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Moldovan GE, Massri N, Vegter E, Pauneto-Delgado IL, Burns GW, Joshi N, Gu B, Arora R, Fazleabas AT. Yes Associated Transcriptional Regulator 1 (YAP1) and WW Domain Containing Transcription Regulator (WWTR1) are required for murine pregnancy initiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.592984. [PMID: 38766130 PMCID: PMC11100800 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.592984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial stromal cell decidualization is required for pregnancy success. Although this process is integral to fertility, many of the intricate molecular mechanisms contributing to decidualization remain undefined. One pathway that has been implicated in endometrial stromal cell decidualization in humans in vitro is the Hippo signaling pathway. Two previously conducted studies showed that the effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, YAP1 and WWTR1, were required for decidualization of primary stromal cells in culture. To investigate the in vivo role of YAP1 and WWTR1 in decidualization and pregnancy initiation, we generated a Progesterone Cre mediated partial double knockout (pdKO) of Yap1 and Wwtr1. Female pdKOs exhibited subfertility, a compromised decidualization response, partial interruption in embryo transport, blunted endometrial receptivity, delayed implantation and subsequent embryonic development, and a unique transcriptional profile. Bulk mRNA sequencing revealed aberrant maternal remodeling evidenced by significant alterations in extracellular matrix proteins at 7.5 days post-coitus in pdKO dams and enrichment for terms associated with fertility-compromising diseases like pre-eclampsia and endometriosis. Our results indicate a required role for YAP1 and WWTR1 for successful mammalian uterine function and pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genna E Moldovan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Noura Massri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Erin Vegter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | | | - Gregory W Burns
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Niraj Joshi
- Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Bin Gu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Wang H, Ning X, Zhao F, Zhao H, Li D. Human organoids-on-chips for biomedical research and applications. Theranostics 2024; 14:788-818. [PMID: 38169573 PMCID: PMC10758054 DOI: 10.7150/thno.90492] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human organoids-on-chips (OrgOCs) are the synergism of human organoids (HOs) technology and microfluidic organs-on-chips (OOCs). OOCs can mimic extrinsic characteristics of organs, such as environmental clues of living tissue, while HOs are more amenable to biological analysis and genetic manipulation. By spatial cooperation, OrgOCs served as 3D organotypic living models allowing them to recapitulate critical tissue-specific properties and forecast human responses and outcomes. It represents a giant leap forward from the regular 2D cell monolayers and animal models in the improved human ecological niche modeling. In recent years, OrgOCs have offered potential promises for clinical studies and advanced the preclinical-to-clinical translation in medical and industrial fields. In this review, we highlight the cutting-edge achievements in OrgOCs, introduce the key features of OrgOCs architectures, and share the revolutionary applications in basic biology, disease modeling, preclinical assay and precision medicine. Furthermore, we discuss how to combine a wide range of disciplines with OrgOCs and accelerate translational applications, as well as the challenges and opportunities of OrgOCs in biomedical research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Interventional & Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiufan Ning
- Department of Interventional & Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Interventional & Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Interventional & Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Zhang T, Hu R, Wang Y, Guo S, Wu Z, Liu J, Han C, Qiu C, Deng G. Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates uterine repair via the Rap1a/ARHGAP35/RhoA/F-actin/YAP axis. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:22. [PMID: 36691027 PMCID: PMC9869517 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the structure and function of the endometrium is essential for the maintenance of fertility. However, the repair mechanisms of uterine injury remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that the disturbance of mechanical cue homeostasis occurs after uterine injury. Applying a multimodal approach, we identified YAP as a sensor of biophysical forces that drives endometrial regeneration. Through protein activation level analysis of the combinatorial space of mechanical force strength and of the presence of particular kinase inhibitors and gene silencing reagents, we demonstrated that mechanical cues related to extracellular matrix rigidity can turn off the Rap1a switch, leading to the inactivation of ARHGAP35and then induced activation of RhoA, which in turn depends on the polymerization of the agonist protein F-actin to activate YAP. Further study confirmed that mechanotransduction significantly accelerates remodeling of the uterus by promoting the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the dynamic regulatory mechanisms behind uterine remodeling and the function of mechanotransduction. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruiting Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Qiu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ganzhen Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Rüegg AB, Kowalewski MP, Ulbrich SE. Endometrial extracellular matrix components do not change over the course of embryonic diapause and reactivation in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:594-604. [PMID: 36645739 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The modification of the endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial step for embryo implantation in many mammalian species. The embryo of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) displays a 4-5 months long temporary reduction of developmental pace termed embryonic diapause. A reduction of epithelial cell height during diapause has previously been described. Co-occurring ECM modifications may contribute to the changes of the intra-uterine milieu during reactivation at which the embryo regains developmental velocity. We assessed the localization of five ECM proteins (collagen I and IV, fibronectin, laminin, and extracellular matrix protein 1) using immunohistochemistry in animals with early, late, and post-diapause (elongating) embryos. While our results confirmed the reduction of epithelial height during diapause, we only detected marginal differences in localization and staining intensities of the selected ECM proteins. Major ECM remodelling events in the roe deer endometrium are thus likely to occur only at implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna B Rüegg
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
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Crosstalk between Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and ROS Drives Endometrial Repair via the HIF-1α/YAP Axis during Menstruation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193162. [PMID: 36231126 PMCID: PMC9562179 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the menstrual cycle driven by sex steroid hormones is an uncomplicated physiological process, it is important for female health, fertility and regenerative biology. However, our understanding of this unique type of tissue homeostasis remains unclear. Here, we examined the biological effects of mechanical force by evaluating the changing trend of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, and the results suggested that ECM stiffness was reduced and that breaking of mechanotransduction delayed endometrium repair in a mouse model of simulated menses. We constructed an ECM stiffness interference model in vitro to explain the mechanical force conduction mechanism during endometrial regeneration. We discovered that ECM stiffness increased the expression and nuclear transfer of YAP, which improved the creation of a microenvironment, in a manner that induced proliferation and angiogenesis for endometrial repair by activating YAP. In addition, we observed that physiological endometrial hypoxia occurs during the menstrual cycle and that the expression of HIF-1α was increased. Mechanistically, in addition to the classical F-actin/YAP pathway, we also found that the ROS/HIF-1α/YAP axis was involved in the transmission of mechanical signals. This study provides novel insights into the essential menstrual cycle and presents an effective, nonhormonal treatment for menstrual disorders.
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Nelson CM. Mechanical Control of Cell Differentiation: Insights from the Early Embryo. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2022; 24:307-322. [PMID: 35385680 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-060418-052527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation is the process by which a cell activates the expression of tissue-specific genes, downregulates the expression of potency markers, and acquires the phenotypic characteristics of its mature fate. The signals that regulate differentiation include biochemical and mechanical factors within the surrounding microenvironment. We describe recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the mechanical control mechanisms that regulate differentiation, with a specific emphasis on the differentiation events that build the early mouse embryo. Engineering approaches to reproducibly mimic the mechanical regulation of differentiation will permit new insights into early development and applications in regenerative medicine. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 24 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M Nelson
- Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering and Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey USA;
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Zhang T, Guo S, Zhou H, Wu Z, Liu J, Qiu C, Deng G. Endometrial extracellular matrix rigidity and IFNτ ensure the establishment of early pregnancy through activation of YAP. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e12976. [PMID: 33393124 PMCID: PMC7849163 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In mammals, early pregnancy is a critical vulnerable period during which complications may arise, including pregnancy failure. Establishment of a maternal endometrial acceptance phenotype is a prerequisite for semiheterogeneous embryo implantation, comprising the rate‐limiting step of early pregnancy. Methods Confocal fluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blot for nuclear and cytoplasmic protein were used to examine the activation of yes‐associated protein (YAP) in uterine tissue and primary endometrial cells. The target binding between miR16a and YAP was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The mouse pregnancy model and pseudopregnancy model were used to investigate the role of YAP in the maternal uterus during early pregnancy in vivo. Results We showed that YAP translocates into the nucleus in the endometrium of cattle and mice during early pregnancy. Mechanistically, YAP acts as a mediator of ECM rigidity and cell density, which requires the actomyosin cytoskeleton and is partially dependent on the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, we found that the soluble factor IFNτ, which is a ruminant pregnancy recognition factor, also induced activation of YAP by reducing the expression of miR‐16a. Conclusions This study revealed that activation of YAP is necessary for early pregnancy in bovines because it induced cell proliferation and established an immunosuppressive local environment that allowed conceptus implantation into the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Changwei Qiu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ganzhen Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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