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Laundon D, Gostling NJ, Sengers BG, Chavatte-Palmer P, Lewis RM. Placental evolution from a three-dimensional and multiscale structural perspective. Evolution 2024; 78:13-25. [PMID: 37974468 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad209] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The placenta mediates physiological exchange between the mother and the fetus. In placental mammals, all placentas are descended from a single common ancestor and functions are conserved across species; however, the placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The selective pressures behind this structural diversity are poorly understood. Traditionally, placental structures have largely been investigated by grouping them into qualitative categories. Assessing the placenta on this basis could be problematic when inferring the relative "efficiency" of a placental configuration to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus. We argue that only by considering placentas as three-dimensional (3D) biological structures, integrated across scales, can the evolutionary questions behind their enormous structural diversity be quantitatively determined. We review the current state of placental evolution from a structural perspective, detail where 3D imaging and computational modeling have been used to gain insight into placental function, and outline an experimental roadmap to answer evolutionary questions from a multiscale 3D structural perspective. Our approach aims to shed light on placental evolution, and can be transferred to evolutionary investigations in any organ system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Laundon
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Gostling
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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2
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Lawrence SM, Goshia T, Sinha M, Fraley SI, Williams M. Decoding human cytomegalovirus for the development of innovative diagnostics to detect congenital infection. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:532-542. [PMID: 38146009 PMCID: PMC10837078 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02957-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital infectious disease and the leading nongenetic etiology of sensorineural hearing loss. Although most infected neonates are asymptomatic at birth, congenital cytomegalovirus infection is responsible for nearly 400 infant deaths annually in the United States and may lead to significant long-term neurodevelopmental impairments in survivors. The resulting financial and social burdens of congenital cytomegalovirus infection have led many medical centers to initiate targeted testing after birth, with a growing advocacy to advance universal newborn screening. While no cures or vaccines are currently available to eliminate or prevent cytomegalovirus infection, much has been learned over the last five years regarding disease pathophysiology and viral replication cycles that may enable the development of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics. This Review will detail our current understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, while focusing our discussion on routine and emerging diagnostics for viral detection, quantification, and long-term prognostication. IMPACT: This review highlights our current understanding of the fetal transmission of human cytomegalovirus. It details clinical signs and physical findings of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. This submission discusses currently available cytomegalovirus diagnostics and introduces emerging platforms that promise improved sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, viral quantification, detection of genomic antiviral resistance, and infection staging (primary, latency, reactivation, reinfection).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley M Lawrence
- University of Utah, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Tyler Goshia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marvin Williams
- University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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3
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Mysorekar I, Michita R, Tran L, Bark S, Kumar D, Toner S, Jose J, Narayanan A. Zika Virus NS1 Drives Tunneling Nanotube Formation for Mitochondrial Transfer, Enhanced Survival, Interferon Evasion, and Stealth Transmission in Trophoblasts. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3674059. [PMID: 38106210 PMCID: PMC10723532 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3674059/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection continues to pose a significant public health concern due to limited available preventive measures and treatments. ZIKV is unique among flaviviruses in its vertical transmission capacity (i.e., transmission from mother to fetus) yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that both African and Asian lineages of ZIKV induce tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in placental trophoblasts and multiple other mammalian cell types. Amongst investigated flaviviruses, only ZIKV strains trigger TNTs. We show that ZIKV-induced TNTs facilitate transfer of viral particles, proteins, and RNA to neighboring uninfected cells. ZIKV TNT formation is driven exclusively via its non-structural protein 1 (NS1); specifically, the N-terminal region (50 aa) of membrane-bound NS1 is necessary and sufficient for triggering TNT formation in host cells. Using affinity purification-mass spectrometry of cells infected with wild-type NS1 or non-TNT forming NS1 (pNS1ΔTNT) proteins, we found mitochondrial proteins are dominant NS1-interacting partners, consistent with the elevated mitochondrial mass we observed in infected trophoblasts. We demonstrate that mitochondria are siphoned via TNTs from healthy to ZIKV-infected cells, both homotypically and heterotypically, and inhibition of mitochondrial respiration reduced viral replication in trophoblast cells. Finally, ZIKV strains lacking TNT capabilities due to mutant NS1 elicited a robust antiviral IFN-λ 1/2/3 response, indicating ZIKV's TNT-mediated trafficking also allows ZIKV cell-cell transmission that is camouflaged from host defenses. Together, our findings identify a new stealth mechanism that ZIKV employs for intercellular spread among placental trophoblasts, evasion of antiviral interferon response, and the hijacking of mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. Discerning the mechanisms of ZIKV intercellular strategies offers a basis for novel therapeutic developments targeting these interactions to limit its dissemination.
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Lewis RM. Volume electron microscopy reveals placental ultrastructure in 3D. Placenta 2023; 141:78-83. [PMID: 37487796 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Many structures necessary for placental function can only be visualised at the ultrastructural scale. Recent technological advances have made Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) approaches much more accessible. Volume EM allows the ultrastructure of tissues, cells and organelles to be visualised in 3D. It also allows the 3D spatial relationships between these structures to be determined. This review will highlight the potential for volume EM to advance our understanding of placental ultrastructure. It will focus on the human term placenta highlighting key findings spanning the placental barrier from trans-syncytial nanopores in the syncytiotrophoblast to tunnelling nanotubes in the fetal capillary endothelium. Volume EM is advancing our understanding of placental ultrastructure, but to fully exploit its potential, it will be necessary to use it as part of multimodal and correlative workflows. The complementary strengths of these different approaches can complement volume EM and reveal the biological significance of its novel observations. The use of volume EM also highlighted how ultrastructural features might underpin pregnancy pathologies and demonstrates the need for more research in this underrepresented area.
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Ni G, Zhong J, Gao X, Wu R, Wang W, Wang X, Xie Y, Liu Y, Mei J. Three-dimensional morphological revealing of human placental villi with common obstetric complications via optical coherence tomography. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10372. [PMID: 36684097 PMCID: PMC9842035 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental villi play a vital role in human fetal development, acting as the bridge of material exchange between the maternal and fetal. The abnormal morphology of placental villi is closely related to placental circulation disorder and pregnancy complications. Revealing placental villi three-dimensional (3D) morphology of common obstetric complications and healthy pregnancies provides a new perspective for studying the role of the placenta and its villi in the development of pregnancy diseases. In this study, we established a noninvasive, high-resolution 3D imaging platform via optical coherence tomography to reveal placental villi 3D morphological information of diseased and normal placentae. For the first time, 3D morphologies of placental villous tree structures in common obstetric complications were quantitatively revealed and corresponding 3D information could visualize the morphological characteristics of the placental villous tree from a more intuitive perspective, providing helpful information to the study of fetal development, feto-maternal material exchange, and gestational complications treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Ni
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Junming Zhong
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Xuemei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Renxiong Wu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiaoshan Wang
- Cancer Center of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
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Davies R, Griffiths C, Askelund K, Palaiologou E, Cleal JK, Page A, Chatelet DS, Goggin P, Chamley L, Lewis RM. Microvillous tip vesicles may be an origin of placental extracellular vesicles. Placenta 2022; 123:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Chavatte-Palmer P, Derisoud E, Robles M. Pregnancy and placental development in horses: an update. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 79:106692. [PMID: 34823139 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Horses have been domesticated by man and historical information mostly associates horses with men. Nowadays, however, horse riding is essentially by women. Women are also very much involved in equine sciences, with a large contribution to the understanding of fetoplacental development. While highlighting the work of female scientists, this review describes the recent advances in equine fetoplacental studies, focusing on data obtained by new generation sequencing and progress on the understanding of the role of placental progesterone metabolites throughout gestation. A second emphasis is made on fetal programming, a currently very active field, where the importance of maternal nutrition, mare management or the use of embryo technologies has been shown to induce long term effects in the offspring that might affect progeny's performance. Finally, new perspectives for the study of equine pregnancy are drawn, that will rely on new methodologies applied to molecular explorations and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| | - E Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - M Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec H7V1B7, Canada
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8
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Brenna C, Simioni C, Varano G, Conti I, Costanzi E, Melloni M, Neri LM. Optical tissue clearing associated with 3D imaging: application in preclinical and clinical studies. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:497-511. [PMID: 35235045 PMCID: PMC9114043 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the inner morphology of intact tissues is one of the most competitive challenges in modern biology. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, optical tissue clearing (OTC) has provided solutions for volumetric imaging, allowing the microscopic visualization of thick sections of tissue, organoids, up to whole organs and organisms (for example, mouse or rat). Recently, tissue clearing has also been introduced in clinical settings to achieve a more accurate diagnosis with the support of 3D imaging. This review aims to give an overview of the most recent developments in OTC and 3D imaging and to illustrate their role in the field of medical diagnosis, with a specific focus on clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Brenna
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.,Medical Research Center, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Conti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eva Costanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mattia Melloni
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. .,LTTA - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Watts S, Kaur I, Singh S, Jimenez B, Chavana J, Kariyat R. Desktop scanning electron microscopy in plant-insect interactions research: a fast and effective way to capture electron micrographs with minimal sample preparation. Biol Methods Protoc 2022; 7:bpab020. [PMID: 35036571 PMCID: PMC8754489 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to visualize cell and tissue morphology at a high magnification using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has revolutionized plant sciences research. In plant-insect interactions studies, SEM-based imaging has been of immense assistance to understand plant surface morphology including trichomes [plant hairs; physical defense structures against herbivores], spines, waxes, and insect morphological characteristics such as mouth parts, antennae, and legs, that they interact with. While SEM provides finer details of samples, and the imaging process is simpler now with advanced image acquisition and processing, sample preparation methodology has lagged. The need to undergo elaborate sample preparation with cryogenic freezing, multiple alcohol washes, and sputter coating makes SEM imaging expensive, time consuming, and warrants skilled professionals, making it inaccessible to majority of scientists. Here, using a desktop version of SEM (SNE- 4500 Plus Tabletop), we show that the "plug and play" method can efficiently produce SEM images with sufficient details for most morphological studies in plant-insect interactions. We used leaf trichomes of Solanum genus as our primary model, and oviposition by tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta; Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and leaf surface wax imaging as additional examples to show the effectiveness of this instrument and present a detailed methodology to produce the best results with this instrument. While traditional sample preparation can still produce better resolved images with less distortion, we show that even at a higher magnification, the desktop SEM can deliver quality images. Overall, this study provides detailed methodology with a simpler "no sample preparation" technique for scanning fresh biological samples without the use of any additional chemicals and machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Watts
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Ishveen Kaur
- School of Earth, Environment and Marine Sciences, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Sukhman Singh
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Bianca Jimenez
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Jesus Chavana
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Rupesh Kariyat
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA.,School of Earth, Environment and Marine Sciences, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
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Tashev SA, Parsons D, Hillman C, Harris S, Lofthouse EM, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Cleal JK, Smyth N, Palaiologou H, Page A, Lewis RM. Folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane increases the surface area available for exchange in human placenta. Placenta 2021; 117:57-63. [PMID: 34768170 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental syncytiotrophoblast is the primary barrier between the mother and the fetus. To cross the placenta, nutrients and wastes must be transported across the apical microvillous and basal plasma membranes. While the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is typically represented as relatively smooth, it has been shown to have invaginations that may increase its surface area. This study aimed to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane contributes to its surface area and to visualise three-dimensional structures of the basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cell structures. METHODS Transmission electron microscope images of human term placenta were analysed using stereological approaches to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane affected surface area. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was used to visualise the three-dimensional structure of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cells. RESULTS Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane covered 69.1% of the basal lamina, with cytotrophoblast cells covering the remaining 30.9%. In basal lamina adjacent to syncytiotrophoblast, 34% was adjacent to smooth basal membrane and 66% to folded basal membrane. Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane folds increased the surface area adjacent to basal lamina by 305%. Including regions overlying the cytotrophoblast cells, basal membrane folds increased syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane surface area by 4.4-fold relative to the basal lamina in terminal villi. Terminal and intermediate villi were similar in terms of trophoblast coverage of the basal lamina and basal membrane folding. The three-dimensional structures of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane and cytotrophoblast cells were generated from serial block-face scanning electron microscopy image stacks. DISCUSSION These findings indicate that the surface area of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is far larger than had been appreciated. We suggest that these folds increase the surface area available for transport to and from the fetus. Changes in the extent of basal membrane folding could affect nutrient transfer capacity and underlie pathological fetal growth, including fetal growth restriction and macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy Parsons
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Hillman
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Shelley Harris
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - David S Chatelet
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K Cleal
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smyth
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anton Page
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom.
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Srinivasan V, Melbourne A, Oyston C, James JL, Clark AR. Multiscale and multimodal imaging of utero-placental anatomy and function in pregnancy. Placenta 2021; 112:111-122. [PMID: 34329969 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Placental structures at the nano-, micro-, and macro scale each play important roles in contributing to its function. As such, quantifying the dynamic way in which placental structure evolves during pregnancy is critical to both clinical diagnosis of pregnancy disorders, and mechanistic understanding of their pathophysiology. Imaging the placenta, both exvivo and invivo, can provide a wealth of structural and/or functional information. This review outlines how imaging across modalities and spatial scales can ultimately come together to improve our understanding of normal and pathological pregnancies. We discuss how imaging technologies are evolving to provide new insights into placental physiology across disciplines, and how advanced computational algorithms can be used alongside state-of-the-art imaging to obtain a holistic view of placental structure and its associated functions to improve our understanding of placental function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, UK
| | - Charlotte Oyston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Feng X, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Zheng Q, Li N, Tang J, Xu Z. New views on endothelial dysfunction in gestational hypertension and potential therapy targets. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1420-1436. [PMID: 33677145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta has vital roles in metabolite exchange, fetal growth, and pre-eclampsia (PE). In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of hypertension in pregnancy, focusing on four major theories to explain PE, discussing endothelial roles in those theories. We focus in particular on the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in placental endothelium, and propose new hypotheses for the influence and mechanisms of endothelial NO and PGI2 signaling pathways in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Feng
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China; Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Li
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiutong Zheng
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Li
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhice Xu
- First Hospital of Soochow University & Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Placental blood flow sensing and regulation in fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2021; 113:23-28. [PMID: 33509641 PMCID: PMC8448138 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical force of blood flow is a fundamental determinant of vascular homeostasis. This frictional stimulation of cells, fluid shear stress (FSS), is increasingly recognised as being essential to placental development and function. Here, we focus on the role of FSS in regulating fetoplacental circulatory flow, both in normal pregnancy and that affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR). The fetus is reliant on placental perfusion to meet its circulatory and metabolic demands. Failure of normal vascular adaptation and the mechanisms enabling responsive interaction between fetoplacental and maternal circulations can result in FGR. FSS generates vasodilatation at least partly through the release of endothelial nitric oxide, a process thought to be vital for adequate blood flow. Where FGR is caused by placental dysfunction, placental vascular anatomy is altered, alongside endothelial dysfunction and hypoxia, each impacting upon the complex balance of FSS forces. Identifying specific mechanical sensors and the mechanisms governing how FSS force is converted into biochemical signals is a fast-paced area of research. Here, we raise awareness of Piezo1 proteins, recently discovered to be FSS-sensitive in fetoplacental endothelium, and with emerging roles in NO generation, vascular tone and angiogenesis. We discuss the emerging concept that activating mechanosensors such as Piezo1 ultimately results in the orchestrated processes of placental vascular adaptation. Piecing together the mechanisms governing endothelial responses to FSS in placental insufficiency is an important step towards developing new treatments for FGR.
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Schakenraad L, Van Es MJ, Meerman JJ, Van den Broek PHH, Van Hove H, Van Drongelen J, Eliesen GAM, Russel FGM, Greupink R. Transfer of uremic solutes across the human term placenta: An ex vivo study in the dual-side perfused cotyledon. Placenta 2021; 104:220-231. [PMID: 33429119 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing number of women becomes pregnant while suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). As a result of decreased renal function, uremic solutes circulate at high levels in the maternal circulation. This study aimed to acquire more knowledge about the placental transfer of uremic solutes across the human placenta. METHODS Placental transfer was studied in healthy term placentas, via the ex vivo dual-side human cotyledon perfusion technique (closed-closed set-up for both maternal and fetal circulations). Uremic solute concentrations in maternal and fetal perfusates were measured via LC-MS/MS over 180 min of perfusion. RESULTS We found that the studied compounds demonstrated different degrees of placental transfer. Fetal-to-maternal perfusate ratios at t = 180 min were for anthranilic acid 1.00 ± 0.02, indole-3-acetic acid 0.47 ± 0.08, hippuric acid 0.36 ± 0.18, l-arabinitol 0.33 ± 0.04, indoxyl sulfate 0.33 ± 0.11, neopterin 0.28 ± 0.14 and kynurenic acid 0.13 ± 0.03. All uremic solutes studied also emerged in the perfusates when cotyledons were perfused in the absence of uremic solute concentrations added to the maternal reservoir. For kynurenin these concentrations were so high, it complicated the calculation of a transfer ratio for the exogenously administered compound. DISCUSSION After 180 min of exposure the extent of placental transfer differs substantially for the solutes studied, reflecting different transfer rates. Future studies should investigate to what extent specific uremic solutes reach the fetal circulation in vivo and how they may interfere with organ function and development of the unborn child.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Schakenraad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M J Van Es
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J J Meerman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - P H H Van den Broek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - H Van Hove
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Van Drongelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G A M Eliesen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - F G M Russel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - R Greupink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Keeling E, Chatelet DS, Tan NYT, Khan F, Richards R, Thisainathan T, Goggin P, Page A, Tumbarello DA, Lotery AJ, Ratnayaka JA. 3D-Reconstructed Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Provide Insights into the Anatomy of the Outer Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218408. [PMID: 33182490 PMCID: PMC7672636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is located between the neuroretina and the choroid, and plays a critical role in vision. RPE cells internalise outer segments (OS) from overlying photoreceptors in the daily photoreceptor renewal. Changes to RPE structure are linked with age and retinopathy, which has been described in the past by conventional 2D electron microscopy. We used serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to reconstruct RPE cells from the central mouse retina. Three-dimensional-reconstructed OS revealed the RPE to support large numbers of photoreceptors (90–216 per RPE cell). Larger bi-nucleate RPE maintained more photoreceptors, although their cytoplasmic volume was comparable to smaller mono-nucleate RPE supporting fewer photoreceptors. Scrutiny of RPE microvilli and interdigitating OS revealed the angle and surface area of contact between RPE and photoreceptors. Bi-nucleate RPE contained more mitochondria compared to mono-nucleate RPE. Furthermore, bi-nucleate cells contained larger sub-RPE spaces, supporting a likely association with disease. Use of perfusion-fixed tissues ensured the highest possible standard of preservation, providing novel insights into the 3D RPE architecture and changes linked with retinopathy. This study serves as a benchmark for comparing retinal tissues from donor eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Keeling
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - David S. Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, MP12, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.S.C.); (P.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Nicole Y. T. Tan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Farihah Khan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Rhys Richards
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Thibana Thisainathan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, MP12, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.S.C.); (P.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Anton Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, MP12, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.S.C.); (P.G.); (A.P.)
| | - David A. Tumbarello
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Building 85, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J. Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (E.K.); (N.Y.T.T.); (F.K.); (R.R.); (T.T.); (A.J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-238120-8183
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16
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Harris SE, Matthews KS, Palaiologou E, Tashev SA, Lofthouse EM, Pearson-Farr J, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Johnston DA, Jongen MS, Page AM, Cleal JK, Lewis RM. Pericytes on placental capillaries in terminal villi preferentially cover endothelial junctions in regions furthest away from the trophoblast. Placenta 2020; 104:1-7. [PMID: 33190063 PMCID: PMC7921774 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Pericytes are a common feature in the placental microvasculature but their roles are not well understood. Pericytes may provide physical or endocrine support for endothelium and in some tissues mediate vasoconstriction. Methods This study uses serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) to generate three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of placental pericytes of the terminal villi and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study pericyte endothelial cell interactions. The proportion of endothelial cell junctions covered by pericytes was determined. Results The detailed 3D models of placental pericytes show pericyte structure at a new level of detail. Placental pericytes have many fingers extending from the cell body which can span multiple capillary branches. The proportion of endothelial cell-cell junctions covered by pericytes was significantly higher than pericyte coverage of capillary endothelium as a whole (endothelium: 14%, junctions: 43%, p < 0.0001). However, the proportion of endothelial cell-cell junctions covered by pericytes in regions adjacent to trophoblast was reduced compared to regions >3 μm away from trophoblast (27% vs 62% respectively, p < 0.001). No junctional complexes were observed connecting pericytes and endothelial cells but there were regions of cell membrane with features suggestive of intercellular adhesions. Discussion These data suggest that the localisation of pericytes on the villous capillary is not random but organised in relation to both endothelial junctions and the location of adjacent trophoblast. This further suggests that pericyte coverage may favour capillary permeability in regions that are most important for exchange, but limit capillary permeability in other regions. Three-dimensional imaging highlights the structure of placental pericytes. Placental pericytes preferentially cover endothelial junctions. The proportion of covered junctions decreased in regions adjacent to trophoblasts. The localisation of placental pericytes suggests endothelial coverage is non-random. Junction coverage may alter capillary permeability in key regions of exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley E Harris
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Sh Matthews
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Eleni Palaiologou
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Stanimir A Tashev
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Emma M Lofthouse
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - David A Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Maaike Sa Jongen
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Anton M Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
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Palaiologou E, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Ribeiro de Souza R, Chiu W, Ashley B, Lofthouse EM, Sengers BG, Torrens C, Page AM, Cleal JK, Lewis RM. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy reveals novel intercellular connections in human term placental microvasculature. J Anat 2020; 237:241-249. [PMID: 32242928 PMCID: PMC7369196 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placental microvasculature is a conduit for fetal blood allowing solute exchange between the mother and the fetus. Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (SBF SEM) allows ultrastructure to be viewed in three dimensions and provides a new perspective on placental anatomy. This study used SBF SEM to study endothelial cells within the human placental microvasculature from uncomplicated pregnancies. Term human placental villi were aldehyde‐fixed and processed for imaging by SBF SEM. Manual segmentation was carried out on a terminal villous capillary and an intermediate villous arteriole and venule. Twenty‐seven SBF SEM stacks from terminal villi were analysed using stereological approaches to determine the volumes of microvascular components and the proportions of pericyte coverage. SBF SEM analysis of capillary endothelial cells revealed the presence of interendothelial protrusions (IEPs) originating from the donor cell at the endothelial junction and forming deep thin projections up to 7 μm into the adjacent endothelial cells. IEP density was estimated to be in the order of 35 million cm–3 placental tissue. Pericytes cover 15% of the fetal capillary surface area in terminal villi. In comparison, the cytotrophoblast covered 24% of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane. A trans‐endothelial channel was observed in a region of the vasculo‐syncytial capillary. Pericyte coverage was extensive in both arteriole and venule. Three‐dimensional imaging of the placental microvasculature identified novel ultrastructural features and provided an insight into factors that may influence capillary permeability and placental function. We hypothesise that the IEPs may allow mechanosensing between adjacent endothelial cells to assist in the maintenance of vessel integrity. The numbers of endothelial junctions, the presence of trans‐endothelial channels and the extent of pericyte coverage all provide an insight into the factors determining capillary permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Palaiologou
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Wendy Chiu
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Brogan Ashley
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Emma M Lofthouse
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher Torrens
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anton M Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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