast population resulting in embryonic retardation by E8.5. Deletion of Tfap2c in Tpbpa+ progenitors at E8.5 results in growth arrest of junctional zone. TFAP2C regulates its target genes p21/Cdkn1a and Dusp6, involved in repression of MAPK signaling. Loss of TFAP2C reduces activation of ERK1/2 in the placenta. Downregulation of Akt and reduced activation of pAKT in the mutant placenta are accompanied by impaired glycogen synthesis. Loss of Tfap2c led to upregulation of imprinted gene H19 and downregulation of Tex19.1 and Ascl2. The placental insufficiency post E16.5 causes fetal growth restriction with 19% lighter mutant pups. TFAP2C knockdown in human trophoblast choriocarcinoma JAr cells inhibited MAPK and AKT signaling. Thus, we present a model where Tfap2c in trophoblasts controls proliferation by repressing P21 and activating MAPK pathway and further supporting differentiation of glycogen cells via activating Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Caroline Kubaczka
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Sadaf S. Mughal
- Div. Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Riesenberg
- Unit of RNA Biology, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Unit of RNA Biology, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
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Schubert C. Protocol for Placental Precursors. Biol Reprod 2015. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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