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Bartels HC, Hameed S, Young C, Nabhan M, Downey P, Curran KM, McCormack J, Fabre A, Kolch W, Zhernovkov V, Brennan DJ. Spatial proteomics and transcriptomics of the maternal-fetal interface in placenta accreta spectrum. Transl Res 2024; 274:67-80. [PMID: 39349165 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
In severe Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), trophoblasts gain deep access in the myometrium (placenta increta). This study investigated alterations at the fetal-maternal interface in PAS cases using a systems biology approach consisting of immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. We identified spatial variation in the distribution of CD4+, CD3+ and CD8+ T-cells at the maternal-interface in placenta increta cases. Spatial transcriptomics identified transcription factors involved in promotion of trophoblast invasion such as AP-1 subunits ATF-3 and JUN, and NFKB were upregulated in regions with deep myometrial invasion. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated that degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and class 1 MHC protein were increased in increta regions, suggesting local tissue injury and immune suppression. Spatial proteomics demonstrated that increta regions were characterised by excessive trophoblastic proliferation in an immunosuppressive environment. Expression of inhibitors of apoptosis such as BCL-2 and fibronectin were increased, while CTLA-4 was decreased and increased expression of PD-L1, PD-L2 and CD14 macrophages. Additionally, CD44, which is a ligand of fibronectin that promotes trophoblast invasion and cell adhesion was also increased in increta regions. We subsequently examined ligand receptor interactions enriched in increta regions, with interactions with ITGβ1, including with fibronectin and ADAMS, emerging as central in increta. These ITGβ1 ligand interactions are involved in activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and remodelling of ECM suggesting a more invasive trophoblast phenotype. In PAS, we suggest this is driven by fibronectin via AP-1 signalling, likely as a secondary response to myometrial scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena C Bartels
- Dept of UCD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sodiq Hameed
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Constance Young
- Department of Histopathology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Myriam Nabhan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Paul Downey
- Department of Histopathology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Janet McCormack
- Research Pathology Core, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aurelie Fabre
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Research Pathology Core, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vadim Zhernovkov
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Donal J Brennan
- Dept of UCD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland; University College Dublin Gynaecological Oncology Group (UCD-GOG), Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Wang YN, Chen XL, Yang J, Gong XX, Zhang HF, Zhang YM, Zeng DF, Chen PS, Chen HB. Reduced syncytin-1 regulates trophoblast invasion and apoptosis in preeclampsia. Placenta 2024; 155:32-41. [PMID: 39121585 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by de novo development of hypertension and proteinuria over 20 weeks gestation that has been associated with the dysfunction of trophoblasts. Current evidence suggests that syncytin-1 plays an important role in the non-fusogenic biological activity of trophoblasts, except for specific fusogenic function. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. METHODS The expression and location of syncytin-1 in normal and the late-onset preeclampsia placentas were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Morphological and apoptosis analysis were processed in placentas. The ex vivo extravillous explant culture model was used to explore the effect of syncytin-1 on EVT outgrowths. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were used to calculate syncytin-1 levels in the trophoblast cells before and after syncytin-1 knockdown or overexpression. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. TUNEL staining and immunoblotting were processed in trophoblast cells. Transwell assays and wound healing assays were utilize to assess the invasion and migration of trophoblastic cells. Conditional knockout of syncytin-a mouse model was conducted to present the change of placentas in vivo. The ex vivo extravillous explant culture model was used to explore the effect of syncytin-1 on EVT outgrowths. Western blotting was used to identify the key proteins of PI3K/Akt pathways and invasion-related proteins in trophoblast cells. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Here, reduced syncytin-1 was identified in the late-onset preeclampsia placentas. Reduced syncytin-1 may attenuates the EMT process by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation and invasion by suppressed PI3K/Akt pathway in trophoblast cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the non-fusogenic biological function of reduced syncytin-1 that may be involves in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Xue-Ling Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Ju Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Yan-Mei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Dan-Feng Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China
| | - Pei-Shan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China.
| | - Hai-Bin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, China
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Lizárraga-Verdugo E, Beltrán-Ontiveros SA, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Montoya-Moreno M, Gutiérrez-Arzapalo PY, Avendaño-Félix M, Gutiérrez-Castro KP, Cuén-Lazcano DE, González-Quintero P, Mora-Palazuelos CE. The Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9722. [PMID: 39273667 PMCID: PMC11395310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are characterized by abnormal trophoblastic invasion into the myometrium, leading to significant maternal health risks. PAS includes placenta accreta (invasion < 50% of the myometrium), increta (invasion > 50%), and percreta (invasion through the entire myometrium). The condition is most associated with previous cesarean deliveries and increases in chance with the number of prior cesarians. The increasing global cesarean rates heighten the importance of early PAS diagnosis and management. This review explores genetic expression and key regulatory processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, and inflammation, focusing on signaling pathways, genetic expression, biomarkers, and non-coding RNAs involved in trophoblastic invasion. It compiles the recent scientific literature (2014-2024) from the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Identifying new biomarkers like AFP, sFlt-1, β-hCG, PlGF, and PAPP-A aids in early detection and management. Understanding genetic expression and non-coding RNAs is crucial for unraveling PAS complexities. In addition, aberrant signaling pathways like Notch, PI3K/Akt, STAT3, and TGF-β offer potential therapeutic targets to modulate trophoblastic invasion. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary care, early diagnosis, and ongoing research into PAS biomarkers and molecular mechanisms to improve prognosis and quality of life for affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Lizárraga-Verdugo
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | - Saúl Armando Beltrán-Ontiveros
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | | | - Marisol Montoya-Moreno
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | - Perla Y Gutiérrez-Arzapalo
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | | | - Karla Paola Gutiérrez-Castro
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | - Daniel E Cuén-Lazcano
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
| | - Paul González-Quintero
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Service, Women's Hospital of Culiacan, Health Secretary, Culiacan 80020, Mexico
| | - Carlos Ernesto Mora-Palazuelos
- Research Unit, Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80030, Mexico
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Ganesan K, Xu C, Wu J, Du B, Liu Q, Sui Y, Song C, Zhang J, Tang H, Chen J. Ononin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer lung metastasis by targeting the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1849-1866. [PMID: 38900236 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, is the leading cause of cancer recurrence and mortality in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in approximately 70% of TNBC patients. EGFR is crucial for promoting tumor metastasis and associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is vital to identify effective therapeutic strategies targeting EGFR inhibition. Ononin, an isoflavonoid found in various plants, such as clover and soybeans, has been shown to have anticancer properties in several cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ononin on TNBC lung metastasis and the associated molecular pathways. We used various assays, including cell viability, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, ELISA, Western blotting, and staining techniques, to achieve this objective. The results demonstrated that ononin effectively suppressed cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the cell viability assay, colony formation assay, and expression of apoptosis markers, and reduced the metastatic capabilities of TNBC cells. These effects were achieved through the direct suppression of cell adhesion, invasiveness and motility. Furthermore, in TNBC xenograft lung metastatic models, ononin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, ononin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating the expression of EMT markers and matrix metalloproteinases, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, ononin treatment reduced EGFR phosphorylation and suppressed the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR signaling pathways, which was further confirmed using EGFR agonists or inhibitors. Importantly, ononin treatment did not exert any toxic effects on liver or kidney function. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ononin is a safe and potentially therapeutic treatment for TNBC metastasis that targets the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and explore its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cong Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yue Sui
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Rekowska AK, Obuchowska K, Bartosik M, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Słodzińska M, Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Biomolecules Involved in Both Metastasis and Placenta Accreta Spectrum-Does the Common Pathophysiological Pathway Exist? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092618. [PMID: 37174083 PMCID: PMC10177254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial in the implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent placental development. The trophoblast, consisting of villous and extravillous zones, plays different roles in these processes. Pathological states, such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), can arise due to dysfunction of the trophoblast or defective decidualization, leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Studies have drawn parallels between placentation and carcinogenesis, with both processes involving EMT and the establishment of a microenvironment that facilitates invasion and infiltration. This article presents a review of molecular biomarkers involved in both the microenvironment of tumors and placental cells, including placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin (CDH1), laminin γ2 (LAMC2), the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) proteins, αVβ3 integrin, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), β-catenin, cofilin-1 (CFL-1), and interleukin-35 (IL-35). Understanding the similarities and differences in these processes may provide insights into the development of therapeutic options for both PAS and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Rekowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Obuchowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Słodzińska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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