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Shlomo Y, Gavriel M, Jaffa AJ, Grisaru D, Elad D. Arrangement into layers and mechanobiology of multi-cell co-culture models of the uterine wall. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1767-1777. [PMID: 38876975 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a co-culture of three cell types mimic the in vivo layers of the uterine wall? SUMMARY ANSWER Three protocols tested for co-culture of endometrial epithelial cells (EEC), endometrial stromal cells (ESC), and myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMC) led to formation of the distinct layers that are characteristic of the structure of the uterine wall in vivo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY We previously showed that a layer-by-layer co-culture of EEC and MSMC responded to peristaltic wall shear stresses (WSS) by increasing the polymerization of F-actin in both layers. Other studies showed that WSS induced significant cellular alterations in epithelial and endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Human EEC and ESC cell lines and primary MSMC were co-cultured on a collagen-coated synthetic membrane in custom-designed wells. The co-culture model, created by seeding a mixture of all cells at once, was exposed to steady WSS of 0.5 dyne/cm2 for 10 and 30 min. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The co-culture of the three different cells was seeded either layer-by-layer or as a mixture of all cells at once. Validation of the models was by specific immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Alterations of the cytoskeletal F-actin in response to WSS were analyzed from the 2-dimensional confocal images through the Z-stacks following a previously published algorithm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We generated three multi-cell in vitro models of the uterine wall with distinct layers of EEC, ESC, and MSMC that mimic the in vivo morphology. Exposure of the mixed seeding model to WSS induced increased polymerization of F-actin in all the three layers relative to the unexposed controls. Moreover, the increased polymerization of F-actin was higher (P-value < 0.05) when the length of exposure was increased from 10 to 30 min. Furthermore, the inner layers of ESC and MSMC, which are not in direct contact with the applied shearing fluid, also increased their F-actin polymerization. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, RESONS FOR CAUTION The mixed seeding co-culture model was exposed to steady WSS of one magnitude, whereas the uterus is a dynamic organ with intra-uterine peristaltic fluid motions that vary in vivo with different time-dependent magnitude. Further in vitro studies may explore the response to peristaltic WSS or other physical and/or hormonal perturbations that may mimic the spectrum of pathophysiological aspects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Numerous in vitro models were developed in order to mimic the human endometrium and endometrium-myometrium interface (EMI) region. The present co-culture models seem to be the first constructed from EEC, ESC, and MSMC on a collagen-coated synthetic membrane. These multi-cell in vitro models better represent the complex in vivo anatomy of the EMI region. The mixed seeding multi-cell in vitro model may easily be implemented in controlled studies of uterine function in reproduction and the pathogenesis of diseases. STUDY FINDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported in part by Tel Aviv University funds. All authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Shlomo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mark Gavriel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel J Jaffa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Grisaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Shibata S, Endo S, Nagai LAE, H. Kobayashi E, Oike A, Kobayashi N, Kitamura A, Hori T, Nashimoto Y, Nakato R, Hamada H, Kaji H, Kikutake C, Suyama M, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Okae H, Arima T. Modeling embryo-endometrial interface recapitulating human embryo implantation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi4819. [PMID: 38394208 PMCID: PMC10889356 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The initiation of human pregnancy is marked by the implantation of an embryo into the uterine environment; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we developed hormone-responsive endometrial organoids (EMO), termed apical-out (AO)-EMO, which emulate the in vivo architecture of endometrial tissue. The AO-EMO comprise an exposed apical epithelium surface, dense stromal cells, and a self-formed endothelial network. When cocultured with human embryonic stem cell-derived blastoids, the three-dimensional feto-maternal assembloid system recapitulates critical implantation stages, including apposition, adhesion, and invasion. Endometrial epithelial cells were subsequently disrupted by syncytial cells, which invade and fuse with endometrial stromal cells. We validated this fusion of syncytiotrophoblasts and stromal cells using human blastocysts. Our model provides a foundation for investigating embryo implantation and feto-maternal interactions, offering valuable insights for advancing reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Research and Development Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Osaka 544-8666, Japan
| | - Shun Endo
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Luis A. E. Nagai
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Eri H. Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akane Kitamura
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Yuji Nashimoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Nakato
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Chie Kikutake
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Terzieva A, Dimitrova V, Mor G, Dimova T. Validation of the Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13800. [PMID: 38009060 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Human implantation is a limiting factor for the success of natural and IVF reproduction since about 60% of pregnancy losses occur in the peri-implantation period. The in vitro modeling of human implantation challenges the researchers in accurate recreation of the complex in vivo differentiation and function of human blastocyst in the peri-implantation period. In previous studies, we constructed Sw71-spheroid models, which like human blastocyst undergo compactization, attaches to the endometrial epithelium, invade, and migrate. The aim of this study was to validate the trophoblast Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells, derived from healthy women in early pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY We performed a direct comparison of Sw71-spheroid model with placenta-derived primary trophoblasts regarding their hybrid phenotype and HLA status, as well as the ability to generate spheroids able to migrate and invade. From the primary trophoblast cells, isolated by mild enzymatic treatment and Percoll gradient separation, were generated long-lived clones, which phenotype was assessed by FACS and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Our results showed that cultured primary trophoblasts have the EVT phenotype (Vim+/CK7+/HLA-C+/HLA-G+), like Sw71 cells. In both 3D culture settings, we obtained stable, round-shaped, multilayered spheroids. Although constructed from the same number of cells, the primary trophoblast spheroids were smaller. The primary trophoblast spheroids migrate successfully, and in term of invasion are equally potent but less stable as compared to Sw71 spheroids. CONCLUSIONS The Sw71 cell line and cultured native trophoblast cells are interchangeable regarding their EVT phenotype (HLA-C+/HLA-G+/Vim+/CK7+). The blastocyst-like spheroids sourced by both types of cells differentiate in the same time frame and function similarly. We strongly advise the use of Sw71 spheroids as blastocyst surrogate for observation on trophectoderm differentiation and function during early human implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Fetal medicine clinic, Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Mor G, Dimitrova V, Dimova T. Functional HLA-C expressing trophoblast spheroids as a model to study placental-maternal immune interactions during human implantation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10224. [PMID: 35715452 PMCID: PMC9205925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy couples over half of the conceptions result in failed pregnancy and around 30% of them occur during implantation defining it as a rate-limiting step for the success of native and in vitro fertilization. The understanding of the factors regulating each step of implantation and immune recognition is critical for the pregnancy outcome. Creation of 3D-cell culture models, such as spheroids and organoids, is in the focus of placental tissue engineering in attempt to resemble the in vivo complexity of the maternal-fetal interface and to overcome the need of laboratory animals and human embryos. We constructed stable, reliable, and reproducible trophoblast Sw71 spheroids which are functional independently of the serum level in the culture media. These models resemble the hatched human blastocyst in size, shape and function and are useful for in vitro studies of the in vivo concealed human implantation. Since Sw71 spheroids produce HLA-C, the only classical MHC molecule indispensable for establishment of the immune tolerance and proper human implantation, they are applicable for the evaluation not only of implantation itself but also of maternal-trophoblasts immune interactions. In addition, Sw71-blastocyst-like spheroids are manipulable in low-volume platform, easy to monitor and analyze automatically under treatment with favorable/detrimental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Tryfonos M, Lucas ES. Organoids to model the endometrium: implantation and beyond. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:R85-R101. [PMID: 35118399 PMCID: PMC8801025 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive techniques in the 4 decades since the first human birth after in vitro fertilisation, 1–2% of couples experience recurrent implantation failure, and some will never achieve a successful pregnancy even in the absence of a confirmed dysfunction. Furthermore, 1–2% of couples who do conceive, either naturally or with assistance, will experience recurrent early loss of karyotypically normal pregnancies. In both cases, embryo-endometrial interaction is a clear candidate for exploration. The impossibility of studying implantation processes within the human body has necessitated the use of animal models and cell culture approaches. Recent advances in 3-dimensional modelling techniques, namely the advent of organoids, present an exciting opportunity to elucidate the unanswerable within human reproduction. In this review, we will explore the ontogeny of implantation modelling and propose a roadmap to application and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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6
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You Y, Stelzl P, Joseph DN, Aldo PB, Maxwell AJ, Dekel N, Liao A, Whirledge S, Mor G. TNF-α Regulated Endometrial Stroma Secretome Promotes Trophoblast Invasion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737401. [PMID: 34790194 PMCID: PMC8591203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires the coordinated migration and invasion of trophoblast cells from out of the blastocyst and into the endometrium. This process relies on signals produced by cells in the maternal endometrium. However, the relative contribution of stroma cells remains unclear. The study of human implantation has major technical limitations, therefore the need of in vitro models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Using a recently described 3D in vitro models we evaluated the interaction between trophoblasts and human endometrial stroma cells (hESC), we assessed the process of trophoblast migration and invasion in the presence of stroma derived factors. We demonstrate that hESC promotes trophoblast invasion through the generation of an inflammatory environment modulated by TNF-α. We also show the role of stromal derived IL-17 as a promoter of trophoblast migration through the induction of essential genes that confer invasive capacity to cells of the trophectoderm. In conclusion, we describe the characterization of a cellular inflammatory network that may be important for blastocyst implantation. Our findings provide a new insight into the complexity of the implantation process and reveal the importance of inflammation for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Patrick Stelzl
- Department for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Dana N Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Paulomi B Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anthony J Maxwell
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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Zhu M, Yi S, Huang X, Meng J, Sun H, Zhou J. Human chorionic gonadotropin improves endometrial receptivity by increasing the expression of homeobox A10. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:413-424. [PMID: 32502249 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) is a characterized marker of endometrial receptivity. The mechanism by which hCG intrauterine infusion promotes embryo implantation is still unclear. This study seeks to investigate whether hCG improves endometrial receptivity by increasing expression of HOXA10. HOXA10 expression with human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that HOXA10 was decreased in the endometria of recurrent implantation failure patients compared to that in the healthy control fertile group, also we observed that hCG intrauterine infusion increased endometrial HOXA10 expression. HOXA10, blastocyst-like spheroid expansion area was increased, whereas DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 was decreased when human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were treated with 0.2 IU/ml of hCG for 48 h. HOXA10 promoter methylation was also reduced after hCG treatment. Collagen XV (ColXV) can repress the expression of DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1, and hCG treatment increased the expression of ColXV. However, when the hESCs were treated with LH/hCG receptor small interfering RNA to knock down LH/hCG receptor, hCG treatment failed to repress DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 expression or to increase ColXV expression. Our findings suggest that hCG may promote embryo implantation by increasing the expression of HOXA10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Shanling Yi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Junan Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, P.R. China
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Bergmann S, Schindler M, Munger C, Penfold CA, Boroviak TE. Building a stem cell-based primate uterus. Commun Biol 2021; 4:749. [PMID: 34140619 PMCID: PMC8211708 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is the organ for embryo implantation and fetal development. Most current models of the uterus are centred around capturing its function during later stages of pregnancy to increase the survival in pre-term births. However, in vitro models focusing on the uterine tissue itself would allow modelling of pathologies including endometriosis and uterine cancers, and open new avenues to investigate embryo implantation and human development. Motivated by these key questions, we discuss how stem cell-based uteri may be engineered from constituent cell parts, either as advanced self-organising cultures, or by controlled assembly through microfluidic and print-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magdalena Schindler
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clara Munger
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher A Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Rahimipour M, Jafarabadi M, Salehnia M. In Vitro Implantation Model Using Human Endometrial SUSD2+ Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Myometrial Smooth Muscle Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:154-163. [PMID: 34096216 PMCID: PMC8181319 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.6979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study evaluated a novel in vitro implantation model using human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells
(EMSCs), SUSD2+, and myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that were co-cultured with mouse blastocysts as the
surrogate embryo.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, SUSD2+ MSCs were isolated from human endometrial cell
suspensions (ECS) at the fourth passage by magnetic-activated cell sorting. The ECS and SUSD2+ cells were
separately co-cultured with human myometrial muscle cells for five days. After collection of mouse blastocysts, the
embryos were placed on top of the co-cultured cells for 48 hours. The interaction between the embryo and the cultured
cells was assessed morphologically at the histological and ultrastructural levels, and by expression profiles of genes
related to implantation.
Results Photomicrographs showed that trophoblastic cells grew around the embryonic cells and attached to theECS
and SUSD2+ cells. Ultrastructural observations revealed pinopode and microvilli-like structures on the surfaces of both
the ECS and SUSD2+ cells. Morphologically, the embryos developed to the egg-cylinder stage in both groups. Gene
expression analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in the presence of an embryo, but an
increased expression of αV was detected in SUSD2+ cells compared to ECS cells in the absence of an embryo.
Conclusion This study showed that SUSD2+ cells co-cultured with SMCs could interact with mouse embryos. The
co-cultured cells could potentially be used as an implantation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Rahimipour
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Jafarabadi
- Reproductive Health Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Tissue-engineered multi-cellular models of the uterine wall. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 19:1629-1639. [PMID: 31997029 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human uterus is composed of three layers: endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. It remodels during the monthly menstrual cycle and more significantly during the complex stages of reproduction. In vivo studies of the human uterine wall are yet incomplete due to ethical and technical limitations. The objective of this study was to develop in vitro uterine wall models that mimic the in vivo structure in humans. We co-cultured multiple cellular models of endometrial epithelial cells, endometrial stromal cells and smooth muscle cells on a synthetic membrane mounted in multi-purpose custom-designed wells. Immunofluorescence staining and confocal imaging confirmed that the new model represents the in vivo anatomical architecture of the inner uterine wall. Hormonal treatment with progesterone and β-estradiol demonstrated increased expression of progestogen-associated endometrial protein, which is associated with the in vivo receptive uterus. The new tissue-engineered in vitro models of the uterine wall will enable deeper investigation of molecular and biomechanical aspects of the blastocyst-uterus interaction during the window of implantation.
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You Y, Stelzl P, Zhang Y, Porter J, Liu H, Liao AH, Aldo PB, Mor G. Novel 3D in vitro models to evaluate trophoblast migration and invasion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13076. [PMID: 30582662 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Embryo implantation depends on the interactions between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Signals originating from the decidua play a critical role in the process of implantation and trophoblast invasion; however, the molecular mechanisms mediating this interaction are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to develop in vitro models that would mimic the processes of attachment, migration, and early invasion of the trophoblast. METHODS OF STUDY First trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71 cells) were cultured in low attachment plates to form blastocyst-like spheroids (BLS). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characterization during BLS formation was determined by RT-PCR and Western Blot. The two 3D in vitro culture models consist of (a) trophoblast migration: BLS cultured in suspension (b) trophoblast invasion: human endometrium stromal cells (HESC) plated in the bottom of a 96-well plate, covered by Matrigel and BLS transferred on top. Matrigel was used to mimic the human endometrial extracellular matrix. RESULTS Using 3D cell culture systems and real-time imaging, we are able to determine the impact of endometrial factors on trophoblast cell function. Endometrial stromal cells promote blastocyst-like spheroid migration of trophoblast cells and invasion of the extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION We report the characterization of 3D in vitro models to evaluate the interaction between endometrial cells and trophoblast during the process of migration and invasion. The models are useful tools in order to further study the molecular mechanism of embryo-maternal uterine cells interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan You
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Patrick Stelzl
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - James Porter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hong Liu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Paulomi B Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Moustafa S, Joseph DN, Taylor RN, Whirledge S. New models of lipopolysaccharide-induced implantation loss reveal insights into the inflammatory response. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13082. [PMID: 30604526 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Chronic endometritis, inflammation of the uterizzvvne lining caused by common gram-negative bacterial strains or mycoplasma, has been associated with unexplained implantation failure and infertility. However, limited models of bacteria-induced implantation loss exist to study the molecular changes that occur in vivo. The goal of this study was to provide a new resource to study the process of bacteria-induced inflammation and implantation loss utilizing common experimental models: C57Bl/6 mice and primary human endometrial stromal cells. METHOD OF STUDY Prior to implantation, mated C57Bl/6 females were administered vehicle (saline) or gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a range of concentrations by intraperitoneal injection. Implantation sites were counted, and uteri were harvested to evaluate the molecular changes that accompany LPS-mediated implantation loss. Primary human endometrial stromal cells were decidualized in vitro in the presence and absence of LPS. Total RNA and conditioned media were harvested to evaluate the expression of known decidualization-associated genes and various cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS Lipopolysaccharide treatment resulted in fewer implantation sites in mice, decreased expression of decidualization-associated genes, and altered expression and release of cytokines and chemokines. Immunohistological analysis of the uterus from LPS-exposed mice demonstrated increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation during decidualization. CONCLUSION Lipopolysaccharide exposure disrupted implantation and decidualization in mice and human endometrial stromal cells. This model could be used to study the pathophysiology of implantation failure in patients with chronic endometritis or to test potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moustafa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Dana N Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Utah Center for Reproductive Health, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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13
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Ander SE, Diamond MS, Coyne CB. Immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface. Sci Immunol 2019; 4:eaat6114. [PMID: 30635356 PMCID: PMC6744611 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aat6114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy poses an immunological challenge because a genetically distinct (nonself) fetus must be supported within the pregnant female for the required gestational period. Placentation, or the establishment of the fetally derived placenta, is a common strategy used by eutherian mammals to protect the fetus and promote its growth. However, the substantial morphological differences of the placental architecture among species suggest that the process of placentation results from convergent evolution. Although there are considerable similarities in placental function across placental mammals, there are important differences that arise owing to species-specific immunological (and other biological) constraints. This Review focuses on the immunological similarities and differences that occur at the maternal-fetal interface in the context of human and mouse pregnancies. We discuss how the decidua and placenta of these different species form key immunological barriers that sustain maternal tolerance yet generate innate immune responses that prevent microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Ander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- R. K. Mellon Pediatric Research Institute, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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14
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Chang TA, Bondarenko GI, Gerami-Naini B, Drenzek JG, Durning M, Garthwaite MA, Schmidt JK, Golos TG. Trophoblast differentiation, invasion and hormone secretion in a three-dimensional in vitro implantation model with rhesus monkey embryos. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:24. [PMID: 29548332 PMCID: PMC5857108 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The initiation of primate embryo invasion into the endometrium and the formation of the placenta from trophoblasts, fetal mesenchyme, and vascular components are essential for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. The mechanisms which direct morphogenesis of the chorionic villi, and the interactions between trophectoderm-derived trophoblasts and the fetal mesenchyme to direct these processes during placentation are not well understood due to a dearth of systems to examine and manipulate real-time primate implantation. Here we describe an in vitro three-dimensional (3-D) model to study implantation which utilized IVF-generated rhesus monkey embryos cultured in a Matrigel explant system. METHODS Blastocyst stage embryos were embedded in a 3-D microenvironment of a Matrigel carrier and co-cultured with a feeder layer of cells generating conditioned medium. Throughout the course of embryo co-culture embryo growth and secretions were monitored. Embedded embryos were then sectioned and stained for markers of trophoblast function and differentiation. RESULTS Signs of implantation were observed including enlargement of the embryo mass, and invasion and proliferation of trophoblast outgrowths. Expression of chorionic gonadotropin defined by immunohistochemical staining, and secretion of chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone coincident with the appearance of trophoblast outgrowths, supported the conclusion that a trophoblast cell lineage formed from implanted embryos. Positive staining for selected markers including Ki67, MHC class I, NeuN, CD31, vonWillebrand Factor and Vimentin, suggest growth and differentiation of the embryo following embedding. CONCLUSIONS This 3-D in vitro system will facilitate further study of primate embryo biology, with potential to provide a platform for study of genes related to implantation defects and trophoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Arthur Chang
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
- Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gennadiy I Bondarenko
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
- Present address: Covance Laboratories, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Behzad Gerami-Naini
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
- Present address: School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica G Drenzek
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
- Present address: Illumina-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maureen Durning
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
| | - Mark A Garthwaite
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715-1299, USA.
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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15
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Tanikawa N, Seno K, Kawahara-Miki R, Kimura K, Matsuyama S, Iwata H, Kuwayama T, Shirasuna K. Interferon Tau Regulates Cytokine Production and Cellular Function in Human Trophoblast Cell Line. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2017; 37:456-466. [DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nao Tanikawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Kotomi Seno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | | | - Koji Kimura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Matsuyama
- Animal Feeding and Management Research Division, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
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16
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Seno K, Sase S, Ozeki A, Takahashi H, Ohkuchi A, Suzuki H, Matsubara S, Iwata H, Kuwayama T, Shirasuna K. Advanced glycation end products regulate interleukin-1β production in human placenta. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:401-408. [PMID: 28515391 PMCID: PMC5593091 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is a major risk factor for pregnancy complications, causing inflammatory cytokine release in the placenta, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8. Pregnant women with obesity develop accelerated systemic and placental inflammation with elevated circulating advanced glycation end products (AGEs). IL-1β is a pivotal inflammatory cytokine associated with obesity and pregnancy complications, and its production is regulated by NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes. Here, we investigated whether AGEs are involved in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes using human placental tissues and placental cell line. In human placental tissue cultures, AGEs significantly increased IL-1β secretion, as well as IL-1β and NLRP3 mRNA expression. In human placental cell culture, although AGE treatment did not stimulate IL-1β secretion, AGEs significantly increased IL-1β mRNA expression and intracellular IL-1β production. After pre-incubation with AGEs, nano-silica treatment (well known as an inflammasome activator) increased IL-1β secretion in placental cells. However, after pre-incubation with lipopolysaccharide to produce pro-IL-1β, AGE treatment did not affect IL-1β secretion in placental cells. These findings suggest that AGEs stimulate pro-IL-1β production within placental cells, but do not activate inflammasomes to stimulate IL-1β secretion. Furthermore, using pharmacological inhibitors, we demonstrated that AGE-induced inflammatory cytokines are dependent on MAPK/NF-κB/AP-1 signaling and reactive oxygen species production in placental cells. In conclusion, AGEs regulate pro-IL-1β production and inflammatory responses, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in human placenta. These results suggest that AGEs, as an endogenous and sterile danger signal, may contribute to chronic placental cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotomi Seno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Saoko Sase
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Ayae Ozeki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Akihide Ohkuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hirotada Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Shigeki Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
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17
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Huang C, Jiang Y, Zhou J, Yan Q, Jiang R, Cheng X, Xing J, Ding L, Sun J, Yan G, Sun H. Increased Krüppel-like factor 12 in recurrent implantation failure impairs endometrial decidualization by repressing Nur77 expression. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:25. [PMID: 28359310 PMCID: PMC5374626 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization is a prerequisite for successful implantation and the establishment of pregnancy. A critical role of impaired decidualization in subfertility has been established. In human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) and Nur77 are novel regulators of decidualization. We investigated whether KLF12 impaired the decidualization of hESCs in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients. METHODS Endometrial tissues and hESCs were collected from RIF patients (n = 34) and fertile controls (n = 30) for in vitro analysis. Primary hESCs isolated from RIF endometrial tissues were used to evaluate the biological functions of KLF12 and Nur77. In addition, their molecular mechanisms were investigated by adenovirus-mediated overexpression. Gene expression regulation was examined by real-time-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), immunostaining and luciferase reporter assay. Further, blastocyst-like spheroid (BLS) and blastocyst implantation models were performed to examine the roles of KLF12 and Nur77 during embryo expansion on hESCs. RESULTS hESCs from the RIF patients showed a poor decidual response, mainly characterized by decreased decidual prolactin (dPRL) secretion, impaired transformation and limited BLS expansion. In addition, KLF12 expression was increased in endometrial tissues from the RIF patients compared with those from the fertile controls, especially in stromal compartments. The opposite results were observed for Nur77 expression in these tissues. KLF12 repressed hESC decidualization by decreasing Nur77 expression. Mechanistically, KLF12 bound to a conserved site in the Nur77 promoter region. Nur77 overexpression significantly reversed the KLF12-mediated repression of dPRL expression, decidual transformation and BLS/blastocyst expansion. CONCLUSIONS KLF12 impairs endometrial decidualization by transcriptionally repressing Nur77, and Nur77 overexpression reverses the poor decidual response of hESCs in RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Huang
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Jiang
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Yan
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruiwei Jiang
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Cheng
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Xing
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Ding
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Sun
- grid.265008.9Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Guijun Yan
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- grid.428392.6Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Reproductive Biology and Technology of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008 People’s Republic of China
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18
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Aldo P, You Y, Szigeti K, Horvath TL, Lindenbach B, Mor G. HSV-2 enhances ZIKV infection of the placenta and induces apoptosis in first-trimester trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:348-357. [PMID: 27613665 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Zika virus (ZIKV) has gained public concern for its association with microcephaly in infants born to ZIKV-infected mothers. To reach the fetus the virus must overcome the defense mechanisms provided by trophoblast cells. Additionally, in the first trimester, the integrity of the placenta is critical for fetal protection as damage to differentiating trophoblast can affect placental formation and function. We sought to investigate the effect of ZIKV infection on trophoblast cells and the factors that might increase the risk for ZIKV infection during pregnancy. METHODS First-trimester human trophoblast cells, Swan 7.1, were infected with ZIKV, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), and yellow fiver (YFV). C57BL/6 pregnant mice were infected with HSV-2, ZIKV, or coinfection. Placental viral titers were determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS ZIKV infection induces apoptosis in first-trimester trophoblasts and prevents differentiation of these cells. Furthermore, HSV-2 infection enhances placental sensitivity to ZIKV by enhancing the expression of TAM receptors, which facilitate ZIKV cell entry. CONCLUSION These findings may explain the mechanism by which ZIKV breaches the placental barrier to access the fetus. Furthermore, our results suggest that patients with HSV-2 infection are at a higher risk for the teratogenic effects induced by ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulomi Aldo
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuan You
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Klara Szigeti
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brett Lindenbach
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Shpiz A, Ben-Yosef D, Kalma Y. Impaired function of trophoblast cells derived from translocated hESCs may explain pregnancy loss in women with balanced translocation (11;22). J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1493-1499. [PMID: 27503403 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to study whether the trophoblasts carrying unbalanced translocation 11,22 [t(11;12)] display abnormal expression of trophoblastic genes and impaired functional properties that may explain implantation failure. METHODS t(11;22) hESCs and control hESCs were differentiated in vitro into trophoblast cells in the presence of BMP4, and trophoblast vesicles (TBVs) were created in suspension. The expression pattern of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) genes was compared between translocated and control TBVs. The functional properties of the TBVs were evaluated by their attachment to endometrium cells (ECC1) and invasion through trans-well inserts. RESULTS TBVs derived from control hESCs expressed EVT genes from functioning trophoblast cells. In contrast, TBVs differentiated from the translocated hESC line displayed impaired expression of EVT genes. Moreover, the number of TBVs that were attached to endometrium cells was significantly lower compared to the controls. Correspondingly, invasiveness of trophoblast-differentiated translocated cells was also significantly lower than that of the control cells. CONCLUSIONS These results may explain the reason for implantation failure in couple carriers of t(11;22). They also demonstrate that translocated hESCs comprise a valuable in vitro human model for studying the mechanisms underlying implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Shpiz
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
| | - Yael Kalma
- Wolfe PGD Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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20
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Shirasuna K, Takano H, Seno K, Ohtsu A, Karasawa T, Takahashi M, Ohkuchi A, Suzuki H, Matsubara S, Iwata H, Kuwayama T. Palmitic acid induces interleukin-1β secretion via NLRP3 inflammasomes and inflammatory responses through ROS production in human placental cells. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 116:104-12. [PMID: 27300134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Maternal obesity, a major risk factor for adverse pregnancy complications, results in inflammatory cytokine release in the placenta. Levels of free fatty acids are elevated in the plasma of obese human. These fatty acids include obesity-related palmitic acids, which is a major saturated fatty acid, that promotes inflammatory responses. Increasing evidence indicates that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes mediate inflammatory responses induced by endogenous danger signals. We hypothesized that inflammatory responses associated with gestational obesity cause inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of palmitic acid on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and inflammatory responses in a human Sw.71 trophoblast cell line. Palmitic acid stimulated caspase-1 activation and markedly increased interleukin (IL)-1β secretion in Sw.71 cells. Treatment with a caspase-1 inhibitor diminished palmitic acid-induced IL-1β release. In addition, NLRP3 and caspase-1 genome editing using a CRISPR/Cas9 system in Sw.71 cells suppressed IL-1β secretion, which was stimulated by palmitic acid. Moreover, palmitic acid stimulated caspase-3 activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion (e.g., IL-6 and IL-8). Palmitic acid-induced cytokine secretion were dependent on caspase-3 activation. In addition, palmitic acid-induced IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion was depended on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In conclusion, palmitic acid caused activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and inflammatory responses, inducing IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion, which is associated with ROS generation, in human Sw.71 placental cells. We suggest that obesity-related palmitic acid induces placental inflammation, resulting in association with pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koumei Shirasuna
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Takano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Kotomi Seno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Ayaka Ohtsu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Karasawa
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masafumi Takahashi
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Akihide Ohkuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hirotada Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Shigeki Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
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Shirasuna K, Seno K, Ohtsu A, Shiratsuki S, Ohkuchi A, Suzuki H, Matsubara S, Nagayama S, Iwata H, Kuwayama T. AGEs and HMGB1 Increase Inflammatory Cytokine Production from Human Placental Cells, Resulting in an Enhancement of Monocyte Migration. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:557-68. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Koumei Shirasuna
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kotomi Seno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
| | - Ayaka Ohtsu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
| | - Shogo Shiratsuki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
| | - Akihide Ohkuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Shimotsuke Tochigi Japan
| | - Hirotada Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Shimotsuke Tochigi Japan
| | - Shigeki Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Shimotsuke Tochigi Japan
| | - Shiho Nagayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Shimotsuke Tochigi Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Department of Agriculture; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Atsugi Kanagawa Japan
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22
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Lee YL, Fong SW, Chen AC, Li T, Yue C, Lee CL, Ng EH, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Establishment of a novel human embryonic stem cell-derived trophoblastic spheroid implantation model. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2614-26. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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23
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Buck V, Gellersen B, Leube R, Classen-Linke I. Interaction of human trophoblast cells with gland-like endometrial spheroids: a model system for trophoblast invasion. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:906-16. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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24
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Dekel N, Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Racicot K, Mor G. The role of inflammation for a successful implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:141-7. [PMID: 24809430 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all human embryo implantations result in failed pregnancy. Multiple factors may contribute to this failure, including genetic or metabolic abnormalities of the embryo. However, many of these spontaneous early abortion cases are attributed to poor uterine receptivity. Furthermore, although many fertility disorders have been overcome by a variety of assisted reproductive techniques, implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. We, as well as others, have demonstrated that endometrial biopsies performed either during the spontaneous, preceding cycle, or during the IVF cycle itself, significantly improve the rate of implantation, clinical pregnancies, and live births. These observations suggest that mechanical injury of the endometrium may enhance uterine receptivity by provoking the immune system to generate an inflammatory reaction. In strong support of this idea, we recently found that dendritic cells (DCs), an important cellular component of the innate immune system, play a critical role in successful implantation in a mouse model. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that the injury-derived inflammation in the biopsy-treated patients generates a focus for uterine DCs and Mac accumulation that, in turn, enhance the endometrial expression of essential molecules that facilitate the interaction between the embryo and the uterine epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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25
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Racicot KE, Wünsche V, Auerbach B, Aldo P, Silasi M, Mor G. Human chorionic gonadotropin enhances trophoblast-epithelial interaction in an in vitro model of human implantation. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1274-80. [PMID: 24520082 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114522553] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation, which is an absolute requirement for reproduction, starts with blastocyst apposition to the uterine endometrium, followed by attachment to the endometrial surface epithelium. Recent clinical studies reported an increase in implantation and pregnancy rates among women receiving intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) prior to embryo transfer suggesting that, at least in some cases, female infertility is a result of inadequate secretion of hCG. In this study, we characterized the effect of hCG on trophoblast-epithelial interaction by further developing our recently described in vitro model of implantation. Here, we confirmed hCG increased attachment of trophoblast to epithelial cells, using a single-cell trophoblast-epithelial coculture system in addition to a blastocyst-like spheroid-epithelial coculture system. Furthermore, we discovered that the source and concentration was pivotal; the first preparation of hCG affected 2 molecules related to implantation, MUC16 and osteopontin, while the second preparation required additional cytokines to mimic the effects. Using this system, we can develop a comprehensive knowledge of the cellular and gene targets of hCG and other factors involved in embryo apposition and implantation and potentially increase the number of therapeutic targets for subfertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Racicot
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vera Wünsche
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ben Auerbach
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paulomi Aldo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Silasi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Reprint of: In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo–endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:673-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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27
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Placental trophoblast cell differentiation: Physiological regulation and pathological relevance to preeclampsia. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:981-1023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Weimar CHE, Post Uiterweer ED, Teklenburg G, Heijnen CJ, Macklon NS. In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo-endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:461-76. [PMID: 24055530 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying human embryo-endometrium signalling is a prerequisite for the further improvement of assisted reproduction outcomes and the development of effective interventions to prevent early pregnancy loss. Studying human embryo implantation is challenging since in-vivo experiments are impractical and unethical, and studies in animal models do not always translate well to humans. However, in recent years in-vitro models have been shown to provide a promising way forward. This review discusses the principal models used to study early human embryo development and initial stages of implantation in vitro. While each model has limitations, exploiting these models will improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms and embryo-endometrium cross-talk at the early implantation site. They provide valuable tools to study early embryo development and pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and have revealed novel disease mechanisms such as the role of epigenetic modifications in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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