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Cui L, Sun F, Xu Y, Li M, Chen L, Chen C, Qian J, Li D, Du M, Wang S. Tim-3 Coordinates Macrophage-Trophoblast Crosstalk via Angiogenic Growth Factors to Promote Pregnancy Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021538. [PMID: 36675047 PMCID: PMC9867110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) is an important checkpoint that induces maternal-fetal tolerance in pregnancy. Macrophages (Mφs) play essential roles in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance, remodeling spiral arteries, and regulating trophoblast biological behaviors. In the present study, the formation of the labyrinth zone showed striking defects in pregnant mice treated with Tim-3 neutralizing antibodies. The adoptive transfer of Tim-3+Mφs, rather than Tim-3-Mφs, reversed the murine placental dysplasia resulting from Mφ depletion. With the higher production of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs, including PDGF-AA, TGF-α, and VEGF), Tim-3+dMφs were more beneficial in promoting the invasion and tube formation ability of trophoblasts. The blockade of AGFs in Tim-3+Mφs led to the narrowing of the labyrinthine layer of the placenta, compromising maternal-fetal tolerance, and increasing the risk of fetal loss. Meanwhile, the AGFs-treated Tim-3-Mφs could resolve the placental dysplasia and fetal loss resulting from Mφ depletion. These findings emphasized the vital roles of Tim-3 in coordinating Mφs-extravillous trophoblasts interaction via AGFs to promote pregnancy maintenance and in extending the role of checkpoint signaling in placental development. The results obtained in our study also firmly demonstrated that careful consideration of reproductive safety should be taken when selecting immune checkpoint and AGF blockade therapies in real-world clinical care.
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Platelet-derived growth factor-AA promotes placental choriocarcinoma JAR cell proliferation via primary cilia. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:299-305. [PMID: 35361391 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During early pregnancy, the proliferation placental cells is crucial for proper implantation and formation of maternal-fetal circulation. Platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) has been detected in placenta during early pregnancy; however, the role of PDGF-AA in placental cell growth has not been studied extensively. Primary cilium, a centrosome-based cellular protrusion, is an signaling hub for regulating development and differentiation. Importantly, the receptor of PDGF-AA (Pdgfr-α) is detected in the primary cilium and primary cilia-mediated PDGF-AA signaling regulates development and differentiation. Here we would like to investigate whether PDGF-AA regulates placental cell growth and whether primary cilia play roles in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human placental choriocarcinoma JAR cells were treated with PDGF-AA followed by examining cell growth. Primary cilia and subcellular localization of Pdgfr-α were observed by immunofluorescence staining. Manipulation of primary cilia was performed by treating cells with roscovitine or by transfecting cells with siRNA against IFT88. RESULTS Here we showed that PDGF-AA induced JAR cell proliferation. In addition, JAR cells grew primary cilia where Pdgfr-α was detected. More importantly, pharmacological inhibition of primary cilia formation or depletion of cilia-related gene, IFT88, alleviated PDGF-AA induced JAR cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Thus, our study show that PDGF-AA facilitates human placental choriocarcinomaJARcell growth via primary cilia.
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Govindasamy N, Long H, Jeong HW, Raman R, Özcifci B, Probst S, Arnold SJ, Riehemann K, Ranga A, Adams RH, Trappmann B, Bedzhov I. 3D biomimetic platform reveals the first interactions of the embryo and the maternal blood vessels. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3276-3287.e8. [PMID: 34741805 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The process of implantation and the cellular interactions at the embryo-maternal interface are intrinsically difficult to analyze, as the implanting embryo is concealed by the uterine tissues. Therefore, the mechanisms mediating the interconnection of the embryo and the mother are poorly understood. Here, we established a 3D biomimetic culture environment that harbors the key features of the murine implantation niche. This culture system enabled direct analysis of trophoblast invasion and revealed the first embryonic interactions with the maternal vasculature. We found that implantation is mediated by the collective migration of penetrating strands of trophoblast giant cells, which acquire the expression of vascular receptors, ligands, and adhesion molecules, assembling a network for communication with the maternal blood vessels. In particular, Pdgf signaling cues promote the establishment of the heterologous contacts. Together, the biomimetic platform and our findings thereof elucidate the hidden dynamics of the early interactions at the implantation site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraimathi Govindasamy
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ratish Raman
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Burak Özcifci
- Center for Nanotechnology (CeNTech) und Physikalisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Simone Probst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, and Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian J Arnold
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, and Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Riehemann
- Center for Nanotechnology (CeNTech) und Physikalisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Adrian Ranga
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and Morphogenesis, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Ivan Bedzhov
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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Gurner KH, Truong TT, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A combination of growth factors and cytokines alter preimplantation mouse embryo development, foetal development and gene expression profiles. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:953-970. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Within the maternal tract, the preimplantation embryo is exposed to an array of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines, most of which are absent from culture media used in clinical IVF. Whilst the addition of individual GFs and cytokines to embryo culture media can improve preimplantation mouse embryo development, there is a lack of evidence on the combined synergistic effects of GFs and cytokines on embryo development and further foetal growth. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a combined group of GFs and cytokines on mouse preimplantation embryo development and subsequent foetal development and gene expression profiles was investigated. Supplementation of embryo culture media with an optimised combination of GFs and cytokines (0.05 ng/ml vascular endothelial GF, 1 ng/ml platelet-derived GF, 0.13 ng/ml insulin-like GF 1, 0.026 ng/ml insulin-like GF 2 and 1 ng/ml granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) had no effect on embryo morphokinetics but significantly increased trophectoderm cell number (P = 0.0002) and total cell number (P = 0.024). Treatment with this combination of GFs and cytokines also significantly increased blastocyst outgrowth area (P < 0.05) and, following embryo transfer, increased foetal weight (P = 0.027), crown-rump length (P = 0.017) and overall morphological development (P = 0.027). RNA-seq analysis of in vitro derived foetuses identified concurrent alterations to the transcriptional profiles of liver and placental tissues compared with those developed in vivo, with greater changes observed in the GF and cytokine treated group. Together these data highlight the importance of balancing the actions of such factors for the regulation of normal development and emphasise the need for further studies investigating this prior to clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
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Synergistic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor on derivation of camel ( Camelus dromedarius) trophoblast stem cells. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:255-258. [PMID: 31218974 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize the derivation of trophectoderm from in vitro-produced camel embryos under feeder-free culture conditions using the basement membrane matrix Matrigel. Trophoblastic vesicles were obtained through mechanical microdissection of in vitro-produced camel (Camelus dromedarius) embryos. Supplementing the culture medium with 10 ng/ml of epidermal growth factor and 10 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor improved the attachment and subsequent outgrowths of cultured trophoblastic vesicles when compared with the control group and the groups supplemented individually with each growth factor. The expression levels of pluripotency genes octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), myelocytomatosis proto-oncogene (c-Myc) and anti-apoptotic gene B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) were increased in trophoblastic vesicles supplemented with both growth factors when compared with the control group. Conversely, both growth factors decreased the expression of apoptotic genes tumour protein p53 (p53) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first report describing the derivation of trophoblast stem cells from in vitro-produced camel embryos.
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Naseri F, Hosseini S, Ghaffari Novin M, Hosseini A, Heidari MH, Salehi M. Does blastomere removal alter the expression level of miR-Let7a and its target genes following mouse embryo biopsy? J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:9430-9436. [PMID: 30506995 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Embryo manipulations may cause the misexpression of various genes, most of which play critical roles in the regulation of implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of embryo biopsy on the expression of miR-Let-7a and its gene targets including ErbB4, Tgf-α, Itg-αv, Itg β3 on the implantation of mouse embryo. Embryos were produced by in vitro fertilization followed by blastomere biopsy at the eight-cell stage. The effects of blastomere removal on the expression of genes ErbB4, Tgf-α, Itg αv, Itg β3, and miR-Let-7a as well as the alteration of the blastocyst cell number were compared in both biopsied and non-biopsied groups. Finally, blastocyst attachment was assessed on culture dishes precoated with Fibronectin. The results revealed that there were no significant differences between the biopsied and non-biopsied embryos with reference to the blastocyst formation rates, the average inner cell mass, trophectoderm cell number, and percentage of attachment of blastocysts (P > 0.05). The expression of ErbB4, Itg-β3, Itg-αv, TGF-α transcripts, and miR-Let-7a in blastocysts biopsied embryos did not differ from the non-biopsied blastocysts (P > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the preimplantation embryo development and attachment of biopsied embryos in vitro is not adversely affected by one blastomere biopsy at the eight-cell stage embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Naseri
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Global, Survival, and Apoptotic Transcriptome during Mouse and Human Early Embryonic Development. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5895628. [PMID: 30515407 PMCID: PMC6236930 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5895628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Survival and cell death signals are crucial for mammalian embryo preimplantation development. However, the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation is still limited. Mouse studies are widely used to understand preimplantation embryo development, but extrapolation of these results to humans is questionable. Therefore, we wanted to analyse the global expression profiles during early mouse and human development with a special focus on genes involved in the regulation of the apoptotic and survival pathways. We used DNA microarray technology to analyse the global gene expression profiles of preimplantation human and mouse embryos (metaphase II oocytes, embryos at the embryonic genome activation stage, and blastocysts). Components of the major apoptotic and survival signalling pathways were expressed during early human and mouse embryonic development; however, most expression profiles were species-specific. Particularly, the expression of genes encoding components and regulators of the apoptotic machinery were extremely stable in mouse embryos at all analysed stages, while it was more stage-specific in human embryos. CASP3, CASP9, and AIF were the only apoptosis-related genes expressed in both species and at all studied stages. Moreover, numerous transcripts related to the apoptotic and survival pathway were reported for the first time such as CASP6 and IL1RAPL1 that were specific to MII oocytes; CASP2, ENDOG, and GFER to blastocysts in human. These findings open new perspectives for the characterization and understanding of the survival and apoptotic signalling pathways that control early human and mouse embryonic development.
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Takeuchi M, Seki M, Furukawa E, Takahashi A, Saito K, Kobayashi M, Ezoe K, Fukui E, Yoshizawa M, Matsumoto H. Improvement of implantation potential in mouse blastocysts derived from IVF by combined treatment with prolactin, epidermal growth factor and 4-hydroxyestradiol. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:557-570. [PMID: 28810691 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can supplementation of medium with prolactin (PRL), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2) prior to embryo transfer improve implantation potential in mouse blastocysts derived from IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Combined treatment with PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 improves mouse blastocyst implantation rates, while alone, each factor is ineffective. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Blastocyst dormancy during delayed implantation caused by ovariectomy is maintained by continued progesterone treatment in mice, and estrogen injection rapidly activates blastocysts to implantation-induced status in vivo. While the expression of many proteins is upregulated in implantation-induced blastocysts, selective proteolysis by proteasomes, such as estrogen receptor α (ESR1), occurs in implantation-induced blastocysts to achieve implantation-competent status. It is worth evaluating the proteins expressed during these periods to identify humoral factors that might improve the implantation potential of IVF-derived blastocysts because the poor quality of embryos obtained by IVF is one of the major causes of implantation failure. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Superovulated oocytes from ICR mice were fertilized with spermatozoa and then cultured in vitro in potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM) without phenol red (KSOM-P) for 90-96 h. Blastocysts were treated with PRL (10 or 20 mIU/mL), EGF (5 or 10 ng/mL) or 4-OH-E2 (1 or 10 nM) in KSOM-P for 24 h. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Levels of breast cancer 1 (BRCA1), EGF receptor (EGFR, also known as ERBB1), ERBB4, tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 (TINAGL1) and ESR1 protein were examined with immunohistochemical analysis using immunofluorescence methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy. For embryo transfer, six blastocysts were suspended in HEPES-buffered KSOM-P medium and transferred into the uteri of recipient mice on the morning of Day 4 (0900-1000 h) of pseudopregnancy (Day 1 = vaginal plug). The number of implantation sites was then recorded on Day 6 using the blue dye method. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 each promoted BRCA1 protein level in the trophectoderm (TE). While PRL treatment resulted in an increase in EGFR, EGF increased both EGFR and ERBB4 in the blastocyst TE. TINAGL1 in the TE was enhanced by 4-OH-E2, which also increased localization of this protein to the basement membrane. Treatment with PRL, EGF or 4-OH-E2 alone did not improve blastocyst implantation rates. Combined treatment with PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 resulted in increased levels of EGFR, ERBB4, TINAGL1 and BRCA1 in the TE, whereas ESR1 was not upregulated in the treated blastocysts. Furthermore, combined treatment with PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 improved blastocyst implantation rates versus control (P = 0.009). LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our studies were carried out in a mouse model, and the conclusions were drawn from limited results obtained from one species. Whether the increase in EGFR, ERBB4 and TINAGL1 protein in the TE improves implantation potential of blastocysts needs to be further studied experimentally by assessing other expressed proteins. The influence of combined supplementation in vitro of PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 on implantation also requires further examination and optimization in human blastocysts before it can be considered for clinical use in ART. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Enhanced implantation potential by combined treatment with PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 appears to result in the upregulation of at least two distinct mechanisms, namely signaling via EGF receptors and basement membrane formation during the peri-implantation period in mice. While PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 each promoted BRCA1 protein level in the TE, treatment with each alone did not improve blastocyst implantation. Therefore, BRCA1 protein appears to be unnecessary for the attachment reaction in blastocysts in mice Combined supplementation of PRL, EGF and 4-OH-E2 might also be of relevance for embryo transfer of human IVF-derived blastocysts for ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported in part by the JSPS KAKENHI [Grant numbers 22580316 and 25450390 (to H.M.)] and the Joint Research Project of Japan-U.S. Cooperative Science Program (to H.M.). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Misato Seki
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Etsuko Furukawa
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Akihito Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Kenji Ezoe
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Emiko Fukui
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan.,Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Midori Yoshizawa
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan.,Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan.,Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-Machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
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Development of an in vitro model to study uterine functions and early implantation using rat uterine explants. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 370:501-512. [PMID: 28956162 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to develop an in vitro model using rat uterine explants to explore complex uterine functions. Rat uterine explants (1-2 mm) were isolated, cultured and further characterized. Steroid hormone treatment of cultured explants showed that both Muc1 and Pr were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by E2. Areg was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by P4 and Igfbp1 was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by the combination of E2 and P4, although, in rat, Igfbp1 is E2-dependent. In vitro decidualization of cultured explants was induced and two potential markers of decidualization, Prl8a2 and Bmp2, were examined. Real-time quantitative PCR data revealed that both Prl8a2 and Bmp2 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in MPA- and db-cAMP-treated explants compared to the control group of explants. Then, an individual hatched blastocyst and cultured explant was placed in a 96-well (round-bottom U-shaped) plate. Co-culture results showed that stable attachments were observed after 48 h, where embryos were stably attached to the explants and could not be dislodged after mild shaking and/or pipetting. The rates of attachment of embryos to the explants were increased significantly in the P4-treated group (63.6%) compared to the control group (35.5%), after steroid hormone treatment. The rates of attachment were reduced significantly in the E2-treated group (0.0%), where no stable attachments were observed. Despite the necessity of comprehensive investigation, our results suggest that the cultured rat uterine explants can be a useful in vitro model to study uterine functions and early implantation.
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The effects of adipocytokines on the endocrino-metabolic features and obstetric outcome in pregnant obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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11
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Zeng F, Harris RC. Epidermal growth factor, from gene organization to bedside. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 28:2-11. [PMID: 24513230 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 1962, epidermal growth factor (EGF) was discovered by Dr. Stanley Cohen while studying nerve growth factor (NGF). It was soon recognized that EGF is the prototypical member of a family of peptide growth factors that activate the EGF receptors, and that the EGF/EGF receptor signaling pathway plays important roles in proliferation, differentiation and migration of a variety of cell types, especially in epithelial cells. After the basic characterization of EGF function in the first decade or so after its discovery, the studies related to EGF and its signaling pathway have extended to a broad range of investigations concerning its biological and pathophysiological roles in development and in human diseases. In this review, we briefly describe the gene organization and tissue distribution of EGF, with emphasis on its biological and pathological roles in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Zeng
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Raymond C Harris
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States.
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All-trans retinoic acid and basic fibroblast growth factor synergistically direct pluripotent human embryonic stem cells to extraembryonic lineages. Stem Cell Res 2012; 10:228-40. [PMID: 23314291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can be used to model the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie embryonic development. Understanding the cellular mechanisms and pathways involved in extraembryonic (ExE) differentiation is of great interest because of the important role of this process in maternal health and fertility. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is widely used to maintain the self-renewal of hESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells, while all trans retinoic acid (RA) is used to facilitate the directed differentiation of hESCs. Here, we monitored the RA induced differentiation of hESCs to the ExE lineage with and without FGF-2 over a 7-day period via global transcriptional profiling. The stemness markers POU5F1, NANOG and TDGF1 were markedly downregulated, whereas an upregulation of the ExE markers KRT7, CGA, DDAH2 and IGFBP3 was observed. Many of the differentially expressed genes were involved in WNT and TGF-β signaling. RA inactivated WNT signaling even in the presence of exogenous FGF-2, which that promotes the maintenance of the pluripotent state. We also show that BMP4 was upregulated and that RA was able to modulate the TGF-β signaling pathway and direct hESCs toward the ExE lineage. In addition, an epigenetic study revealed hypermethylation of the DDAH2, TDGF1 and GATA3 gene promoters, suggesting a role for epigenetic regulation during ExE differentiation. These data reveals that the effect of RA prevails in the presence of exogenous FGF-2 thus resulting in the direction of hESCs toward the ExE lineage.
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Arababadi MK, Aminzadeh F, Hassanshahi G, Khorramdelazad H, Norouzi M, Zarandi ER, Rezayati M, Kennedy D. Cytokines in Preterm Delivery. Lab Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1309/lmy9ilpgsetu2co0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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14
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Zhang D, Lv P, Zhang R, Luo Q, Ding G, Yin L, Li J, Xu G, Qu F, Sheng J, Huang H. A new model for embryo implantation: coculture of blastocysts and Ishikawa cells. Gynecol Endocrinol 2012; 28:288-92. [PMID: 22106944 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.631623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and develop a new in vitro implantation model that reflects the main process of embryo attachment and invasion. STUDY DESIGN One of the limitations in human embryo implantation research is lack of an available in vitro model that faithfully replicates human embryo-uterine interactions. In the present study, we examined the attachment and invasiveness of blastocysts from mice in Ishikawa cell (IK), a human endometrial cell, to clarify whether this new model is suitable to study implantation of embryos. We used IK and placed it in contact with blastocysts to initiate coculture experiments using a specifically designed medium. The culture medium was composed of Ham F-12/Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (1:1), 30% fetal calf serum, 63.5 nmol/L progesterone, 7.14 nmol/L estradiol-17β, 100 mg/ml of insulin, and 20 ng/ml epidermal growth factor. The culture for 24 h clearly demonstrated that embryos were capable of attachment to the IK and displayed partial invasion. RESULTS Our results showed that embryos attached to the IK and displayed partial invasion after coculture of blastocysts with IK for 48 h. CONCLUSIONS The model is capable of demonstrating the procedure of attachment and invasion of embryo into the endometrial cells and has promises to be used in studies related to early embryo implantation in human endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Gelber K, Tamura AN, Alarcon VB, Marikawa Y. A potential use of embryonic stem cell medium for the in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:659-68. [PMID: 21617931 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the impact of embryonic stem cell culture medium (ESCM) on the pre- and post-implantation development of the mouse embryo, as a mammalian model, in comparison with the conventional culture medium, a potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM). METHODS Development in ESCM versus KSOM was compared in terms of embryo morphology, cleavage, cavitation, hatching, cell number, expression of TE and ICM transcription factors (Cdx2 and Oct4, respectively), implantation, and development in utero. RESULTS An enriched medium like ESCM can be beneficial for in vitro embryo development when cultured from the 8-cell stage, as evidenced by promotion of blastocyst development with respect to cavity expansion, hatching, and cell division. Such benefits were not observed when embryos were cultured from the 2-cell stage. CONCLUSIONS ESCM may augment in vitro embryo development from the 8-cell stage. Using different culture media at different stages may be beneficial to achieve more effective human in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gelber
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
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16
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Ikeda K, Utoguchi N, Tsutsui H, Yamaue S, Homemoto M, Nakao E, Hukunaga Y, Yamasaki K, Myotoku M, Hirotani Y. In Vitro Approaches to Evaluate Placental Drug Transport by Using Differentiating JEG-3 Human Choriocarcinoma Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2010; 108:138-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2010.00634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Januário DANF, Perin PM, Maluf M, Lichtenfels AJ, Nascimento Saldiva PH. Biological effects and dose-response assessment of diesel exhaust particles on in vitro early embryo development in mice. Toxicol Sci 2010; 117:200-8. [PMID: 20525899 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased risk of early pregnancy loss in women briefly exposed to high levels of ambient particulate matter during the preconceptional period was recently observed. The effects of this exposure on early embryo development are unknown. This study was designed to assess the dose-response and biological effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on in vitro embryo development using the in vitro fertilization (IVF) mouse model. Zygotes obtained from superovulated mice after IVF were randomly cultured in different DEP concentrations (0, 0.2, 2, and 20 microg/cm(2)) for 5 days and observed for their capacity to attach and develop on a fibronectin matrix until day 8. Main outcome measures included blastocyst rates 96 and 120 h after insemination, hatching discriminatory score, total cell count, proportion of cell allocation to inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), ICM morphology, attachment rate and outgrowth area, apoptosis and necrosis rates, and Oct-4 and Cdx-2 expression. Multivariate analysis showed a negative dose-dependent effect on early embryo development and hatching process, blastocyst cell allocation, and ICM morphology. Although blastocyst attachment and outgrowth were not affected by DEP, a significant impairment of ICM integrity was observed in day 8 blastocysts. Cell death through apoptosis was significantly higher after DEP exposure. Oct-4 expression and the Oct-4/Cdx-2 ratio were significantly decreased in day 5 blastocysts irrespective of DEP concentration. Results suggest that DEP appear to play an important role in disrupting cell lineage segregation and ICM morphological integrity even at lower concentrations, compromising future growth and viability of the blastocyst.
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Yang Q, El-Sayed Y, Rosenberg-Hasson Y, Hirschberg DL, Nayak NR, Schilling J, Madan A. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Multiple Cytokine Profile in Plasma and Amniotic Fluid in a Mouse Model of Pre-Term Labor. Am J Reprod Immunol 2009; 62:339-47. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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19
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El-Hashash AHK, Warburton D, Kimber SJ. Genes and signals regulating murine trophoblast cell development. Mech Dev 2009; 127:1-20. [PMID: 19755154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2009] [Revised: 09/05/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental step in embryonic development is cell differentiation whereby highly specialised cell types are developed from a single undifferentiated, fertilised egg. One of the earliest lineages to form in the mammalian conceptus is the trophoblast, which contributes exclusively to the extraembryonic structures that form the placenta. Trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) in the rodent placenta form the outermost layer of the extraembryonic compartment, establish direct contact with maternal cells, and produce a number of pregnancy-specific cytokine hormones. Giant cells differentiate from proliferative trophoblasts as they exit the cell cycle and enter a genome-amplifying endocycle. Normal differentiation of secondary TGCs is a critical step toward the formation of the placenta and normal embryonic development. Trophoblast development is also of particular interest to the developmental biologist and immunobiologist, as these cells constitute the immediate cellular boundary between the embryonic and maternal tissues. Abnormalities in the development of secondary TGCs results in severe malfunction of the placenta. Herein we review new information that has been accumulated recently regarding the molecular and cellular regulation of trophoblast and placenta development. In particular, we discuss the molecular aspects of murine TGC differentiation. We also focus on the role of growth and transcription factors in TGC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H K El-Hashash
- Developmental Biology, Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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Zeyneloglu HB, Esinler I, Ozdemir BH, Haydardedeoglu B, Oktem M, Batioglu S. Immunohistochemical characteristics of intramural leiomyomata that enlarge during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2008; 65:252-7. [PMID: 18196908 DOI: 10.1159/000113049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Accepted: 07/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS This study aimed to determine the immunohistochemical characteristics of intramural leiomyomata that enlarged during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS For this retrospective case-control clinical study and immunohistochemical analysis, 5 patients with enlarged intramural leiomyomata during COH for IVF, who had undergone myomectomy immediately after a failed IVF cycle, were recruited retrospectively. Fifteen consecutive patients who had had myomectomy for intramural leiomyomata <5 cm, but had never undergone any infertility treatment, served as the control group. Histological examinations and immunohistochemical staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and fibronectin were performed on all specimens taken from the study and control groups. The main outcome measures were defined as histological and immunohistochemical scores. RESULTS Hematoxylin and eosin as well as PCNA staining showed increased mitotic index, cellularity and proliferation index in these growing leiomyomata (study group). There were neither increased mitoses nor cellularity in the leiomyomata of the control group, while PCNA, TGF-beta and fibronectin scores in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S) This study is the first to report increased TGF-beta, PCNA, cellularity and mitosis in leiomyomata enlarging during COH for IVF. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to determine the role of TGF-beta, PCNA and fibronectin in the growth of leiomyomata during COH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hulusi B Zeyneloglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.
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21
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Aflalo ED, Sod-Moriah UA, Potashnik G, Har-Vardi I. EGF increases expression and activity of PAs in preimplantation rat embryos and their implantation rate. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2007; 5:4. [PMID: 17261179 PMCID: PMC1794411 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-5-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryo implantation plays a major role in embryogenesis and the outcome of pregnancy. Plasminogen activators (PAs) have been implicated in mammalian fertilization, early stages of development and embryo implantation. As in-vitro developing embryos resulted in lower implantation rate than those developed in-vivo we assume that a reduced PAs activity may be involved. In the present work we studied the effect of EGF on PAs activity, quantity and embryo implantation. METHODS Zygotes were flushed from rat oviducts on day one of pregnancy and grown in-vitro in R1ECM supplemented with EGF (10 ng/ml) and were grown up to the blastocyst stage. The control groups were grown in the same medium without EGF. The distribution and quantity of the PAs were examined using fluorescence immunohistochemistry followed by measurement of PAs activity using the chromogenic assay. Implantation rate was studied using the embryo donation model. RESULTS PAs distribution in the embryos was the same in EGF treated and untreated embryos. Both PAs were localized in the blastocysts' trophectoderm, supporting the assumption that PAs play a role in the implantation process in rats.EGF increased the quantity of uPA at all stages studied but the 8-cell stage as compared with controls. The tissue type PA (tPA) content was unaffected except the 8-cell stage, which was increased. The activity of uPA increased gradually towards the blastocyst stage and more so due to the presence of EGF. The activity of tPA did not vary with the advancing developmental stages although it was also increased by EGF. The presence of EGF during the preimplantation development doubled the rate of implantation of the treated group as compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Uriel A Sod-Moriah
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gad Potashnik
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
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Bedaiwy MA, Falcone T, Goldberg JM, Attaran M, Sharma R, Miller K, Nelson DR, Agarwal A. Relationship between cytokines and the embryotoxicity of hydrosalpingeal fluid. J Assist Reprod Genet 2005; 22:161-5. [PMID: 16021860 PMCID: PMC3455287 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-005-4913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The exact chemical composition of hydrosalpingeal fluid is unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize cytokines in hydrosalpingeal fluid (HSF) and examine their possible role in the embryo development. STUDY DESIGN HSF was aspirated at laparoscopic salpingectomy in eight infertile women. Levels of IL-1beta, IL-13, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the HSF were determined by quantitative immunoassay kits. Two-cell mouse embryos were incubated with 0, 25, 50 and 75% concentrations of HSF. The blastocyst development rate (BDR) of mouse embryos was measured at each HSF concentration. RESULT(S) The embryotoxicity of HSF was concentration dependent. An increase in the HSF concentration resulted in significant decrease in % BDR (p < 0.01). IL-1beta was present in six of the eight HSF samples with a mean (+/-SD) concentration of 0.9 +/- 0.8 pg/mL. IL-13 was not detected in any of the HSF samples. IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were detected in all samples with a mean (+/-SD) concentration of 4741.2 +/- 6554.4 pg/mL, 204.8+/-132.8 pg/ml and 12 +/- 12.8 pg/mL respectively. IL-6 was positively correlated with BDR (r = 0.53; p < 0.04). CONCLUSION(S) We demonstrated for the first time the presence of IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha and the absence of IL-13 in human hydrosalpingeal fluid. IL-6 was positively related to the BDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Center for Advanced Research in Human Reproduction, Infertility and Sexual Function, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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23
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Vercruysse L, Caluwaerts S, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. Interstitial trophoblast invasion in the decidua and mesometrial triangle during the last third of pregnancy in the rat. Placenta 2005; 27:22-33. [PMID: 16310034 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2004] [Revised: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 11/07/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Like other species with haemochorial placentation, pregnant rats show marked invasion of the uterine wall by trophoblast. While an endovascular pathway of invasion has been recognized for a long time, only recently, by application of cytokeratin immunostaining, the existence of an interstitial pathway of invasion has been established. Interstitial invasion is mainly effected by glycogen cell-like trophoblast arising from glycogen cell islands of the trophospongium opening up into the decidua, and from glycogen cell sheaths surrounding the intraplacental maternal arterial channels which are connected with the spiral arteries in decidua and mesometrial triangle. Quantitative evaluation of interstitial invasion in both maternal compartments was carried out on days 15-21, using PAS staining and cytokeratin and alpha-actin immunostaining for detecting trophoblast and defining maternal tissue compartments. Measurements of compartment size, cytokeratin-positive areas and invasion extent were performed using the KS400 image analysis system. A distinct pattern of interstitial trophoblast invasion emerged, starting from central decidual areas around the maternal arterial channels, and mushrooming into the mesometrial triangle reaching a peak at day 18, followed by gradual regression of the invaded areas. These measurements may serve as a basis for further experiments to evaluate factors which may influence the depth of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vercruysse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Tan Y, Tan D, He M, Gu M, Wang Z, Zeng G, Duan E. A model for implantation: coculture of blastocysts and uterine endometrium in mice. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:556-61. [PMID: 15537866 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.032821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the limitations in embryo implantation research is the lack of an available in vitro model that faithfully replicates embryo-uterine interactions. In previous studies, embryos were cultured on a monolayer of either uterine epithelial cells or extracellular matrix substratum on which embryos could adhere and outgrow. However, these models failed to display embryonic invasion, primarily because of the shortage of critical structural and molecular supports that are available in vivo. In the present study, we used intact mouse uterine endometrium collected on Day 4 of pregnancy and placed in contact with blastocysts to initiate coculture experiments in a defined medium at the air-liquid interface. The culture medium was composed of Ham F-12/Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (1:1), 30% fetal calf serum, 63.5 nmol/L of progesterone, 7.14 nmol/L of estradiol-17beta, 100 mug/ml of insulin, and 20 ng/ml of epidermal growth factor, whereas the incubation condition was mixed air of 50% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide, and 45% nitrogen with a humidity of greater than 90% at 37 degrees C. Our observations from 24 h of culture clearly demonstrated that embryos were capable of attachment to the uterine endometrium and displayed partial invasion into the endometrial stroma. Interestingly, no outgrowth of trophoblasts on the surface of uterine endometrium was seen, but embryos exhibited a pole-specific attachment. Overall, this model is capable of demonstrating a true invasion of embryo within the endometrial stroma and may be suitable in studies related to early embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Rasmussen TA, Ealy AD, Kubisch HM. Identification of bovine and novel interferon-? alleles in the American plains bison (bison bison) by analysis of hybrid cattle x bison blastocysts. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 70:228-34. [PMID: 15570611 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to generate bison x cattle hybrid embryos by in vitro fertilization, to assess their developmental potential, to determine the pattern of secretion of the embryonic signaling molecule interferon-tau (IFN-tau), and to identify novel IFN-tau mRNA polymorphism in the American plains bison. A total of 600 bovine oocytes were inseminated with frozen-thawed bison semen. Of these, 40.7% cleaved and 14.8% proceeded to the blastocyst stage. Individual blastocysts were cultured on a basement membrane (Matrigel) and their ability to attach and form outgrowths was monitored. A total of 36 blastocysts were cultured of which 22 formed outgrowths. During individual culture, medium samples were collected and their IFN-tau concentration was measured. On day 6 after onset of individual culture, attached outgrowths produced significantly more IFN-tau than unattached viable or degenerate blastocysts. At this time, female conceptuses also produced significantly more IFN-tau than their male cohorts. However, by day 12 this difference had disappeared. Total mRNA was extracted from three individual outgrowths and analyzed by RT-PCR. Subsequent sequencing of 28 clones showed several known bovine IFN-tau sequences as well as two novel sequences termed bisIFN-tau1 and 2. To determine the origin of these, DNA was extracted from bison semen and analyzed by PCR. One bovine IFN-tau sequence (bovIFN-tau1d) as well as bisIFN-tau2 and a third novel sequence bisIFN-tau3 were detected. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using hybrid embryos for the analysis of developmentally regulated gene expression in species where embryos may not be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri A Rasmussen
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA 70433, USA
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Cheung LP, Leung HY, Bongso A. Effect of supplementation of leukemia inhibitory factor and epidermal growth factor on murine embryonic development in vitro, implantation, and outcome of offspring. Fertil Steril 2003; 80 Suppl 2:727-35. [PMID: 14505746 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the supplementation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) in a single culture system (IVF50) and a sequential culture system (IVF50-S2) to determine whether they had any additional benefit on embryo development and implantation. DESIGN Prospective controlled animal study. SETTING University research laboratory. SUBJECT(S) Two-cell embryos from F1(CBA x C57BL) mice. INTERVENTION(S) Embryos were randomly cultured in different growth factor-treated or untreated in vitro systems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Blastocyst formation and morphology, total cell numbers of day 5 blastocysts, birth rates, and characteristics of the offspring. RESULT(S) The beneficial effects of LIF or EGF on blastocyst development and morphology were observed only in IVF50 medium but not in sequential IVF50-S2 media. In addition, blastocysts generated from the LIF-supplemented cultures had higher total cell numbers and higher total birth rates after transfer compared to those from IVF50 medium alone. No significant effect on fetal development was observed but pups born after treatment in LIF-supplemented sequential cultures had prolonged gestation and increased birth weights. CONCLUSION(S) The beneficial effects of LIF and EGF on in vitro blastocyst development are mainly seen under suboptimal culture conditions (simple medium only) and their effects are masked in an improved in vitro system (sequential culture media). Supplementation of culture media with such factors, however, is still an attractive approach in enhancing embryo viability through increased total cell numbers. The beneficial effect of LIF in improving implantation and subsequent increased birth rates should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Ping Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, SAR China, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Mishra A, Seshagiri PB. Heparin binding-epidermal growth factor improves blastocyst hatching and trophoblast outgrowth in the golden hamster. Reprod Biomed Online 2003; 1:87-95. [PMID: 12804187 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The effect of heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) on the in-vitro development of hamster 8-cell embryos was investigated. Supplementation of HB-EGF to culture medium accelerated zona escape of blastocysts (63 +/- 9% compared with 33 +/- 9% after 36 h; P < 0.05). Complete zona escape of blastocysts persisted even after 48 h (61 +/- 11% versus 30 +/- 4%) and 60 h (75 +/- 6% versus 42 +/- 8%). Addition of anti-HB-EGF antibody drastically reduced the percentage of zona escaped-blastocysts (30.0 +/- 5.0% versus 92.3 +/- 2.8%; P < 0.05). Interestingly, a significant increase in the area of trophoblast outgrowth occurred in the presence of HB-EGF (116 x 10(3) +/- 8 x 10(3) microm(2) versus 74 x 10(3) +/- 8 x 10(3) microm(2) at 48 h; P < 0.05). This, however, was not due to an increased number of trophectodermal cells in HB-EGF-treated blastocysts. Immunoreactive HB-EGF was localized in blastocysts and uterine sections, visible by intense immunostaining in the luminal epithelium, particularly on the apical surface. Moreover, the expression of HB-EGF in the uterus was maximum on day 4 of pregnancy, coinciding with the timing of zona escape and implantation. The receptor of HB-EGF, viz. EGF receptor was also detected in blastocysts and the luminal epithelium of day 4 pregnant uterus. These results show that HB-EGF improves blastocyst hatching and trophoblast outgrowth in hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mishra
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
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Kubisch HM, Rasmussen TA, Johnson KM. Interferon-tau in bovine blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation of oocytes: pattern of secretion and polymorphism in expressed mRNA sequences. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:79-85. [PMID: 12420302 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A series of experiments were conducted to examine the pattern of production and secretion of interferon-tau (IFN-tau) by blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation of bovine oocytes. In the first experiment, 36.8, 24.1, and 33.2% of IVF-derived and parthenogenetically activated oocytes cultured in the presence or absence of a monolayer of buffalo rat liver cells, respectively, reached the blastocyst stage. Following individual culture of blastocysts, IFN-tau concentration in medium droplets was similar among the three groups, although IVF-derived blastocysts contained significantly more cells. In the second experiment, 156 IVF-derived blastocysts were sexed by PCR with 75 and 81, respectively, being male and female. IFN-tau secretion of these was compared to that of 70 parthenogenetic blastocysts. Female and parthenogenetic blastocysts produced significantly more IFN-tau than their male counterparts. In the third experiment, the ability of hatched blastocysts to form outgrowths and the pattern of their IFN-tau secretion were examined. Of the 48 IVF-derived blastocysts, 44 formed outgrowths compared to 41 of the 42 hatched parthenotes. Parthenogenetic outgrowths were significantly larger after 7 days, but this difference had disappeared after 14 days. IFN-tau secretion did not differ between the two groups. Lastly, sequence analyses of expressed mRNA from individual parthenogenetic blastocyst outgrowths showed four different transcript types which, based on their predicted amino acid sequence, belong to two subgroups, IFN-tau1 and IFN-tau3. In addition, one new transcript sequence was identified, encoding a new protein isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Michael Kubisch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana 70435, USA.
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Kim JH, Hong SH, Nah HY, Lee JY, Chae HD, Kim CH, Kang BM, Bae IH. Influence of transforming growth factor-alpha on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and epidermal growth factor receptor gene in the mouse blastocysts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2002; 19:232-9. [PMID: 12099554 PMCID: PMC3468233 DOI: 10.1023/a:1015310919415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was carried out to investigate the influence of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) on the expression of mRNA for matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in mouse blastocysts and the effect on the production and activation of MMP-2 and MMP- 9 during blastocyst outgrowth. METHODS Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured for 96 h in the presence or absence of various concentrations of TGF-alpha. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of mRNA for MMP-2, MMP-9, and EGFR in in vitro cultured blastocysts. To investigate the effect on the production and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 during blastocyst outgrowth, the conditioned medium collected after 3 and 5 days of embryo culture were assayed for MMP activity by gelatin zymography. RESULTS The relative mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in blastocysts treated with TGF-alpha were higher than that of the control in a concentration-dependent manner. The relative mRNA level of EGFR in blastocysts treated with TGF-alpha was higher than that of the control. In conditioned medium collected after 3 days of embryo culture, TGF-alpha induced the gelatinase activities of proMMP-9 in all groups and activated MMP-2 in the 10 and 100 ng/mL TGF-alpha treated groups. In conditioned medium collected after 5 days, TGF-alpha induced the gelatinase activities of proMMP-9 in all groups and activated MMP-9 in the TGF-alpha treated group. TGF-alpha also induced the gelatinase activities of activated MMP-2 in the 1 and 10 ng/mL TGF-alpha treated groups and the control. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the addition of TGF-alpha to in vitro culture medium is proper to create a favorable environment for preimplantation embryo development and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, 249-1 3ka Dongsun-dong, Seongbuk-ku, Seoul, 136-742 South Korea
| | - Seok Ho Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Young Nah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Yun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Dong Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byung Moon Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In Ha Bae
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, 249-1 3ka Dongsun-dong, Seongbuk-ku, Seoul, 136-742 South Korea
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Díaz-Cueto L, Gerton GL. The influence of growth factors on the development of preimplantation mammalian embryos. Arch Med Res 2001; 32:619-26. [PMID: 11750739 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-4409(01)00326-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of the preimplantation mammalian embryo from a fertilized egg to a blastocyst capable of implanting in the uterus is a complex process. Cell division must be carefully programmed. The embryonic genome must be activated at the appropriate stage of development, and the pattern of gene expression must be carefully coordinated for the initiation of the correct program of differentiation. Cell fates must be chosen to establish specific cell types such as the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm, which give rise to the embryo proper and the placenta, respectively. This review summarizes recent findings concerning the influence of growth factors on the development of preimplantation mammalian embryos. Maternal factors secreted into the lumen of the female reproductive tract as well as substances synthesized by the developing embryo itself help to regulate this process. Studies of embryos in culture and investigations using homologous recombination to create embryos and animals null for specific genes have enabled the identification of several growth factors that appear essential for preimplantation mammalian embryo development. Some of the factors are required maternal factors; others are embryo-derived autocrine and paracrine factors. Studies using molecular biology are beginning to identify differences in the patterns of genes expressed by naturally derived embryos and those developing in culture. The knowledge gained from studies on growth factors, media, embryonic development, and gene expression should help improve culture conditions for embryos and will provide for safer outcomes from assisted reproductive procedures in human and animal clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Díaz-Cueto
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Leunda-Casi A, de Hertogh R, Pampfer S. Control of trophectoderm differentiation by inner cell mass-derived fibroblast growth factor-4 in mouse blastocysts and corrective effect of FGF-4 on high glucose-induced trophoblast disruption. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:38-46. [PMID: 11550266 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) may be a paracrine signal used by inner cell mass (ICM) cells to maintain adjacent trophectoderm (TE) cells in an undifferentiated state. In the present work, immunocytochemical analysis of mouse blastocysts confirmed that FGF-4 was predominantly detected in the ICM before and after spreading over a fibronectin-coated culture substrate. Addition of human recombinant FGF-4 did not influence morphological progression, cell allocation and proliferation in ICM and TE lineages or mitosis and karyorhexis frequencies during blastocyst expansion. Addition of FGF-4 to outgrowing blastocysts, in contrast, induced a significant decrease in the surface of the trophoblast outgrowths formed by the TE cells and in the proportion of giant trophoblasts per outgrowth. The fact that blastocysts display excessive trophoblast expansion and spreading over their culture substrate upon pre-exposure to high concentrations of glucose in vitro was used to further assess the regulatory effect of FGF-4. Addition of FGF-4 was indeed found to fully neutralize the disruptive impact of high glucose on trophoblast outgrowths. Altogether, our data indicate that ICM-derived FGF-4 participates actively in the regulation of trophoblast development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leunda-Casi
- OBST 5330 Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain School of Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
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32
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Kubisch HM, Larson MA, Kiesling DO. Control of interferon-tau secretion by in vitro-derived bovine blastocysts during extended culture and outgrowth formation. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 58:390-7. [PMID: 11241775 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(20010401)58:4<390::aid-mrd6>3.0.co;2-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of experiments was conducted to examine the pattern of interferon-tau (IFN-tau) secretion by bovine blastocysts during extended culture in vitro. In the first experiment, blastocysts were cultured individually for three 48-hour periods. The day of blastocyst formation affected how much IFN-tau was produced during the first two culture periods, but not during the third period. The overall secretion of IFN-tau during the 6-day period increased significantly and well beyond what could be accounted for by the concomitant increase in cell numbers. In the second experiment, blastocysts were initially cultured in individual droplets for 48 hr, then plated into 48-well plates. Medium concentrations of IFN-tau were determined after 48 hr and again after 6 and 12 days of culture. Initial IFN-tau secretion did not affect the ability to form outgrowths or their final size, and initial differences in secretion between groups of blastocysts had disappeared by the second and third analyses. In the third experiment, blastocysts were cultured individually for 48 hr in droplets containing the medium that had been flushed through the uteri of non-pregnant sheep on days 10, 12, and 15 of the estrous cycle. Culture in the medium obtained from the Day 15 flush significantly increased the number of cells that blastocysts contained, as well as IFN-tau secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Kubisch
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
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Abstract
Implantation is a highly co-ordinated event that involves both embryonic and endometrial participation. The endometrium expresses a sophisticated repertoire of proteins during the menstrual cycle many of which help to define a period of receptivity collectively known as the 'window of implantation'. Many of these factors, which are temporally aligned with this window, are now seen as chemical messengers that are recognized by the embryo and facilitate embryonic growth and differentiation. The use of such proteins as biomarkers has also advanced our understanding of the implantation process and may identify women with implantation failure and infertility. While the study of endometrial receptivity is still evolving, the field is growing rapidly and will probably enhance our ability to diagnose and treat couples with infertility, especially in the arena of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, USA
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Tamada H, Yoh C, Inaba T, Takano H, Kawate N, Sawada T. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the goat uterus: immunohistochemical localization of EGF and EGF receptor and effect of EGF on uterine activity in vivo. Theriogenology 2000; 54:159-69. [PMID: 10990357 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(00)00334-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the distribution of immunoreactive epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGF-R) in the uterus and the effects of EGF on uterine activity in goats. Immunohistochemistry of EGF and EGF-R in the uteri showed distinct staining in the luminal and glandular epithelium and slight to moderate staining in the stromal and myometrial cells. To examine possible roles of the EGF system in the regulation of uterine activity, pressure changes in the intrauterine balloon were determined after intraluminal infusion of EGF into the uterine horn. Either at estrus or diestrus (9 to 14 days after the first day of estrus), treatment with 1 or 5 microg of EGF gradually reduced uterine activity, whereas infusion of the vehicle alone had no effect. The maximum reduction in uterine activity was seen 4 h after the treatment with 1 microg of EGF (40% to 45% reduction in the area surrounded by the contraction curve and its baseline), and the activity slowly returned thereafter. These results suggest that EGF in the uterus may play a role in regulating uterine activity in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tamada
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
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Slater M, Barden JA, Murphy CR. Changes in growth factor expression in the ageing prostate may disrupt epithelial-stromal homeostasis. THE HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2000; 32:357-64. [PMID: 10943850 DOI: 10.1023/a:1004065630631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The alterations in expression of six growth factors known to be regulators of prostatic function have been examined in the ventral lobe of prostates from young adult (14 week) and ageing (1.5 year) Wistar rats. The selected growth factors were transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta1), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The extracellular matrix growth co-factor thrombospondin (TSP) was also examined. Our study demonstrated a 2.9-fold up-regulation of TGFbeta1 (p < 0.0001), a 2.0-fold increase in FGF2 (p < 0.0002), an 8.3-fold increase in IGF-II (p < 0.0007) and a 5.4-fold increase in EGF (p < 0.0001) in ageing compared to adult prostate tissue. Conversely, we observed a 2.7-fold down-regulation of IGF-I (p < 0.0005), a 1.7-fold decrease in PDGF (p < 0.0097) and a 5.8-fold decrease in TSP (p < 0.0079) in ageing rat prostate tissue. The observed alterations in growth factor expression in this study may be the result or cause of, an imbalance in the proliferative-apoptotic balance during ageing. This imbalance may explain the increase in epithelial proliferation that is characteristic of the normal ageing prostate. As in other systems it seems likely that these factors work synergistically rather than in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slater
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Anatomy and Histology The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Wang J, Mayernik L, Schultz JF, Armant DR. Acceleration of trophoblast differentiation by heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is dependent on the stage-specific activation of calcium influx by ErbB receptors in developing mouse blastocysts. Development 2000; 127:33-44. [PMID: 10654598 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is expressed in the mouse endometrial epithelium during implantation exclusively at sites apposed to embryos and accelerates the development of cultured blastocysts, suggesting that it may regulate peri-implantation development in utero. We have examined the influence of HB-EGF on mouse trophoblast differentiation in vitro and the associated intracellular signaling pathways. HB-EGF both induced intracellular Ca2+ signaling and accelerated trophoblast development to an adhesion-competent stage, but only late on gestation day 4 after ErbB4, a receptor for HB-EGF, translocated from the cytoplasm to the apical surface of trophoblast cells. The acceleration of blastocyst differentiation by HB-EGF was attenuated after inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activity or removal of surface heparan sulfate, as expected. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ blocked the ability of HB-EGF to accelerate development, as did inhibitors of protein kinase C or calmodulin. The absence of any effect by a phospholipase C inhibitor and the requirement for extracellular Ca2+ suggested that the accrued free cytoplasmic Ca2+ did not originate from inositol phosphate-sensitive intracellular stores, but through Ca2+ influx. Indeed, N-type Ca2+ channel blockers specifically inhibited the ability of HB-EGF to both induce Ca2+ signaling and accelerate trophoblast development. We conclude that HB-EGF accelerates the differentiation of trophoblast cells to an adhesion-competent stage by inducing Ca2+ influx, which activates calmodulin and protein kinase C. An upstream role for ErbB4 in this pathway is implicated by the timing of its translocation to the trophoblast surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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37
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Slater M, Murphy CR. Differential expression of insulin-like growth factors in the uterine epithelium and extracellular matrix during early pregnancy. Matrix Biol 1999; 18:579-84. [PMID: 10607919 DOI: 10.1016/s0945-053x(99)00051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the simultaneous expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in the uterine epithelium and extracellular matrix during the time of trophoblast attachment and implantation. These studies reveal that IGF-I and IGF-II display different spatial and temporal patterns of expression during early pregnancy, and suggest a role for them in the process of attachment and implantation. Specifically, IGF-I is strongly expressed in the basal lamina which is the site of trophoblast invasion into the maternal stroma, and also in the apical epithelium, the site of initial trophoblast attachment. IGF-II is expressed to a lesser extent in the basal lamina, lateral plasma membranes and apical epithelium on day 3 but is only prominent apically at the time of implantation, suggesting a role in attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slater
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Anderson Stuart Building F13, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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38
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Abstract
The mitogen-regulated protein/proliferin (mrp/plf) genes encode closely related proteins that stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) increases mrp/plf mRNA and protein production by 3T3 cells. Although the three cloned mrp/plf gene promoters are over 97% identical, only mrp3 is transcriptionally activated by bFGF. A series of truncated mrp3 promoter sequences were tested to determine the minimal promoter sequence necessary for bFGF-responsive transcription. Within the minimal bFGF-responsive mrp3 promoter fragment, a putative FGF-regulatory element (FRE) was identified. Nuclear factors that bind the FRE are present in 3T3 cells. When present upstream of a thymidine kinase basal promoter, the FRE exhibits high transcriptional activity and responds to bFGF. Thus, the FRE is a strong transcriptional element that is regulated by bFGF and that may participate in regulating the mrp3 gene and perhaps other FGF-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Mohideen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Molecular, Cellular, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA
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Tamada H, Higashiyama C, Takano H, Kawate N, Inaba T, Sawada T. The effects of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor on preimplantation-embryo development and implantation in the rat. Life Sci 1999; 64:1967-73. [PMID: 10374922 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(99)00128-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) on preimplantation-embryo development and initiation of implantation in the rat. In vitro studies showed that HB-EGF improved the development of 8-cell embryos to the blastocyst stage in a concentration-dependent manner, and the growth factor had no effect on the cell number of the blastocyst developed. Intraluminal injection of an anti-HB-EGF antiserum into the uterine horns at 0600 h on day 5 of pregnancy decreased the number of implantation sites (blue dye reaction) at 0200 h on day 6. Intraluminal injection of 20 microl of HB-EGF solution (10 or 100 ng/ml) into each uterine horn induced implantation in about half of the ovariectomized progesterone-treated delayed implanting rats, and the number of implantation sites per rat increased dose-dependently. These results suggest that HB-EGF is involved in the preimplantation-embryo development and initiation of implantation in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tamada
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Agriculture, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan.
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40
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Slater M, Murphy CR. Temporal changes in the expression of platelet-derived growth factor and fibronectin in the uterine epithelium during early pregnancy. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 1999; 255:1-6. [PMID: 10321987 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0185(19990501)255:1<1::aid-ar1>3.0.co;2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In rat uterine epithelium, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibronectin (FN) display changes in temporal expression during implantation. PDGF was expressed in the apical epithelium on Day 3, apically, laterally and basally at the time of implantation on Day 6 but was not expressed on Day 7. FN expression was not seen until Day 6, when it was expressed only in the basement membrane. However, this label was markedly increased in the basement membrane on Day 7. We suggest that fibronectin may be upregulated by PDGF in preparation for invasion of the basement membrane by stromal decidual cells and the subsequent attachment of the trophoblast to the maternal extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slater
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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41
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Slater M, Murphy CR. Premature implantation may be prevented by an inhibitory system regulated by epidermal growth factor. Acta Histochem 1999; 101:121-6. [PMID: 10335356 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-1281(99)80012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Using immunohistochemical methods at both light and electron microscopical levels, we have studied epidermal growth factor in the uterine epithelium during early pregnancy and up to the time of blastocyst implantation. We report that the distribution of this growth factor changed markedly over the period of study and that it was gradually de-expressed across the entire uterine epithelium as pregnancy advanced towards the time of implantation. At the electron microscopical level, immunogold labelling clearly showed label associated with both lateral and basal plasma membranes very early in pregnancy but not by the time of implantation. We suggest that the de-expression of this molecule may indicate its role in the removal of mechanisms which inhibit uterine receptivity for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slater
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kim CH, Chae HD, Cheon YP, Kang BM, Chang YS, Mok JE. The effect of epidermal growth factor on the preimplantation development, implantation and its receptor expression in mouse embryos. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 1999; 25:87-93. [PMID: 10379122 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.1999.tb01128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on preimplantation development, implantation, and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) itself in mouse embryos. MATERIALS AND METHOD Eight-cell stage mouse embryos were cultured for 48 hours with EGF at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 ng/ml. Embryos not treated with EGF were served as control. The percentages of embryos which developed to the expanded, hatched blastocyst stage and in vitro implantation at 48 hours were determined. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to examine the expression of EGFR in developed hatched blastocysts. Following reverse transcription, strategically designed nested primers, optimized for specificity, were used for amplification from the cDNA equivalent of a single embryo. The products were then verified by restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis. Results were analyzed with chi 2 test and Student's t-test as appropriate, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS The percentages of fully expanded blastocysts at 48 hours in all the EGF treated group were not significantly different from the control. The percentages of hatched blastocysts were significantly higher in the EGF treatment group at 0.1 ng/ml (90.5 +/- 9.8%) compared to the control (82.1 +/- 7.2%), 1.0 ng/ml (82.2 +/- 12.7%), and 100 mg/ml (81.9 +/- 11.8%) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). The percentages of hatched blastocysts were significantly higher in the EGF treatment group at 10 ng/ml (89.4 +/- 7.5%) compared to the control, and 100 ng/ml (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). The percentages of attached blastocysts in vitro were significantly higher following incubation with EGF at concentrations of 0.1 ng/ml (37.0 +/- 17.0%), 1.0 ng/ml (32.0 +/- 14.3%), 10 ng/ml (21.3 +/- 7.2%) compared to the control (9.5 +/- 7.7%) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). The attachment rates in 0.1 ng/ml and 1.0 ng/ml EGF treatment groups were also significantly higher than those in other EGF treatment groups. Embryo development and attachment were not significantly inhibited or enhanced in cultures supplemented with 100 ng/ml EGF compared to the control. The mRNA concentration of EGFR in embryos treated with 0.1 ng/ml of EGF was significantly higher than those of the control and other EGF treatment groups. CONCLUSION EGF may have a stimulatory role in later stage embryonic development, implantation and expression of EGFR in hatched blastocyst itself at the specific concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Nowak RA, Haimovici F, Biggers JD, Erbach GT. Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates mouse blastocyst outgrowth through a mechanism involving parathyroid hormone-related protein. Biol Reprod 1999; 60:85-93. [PMID: 9858490 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod60.1.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The goals of this study were 1) to compare the effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) on mouse blastocyst attachment and outgrowth in vitro, 2) to determine whether TGF-beta acts through a mechanism involving PTHrP, 3) to examine effects of PTHrP on preimplantation mouse embryo development, and 4) to determine the pattern of expression of PTHrP protein in the uterus of the mouse during early gestation. In the first set of experiments, hatched blastocysts were placed in fibronectin-coated wells. Cultures were treated with PTHrP or TGF-beta1 and assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h for attachment and surface area of blastocyst outgrowth. Results showed that both PTHrP and TGF-beta1 increased blastocyst outgrowth significantly. A PTHrP-neutralizing antibody blocked the stimulatory effect of both PTHrP and TGF-beta1, suggesting that TGF-beta1 acts to increase endogenous production of PTHrP by the blastocyst. Immunoassay of conditioned medium from blastocysts treated with either TGF-beta1 or PTHrP 1-34 confirmed a 3- to 4-fold increase in levels of PTHrP 1-141. In the second series of experiments, pronuclear zygotes were cultured in various concentrations of PTHrP for 96 h. Blastocysts then were subjected to differential fluorescent staining of inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells. Treatment of mouse embryos with the various concentrations of PTHrP altered neither the number developing to the blastocyst stage nor the number of inner cell mass or trophectoderm cells in the resulting blastocysts. In the third experiment, pregnant mice were killed at Days 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of gestation, and uterine horns were processed for immunohistochemistry. Uterine sections were stained with antibodies to PTHrP, desmin, and laminin. On Days 3, 4, and 5, uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells stained intensely for PTHrP, while stromal cells were negative. By Days 6 and 7, decidualized stromal cells stained positively for PTHrP, desmin, and laminin. These results support the hypothesis that TGF-beta and PTHrP play an important role in the process of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Nowak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Taniguchi F, Harada T, Yoshida S, Iwabe T, Onohara Y, Tanikawa M, Terakawa N. Paracrine effects of bFGF and KGF on the process of mouse blastocyst implantation. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 50:54-62. [PMID: 9547510 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199805)50:1<54::aid-mrd7>3.0.co;2-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is a complex process that requires the interaction of the blastocyst, and subsequently, that of the developing embryos with the endometrium. Several growth factors and cytokines are involved in implantation, but the details of their actions as related to the regulation of blastocyst implantation remain unclear. In the present study, the RT-PCR method was used to determine the gene expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2), and KGF receptor (KGFR) in mouse embryos and in the stromal and epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium. Basic FGF and KGF mRNA were expressed in the endometrial cells, but were not expressed in the embryos. The mRNAs of receptors for bFGF and KGF were expressed in the blastocysts and in the in vitro implanting embryos, suggesting that bFGF and KGF may exert paracrine effects on blastocyst implantation. In this mouse model of blastocyst implantation, it was found that transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) at the concentrations of 1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml significantly enhanced the blastocyst attachment and trophoblast spreading and increased trophoblast surface area. Relatively high concentrations of bFGF (100-500 ng/ml) significantly enhanced the rates of blastocyst attachment and of trophoblast spreading and promoted the expansion of the surface area of the implanting embryos. Unlike the rates of blastocyst attachment and trophoblast spreading, the surface area of the spreading embryos was significantly increased by addition of KGF (1-100 ng/ml). These results suggest that the bFGF and KGF derived from the endometrial cells exert paracrine effects on the process of implantation by stimulating trophoblast outgrowth through their cognate receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taniguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago, Japan
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Rout UK, Krawetz SA, Armant DR. Ethanol-induced intracellular calcium mobilization rapidly alters gene expression in the mouse blastocyst. Cell Calcium 1997; 22:463-74. [PMID: 9502196 DOI: 10.1016/s0143-4160(97)90074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The induction of intracellular Ca2+ release in pre-implantation mouse embryos accelerates their subsequent rate of development in vitro through a calmodulin-dependent mechanism [Stachecki J.J., Armant D.R. Transient release of calcium from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-specific stores regulates mouse pre-implantation development. Development 1996; 122: 2485-2496]. To examine the hypothesis that intracellular Ca2+ signaling alters embryonic gene expression, individual transcript levels were compared by mRNA differential display before and 1 h after intracellular Ca2+ mobilization with ethanol in mouse blastocysts. Ten up-regulated and four down-regulated genes were observed, representing 3.5% of approximately 400 transcripts that were resolved. After sequencing, most of the DNA fragments appeared to be novel; however, two amplicons that increased after Ca2+ mobilization were identified as arginase and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2). The up-regulation of arginase mRNA (3.5-fold after 2 h) was confirmed by reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction using specific oligonucleotide primers derived from the deduced mouse embryo sequence. A corresponding 2.5-fold increase in arginase enzymatic activity peaked 9 h after ethanol exposure. Increased expression of arginase and other genes may mediate the onset of rapid cell proliferation and differentiation that is induced by Ca2+ signaling during pre-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- U K Rout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Terada A, Minoura H, Toyoda N. Effects of epidermal growth factor on preimplantation mouse embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 1997; 14:404-11. [PMID: 9285326 PMCID: PMC3454775 DOI: 10.1007/bf02766149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on mouse preimplantation embryos. METHODS We examined the effect of EGF on two-cell and four-cell stage mouse embryos cultured in vitro. In preimplantation embryos, we analyzed the binding of 125I-EGF by autoradiography and EGF receptor mRNA by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS At more than 0.005 ng/ml, EGF relieved the two-cell block and regulated the differentiation of morula-stage embryos. These effects were negated by antiserum. EGF did not exhibit any marked effect on embryos between the four-cell and the morula stages. Specific binding for EGF and EGF receptor mRNA was detected during and after the morula stage. CONCLUSIONS The effects of EGF on preimplantation mouse embryos differed according to the stage of development, promoting cleavage before the four-cell stage and regulating differentiation after the morula stage. This regulatory action is thought to be transmitted to the cells via EGF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Japan
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Filla MS, Kaul KL. Relative expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in placental cytotrophoblasts and choriocarcinoma cell lines. Placenta 1997; 18:17-27. [PMID: 9032806 DOI: 10.1016/s0143-4004(97)90067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The role of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha)-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interactions in regulating benign and malignant trophoblast proliferation were examined. Benign cytotrophoblast (CT) demonstrated mitogenic stimulation in response to TGF-alpha; BeWo and JAr choriocarcinoma cell lines failed to respond. EGFR levels in BeWo and JAr were determined by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) to be at least 10-fold higher than those in benign CT. EGFR isolated from BeWo and JAr also demonstrated functional tyrosine kinase activity. Using a combination of immunoperoxidase (IP) and ELISA techniques, choriocarcinoma cells were found to produce significant quantities of TGF-alpha that were comparable with those reported previously by this laboratory for benign CT, and were felt to be stimulating their own proliferation in an autocrine fashion. EGFR blocking and TGF-alpha neutralizing antibodies inhibited JAr proliferation whereas an EGF neutralizing antibody did not. The data presented here and in our previous report indicate that a TGF-alpha-EGFR autocrine loop may regulate normal and malignant CT proliferation. Choriocarcinoma cells may be proliferating at a maximal rate due, in part, to EGFR overexpression and are therefore unable to respond further to exogenous growth factor. Thus, EGFR overexpression may contribute to the uncontrolled proliferation of choriocarcinoma cells in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Filla
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Evanston Hospital, IL 60201, USA
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Shim C, Kwon HB, Kim K. Differential expression of laminin chain-specific mRNA transcripts during mouse preimplantation embryo development. Mol Reprod Dev 1996; 44:44-55. [PMID: 8722691 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199605)44:1<44::aid-mrd5>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Laminin is the first extracellular matrix protein that has been shown to be synthesized in preimplantation mouse embryos. In the present study, chain-specific expression patterns of laminin mRNAs were examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). During preimplantation mouse embryo development, temporal expression patterns of laminin chain mRNAs were somewhat differential: B1 chain mRNA was first detectable at the late two-cell stage and its level was gradually increased by the blastocyst stage. In contrast, B2 and A chain mRNAs first appeared at the morula and blastocyst stages, respectively. At the blastocyst stage, all of the laminin chain mRNAs were highly detected compared to the earlier stages. When embryos were flushed at the morula stage and cultured in vitro, all laminin chain mRNA levels were decreased or not changed in the process of blastocoele expansion. In contrast, in the in vivo condition where embryos at different stages of blastocyst were flushed at different time points, laminin chain mRNA levels were increased as a function of blastocoele expansion. These changes in laminin mRNAs were parallel with its receptors such as integrin alpha 3 and alpha 6. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), which is known to be a potent activator of blastocoele expansion and regulates cAMP metabolism, upregulated laminin expression (except B1 chain) in blastocysts cultured in vitro. In vitro cultured embryos normally developed up to the late blastocyst, although their development was delayed compared with the in vivo condition where laminin gene expression was gradually increased as the blastocoele expanded. These results indicate that laminin expression may not be involved directly in the regulation of blastocoele expansion. The uterine environment enclosing the preimplantation embryos appears, therefore, to play an important role in the regulation of laminin gene expression during blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Shim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Seoul National University, South Korea
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Raab G, Kover K, Paria BC, Dey SK, Ezzell RM, Klagsbrun M. Mouse preimplantation blastocysts adhere to cells expressing the transmembrane form of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor. Development 1996; 122:637-45. [PMID: 8625815 DOI: 10.1242/dev.122.2.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) mRNA is synthesized in the mouse uterine luminal epithelium temporally, just prior to implantation, and spatially, only at the site of blastocyst apposition (Das, S. K., Wang, X. N., Paria, B. C., Damm, D., Abraham, J. A., Klagsbrun, M., Andrews, G. K. and Dey, S. K. (1994) Development 120, 1071–1083). HB-EGF is synthesized as a transmembrane protein (HB-EGF TM) that can be processed to release the soluble growth factor. An antibody that cross-reacts only with the transmembrane form detected HB-EGF TM in uterine luminal epithelium in a spatial manner similar to that of HB-EGF mRNA. HB-EGF TM is a juxtacrine growth factor that mediates cell-cell contact. To ascertain if HB-EGF TM could be an adhesion factor for blastocysts, a mouse cell line synthesizing human HB-EGF TM was co-cultured with mouse blastocysts. Cells synthesizing HB-EGF TM adhered to day-4 mouse blastocysts more extensively than parental cells or cells synthesizing a constitutively secreted form of HB-EGF. Adhesion of cells synthesizing HB-EGF TM to blastocysts was inhibited by excess recombinant HB-EGF but less so by TGF-alpha. Adhesion was also inhibited by the synthetic peptide P21 corresponding to the HB-EGF heparin binding domain, and by incubating the blastocysts with heparinase. In addition, adhesion to delayed implanting dormant blastocysts, which lack EGF receptor (EGFR), was diminished relative to normal blastocysts. These results suggested that adhesion between blastocysts and cells synthesizing HB-EGF TM was mediated via interaction with both blastocyst EGFR and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). It was concluded that HB-EGF TM, which is synthesized exclusively in the luminal epithelium at the site of blastocyst apposition, and which is a juxtacrine adhesion factor for blastocysts, could be one of the mediators of blastocyst adhesion to the uterus in the process of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Raab
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Juneja SC, Pfeifer TL, Tang XM, Williams RS, Chegini N. Modulation of mouse sperm-egg interaction, early embryonic development and trophoblastic outgrowth by activated and unactivated macrophages. Endocrine 1995; 3:69-79. [PMID: 21153239 DOI: 10.1007/bf02917451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/1994] [Accepted: 09/28/1994] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of mouse spermatozoa and oocytes duringin vitro fertilization (IVF) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activated macrophages (U937 cell line), but not unactivated macrophages cultureconditioned medium or control medium (RMPI+DMEM with 0.5% FBS) resulted in inhibition of IVF (87.2%), first cleavage (90.8%) and total blastocyst formation 97.5%). The direct coculture of the activated macrophages with 2-cell stage embryos resulted in arrested development (91.2%), an effect that was significantly diminished in the presence of monolayer of human endometrial stromal cells in the coculture (58.3%). In contrast, the majority of 2-cell embryos developed to blastocysts when exposed to unactivated macrophages, or macrophage-stromal cell cocultures (94.1%). The majority of 2-cell embryos cultured in control medium (DMEM/Ham's F12 with 2% FBS) developed to morulae (96.2%), then underwent growth arrest and degeneration. Furthermore, culturing blastocyst stage embryos in the above groups resulted in a significant enhancement of trophoblast outgrowth, particularly in coculture with activated macrophages as compared to any other group (P<0.005). There was a significant increase in the levels of TGF-β, GM-CSF, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE(2), TXB(2) and LTB(4) released into the culture conditioned medium of activated macrophages compared to unactivated macrophages (P<0.001). These results suggest that the secretory products of activated macrophages, among them those determined in this study, in a stage-specific manner can directly effect sperm-egg interaction, early embryonic development and trophoblastic outgrowth. This data provides further support for the hypothesis that in endometriosis-associated infertility, continuous exposure of spermatozoa, oocytes and early embryos to activated macrophage-derived factors may play a vital role in their survival during transportation and fertilization as well as development during early embryonic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Juneja
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Florida, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
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