1
|
Li Q, Lan P. Activation of immune signals during organ transplantation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:110. [PMID: 36906586 PMCID: PMC10008588 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of host's innate and adaptive immune systems can lead to acute and chronic graft rejection, which seriously impacts graft survival. Thus, it is particularly significant to clarify the immune signals, which are critical to the initiation and maintenance of rejection generated after transplantation. The initiation of response to graft is dependent on sensing of danger and stranger molecules. The ischemia and reperfusion of grafts lead to cell stress or death, followed by releasing a variety of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of host immune cells to activate intracellular immune signals and induce sterile inflammation. In addition to DAMPs, the graft exposed to 'non-self' antigens (stranger molecules) are recognized by the host immune system, stimulating a more intense immune response and further aggravating the graft damage. The polymorphism of MHC genes between different individuals is the key for host or donor immune cells to identify heterologous 'non-self' components in allogeneic and xenogeneic organ transplantation. The recognition of 'non-self' antigen by immune cells mediates the activation of immune signals between donor and host, resulting in adaptive memory immunity and innate trained immunity to the graft, which poses a challenge to the long-term survival of the graft. This review focuses on innate and adaptive immune cells receptor recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns, alloantigens and xenoantigens, which is described as danger model and stranger model. In this review, we also discuss the innate trained immunity in organ transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Li
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Peixiang Lan
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Andrawus M, Sharvit L, Atzmon G. Epigenetics and Pregnancy: Conditional Snapshot or Rolling Event. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12698. [PMID: 36293556 PMCID: PMC9603966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics modification such as DNA methylation can affect maternal health during the gestation period. Furthermore, pregnancy can drive a range of physiological and molecular changes that have the potential to contribute to pathological conditions. Pregnancy-related risk factors include multiple environmental, behavioral, and hereditary factors that can impact maternal DNA methylation with long-lasting consequences. Identification of the epigenetic patterns linked to poor pregnancy outcomes is crucial since changes in DNA methylation patterns can have long-term effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic changes that influence pregnancy-related molecular programming such as gestational diabetes, immune response, and pre-eclampsia, in an effort to close the gap in current understanding regarding interactions between the environment, the genetics of the fetus, and the pregnant woman.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rattila S, Kleefeldt F, Ballesteros A, Beltrame JS, L Ribeiro M, Ergün S, Dveksler G. Pro-angiogenic effects of pregnancy-specific glycoproteins in endothelial and extravillous trophoblast cells. Reproduction 2021; 160:737-750. [PMID: 33065549 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that binding to heparan sulfate (HS) is required for the ability of the placentally secreted pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) to induce endothelial tubulogenesis. PSG1 is composed of four immunoglobulin-like domains but which domains of the protein bind to HS remains unknown. To analyze the interaction of PSG1 with HS, we generated several recombinant proteins, including the individual domains, chimeric proteins between two PSG1 domains, and mutants. Using flow cytometric and surface plasmon resonance studies, we determined that the B2 domain of PSG1 binds to HS and that the positively charged amino acids encompassed between amino acids 43-59 are required for this interaction. Furthermore, we showed that the B2 domain of PSG1 is required for the increase in the formation of tubes by endothelial cells (EC) including a human endometrial EC line and two extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell lines and for the pro-angiogenic activity of PSG1 observed in an aortic ring assay. PSG1 enhanced the migration of ECs while it increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in EVTs, indicating that the pro-angiogenic effect of PSG1 on these two cell types may be mediated by different mechanisms. Despite differences in amino acid sequence, we observed that all human PSGs bound to HS proteoglycans and confirmed that at least two other members of the family, PSG6 and PSG9, induce tube formation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pro-angiogenic activity of human PSGs and strongly suggest conservation of this function among all PSG family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shemona Rattila
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Florian Kleefeldt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jimena S Beltrame
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of Reproduction, Centre for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CONICET - School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria L Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of Reproduction, Centre for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CONICET - School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mendoza M, Lu D, Ballesteros A, Blois SM, Abernathy K, Feng C, Dimitroff CJ, Zmuda J, Panico M, Dell A, Vasta GR, Haslam SM, Dveksler G. Glycan characterization of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 and its identification as a novel Galectin-1 ligand. Glycobiology 2020; 30:895-909. [PMID: 32280962 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific beta 1 glycoprotein (PSG1) is secreted from trophoblast cells of the human placenta in increasing concentrations as pregnancy progresses, becoming one of the most abundant proteins in maternal serum in the third trimester. PSG1 has seven potential N-linked glycosylation sites across its four domains. We carried out glycomic and glycoproteomic studies to characterize the glycan composition of PSG1 purified from serum of pregnant women and identified the presence of complex N-glycans containing poly LacNAc epitopes with α2,3 sialyation at four sites. Using different techniques, we explored whether PSG1 can bind to galectin-1 (Gal-1) as these two proteins were previously shown to participate in processes required for a successful pregnancy. We confirmed that PSG1 binds to Gal-1 in a carbohydrate-dependent manner with an affinity of the interaction of 0.13 μM. In addition, we determined that out of the three N-glycosylation-carrying domains, only the N and A2 domains of recombinant PSG1 interact with Gal-1. Lastly, we observed that the interaction between PSG1 and Gal-1 protects this lectin from oxidative inactivation and that PSG1 competes the ability of Gal-1 to bind to some but not all of its glycoprotein ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Mendoza
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Dongli Lu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Campus Buch, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kelsey Abernathy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St S, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Chiguang Feng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St S, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Charles J Dimitroff
- Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Jonathan Zmuda
- Biosciences Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 7335 Executive Way, Frederick MD 21704, USA
| | - Maria Panico
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK
| | - Anne Dell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK
| | - Gerardo R Vasta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St S, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Interaction of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1 With Integrin Α5β1 Is a Modulator of Extravillous Trophoblast Functions. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111369. [PMID: 31683744 PMCID: PMC6912793 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) serve immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic functions during pregnancy and are mainly expressed by syncytiotrophoblast cells. While PSG mRNA expression in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) was reported, the proteins were not previously detected. By immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we show that PSGs are expressed by invasive EVTs and co-localize with integrin 5. In addition, we determined that native and recombinant PSG1, the most highly expressed member of the family, binds to 51 and induces the formation of focal adhesion structures resulting in adhesion of primary EVTs and EVT-like cell lines under 21% oxygen and 1% oxygen conditions. Furthermore, we found that PSG1 can simultaneously bind to heparan sulfate in the extracellular matrix and to 51 on the cell membrane. Wound healing assays and single-cell movement tracking showed that immobilized PSG1 enhances EVT migration. Although PSG1 did not affect EVT invasion in the in vitro assays employed, we found that the serum PSG1 concentration is lower in African-American women diagnosed with early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia, a pregnancy pathology characterized by shallow trophoblast invasion, than in their respective healthy controls only when the fetus was a male; therefore, the reduced expression of this molecule should be considered in the context of preeclampsia as a potential therapy.
Collapse
|
6
|
Warren J, Im M, Ballesteros A, Ha C, Moore T, Lambert F, Lucas S, Hinz B, Dveksler G. Activation of latent transforming growth factor-β1, a conserved function for pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoproteins. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:602-612. [PMID: 30371828 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do all 10 human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoproteins (PSGs) and murine PSG23 activate latent transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)? SUMMARY ANSWER All human PSGs and murine PSG23 activated latent TGF-β1. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two of the 10 members of the PSG1 family, PSG1 and PSG9, were previously shown to activate the soluble small latent complex of TGF-β1, a cytokine with potent immune suppressive functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Recombinant PSGs were generated and tested for their ability to activate the small latent complex of TGF-β1 in a cell-free ELISA-based assay and in a bioassay. In addition, we tested the ability of PSG1 and PSG4 to activate latent TGF-β bound to the extracellular matrix (ECM) or on the membranes of the Jurkat human T-cell line. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Recombinant PSGs were generated by transient transfection and purified with a His-Trap column followed by gel filtration chromatography. The purified PSGs were compared to vehicle (PBS) used as control for their ability to activate the small latent complex of TGF-β1. The concentration of active TGF-β was measured in an ELISA using the TGF-β receptor II as capture and a bioassay using transformed mink epithelial cells that express luciferase in response to active TGF-β. The specificity of the signal was confirmed using a TGF-β receptor inhibitor. We also measured the binding kinetics of some human PSGs for the latent-associated peptide (LAP) of TGF-β using surface plasmon resonance and determined whether PSG1 and PSG4 could activate the large latent complex of TGF-β1 bound to the ECM and latent TGF-β1 bound to the cell membrane. All experiments were performed in triplicate wells and repeated three times. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All human PSGs activated the small latent complex of TGF-β1 (P < 0.05 vs. control) and showed similar affinities (KD) for LAP. Despite the lack of sequence conservation with its human counterparts, the ability to activate latent TGF-β1 was shared by a member of the murine PSG family. We found that PSG1 and PSG4 activated the latent TGF-β stored in the ECM (P < 0.01) but did not activate latent TGF-β1 bound to glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) on the surface of Jurkat T cells. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The affinity of the interaction of LAP and PSGs was calculated using recombinant proteins, which may differ from the native proteins in their post-translational modifications. We also utilized a truncated form of murine PSG23 rather than the full-length protein. For the studies testing the ability of PSGs to activate membrane-bound TGF-β1, we utilized the T-cell line Jurkat and Jurkat cells expressing GARP rather than primary T regulatory cells. All the studies were performed in vitro. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Here, we show that all human PSGs activate TGF-β1 and that this function is conserved in at least one member of the rodent PSG family. In vivo PSGs could potentially increase the availability of active TGF-β1 from the soluble and matrix-bound latent forms of the cytokine contributing to the establishment of a tolerogenic environment during pregnancy. LARGE-SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research was supported by a grant from the Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP). No conflicts of interests are declared by the authors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Warren
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Im
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, 150 College St., FG234, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS-NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cam Ha
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tom Moore
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fanny Lambert
- Institut de Duve, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75 - B1.74.04, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lucas
- Institut de Duve, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75 - B1.74.04, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, 150 College St., FG234, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kammerer R, Herse F, Zimmermann W. Convergent Evolution Within CEA Gene Families in Mammals: Hints for Species-Specific Selection Pressures. Evol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41324-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Ballesteros A, Mentink-Kane MM, Warren J, Kaplan GG, Dveksler GS. Induction and activation of latent transforming growth factor-β1 are carried out by two distinct domains of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1). J Biol Chem 2014; 290:4422-31. [PMID: 25548275 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.597518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are a family of Ig-like proteins secreted by specialized placental cells. The PSG1 structure is composed of a single Ig variable region-like N-terminal domain and three Ig constant region-like domains termed A1, A2, and B2. Members of the human and murine PSG family have been shown to induce anti-inflammatory cytokines from monocytes and macrophages and to stimulate angiogenesis. We recently showed that recombinant forms of PSG1 (PSG1-Fc and PSG1-His) and PSG1 purified from the serum of pregnant women are associated with the immunoregulatory cytokine TGF-β1 and activated latent TGF-β1. Here, we sought to examine the requirement of specific PSG1 domains in the activation of latent TGF-β1. Plasmon surface resonance studies showed that PSG1 directly bound to the small latent complex and to the latency-associated peptide of TGF-β1 and that this binding was mediated through the B2 domain. Furthermore, the B2 domain alone was sufficient for activating the small latent complex. In separate experiments, we found that the PSG1-mediated induction of TGF-β1 secretion in macrophages was dependent on the N-terminal domain. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that four amino acids (LYHY) of the CC' loop of the N-terminal domain were required for induction of latent TGF-β1 secretion. Together, our results show that two distinct domains of PSG1 are involved in the regulation of TGF-β1 and provide a mechanistic framework for how PSGs modulate the immunoregulatory environment at the maternal-fetal interface for successful pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ballesteros
- From the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 and
| | - Margaret M Mentink-Kane
- the Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - James Warren
- the Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - Gerardo G Kaplan
- From the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 and
| | - Gabriela S Dveksler
- the Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Falcón CR, Martínez FF, Carranza F, Cervi L, Motrán CC. In vivo expression of recombinant pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1a inhibits the symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:527-33. [PMID: 25112392 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The contribution of Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSG), the major variant of PSG released into the circulation during pregnancy, to the pregnancy-dependent improvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has still not been elucidated. METHOD OF STUDY Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used to test the hypothesis that PSG1a when released into circulation has a modulatory role on the Th1-pathogenic response, thus improving the CIA symptoms. In vivo expression of PSG1a was induced by injection of the vaccinia (Vac)-based expression vector harboring the complete open-reading frame of PSG1a cDNA. RESULTS In vivo PSG1a expression during the induction of CIA ameliorated the clinical symptoms, thereby reducing the arthritis score and incidence. Significantly lower levels of IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ, but higher levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were secreted by collagen type II-stimulated spleen mononuclear cells from Vac-PSG1a-treated mice compared with control mice. Moreover, Vac-PSG1a treatment promoted the increase in splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells. CONCLUSION Pre-clinical Vac-PSG1a treatment suppressed the Th1- and Th17-type-specific responses, leading to an increase in splenic Treg cells as well as IL-10- and TGF-β-secreting cells, with the CIA symptoms being ameliorated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Roberto Falcón
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins bind integrin αIIbβ3 and inhibit the platelet-fibrinogen interaction. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57491. [PMID: 23469002 PMCID: PMC3585349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are immunoglobulin superfamily members encoded by multigene families in rodents and primates. In human pregnancy, PSGs are secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, a fetal tissue, and reach a concentration of up to 400 ug/ml in the maternal bloodstream at term. Human and mouse PSGs induce release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGFβ1 from monocytes, macrophages, and other cell types, suggesting an immunoregulatory function. RGD tri-peptide motifs in the majority of human PSGs suggest that they may function like snake venom disintegrins, which bind integrins and inhibit interactions with ligands. We noted that human PSG1 has a KGD, rather than an RGD motif. The presence of a KGD in barbourin, a platelet integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist found in snake venom, suggested that PSG1 may be a selective αIIbβ3 ligand. Here we show that human PSG1 binds αIIbβ3 and inhibits the platelet – fibrinogen interaction. Unexpectedly, however, the KGD is not critical as multiple PSG1 domains independently bind and inhibit αIIbβ3 function. Human PSG9 and mouse Psg23 are also inhibitory suggesting conservation of this function across primate and rodent PSG families. Our results suggest that in species with haemochorial placentation, in which maternal blood is in direct contact with fetal trophoblast, the high expression level of PSGs reflects a requirement to antagonise abundant (3 mg/ml) fibrinogen in the maternal circulation, which may be necessary to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis in the prothrombotic maternal environment of pregnancy.
Collapse
|
11
|
Martinez FF, Cervi L, Knubel CP, Panzetta-Dutari GM, Motran CC. The Role of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1a (PSG1a) in Regulating the Innate and Adaptive Immune Response. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:383-94. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F. Martinez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Laura Cervi
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Carolina P. Knubel
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Graciela M. Panzetta-Dutari
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Claudia C. Motran
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zenclussen AC. Adaptive immune responses during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:291-303. [PMID: 23418773 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It has long been believed that there is no immune interaction between mother and conceptus during pregnancy. This concept changed after evidence was provided that the maternal immune system is aware of the semiallogeneic conceptus and develops strategies to tolerate it. Since then, finely regulated mechanisms of active tolerance toward the fetus have been described. This Special Issue of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology deals with these mechanisms. It begins with the description of minor histocompatibility antigens in the placenta; it further goes through adaptive immune responses toward paternal fetal antigens, mostly concentrating on regulatory T cells and molecules modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. The participation of antibody-producing B cells in normal and pathological pregnancies is also discussed. This introductory chapter resumes the concepts presented throughout the Issue and discusses the clinical applications raised from these concepts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carter AM. Evolution of Placental Function in Mammals: The Molecular Basis of Gas and Nutrient Transfer, Hormone Secretion, and Immune Responses. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1543-76. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta has a wide range of functions. Some are supported by novel genes that have evolved following gene duplication events while others require acquisition of gene expression by the trophoblast. Although not expressed in the placenta, high-affinity fetal hemoglobins play a key role in placental gas exchange. They evolved following duplications within the beta-globin gene family with convergent evolution occurring in ruminants and primates. In primates there was also an interesting rearrangement of a cassette of genes in relation to an upstream locus control region. Substrate transfer from mother to fetus is maintained by expression of classic sugar and amino acid transporters at the trophoblast microvillous and basal membranes. In contrast, placental peptide hormones have arisen largely by gene duplication, yielding for example chorionic gonadotropins from the luteinizing hormone gene and placental lactogens from the growth hormone and prolactin genes. There has been a remarkable degree of convergent evolution with placental lactogens emerging separately in the ruminant, rodent, and primate lineages and chorionic gonadotropins evolving separately in equids and higher primates. Finally, coevolution in the primate lineage of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and human leukocyte antigens can be linked to the deep invasion of the uterus by trophoblast that is a characteristic feature of human placentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lisboa FA, Warren J, Sulkowski G, Aparicio M, David G, Zudaire E, Dveksler GS. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 induces endothelial tubulogenesis through interaction with cell surface proteoglycans. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:7577-86. [PMID: 21193412 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.161810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific β1 glycoproteins (PSGs) are the most abundant fetal proteins in the maternal bloodstream in late pregnancy. They are secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast and are detected around day 14 postfertilization. There are 11 human PSG genes, which encode a family of proteins exhibiting significant conservation at the amino acid level. We and others have proposed that PSGs have an immune modulatory function. In addition, we recently postulated that they are proangiogenic due to their ability to induce the secretion of VEGF-A and the formation of tubes by endothelial cells. The cellular receptor(s) for human PSGs remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted these studies to identify the receptor for PSG1, the highest expressed member of the family. We show that removal of cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by enzymatic or chemical treatment of cells or competition with heparin completely inhibited binding of PSG1. In addition, PSG1 did not bind to cells lacking heparan or chondroitin sulfate on their surface, and binding was restored upon transfection with all four syndecans and glypican-1. Importantly, the presence of GAGs on the surface of endothelial cells was required for the ability of PSG1 to induce tube formation. This finding indicates that the PSG1-GAG interaction mediates at least some of the PSG1 proposed functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Lisboa
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ha CT, Wu JA, Irmak S, Lisboa FA, Dizon AM, Warren JW, Ergun S, Dveksler GS. Human pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) has a potential role in placental vascular morphogenesis. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:27-35. [PMID: 20335639 PMCID: PMC2888962 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that human pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoproteins (PSGs) play immunomodulatory roles during pregnancy; however, other possible functions of PSGs have yet to be explored. We have observed that PSGs induce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), which among its other diverse functions inhibits T-cell function and has proangiogenic properties. The present study investigates a potential role for PSG1, the most abundant PSG in maternal serum, as a possible inducer of proangiogenic growth factors known to play an important role in establishment of the vasculature at the maternal-fetal interface. To this end, we measured TGFB1, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) A and C, and placental growth factor (PGF) protein levels in several cell types after PSG1 treatment. In addition, tube formation and wound healing assays were performed to investigate a possible direct interaction between PSG1 and endothelial cells. PSG1 induced up-regulation of both TGFB1 and VEGFA in human monocytes, macrophages, and two human extravillous trophoblast cell lines. We did not observe induction of VEGFC or PGF by PSG1 in any of the cells tested. PSG1 treatment resulted in endothelial tube formation in the presence and absence of VEGFA. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to map the essential regions within the N-domain of PSG1 required for functional activity. We found that the aspartic acid at position 95, previously believed to be required for binding of PSGs to cells, is not required for PSG1 activity but that the amino acids implicated in the formation of a salt bridge within the N-domain are essential for PSG1 function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cam T Ha
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wynne F, Ball M, McLellan AS, Dockery P, Zimmermann W, Moore T. Mouse pregnancy-specific glycoproteins: tissue-specific expression and evidence of association with maternal vasculature. Reproduction 2006; 131:721-32. [PMID: 16595723 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (Psg) are secreted hormones encoded by multiple genes in rodents and primates, and are thought to act as immune modulators. The only Psg receptor identified is CD9, through which Psg17 induces cytokine production from macrophages cultured in vitro. We examined temporal and spatial aspects of Psg and CD9 expression during mouse pregnancy to determine whether their expression patterns support a role in immune modulation. Using in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR we found Psg expression in trophoblast giant cells and in the spongiotrophoblast. Psg22 is the predominant Psg family member expressed in giant cells. Detectable Psg is associated predominantly with endothelial cells lining vascular channels in the decidua, rather than with maternal immune cell markers. CD9 expression exhibited partial overlap with Psg, but without exclusive co-localisation. CD9 was observed in decidual cells surrounding early implantation sites, and in the endometrium. However, embryo transfer of wild-type embryos to CD9-deficient females indicates that maternal CD9 is not essential for successful pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freda Wynne
- Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
McLellan AS, Zimmermann W, Moore T. Conservation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) N domains following independent expansions of the gene families in rodents and primates. BMC Evol Biol 2005; 5:39. [PMID: 15987510 PMCID: PMC1185527 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-5-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rodent and primate pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) gene families have expanded independently from a common ancestor and are expressed virtually exclusively in placental trophoblasts. However, within each species, it is unknown whether multiple paralogs have been selected for diversification of function, or for increased dosage of monofunctional PSG. We analysed the evolution of the mouse PSG sequences, and compared them to rat, human and baboon PSGs to attempt to understand the evolution of this complex gene family. Results Phylogenetic tree analyses indicate that the primate N domains and the rodent N1 domains exhibit a higher degree of conservation than that observed in a comparison of the mouse N1 and N2 domains, or mouse N1 and N3 domains. Compared to human and baboon PSG N domain exons, mouse and rat PSG N domain exons have undergone less sequence homogenisation. The high non-synonymous substitution rates observed in the CFG face of the mouse N1 domain, within a context of overall conservation, suggests divergence of function of mouse PSGs. The rat PSG family appears to have undergone less expansion than the mouse, exhibits lower divergence rates and increased sequence homogenisation in the CFG face of the N1 domain. In contrast to most primate PSG N domains, rodent PSG N1 domains do not contain an RGD tri-peptide motif, but do contain RGD-like sequences, which are not conserved in rodent N2 and N3 domains. Conclusion Relative conservation of primate N domains and rodent N1 domains suggests that, despite independent gene family expansions and structural diversification, mouse and human PSGs retain conserved functions. Human PSG gene family expansion and homogenisation suggests that evolution occurred in a concerted manner that maintains similar functions of PSGs, whilst increasing gene dosage of the family as a whole. In the mouse, gene family expansion, coupled with local diversification of the CFG face, suggests selection both for increased gene dosage and diversification of function. Partial conservation of RGD and RGD-like tri-peptides in primate and rodent N and N1 domains, respectively, supports a role for these motifs in PSG function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S McLellan
- Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Wolfgang Zimmermann
- Tumor Immunology Group, LIFE Center, University Clinic Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Muenchen, Marchioninistrasse 23, D-81377 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Tom Moore
- Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ha CT, Waterhouse R, Wessells J, Wu JA, Dveksler GS. Binding of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 17 to CD9 on macrophages induces secretion of IL-10, IL-6, PGE2, and TGF-beta1. J Leukoc Biol 2005; 77:948-57. [PMID: 15772125 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0804453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are a family of secreted proteins produced by the placenta, which are believed to have a critical role in pregnancy success. Treatment of monocytes with three members of the human PSGs induces interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) secretion. To determine whether human and murine PSGs have similar functions and use the same receptor, we treated wild-type and CD9-deficient macrophages with murine PSG17N and human PSG1 and -11. Our data show that murine PSG17N induced secretion of IL-10, IL-6, prostaglandin E(2), and TGF-beta(1) and that CD9 expression is required for the observed induction of cytokines. Therefore, the ability of PSG17 to induce anti-inflammatory cytokines parallels that of members of the human PSG family, albeit human and murine PSGs use different receptors, as CD9-deficient and wild-type macrophages responded equally to human PSGs. We then proceeded to examine the signaling mechanisms responsible for the CD9-mediated response to PSG17. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 significantly reduced the PSG17N-mediated increase in IL-10 and IL-6. Further characterization of the response to PSG17 indicated that cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is involved in the up-regulation of IL-10 and IL-6, and it is not required for the induction of TGF-beta(1). Conversely, treatment of macrophages with a PKC inhibitor reduced the PSG17-mediated induction of TGF-beta(1), IL-6, and IL-10 significantly. The induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines by various PSGs supports the hypothesis that these glycoproteins have an essential role in the regulation of the maternal immune response in species with hemochorial placentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cam T Ha
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Structure and evolution of the mouse pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (Psg) gene locus. BMC Genomics 2005; 6:4. [PMID: 15647114 PMCID: PMC546212 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-6-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2004] [Accepted: 01/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (Psg) genes encode proteins of unknown function, and are members of the carcinoembryonic antigen (Cea) gene family, which is a member of the immunoglobulin gene (Ig) superfamily. In rodents and primates, but not in artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates / hoofed mammals), there have been independent expansions of the Psg gene family, with all members expressed exclusively in placental trophoblast cells. For the mouse Psg genes, we sought to determine the genomic organisation of the locus, the expression profiles of the various family members, and the evolution of exon structure, to attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of this locus, and to determine whether expansion of the gene family has been driven by selection for increased gene dosage, or diversification of function. Results We collated the mouse Psg gene sequences currently in the public genome and expressed-sequence tag (EST) databases and used systematic BLAST searches to generate complete sequences for all known mouse Psg genes. We identified a novel family member, Psg31, which is similar to Psg30 but, uniquely amongst mouse Psg genes, has a duplicated N1 domain. We also identified a novel splice variant of Psg16 (bCEA). We show that Psg24 and Psg30 / Psg31 have independently undergone expansion of N-domain number. By mapping BAC, YAC and cosmid clones we described two clusters of Psg genes, which we linked and oriented using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH). Comparison of our Psg locus map with the public mouse genome database indicates good agreement in overall structure and further elucidates gene order. Expression levels of Psg genes in placentas of different developmental stages revealed dramatic differences in the developmental expression profile of individual family members. Conclusion We have combined existing information, and provide new information concerning the evolution of mouse Psg exon organization, the mouse Psg genomic locus structure, and the expression patterns of individual Psg genes. This information will facilitate functional studies of this complex gene family.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ball M, McLellan A, Collins B, Coadwell J, Stewart F, Moore T. An abundant placental transcript containing an IAP-LTR is allelic to mouse pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 (Psg23): cloning and genetic analysis. Gene 2004; 325:103-13. [PMID: 14697515 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2003.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Several families of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are expressed in mammalian placental tissues, and are implicated in aspects of placental development and function. We characterized the structure of abundant ERV-related transcripts in mouse placenta. In addition to the 7 kb full-length type I and 5 kb type I deleted intracisternal A-particle (IAP) transcripts, we identified and cloned an abundant 2 kb transcript encoding a novel member of the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (Psg) gene family, which contains an IAP long terminal repeat (LTR) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). The polyadenylation signal for the transcript is provided by the inserted LTR sequence. This sequence is allelic to Psg23 and is therefore denoted as Psg23(LTR). The transcript encodes a protein of 471 amino acids and has a domain organisation similar to previously described Psg proteins. Modelling of the protein N-domain produced a structure in good agreement with an existing crystalline structure for mouse sCEACAM1a. The LTR insertion is widely distributed among inbred mouse strains but is not found in 129/sv, CBA/2, or in wild mice. Cloning of the genomic region downstream of the LTR insertion site from the C57Bl/6J strain indicates that the insertion consists of a solo LTR without additional IAP sequence, and identified the original Psg23 polyadenylation signal sequence downstream of the insertion site. Psg23(LTR) was mapped to proximal chromosome 7 using the European collaborative interspecific mouse backcross (EUCIB) panel, and to yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) E072, which contains other members of the Psg gene family, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Northern blot analysis of RNA from adult and fetal mouse tissues and in situ hybridization to mid-gestation mouse embryos indicated that Psg23(LTR) is expressed predominantly in placental spongiotrophoblast. We detected a small, but statistically non-significant, bias in favour of transmission of Psg23(LTR) to the offspring of heterozygous parents. However, a larger study would be required to determine whether this allele is selectively advantageous to the developing embryo.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- Crosses, Genetic
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Genes, Intracisternal A-Particle/genetics
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muridae
- Physical Chromosome Mapping
- Placenta/metabolism
- Pregnancy Proteins/chemistry
- Pregnancy Proteins/genetics
- Protein Conformation
- Rats
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Terminal Repeat Sequences/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ball
- Department of Biochemistry, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mason RW, Stabley DL, Picerno GN, Frenck J, Xing S, Bertenshaw GP, Sol-Church K. Evolution of placental proteases. Biol Chem 2002; 383:1113-8. [PMID: 12437094 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2002.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a critical organ in mammals required for the transport of nutrients from the mother to the fetus during gestation. Other critical functions of the placenta include hormone regulation and immune regulation. The origin of the mammals and early placenta is relatively recent in evolutionary terms, and consequently there are few placenta-specific genes. In two separate branches of mammalian evolution, gene duplications have given rise to two large families of protease genes that are expressed only by placental tissues. A family of aspartic protease genes is expressed only in artiodactyls, and a family of cysteine protease genes is expressed only in rodents. These genes have probably evolved to perform specific functions in the placenta that are carried out by broader specificity proteases in mammalian species that do not express these proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Mason
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Nemours Childrens Clinic, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tan K, Zelus BD, Meijers R, Liu JH, Bergelson JM, Duke N, Zhang R, Joachimiak A, Holmes KV, Wang JH. Crystal structure of murine sCEACAM1a[1,4]: a coronavirus receptor in the CEA family. EMBO J 2002; 21:2076-86. [PMID: 11980704 PMCID: PMC125375 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/21.9.2076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CEACAM1 is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family. Isoforms of murine CEACAM1 serve as receptors for mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a murine coronavirus. Here we report the crystal structure of soluble murine sCEACAM1a[1,4], which is composed of two Ig-like domains and has MHV neutralizing activity. Its N-terminal domain has a uniquely folded CC' loop that encompasses key virus-binding residues. This is the first atomic structure of any member of the CEA family, and provides a prototypic architecture for functional exploration of CEA family members. We discuss the structural basis of virus receptor activities of murine CEACAM1 proteins, binding of Neisseria to human CEACAM1, and other homophilic and heterophilic interactions of CEA family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Tan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Bruce D. Zelus
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Rob Meijers
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Jin-huan Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Jeffrey M. Bergelson
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Norma Duke
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Rongguang Zhang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Kathryn V. Holmes
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| | - Jia-huai Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Corresponding authors e-mail: or
K.Tan, B.D.Zelus and R.Meijers contributed equally to this work
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker of wide clinical use though its function remains unknown. The CEA counterpart and some related macromolecules cannot be demonstrated in mice, thus prohibiting studies of CEA function by gene disruption strategies. In an attempt to find a relevant animal model for functional studies of CEA we have investigated the occurrence of CEA subgroup members in baboon and African green monkey at the genomic and mRNA levels. The investigation was focused on the characteristic immunoglobulin-variable region-like (IgV-like) N-terminal domain of the family members. Based on N-domain sequences 3 and 4 different CEA subgroup genes, respectively, were identified. One sequence in each monkey species corresponded to human CEACAM8, while it was not possible to assign an obvious human counterpart for the other N-domain sequences. However, studies of cDNAs from African green monkey COS-1 cells identified one of the sequences as CEACAM1. Expression of CEACAM1 mRNA and protein was upregulated by IFNgamma as has previously been demonstrated for human CEACAM1. Presence of GPI-linked CEA subgroup members in African green monkey was suggested by sequencing. Both monkey species would thus seem suitable for functional studies of selected CEA subgroup members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Q Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Umeå University, SE-901 85, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|