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Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Hoskins EC, Moses RM, Wu G, Seo H, Johnson GA, Suva LJ, Gaddy D, Bazer FW. Progesterone regulates tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) expression and activity in ovine utero-placental tissues. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:90. [PMID: 38956701 PMCID: PMC11220967 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP; encoded by the ALPL gene) has a critical role in the postnatal regulation of phosphate homeostasis, yet how TNSALP activity and expression are regulated during pregnancy remain largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that progesterone (P4) and/or interferon tau (IFNT) regulate TNSALP activity during pregnancy in sheep. METHODS In Exp. 1, ewes were bred and received daily intramuscular injections of either corn oil vehicle (CO) or 25 mg progesterone in CO (P4) for the first 8 days of pregnancy and were hysterectomized on either Day 9, 12, or 125 of gestation. In Exp. 2, ewes were fitted with intrauterine catheters on Day 7 of the estrous cycle and received daily intramuscular injections of 50 mg P4 in CO and/or 75 mg progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486) in CO from Days 8 to 15, and twice daily intrauterine injections of either control proteins (CX) or IFNT (25 µg/uterine horn/d) from Days 11 to 15 (treatment groups: P4 + CX; P4 + IFNT; RU486 + P4 + CX; and RU486 + P4 + IFNT) and were hysterectomized on Day 16. RESULTS In Exp. 1, endometria from ewes administered P4 had greater expression of ALPL mRNA than ewes administered CO on Day 12. TNSALP activity appeared greater in the epithelia, stratum compactum stroma, and endothelium of the blood vessels in the endometrium and myometrium from ewes administered P4 than ewes administered CO on Day 12. On Day 125, TNSALP activity localized to uterine epithelial and endothelial cells, independent of P4 treatment. TNSALP activity in placentomes appeared greater in P4 treated ewes and was detected in endothelial cells and caruncular tissue in P4 treated but not CO treated ewes. In Exp. 2, endometrial homogenates from ewes administered RU486 + P4 + CX had lower TNSALP activity those for P4 + CX and P4 + IFNT ewes. Immunoreactive TNSALP protein appeared greater in the mid- and deep-glandular epithelia in RU486 + P4 + CX treated ewes as compared to the other treatment groups. Enzymatic activity appeared greater on the apical surface of the deep glandular epithelia in endometria from ewes treated with RU486 + P4 + CX compared to the other treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that P4, but not IFNT, regulates the expression and activity of TNSALP in utero-placental tissues and has the potential to contribute to the regulation of phosphate availability that is critical for conceptus development during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, U.S.A..
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A..
| | - Katherine M Halloran
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Emily C Hoskins
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, U.S.A
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, U.S.A
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, U.S.A
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, U.S.A
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Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Early Embryonic Development in Agriculturally Important Species. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1882. [PMID: 38997994 PMCID: PMC11240814 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fertilization of oocytes ovulated by pigs, sheep, cows, and horses is not considered a limiting factor in successful establishment of pregnancy. Pig, sheep, and cow embryos undergo cleavage to the blastocyst stage, hatch from the zona pellucida, and undergo central-type implantation. Hatched blastocysts of pigs, sheep, and cows transition from tubular to long filamentous forms to establish surface area for exchange of nutrients and gases with the uterus. The equine blastocyst, surrounded by external membranes, does not elongate but migrates throughout the uterine lumen before attaching to the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) to begin implantation. Pregnancy recognition signaling in pigs requires the trophectoderm to express interleukin 1 beta, estrogens, prostaglandin E2, and interferon gamma. Sheep and cow conceptus trophectoderm expresses interferon tau that induces interferon regulatory factor 2 that inhibits transcription of estrogen and oxytocin receptors by uterine epithelia. This prevents oxytocin-induced luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2-alpha from regressing the corpora lutea, as well as ensuring the secretion of progesterone required for maintenance of pregnancy. The pregnancy recognition signal produced by equine blastocysts is not known. Implantation in these species requires interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and integrins as the conceptus undergoes apposition and firm attachment to the uterine LE. This review provides details with respect to early embryonic development and the transition from spherical to filamentous conceptuses in pigs, sheep, and cows, as well as pre-implantation development of equine blastocysts and implantation of the conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA;
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3
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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Shen H, Li H, Sun J, Wang L, Zhang X. Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38576003 PMCID: PMC10993617 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate endometrial receptivity often results in embryo implantation failure and miscarriage. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key signaling molecule secreted during early embryonic development, which regulates embryonic maternal interface signaling and promotes embryo implantation. This study aimed to examine the impact of hCG on endometrial receptivity and its underlying mechanisms. An exploratory study was designed, and endometrial samples were obtained from women diagnosed with simple tubal infertility or male factor infertile (n = 12) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 10). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) levels and autophagy were detected in the endometrial tissues. Subsequently, primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from these control groups and treated with hCG to examine the presence of LHCGR and markers of endometrial receptivity (HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF, and L-selectin ligand) and autophagy-related factors (Beclin1, LC3, and P62). The findings revealed that the expressions of receptivity factors, LHCGR, and LC3 were reduced in the endometrial tissues of women with RIF compared with the control group, whereas the expression of P62 was elevated. The administration of hCG to ESCs specifically activated LHCGR, stimulating an increase in the endometrial production of HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF and L-selectin ligands. Furthermore, when ESCs were exposed to 0.1 IU/mL hCG for 72 h, the autophagy factors Beclin1 and LC3 increased within the cells and P62 decreased. Moreover, the apoptotic factor Bax increased and Bcl-2 declined. However, when small interfering RNA was used to knock down LHCGR, hCG was less capable of controlling endometrial receptivity and autophagy molecules in ESCs. In addition, hCG stimulation enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins. These results suggest that women with RIF exhibit lower levels of LHCGR and compromised autophagy function in their endometrial tissues. Thus, hCG/LHCGR could potentially improve endometrial receptivity by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Medical Laboratory Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Newton MG, Moses RM, Sah N, Suva LJ, Gaddy D, Bazer FW. Characterization of TNSALP expression, localization, and activity in ovine utero-placental tissues†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:954-964. [PMID: 37676255 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad113] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP; encoded by ALPL gene) has a critical role in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis postnatally. However, the utero-placental expression of TNSALP and the role in phosphate transport in pregnancy is poorly understood. Estrous cycles of ewes were synchronized, and ewes were euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 1, 9, or 14 of the estrous cycle or bred to fertile rams and euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 9, 12, 17, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110, or 125 of pregnancy. The expression of ALPL mRNA, immunolocalization of TNSALP protein, and quantification and localization of TNSALP enzymatic activity was performed on ovine endometria and placentomes. Day of the estrous cycle did not alter ALPL mRNA expression or enzymatic activity of TNSALP. TNSALP protein localized to uterine epithelial and stromal cells, blood vessels, myometrium, caruncular, and cotyledonary stroma. TNSALP activity was localized to uterine epithelia, blood vessels, caruncular stroma (from Day 70 of gestation), and the apical surface of chorionic epithelia (from Day 50 of gestation). TNSALP protein and activity localized to the apical surface of uterine epithelia during the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy. Endometrial TNSALP enzymatic activity was downregulated on Days 17 and 30 of gestation (P < 0.05). Expression of ALPL mRNA decreased in late gestation in endometria and placentomes (P < 0.05). TNSALP activity peaked in placentomes on Days 70 and 90 of gestation. Collectively, these results suggest a potential role of TNSALP in the regulation of phosphate transport and homeostasis at the maternal-conceptus interface in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Makenzie G Newton
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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5
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Bi Y, Huang W, Yuan L, Chen S, Liao S, Fu X, Liu B, Yang Y. HOXA10 improves endometrial receptivity by upregulating E-cadherin. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:992-999. [PMID: 35044439 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In the endometrium of women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM),the expression levels of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and E-cadherin were positively correlated. To explore whether HOXA10 regulates E-cadherin during endometrial receptivity establishment, Ishikawa and RL95–2 cells were transfected with target-specific siRNA and overexpression plasmid of HOXA10. The expression levels of HOXA10 and E-cadherin were measured by western blot and qRT-PCR. Attachment assay of JEG-3 spheroids to endometrial cells were conducted to explore the adhesive functions after HOXA10 interfered. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and dual luciferase reporter were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of HOXA10. CD1 mice were transfected with si-HOXA10 to confirm these results in vivo. In Ishikawa and RL95–2 cells, the expression of E-cadherin was positively correlated with HOXA10 when it was silenced/overexpressed. Consistently, the adhesion of endometrial epithelium cells and trophoblast cells was inhibited after HOXA10 was silenced, and exogenous restoration of E-cadherin expression reversed this effect to some extent. HOXA10 regulates the expression of E-cadherin by directly binding to a conserved motif (TGTACTAAAAA) located in the E-cadherin promoter region. In addition, after knockdown of HOXA10 in CD1 mice, both the implantation and live birth rates were decreased. In conclusion, HOXA10 can bind to the E-cadherin promoter region and directly regulate its expression, thereby improving endometrial receptivity and subsequently increasing the embryo adhesion and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Bi
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Weiyu Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Lifang Yuan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Saiqiong Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Shengbin Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoqian Fu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Yihua Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
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L-Tryptophan activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and induces cell cycle arrest in porcine trophectoderm cells. Theriogenology 2021; 171:137-146. [PMID: 34058506 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During implantation, the proliferation of trophectoderm cells (the outer epithelium of blastocysts) is related to conceptus elongation and placenta formation. Tryptophan (Trp) is a key regulator of embryogenesis and embryonic implantation during pregnancy. We sought to determine whether different concentrations of Trp alters porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cell proliferation. pTr cells were cultured in medium containing 40, 500, or 1000 μM Trp. The cell proliferation rate and the progression of the cells through the cell cycle were determined. To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the pTr cells, we compared mRNA transcriptomes by RNA-Seq after cell treatment with different concentrations of Trp. Some candidate DEGs were identified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR). High L-Trp levels (500 and 1000 μM) inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. We identified 19 DEGs between the 500 μM L-Trp and 40 μM L-Trp groups and 168 DEGs between the 1000 μM L-Trp and 40 μM L-Trp groups and subsequently used qPCR to validate some genes that were upregulated or downregulated. The functional gene networks in which the DEGs were most enriched included those associated with regulating DNA replication and the cell cycle, and the majority of the DEGs in both of these functional pathways was downregulated. The results showed that the addition of 500 and 1000 μM Trp significantly increased the abundance of proteins in the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. Collectively, these results indicate a novel and important role for Trp in mediating the proliferation of porcine placental cells largely via the AHR signaling pathway. Additionally, these findings help to explain the side effects of excessive Trp supplementation on placenta development and embryo growth in mammals.
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7
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Liu T, Li J, Yu L, Sun HX, Li J, Dong G, Hu Y, Li Y, Shen Y, Wu J, Gu Y. Cross-species single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals pre-gastrulation developmental differences among pigs, monkeys, and humans. Cell Discov 2021; 7:8. [PMID: 33531465 PMCID: PMC7854681 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-00238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecies blastocyst complementation enables organ-specific enrichment of xenogeneic pluripotent stem cell (PSC) derivatives, which raises an intriguing possibility to generate functional human tissues/organs in an animal host. However, differences in embryo development between human and host species may constitute the barrier for efficient chimera formation. Here, to understand these differences we constructed a complete single-cell landscape of early embryonic development of pig, which is considered one of the best host species for human organ generation, and systematically compared its epiblast development with that of human and monkey. Our results identified a developmental coordinate of pluripotency spectrum among pigs, humans and monkeys, and revealed species-specific differences in: (1) pluripotency progression; (2) metabolic transition; (3) epigenetic and transcriptional regulations of pluripotency; (4) cell surface proteins; and (5) trophectoderm development. These differences may prevent proper recognition and communication between donor human cells and host pig embryos, resulting in low integration and survival of human cells. These results offer new insights into evolutionary conserved and divergent processes during mammalian development and may be helpful for developing effective strategies to overcome low human-pig chimerism, thereby enabling the generation of functional human organs in pigs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbin Liu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Jie Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China
| | - Leqian Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Jing Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Guoyi Dong
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Yingying Hu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Yong Li
- BGI Institute of Applied Agriculture, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Yue Shen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA. .,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Ying Gu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China. .,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518083, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518120, China. .,Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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8
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Fractalkine Regulates HEC-1A/JEG-3 Interaction by Influencing the Expression of Implantation-Related Genes in an In Vitro Co-Culture Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093175. [PMID: 32365902 PMCID: PMC7246682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a complex process regulated by a network of biological molecules. Recently, it has been described that fractalkine (CX3CL1, FKN) might have an important role in the feto-maternal interaction during gestation since the trophoblast cells express fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) and the endometrium cells secrete fractalkine. CX3CR1 controls three major signalling pathways, PLC-PKC pathway, PI3K/AKT/NFκB pathway and Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways regulating proliferation, growth, migration and apoptosis. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanisms of FKN treatment influencing the expression of implantation-related genes in trophoblast cells (JEG-3) both in mono-and in co-culture models. Our results reveal that FKN acted in a concentration and time dependent manner on JEG-3 cells. FKN seemed to operate as a positive regulator of implantation via changing the action of progesterone receptor (PR), activin receptor and bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR). FKN modified also the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 controlling invasion. The presence of HEC-1A endometrial cells in the co-culture contributed to the effect of fractalkine on JEG-3 cells regulating implantation. The results suggest that FKN may contribute to the successful attachment and implantation of embryo.
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Mokhtar MH, Giribabu N, Salleh N. Testosterone Decreases the Number of Implanting Embryos, Expression of Pinopode and L-selectin Ligand (MECA-79) in the Endometrium of Early Pregnant Rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072293. [PMID: 32235321 PMCID: PMC7177729 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone could have adverse effect on fertility. In this study, we hypothesized that this hormone could reduce the number of embryo implantations via affecting the normal endometrium ultrastructure and expression of endometrial proteins involved in implantation. Therefore, the aims were to identify these adverse testosterone effects. Methods: Intact pregnant rats were given 250 or 500 µg/kg/day testosterone for three days, beginning from day 1 of pregnancy. Rats were euthanized either at day 4 to analyze the ultra-structural changes in the endometrium and expression and distribution of MECA-79 protein, or at day 6 to determine the number of implantation sites. Results: Administration of 500 µg/kg/day testosterone suppresses endometrial pinopodes development and down-regulates expression and distribution of MECA-79 protein in the uterus. In addition, the number of implantation sites were markedly decreased. Conclusions: Changes in endometrial ultrastructure and expression of implantation protein in the endometrium in early pregnancy period could be the reason for failure of embryo implantation under testosterone influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-79677532
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Song Y, Han J, Cao F, Ma H, Cao B, An X. Endometrial genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of Guanzhong dairy goats at days 5 and 15 of the gestation period. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 208:106124. [PMID: 31405455 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Uterine receptivity for the embryo is established and maintained through a series of precise cellular and molecular events, such as DNA methylation. There have been no studies to elucidate entire genome DNA methylation changes associated with embryo receptivity development of the endometrium (RE). In the present study, there was development of a complete genome-wide DNA methylome maps of the RE using whole-genome bisulphite sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. As many as 163.06 Gb of sequencing data averaging 81.53 Gb per sample were obtained for genome bisulphite sequencing of endometrium samples. There were distinct genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in pre-receptive endometrium (PE; Day 5 of gestation) and RE (Day 15 of gestation). There were as many as 16,467 differentially methylated regions (DMRs); 21,391 DMRs were less methylated in RE samples compared with PE samples (P-values ≤ 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 2). Compared with PE samples, methylation ratios of IGF2BP2, ACOX2, PTGDS, VEGFB and PTGDR2 genes were markedly less in RE samples (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 2). Conversely, in RE samples there was a markedly greater methylation ratio of IGFBP3 and IGF1R genes. The results of KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were involved in the signalling pathways for insulin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, vascular endothelial growth factor and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, which participated in differential regulation of goat endometrial development during receptive and prereceptive phases. The results of previous and the present study indicate resulting proteins of IGF2BP2, PTGDS, VEGFB, PGR, IGFBP3 and IGF1R gene expression may have important functions in regulating endometrial receptivity for the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jincheng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Fangjun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Haidong Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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11
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Yoshida K, Line J, Griffith K, Wooldredge A, Cruz YP. Progesterone signaling during pregnancy in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica. Theriogenology 2019; 136:101-110. [PMID: 31254723 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate subtle pregnancy-associated changes in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica, an induced ovulator, we compared pregnant with non-pregnant and pseudopregnant animals with regard to serum P4 levels and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Using video-verified, time-mated lab opossums as sources of biological material, we compared ovaries, uteri and sera obtained on odd-numbered days of the 14.5-day pregnancy in this animal. Females that mated successfully but did not produce embryos were classified as pseudopregnant. P4 levels differed significantly between pregnant (N = 21) and either non-pregnant (N = 3) or pseudopregnant (N = 3) opossums, but not between the non-pregnant and pseudopregnant groups. A significant decline in serum P4 occurred between pregnancy days 3 and 5, coinciding with an elevated probability of pregnancy failure between days 5 and 9. PR was detected in the nuclei of uterine-gland epithelial cells on pregnancy days 5 and 7 as well as variably in the corpora lutea (CL) of animals on pregnancy days 3-11. PR expression in the CL suggests that P4 may be autostimulatory in lab opossums and that certain levels of this steroid are required during normal pregnancy. The significant day-3 drop in P4 may explain why pregnancy failure in this polyovular metatherian is likeliest to occur between days 5 and 9, an interval during which the extended period of blastocyst morphogenesis and expansion occurs. Taken together, these results suggest that P4 may have unrecognized signaling roles not only in pregnancy but perhaps embryonic development as well in the lab opossum.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - J Line
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - K Griffith
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - A Wooldredge
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - Y P Cruz
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA.
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12
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TAE. In vitro-produced horse embryos exhibit a very narrow window of acceptable recipient mare uterine synchrony compared with in vivo-derived embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1904-1911. [PMID: 31587698 DOI: 10.1071/rd19294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the number of equine invitro-produced embryos (IVP) has increased markedly; as yet, there are few reports on what constitutes an 'ideal' recipient for an IVP embryo. This study retrospectively investigated the effects of recipient mare oestrous cycle characteristics on the likelihood of pregnancy after transfer of IVP (n=264) and invivo-derived embryos (n=262). IVP embryos tolerated only a narrow window of recipient mare 'synchrony', with transfer on Day 4 after ovulation resulting in a higher likelihood of ongoing pregnancy (69%) than transfer on Days 3, 5 or 6 (53.2%, 41.3% and 23.1% respectively; P=0.02). In contrast, Day 8 invivo-derived embryos tolerated a wide range of uterine (a)synchrony, with no difference in pregnancy or pregnancy loss for recipients that ovulated between Day 4 and Day 9 before transfer. However, transferring invivo-derived embryos to recipients that had a longer oestrus preceding transfer resulted in higher Day 12 and ongoing pregnancy rate (P<0.01). This effect was not significant in IVP embryos. In conclusion, Day 6-8 IVP blastocysts survive best after transfer to Day 4 recipient mares; Day 8 invivo-derived embryos survive equally well in Day 4-9 recipients, but do better in mares that have a long preceding oestrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Embryo-maternal communication during the first 4 weeks of equine pregnancy. Theriogenology 2016; 86:349-54. [PMID: 27156682 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The first month of equine pregnancy covers a period of rapid growth and development, during which the single-cell zygote metamorphoses into an embryo with a functional circulation and precursors of many important organs, enclosed within extraembryonic membranes responsible for nutrient uptake and gaseous exchange. After exiting the oviduct, the conceptus must influence uterine physiology to ensure adequate nutrition and preparation for implantation, while continued development results in the chorioallantois superseding the yolk sac as the primary interface for maternal interaction and exchange. Throughout the first month, pregnancy maintenance depends absolutely on progesterone secreted by the primary corpus luteum. However, although extension of luteal life span via maternal recognition of pregnancy is clearly essential, it is still not known how the horse conceptus signals its presence. On the other hand, our understanding of how luteolytic prostaglandin F2α release from the endometrium is averted has improved, and we are increasingly aware of the biological and practical significance of various events characteristic of early horse pregnancy, such as selective oviductal transport, the formation and dissolution of the blastocyst capsule, and prolonged intrauterine conceptus migration. It is also increasingly clear that embryo-maternal dialog during the first month is essential not only to conceptus survival but also has more profound and long-lasting implications. In this latter respect, it is now accepted that the maternal environment (e.g., metabolic or health status) may epigenetically alter gene expression capacity of the developing embryo and thereby permanently influence the health of the resulting foal right through adulthood.
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