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Liu X, Xin S, Xu F, Zhou M, Xiong Y, Zeng Y, Zeng X, Zou Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity and differential expression of the maternal-fetal interface during ICP and normal pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2361278. [PMID: 38835155 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2361278] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can cause adverse perinatal outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that the placenta of an ICP pregnancy differs in morphology and gene expression from the placenta of a normal pregnancy. To date, however, the genetic mechanism by which ICP affects the placenta is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the differences in main cell types, gene signatures, cell ratio, and functional changes in the placenta between ICP and normal pregnancy. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology was used to detect the gene expression of all cells at the placental maternal-fetal interface. Two individuals were analyzed - one with ICP and one without ICP. The classification of cell types was determined by a graph-based clustering algorithm. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the R software phyper () function and DAVID website. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding transcription factors (TFs) were identified using getorf and DIAMOND software. RESULTS We identified 14 cell types and 22 distinct cell subtypes that showed unique functional properties. Additionally, we found differences in the proportions of fibroblasts 1, helper T (Th) cells, extravillous trophoblasts, and villous cytotrophoblasts, and we observed heterogeneity of gene expression between ICP and control placentas. Furthermore, we identified 263 DEGs that belonged to TF families, including zf-C2H2, HMGI/HMGY, and Homeobox. In addition, 28 imprinted genes were preferentially expressed in specific cell types, such as PEG3 and PEG10 in trophoblasts as well as DLK1 and DIO3 in fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the differences in cell-type ratios, gene expression, and functional changes between ICP and normal placentas, and heterogeneity was found among cell subgroups. Hence, the imbalance of various cell types affects placental activity to varying degrees, indicating the complexity of the cell networks that form the placental tissue system, and this alteration of placental function is associated with adverse events in the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Siming Xin
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mengni Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoming Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Chen EX, Hu SC, Xu JQ, Liu KY, Tang J, Shen XP, Liang X, Xie YL, Ge LX, Luo X, Wang YX, Xiang YL, Ding YB. Suppression of GATA3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and simultaneous cellular senescence in human extravillous trophoblasts. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119768. [PMID: 38838858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119768] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The regulatory mechanism of the transcription factor GATA3 in the differentiation and maturation process of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) in early pregnancy placenta, as well as its relevance to the occurrence of pregnancy disorders, remains poorly understood. This study leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing data from placental organoid models and placental tissue to explore the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression during EVT maturation. The expression pattern exhibited an initial upregulation followed by subsequent downregulation, with aberrant GATA3 localization observed in cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM). By identifying global targets regulated by GATA3 in primary placental EVT cells, JEG3, and HTR8/SVneo cell lines, this study offered insights into its regulatory mechanisms across different EVT cell models. Shared regulatory targets among these cell types and activation of trophoblast cell marker genes emphasized the importance of GATA3 in EVT differentiation and maturation. Knockdown of GATA3 in JEG3 cells led to repression of GATA3-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by changes in marker gene expression levels and enhanced migration ability. Additionally, interference with GATA3 accelerated cellular senescence, as indicated by reduced proliferation rates and increased activity levels for senescence-associated β-galactosidase enzyme, along with elevated expression levels for senescence-associated genes. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dual role of GATA3 in regulating EMT and cellular senescence during EVT differentiation, shedding light on the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression in normal and pathological placental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Xiang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changsha Medical University, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Si-Chen Hu
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kun-Yan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xi-Peng Shen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - You-Long Xie
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lu-Xin Ge
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University. Hunan 410219, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Yun-Long Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China; Department of Toxicology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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3
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Vachalova V, Kumnova F, Synova T, Anandam KY, Abad C, Karahoda R, Staud F. Metformin inhibits OCT3-mediated serotonin transport in the placenta. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117399. [PMID: 39243433 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117399] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper fetal development requires tight regulation of serotonin concentrations within the fetoplacental unit. This homeostasis is partly maintained by the placental transporter OCT3/SLC22A3, which takes up serotonin from the fetal circulation. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug commonly used to treat gestational diabetes mellitus, was shown to inhibit OCT3. We, therefore, hypothesized that its use during pregnancy could disrupt placental serotonin homeostasis. This hypothesis was tested using three experimental model systems: primary trophoblast cells isolated from the human term placenta, fresh villous human term placenta fragments, and rat term placenta perfusions. Inhibition of serotonin transport by metformin at three concentrations (1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM) was assessed in all three models. The OCT3 inhibitor decynium-22 (100 μM) and paroxetine (100 μM), a dual inhibitor of SERT and OCT3, were used as controls. In primary trophoblasts, paroxetine exhibited the strongest inhibition of serotonin uptake, followed by decynium-22. Metformin showed a concentration-dependent effect, reducing serotonin uptake by up to 57 % at the highest concentration. Its inhibitory effect was less pronounced in fresh villous fragments but remained statistically significant at all concentrations. In the perfused rat placenta, metformin demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect, reducing placental serotonin uptake by 44 % at the highest concentration tested. Our findings across all experimental models show inhibition of placental OCT3 by metformin, resulting in reduced serotonin uptake by the trophoblast. This sheds light on mechanisms that may underpin metformin-mediated effects on fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vachalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Fiona Kumnova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tetiana Synova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kasin Yadunandam Anandam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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4
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Liu Z. Gene expression profile of human placental villous pericytes in the first trimester - An analysis by single-cell RNA sequencing. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100919. [PMID: 38941941 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100919] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells within theplacental villi play a crucial role in shaping the morphology of branching structures and driving the development of blood vessels. However, the markers and functions of placental villous pericytes (PVPs) as distinct subgroups of placental villous mesenchymal cells, remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, the markers and functions of PVPs were investigated. Single-cell sequencing data from the first-trimester placental villi was obtained and the Seurat tool was used to identify PVP markers. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of specific genes was performed using the DAVID database. The Cellchat tool was employed to investigate the interaction signals between the PVPs and other cells. Expression of the PVP markers was confirmed using immunofluorescence. Presence of extracellular vesicles in the placental villous mesenchyme and PVPs was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Our findings revealed that renin (REN) and amphiregulin (AREG)-positive fibroblasts in the placental villi specifically expressed several classic pericyte markers. In the first trimester, certain conserved functions of pericytes were observed and they displayed tissue-specific functions such as in the integrin-mediated signaling pathway and extracellular exosomes. Moreover, the placental villous mesenchyme was found to be rich in extracellular vesicles. AREG is specifically transcribed in the first trimester PVPs, however, its protein was located in syncytiotrophoblasts. These insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of early placental development and offer new therapeutic targets for placenta-derived pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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5
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Yu J, Yan Y, Li S, Xu Y, Parolia A, Rizvi S, Wang W, Zhai Y, Xiao R, Li X, Liao P, Zhou J, Okla K, Lin H, Lin X, Grove S, Wei S, Vatan L, Hu J, Szumilo J, Kotarski J, Freeman ZT, Skala S, Wicha M, Cho KR, Chinnaiyan AM, Schon S, Wen F, Kryczek I, Wang S, Chen L, Zou W. Progestogen-driven B7-H4 contributes to onco-fetal immune tolerance. Cell 2024; 187:4713-4732.e19. [PMID: 38968937 PMCID: PMC11344674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Immune tolerance mechanisms are shared in cancer and pregnancy. Through cross-analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data from multiple human cancer types and the maternal-fetal interface, we found B7-H4 (VTCN1) is an onco-fetal immune tolerance checkpoint. We showed that genetic deficiency of B7-H4 resulted in immune activation and fetal resorption in allogeneic pregnancy models. Analogously, B7-H4 contributed to MPA/DMBA-induced breast cancer progression, accompanied by CD8+ T cell exhaustion. Female hormone screening revealed that progesterone stimulated B7-H4 expression in placental and breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, progesterone receptor (PR) bound to a newly identified -58 kb enhancer, thereby mediating B7-H4 transcription via the PR-P300-BRD4 axis. PR antagonist or BRD4 degrader potentiated immunotherapy in a murine B7-H4+ breast cancer model. Thus, our work unravels a mechanistic and biological connection of a female sex hormone (progesterone) to onco-fetal immune tolerance via B7-H4 and suggests that the PR-P300-BRD4 axis is targetable for treating B7-H4+ cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yijian Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Syed Rizvi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan School of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Weichao Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yiwen Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rongxin Xiao
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peng Liao
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karolina Okla
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Heng Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xun Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sara Grove
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Linda Vatan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiantao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justyna Szumilo
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Zachary T Freeman
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie Skala
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Max Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kathleen R Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Schon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan School of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ilona Kryczek
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Weiping Zou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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6
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Van Buren E, Azzara D, Rangel-Moreno J, Garcia-Hernandez MDLL, Murphy SP, Cohen ED, Lewis E, Lin X, Park HR. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals placental response under environmental stress. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6549. [PMID: 39095385 PMCID: PMC11297347 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50914-9] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta is crucial for fetal development, yet the impact of environmental stressors such as arsenic exposure remains poorly understood. We apply single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the response of the mouse placenta to arsenic, revealing cell-type-specific gene expression, function, and pathological changes. Notably, the Prap1 gene, which encodes proline-rich acidic protein 1 (PRAP1), is significantly upregulated in 26 placental cell types including various trophoblast cells. Our study shows a female-biased increase in PRAP1 in response to arsenic and localizes it in the placenta. In vitro and ex vivo experiments confirm PRAP1 upregulation following arsenic treatment and demonstrate that recombinant PRAP1 protein reduces arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and downregulates cell cycle pathways in human trophoblast cells. Moreover, PRAP1 knockdown differentially affects cell cycle processes, proliferation, and cell death depending on the presence of arsenic. Our findings provide insights into the placental response to environmental stress, offering potential preventative and therapeutic approaches for environment-related adverse outcomes in mothers and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Van Buren
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Azzara
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Javier Rangel-Moreno
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Shawn P Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ethan D Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ethan Lewis
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xihong Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hae-Ryung Park
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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7
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Zang X, Gu S, Wang W, Shi J, Gan J, Hu Q, Zhou C, Ding Y, He Y, Jiang L, Gu T, Xu Z, Huang S, Yang H, Meng F, Li Z, Cai G, Hong L, Wu Z. Dynamic intrauterine crosstalk promotes porcine embryo implantation during early pregnancy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1676-1696. [PMID: 38748354 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2557-x] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic crosstalk between the embryo and mother is crucial during implantation. Here, we comprehensively profile the single-cell transcriptome of pig peri-implantation embryos and corresponding maternal endometrium, identifying 4 different lineages in embryos and 13 cell types in the endometrium. Cell-specific gene expression characterizes 4 distinct trophectoderm subpopulations, showing development from undifferentiated trophectoderm to polar and mural trophectoderm. Dynamic expression of genes in different types of endometrial cells illustrates their molecular response to embryos during implantation. Then, we developed a novel tool, ExtraCellTalk, generating an overall dynamic map of maternal-foetal crosstalk using uterine luminal proteins as bridges. Through cross-species comparisons, we identified a conserved RBP4/STRA6 pathway in which embryonic-derived RBP4 could target the STRA6 receptor on stromal cells to regulate the interaction with other endometrial cells. These results provide insight into the maternal-foetal crosstalk during embryo implantation and represent a valuable resource for further studies to improve embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shengchen Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Junsong Shi
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Jianyu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yue Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yanjuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zicong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
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Jácome-Ferrer P, Costas J. Exploring the causal effect of placental physiology in susceptibility to mental and addictive disorders: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1396837. [PMID: 39135989 PMCID: PMC11317394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1396837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies have linked low birth weight to psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. Genomic analyses suggest a role of placental physiology on psychiatric risk. We investigated whether this association is causally related to impaired trophoblast function. Methods We conducted a two-sample summary-data Mendelian randomization study using as instrumental variables those genetic variants strongly associated with birth weight, whose effect is exerted through the fetal genome, and are located near genes with differential expression in trophoblasts. Eight psychiatric and substance use disorders with >10,000 samples were included as outcomes. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the main analysis and several sensitivity analyses were performed for those significant results. Results The inverse variance weighted estimate, based on 14 instrumental variables, revealed an association, after correction for multiple tests, between birth weight and broadly defined depression (β = -0.165, 95% CI = -0.282 to -0.047, P = 0.0059). Sensitivity analyses revealed the absence of heterogeneity in the effect of instrumental variables, confirmed by leave-one-out analysis, MR_Egger intercept, and MR_PRESSO. The effect was consistent using robust methods. Reverse causality was not detected. The effect was specifically linked to genetic variants near genes involved in trophoblast physiology instead of genes with fetal effect on birth weight or involved in placenta development. Conclusion Impaired trophoblast functioning, probably leading to reduced fetal brain oxygen and nutrient supply, is causally related to broadly defined depression. Considering the therapeutic potential of some agents to treat fetal growth restriction, further research on the effect of trophoblast physiology on mental disorders may have future implications in prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jácome-Ferrer
- Psychiatric Genetics group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Javier Costas
- Psychiatric Genetics group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Gunter-Rahman F, Mallett S, White F, Jacques PÉ, Raju RM, Hivert MF, Lee EA. Maternal obesity and offspring neurodevelopment are associated with hypoxic gene expression in term human placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.10.602900. [PMID: 39026777 PMCID: PMC11257614 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.10.602900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
One third of women in the United States are affected by obesity during pregnancy. Maternal obesity (MO) is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental and metabolic disorders in the offspring. The placenta, located at the maternal-fetal interface, is a key organ determining fetal development and likely contributes to programming of long-term offspring health. We profiled the term placental transcriptome in humans (pre-pregnancy BMI 35+ [MO condition] or 18.5-25 [lean condition]) using single-nucleus RNA-seq to compare expression profiles in MO versus lean conditions, and to reveal potential mechanisms underlying offspring disease risk. We recovered 62,864 nuclei of high quality from 10 samples each from the maternal-facing and fetal-facing sides of the placenta. On both sides in several cell types, MO was associated with upregulation of hypoxia response genes. On the maternal-facing side only, hypoxia gene expression was associated with offspring neurodevelopmental measures, in Gen3G, an independent pregnancy cohort with bulk placental tissue RNA-seq. We leveraged Gen3G to determine genes that correlated with impaired neurodevelopment and found these genes to be most highly expressed in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). EVTs further showed the strongest correlation between neurodevelopment impairment gene scores (NDIGSs) and the hypoxia gene score. We reanalyzed gene expression of cultured EVTs, and found increased NDIGSs associated with exposure to hypoxia. Among EVTs, accounting for the hypoxia gene score attenuated 44% of the association between BMI and NDIGSs. These data suggest that hypoxia in EVTs may be a key process in the neurodevelopmental programming of fetal exposure to MO.
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10
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Keenen MM, Yang L, Liang H, Farmer VJ, Singh R, Gladfelter AS, Coyne CB. Comparative analysis of the syncytiotrophoblast in placenta tissue and trophoblast organoids using snRNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601571. [PMID: 39005304 PMCID: PMC11244908 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The outer surface of chorionic villi in the human placenta consists of a single multinucleated cell called the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The unique cellular ultrastructure of the STB presents challenges in deciphering its gene expression signature at the single-cell level, as the STB contains billions of nuclei in a single cell. There are many gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms and developmental trajectories involved in STB formation and differentiation. To identify the underlying control of the STB, we performed comparative single nucleus (SN) and single cell (SC) RNA sequencing on placental tissue and tissue-derived trophoblast organoids (TOs). We found that SN was essential to capture the STB population from both tissue and TOs. Differential gene expression and pseudotime analysis of TO-derived STB identified three distinct nuclear subtypes reminiscent of those recently identified in vivo . These included a juvenile nuclear population that exhibited both CTB and STB marker expression, a population enriched in genes involved in oxygen sensing, and a fully differentiated subtype. Notably, suspension culture conditions of TOs that restore the native orientation of the STB (STB out ) showed elevated expression of canonical STB markers and pregnancy hormones, along with a greater proportion of the terminally differentiated mature STB subtype, compared to those cultivated with an inverted STB polarity (STB in ). Gene regulatory analysis identified novel markers of STB differentiation conserved in tissue and TOs, including the chromatin remodeler RYBP, that exhibited STB-specific RNA and protein expression. Finally, we compared STB gene expression signatures amongst first trimester tissue, full-term tissue, and TOs, identifying many commonalities but also notable variability across each sample type. This indicates that STB gene expression is responsive to its environmental context. Our findings emphasize the utility of TOs to accurately model STB differentiation and the distinct nuclear subtypes observed in vivo , offering a versatile platform for unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing STB functions in placental biology and disease.
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11
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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Bi S, Huang L, Chen Y, Hu Z, Li S, Wang Y, Huang B, Zhang L, Huang Y, Dai B, Du L, Tu Z, Wang Y, Xu D, Xu X, Sun W, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Wang F, Zhang S. KAT8-mediated H4K16ac is essential for sustaining trophoblast self-renewal and proliferation via regulating CDX2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5602. [PMID: 38961108 PMCID: PMC11222414 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49930-6] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation during early gestation is the major cause of miscarriage, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that trophoblast specific deletion of Kat8, a MYST family histone acetyltransferase, leads to extraembryonic ectoderm abnormalities and embryonic lethality. Employing RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses on trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), we further discover that KAT8 regulates the transcriptional activation of the trophoblast stemness marker, CDX2, via acetylating H4K16. Remarkably, CDX2 overexpression partially rescues the defects arising from Kat8 knockout. Moreover, increasing H4K16ac via using deacetylase SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, restores CDX2 levels and promoted placental development. Clinical analysis shows reduced KAT8, CDX2 and H4K16ac expression are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Trophoblast organoids derived from these patients exhibit impaired TSC self-renewal and growth, which are significantly ameliorated with EX527 treatment. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the KAT8-H4K16ac-CDX2 axis for mitigating RPL, shedding light on early gestational abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yongjie Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Zhenhua Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Shanze Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Baoying Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lizi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Beibei Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Dan Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Mannheim Institute of Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
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13
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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Gravidity influences distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384361. [PMID: 38994356 PMCID: PMC11237841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Maternal reproductive history is associated with differential risk of pregnancy complications. The molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations and the influence of gravidity on these phenotypes has not been systematically investigated. Methods Here, we used RNA sequencing to study the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in normal term pregnancies. Results Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidae compared to primigravidae. In HBCs, multigravidae displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. Discussion Our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidae to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Ozarslan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Yvonne Kim
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Megan R. Ansbro
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jason Akram
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dennis J. Montoya
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Margaret E. Feeney
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susan J. Fisher
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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15
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Shook LL, Batorsky RE, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Slonim DK, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 38918792 PMCID: PMC11197235 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03157-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses. Such activation in the setting of other infections during pregnancy is known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from 24 term placentas (N = 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, 14 negative controls). Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells (HBC-iMGs), with impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rose M De Guzman
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liam T McCrea
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Brigida
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olha Kholod
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Aidan M Cook
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Li
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Brittany A Goods
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Batorsky R, Ceasrine AM, Shook LL, Kislal S, Bordt EA, Devlin BA, Perlis RH, Slonim DK, Bilbo SD, Edlow AG. Hofbauer cells and fetal brain microglia share transcriptional profiles and responses to maternal diet-induced obesity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114326. [PMID: 38848212 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114326] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, many mediated by in utero microglial programming. As microglia remain inaccessible throughout development, identification of noninvasive biomarkers reflecting fetal brain microglial programming could permit screening and intervention. We used lineage tracing to demonstrate the shared ontogeny between fetal brain macrophages (microglia) and fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) in a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity, and single-cell RNA-seq to demonstrate shared transcriptional programs. Comparison with human datasets demonstrated conservation of placental resident macrophage signatures between mice and humans. Single-cell RNA-seq identified common alterations in fetal microglial and Hofbauer cell gene expression induced by maternal obesity, as well as sex differences in these alterations. We propose that Hofbauer cells, which are easily accessible at birth, provide insights into fetal brain microglial programs and may facilitate the early identification of offspring vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Batorsky
- Data Intensive Studies Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Alexis M Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lydia L Shook
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sezen Kislal
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evan A Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Devlin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Staci D Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Unjitwattana T, Huang Q, Yang Y, Yang Y, Zhou M, Du Y, Garmire LX. Rescue Blood Contamination in scRNA-Seq Data by Originator, a Computational Deciphering Tool using Genetic and Contextual Information. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588144. [PMID: 38617220 PMCID: PMC11014553 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data from complex human tissues have prevalent blood cell contamination due to the sample preparation process and may comprise cells of different genetic makeups. To reveal such complexity and annotate cells appropriately, we propose the first-of-its-kind computational framework, Originator, which deciphers single cells by genetic origin and separates blood cells from tissue-resident cells. We show that blood contamination is widely spread in scRNA-Seq data from a variety of tissues. We warn of the significant biases in downstream analysis without considering blood contamination and genetic contexts using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and placenta data, respectively.
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18
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Ji K, Chen Y, Pan X, Chen L, Wang X, Wen B, Bao J, Zhong J, Lv Z, Zheng Z, Liu H. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal alterations in trophoblasts at invasion sites and disturbed myometrial immune microenvironment in placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Biomark Res 2024; 12:55. [PMID: 38831319 PMCID: PMC11149369 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00598-6] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) are a severe complication characterized by abnormal trophoblast invasion into the myometrium. The underlying mechanisms of PAS involve a complex interplay of various cell types and molecular pathways. Despite its significance, both the characteristics and intricate mechanisms of this condition remain poorly understood. METHODS Spatial transcriptomics (ST) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), were performed on the tissue samples from four PAS patients, including invasive tissues (ST, n = 3; scRNA-seq, n = 4), non-invasive normal placenta samples (ST, n = 1; scRNA-seq, n = 2). Three healthy term pregnant women provided normal myometrium samples (ST, n = 1; scRNA-seq, n = 2). ST analysis characterized the spatial expression landscape, and scRNA-seq was used to identify specific cellular components in PAS. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to validate the findings. RESULTS ST slices distinctly showed the myometrium in PAS was invaded by three subpopulations of trophoblast cells, extravillous trophoblast cells, cytotrophoblasts, and syncytiotrophoblasts, especially extravillous trophoblast cells. The pathways enriched by genes in trophoblasts, smooth muscle cells (SMC), and immune cells of PAS were mainly associated with immune and inflammation. We identified elevated expression of the angiogenesis-stimulating gene PTK2, alongside the cell proliferation-enhancing gene EGFR, within the trophoblasts of PAS group. Trophoblasts mainly contributed the enhancement of HLA-G and EBI3 signaling, which is crucial in establishing immune escape. Meanwhile, SMC regions in PAS exhibited upregulation of immunomodulatory markers such as CD274, HAVCR2, and IDO1, with CD274 expression experimentally verified to be increased in the invasive SMC areas of the PAS group. CONCLUSIONS This study provided information of cellular composition and spatial organization in PAS at single-cell and spatial level. The dysregulated expression of genes in PAS revealed a complex interplay between enhanced immune escape in trophoblasts and immune tolerance in SMCs during invasion in PAS. These findings will enhance our understanding of PAS pathogenesis for developing potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Ji
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunshan Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuyu Pan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodi Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolun Wen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Bao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junmin Zhong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Lv
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huishu Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Hivert MF, White F, Allard C, James K, Majid S, Aguet F, Ardlie KG, Florez JC, Edlow AG, Bouchard L, Jacques PÉ, Karumanchi SA, Powe CE. Placental IGFBP1 levels during early pregnancy and the risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. Nat Med 2024; 30:1689-1695. [PMID: 38627562 PMCID: PMC11186792 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02936-5] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Reduced insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance) is a hallmark of normal physiology in late pregnancy and also underlies gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We conducted transcriptomic profiling of 434 human placentas and identified a positive association between insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 gene (IGFBP1) expression in the placenta and insulin sensitivity at ~26 weeks gestation. Circulating IGFBP1 protein levels rose over the course of pregnancy and declined postpartum, which, together with high gene expression levels in our placenta samples, suggests a placental or decidual source. Higher circulating IGFBP1 levels were associated with greater insulin sensitivity (lesser insulin resistance) at ~26 weeks gestation in the same cohort and in two additional pregnancy cohorts. In addition, low circulating IGFBP1 levels in early pregnancy predicted subsequent GDM diagnosis in two cohorts of pregnant women. These results implicate IGFBP1 in the glycemic physiology of pregnancy and suggest a role for placental IGFBP1 deficiency in GDM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Frédérique White
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Allard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sana Majid
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jose C Florez
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Bouchard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medical Biology, CIUSSS of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Étienne Jacques
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Camille E Powe
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Nelson BN, Friedman JE. Developmental Programming of the Fetal Immune System by Maternal Western-Style Diet: Mechanisms and Implications for Disease Pathways in the Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5951. [PMID: 38892139 PMCID: PMC11172957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115951] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity and over/undernutrition can have a long-lasting impact on offspring health during critical periods in the first 1000 days of life. Children born to mothers with obesity have reduced immune responses to stimuli which increase susceptibility to infections. Recently, maternal western-style diets (WSDs), high in fat and simple sugars, have been associated with skewing neonatal immune cell development, and recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of innate immunity in early life has long-term consequences on metabolic diseases and behavioral disorders in later life. Several factors contribute to abnormal innate immune tolerance or trained immunity, including changes in gut microbiota, metabolites, and epigenetic modifications. Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms whereby these factors impact fetal and postnatal immune cell development, especially in precursor stem cells in bone marrow and fetal liver. Components of the maternal microbiota that are transferred from mothers consuming a WSD to their offspring are understudied and identifying cause and effect on neonatal innate and adaptive immune development needs to be refined. Tools including single-cell RNA-sequencing, epigenetic analysis, and spatial location of specific immune cells in liver and bone marrow are critical for understanding immune system programming. Considering the vital role immune function plays in offspring health, it will be important to understand how maternal diets can control developmental programming of innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N. Nelson
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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21
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Xi C, Yan Z, Bai D, Zhang Y, Wang B, Han X, Wu L, Shi X, Hu Z, Tang M, Su Z, Liu Y, Liu B, Yin J, Wang H, Li X, Zhang Y, Gao S, Liu W. Immune rebalancing at the maternal-fetal interface of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during early pregnancy. Protein Cell 2024; 15:460-473. [PMID: 38441496 PMCID: PMC11131034 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwae006] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) remains a threat to pregnant women. However, the impact of early pregnancy SARS-CoV-2 infection on the maternal-fetal interface remains poorly understood. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of single-cell transcriptomics and metabolomics in placental samples infected with SARS-CoV-2 during early pregnancy. Compared to control placentas, SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface and induced metabolic alterations in amino acid and phospholipid profiles during the initial weeks post-infection. However, subsequent immune cell activation and heightened immune tolerance in trophoblast cells established a novel dynamic equilibrium that mitigated the impact on the maternal-fetal interface. Notably, the immune response and metabolic alterations at the maternal-fetal interface exhibited a gradual decline during the second trimester. Our study underscores the adaptive immune tolerance mechanisms and establishment of immunological balance during the first two trimesters following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiang Xi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zihui Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dandan Bai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing 314050, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Beiying Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaohui Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhiyi Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ming Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhongqu Su
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yingdong Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Binya Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaocui Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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22
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Gonzalez TL, Wertheimer S, Flowers AE, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Karumanchi SA, Williams III J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA-seq atlas of human placenta shows vast transcriptome remodeling from first to third trimester†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:936-949. [PMID: 38271627 PMCID: PMC11094392 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae007] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta, composed of chorionic villi, changes dramatically across gestation. Understanding differences in ongoing pregnancies are essential to identify the role of chorionic villi at specific times in gestation and develop biomarkers and prognostic indicators of maternal-fetal health. The normative mRNA profile is established using next-generation sequencing of 124 first trimester and 43 third trimester human placentas from ongoing healthy pregnancies. Stably expressed genes (SEGs) not different between trimesters and with low variability are identified. Differential expression analysis of first versus third trimester adjusted for fetal sex is performed, followed by a subanalysis with 23 matched pregnancies to control for subject variability using the same genetic and environmental background. Placenta expresses 14,979 polyadenylated genes above sequencing noise (transcripts per million > 0.66), with 10.7% SEGs across gestation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) account for 86.7% of genes in the full cohort [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. Fold changes highly correlate between the full cohort and subanalysis (Pearson = 0.98). At stricter thresholds (FDR < 0.001, fold change > 1.5), there remains 50.1% DEGs (3353 upregulated in first and 4155 upregulated in third trimester). This is the largest mRNA atlas of healthy human placenta across gestation, controlling for genetic and environmental factors, demonstrating substantial changes from first to third trimester in chorionic villi. Specific differences and SEGs may be used to understand the specific role of the chorionic villi throughout gestation and develop first trimester biomarkers of placental health that transpire across gestation, which can be used for future development of biomarkers for maternal-fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania L Gonzalez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Wertheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy E Flowers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chintda Santiskulvong
- CS Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, CS Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ekaterina L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kao Autoimmune Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil V Joshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - John Williams III
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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23
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Gong X, He W, Jin W, Ma H, Wang G, Li J, Xiao Y, Zhao Y, Chen Q, Guo H, Yang J, Qi Y, Dong W, Fu M, Li X, Liu J, Liu X, Yin A, Zhang Y, Wei Y. Disruption of maternal vascular remodeling by a fetal endoretrovirus-derived gene in preeclampsia. Genome Biol 2024; 25:117. [PMID: 38715110 PMCID: PMC11075363 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia, one of the most lethal pregnancy-related diseases, is associated with the disruption of uterine spiral artery remodeling during placentation. However, the early molecular events leading to preeclampsia remain unknown. RESULTS By analyzing placentas from preeclampsia, non-preeclampsia, and twin pregnancies with selective intrauterine growth restriction, we show that the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is attributed to immature trophoblast and maldeveloped endothelial cells. Delayed epigenetic reprogramming during early extraembryonic tissue development leads to generation of excessive immature trophoblast cells. We find reduction of de novo DNA methylation in these trophoblast cells results in selective overexpression of maternally imprinted genes, including the endoretrovirus-derived gene PEG10 (paternally expressed gene 10). PEG10 forms virus-like particles, which are transferred from the trophoblast to the closely proximate endothelial cells. In normal pregnancy, only a low amount of PEG10 is transferred to maternal cells; however, in preeclampsia, excessive PEG10 disrupts maternal vascular development by inhibiting TGF-beta signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the intricate epigenetic mechanisms that regulate trans-generational genetic conflict and ultimately ensure proper maternal-fetal interface formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei He
- Medical Genetic Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan Jin
- Euler Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongwei Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jiexia Yang
- Medical Genetic Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiming Qi
- Medical Genetic Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Maternity Ward, Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Euler Technology, Beijing, China
- Present Address: International Max Planck Research School for Genome Science, and University of Göttingen, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Xinghui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.
| | - Aihua Yin
- Medical Genetic Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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24
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Shu C, Street K, Breton CV, Bastain TM, Wilson ML. A review of single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics studies in maternal and child health. Epigenomics 2024; 16:775-793. [PMID: 38709139 PMCID: PMC11318716 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2343276] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies enhance our understanding of cellular dynamics throughout pregnancy. We outlined the workflow of single-cell sequencing techniques and reviewed single-cell studies in maternal and child health. We conducted a literature review of single cell studies on maternal and child health using PubMed. We summarized the findings from 16 single-cell atlases of the human and mammalian placenta across gestational stages and 31 single-cell studies on maternal exposures and complications including infection, obesity, diet, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, environmental exposure and preterm birth. Single-cell studies provides insights on novel cell types in placenta and cell type-specific marks associated with maternal exposures and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Division of Epidemiology & Genetics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kelly Street
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Melissa L Wilson
- Division of Disease Prevention, Policy, & Global Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,CA USA
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25
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Stadtmauer DJ, Basanta S, Maziarz JD, Cole AG, Dagdas G, Smith GR, van Breukelen F, Pavličev M, Wagner GP. Comparative single cell analysis reveals complex patterns of cell type and cell signaling innovations at the fetal-maternal interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.591945. [PMID: 38746137 PMCID: PMC11092578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.591945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The decidual-placental interface is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving tissues in mammals. Its origin as a chimeric fetal-maternal tissue poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. We present single-cell RNA sequencing atlases from the fetal-maternal interfaces of the opossum, a marsupial, the Malagasy common tenrec, an afrotherian with primitive reproductive features, and mouse, guinea pig, and human. Invasive trophoblast shares a common transcriptomic signature across eutherians, which we argue represents a cell type family that radiated following the evolution of hemochorial placentation. We find evidence that the eutherian decidual stromal cell evolved stepwise from a predecidual state retained in Tenrec , followed by a second decidual cell type originating in Boreoeutheria with endocrine characteristics. We reconstruct ligand-receptor signaling to test evolutionary hypotheses at scale. Novel trophoblast and decidual cell types display strong integration into signaling networks compared to other cells. Additionally, we find consistent disambiguation between fetal and maternal signaling. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer the cell-cell signaling network of the Placental common ancestor, and identify increased rates of signaling evolution in Euarchontoglires. Together, our findings reveal novel cell type identities and cell signaling dynamics at the mammalian fetal-maternal interface.
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26
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Wei J, Zhang L, Xu H, Luo Q. Preterm birth, a consequence of immune deviation mediated hyperinflammation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28483. [PMID: 38689990 PMCID: PMC11059518 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth represents a multifaceted syndrome with intricacies still present in our comprehension of its etiology. In the context of a semi-allograft, the prosperity from implantation to pregnancy to delivery hinges on the establishment of a favorable maternal-fetal immune microenvironment and a successful trilogy of immune activation, immune tolerance and then immune activation transitions. The occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth could be related to abnormalities within the immune trilogy, stemming from deviation in maternal and fetal immunity. These immune deviations, characterized by insufficient immune tolerance and early immune activation, ultimately culminated in an unsustainable pregnancy. In this review, we accentuated the role of both innate and adaptive immune reason in promoting spontaneous preterm birth, reviewed the risk of preterm birth from vaginal microbiome mediated by immune changes and the potential of vaginal microbiomes and metabolites as a new predictive marker, and discuss the changes in the role of progesterone and its interaction with immune cells in a preterm birth population. Our objective was to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field, shedding light on the immunologic reason of spontaneous preterm birth and effective biomarkers for early prediction, providing a roadmap for forthcoming investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
| | - LiYuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
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27
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Lu C, Gao R, Qing P, Zeng X, Liao X, Cheng M, Qin L, Liu Y. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal disturbed decidual homoeostasis in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:624-637. [PMID: 38331588 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224930] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in circulation and pathological pregnancy. However, the pathogenesis of OAPS remains unknown. We aimed to reveal cellular compositions and molecular features of decidual cells involved in the development of OAPS using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS We performed unbiased scRNA-seq analysis on the first-trimester decidua from five OAPS patients and five healthy controls (HCs), followed by validations with flow cytometry, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence in a larger cohort. Serum chemokines and cytokines were measured by using ELISA. RESULTS A higher ratio of macrophages but a lower ratio of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells was found in decidua from OAPS compared with HCs. Vascular endothelial cells shrinked in OAPS decidua while having upregulated chemokine expression and conspicuous responses to IFN-γ and TNF-α. Macrophages in OAPS had stronger phagocytosis function, complement activation signals and relied more on glycolysis. dNK cells were more activated in OAPS and had enhanced cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. Downregulation of granules in OAPS dNK cells could be associated with suppressed glycolysis. Moreover, stromal cells had a prosenescent state with weakened immune surveillance for senescent cells in OAPS. In addition, the cellular interactions between decidual immune cells and those of immune cells with non-immune cells under disease state were altered, especially through chemokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α. CONCLUSION This study provided a comprehensive decidual cell landscape and identified aberrant decidual microenvironment in OAPS, providing some potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pingying Qing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xun Zeng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of the Central Operating Unit, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lang Qin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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28
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Sordillo JE, White F, Majid S, Aguet F, Ardlie KG, Karumanchi SA, Florez JC, Powe CE, Edlow AG, Bouchard L, Jacques PE, Hivert MF. Higher Maternal Body Mass Index Is Associated With Lower Placental Expression of EPYC: A Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1159-e1166. [PMID: 37864851 PMCID: PMC10876411 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Elevated body mass index (BMI) in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The placental transcriptome may elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying these associations. OBJECTIVE We examined the association of first-trimester maternal BMI with the placental transcriptome in the Gen3G prospective cohort. METHODS We enrolled participants at 5 to 16 weeks of gestation and measured height and weight. We collected placenta samples at delivery. We performed whole-genome RNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq 4000 and aligned RNA sequences based on the GTEx v8 pipeline. We conducted differential gene expression analysis of over 15 000 genes from 450 placental samples and reported the change in normalized gene expression per 1-unit increase in log2 BMI (kg/m2) as a continuous variable using Limma Voom. We adjusted models for maternal age, fetal sex, gestational age at delivery, gravidity, and surrogate variables accounting for technical variability. We compared participants with BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 mg/kg2 (N = 257) vs those with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, N = 82) in secondary analyses. RESULTS Participants' mean ± SD age was 28.2 ± 4.4 years and BMI was 25.4 ± 5.5 kg/m2 in early pregnancy. Higher maternal BMI was associated with lower placental expression of EPYC (slope = -1.94, false discovery rate [FDR]-adjusted P = 7.3 × 10-6 for continuous BMI; log2 fold change = -1.35, FDR-adjusted P = 3.4 × 10-3 for BMI ≥30 vs BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and with higher placental expression of IGFBP6, CHRDL1, and CXCL13 after adjustment for covariates and accounting for multiple testing (FDR < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our genome-wide transcriptomic study revealed novel genes potentially implicated in placental biologic response to higher maternal BMI in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Sordillo
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Frédérique White
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sana Majid
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - François Aguet
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kristin G Ardlie
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jose C Florez
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Camille E Powe
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luigi Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biology, CIUSSS of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Saguenay, QC G7H 7K9, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N3, Canada
| | - Pierre-Etienne Jacques
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N3, Canada
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N3, Canada
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29
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Kim M, Jang YJ, Lee M, Guo Q, Son AJ, Kakkad NA, Roland AB, Lee BK, Kim J. The transcriptional regulatory network modulating human trophoblast stem cells to extravillous trophoblast differentiation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1285. [PMID: 38346993 PMCID: PMC10861538 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45669-2] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
During human pregnancy, extravillous trophoblasts play crucial roles in placental invasion into the maternal decidua and spiral artery remodeling. However, regulatory factors and their action mechanisms modulating human extravillous trophoblast specification have been unknown. By analyzing dynamic changes in transcriptome and enhancer profile during human trophoblast stem cell to extravillous trophoblast differentiation, we define stage-specific regulators, including an early-stage transcription factor, TFAP2C, and multiple late-stage transcription factors. Loss-of-function studies confirm the requirement of all transcription factors identified for adequate differentiation, and we reveal that the dynamic changes in the levels of TFAP2C are essential. Notably, TFAP2C pre-occupies the regulatory elements of the inactive extravillous trophoblast-active genes during the early stage of differentiation, and the late-stage transcription factors directly activate extravillous trophoblast-active genes, including themselves as differentiation further progresses, suggesting sequential actions of transcription factors assuring differentiation. Our results reveal stage-specific transcription factors and their inter-connected regulatory mechanisms modulating extravillous trophoblast differentiation, providing a framework for understanding early human placentation and placenta-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yu Jin Jang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Muyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Qingqing Guo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Albert J Son
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Nikita A Kakkad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Abigail B Roland
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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30
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Wang M, Liu Y, Sun R, Liu F, Li J, Yan L, Zhang J, Xie X, Li D, Wang Y, Li S, Zhu X, Li R, Lu F, Xiao Z, Wang H. Single-nucleus multi-omic profiling of human placental syncytiotrophoblasts identifies cellular trajectories during pregnancy. Nat Genet 2024; 56:294-305. [PMID: 38267607 PMCID: PMC10864176 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01647-w] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta has a vital role in ensuring a successful pregnancy. Despite the growing body of knowledge about its cellular compositions and functions, there has been limited research on the heterogeneity of the billions of nuclei within the syncytiotrophoblast (STB), a multinucleated entity primarily responsible for placental function. Here we conducted integrated single-nucleus RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing analyses of human placentas from early and late pregnancy. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic heterogeneity and developmental trajectories of STB nuclei and their correspondence with human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC)-derived STB. Furthermore, we identified transcription factors associated with diverse STB nuclear lineages through their gene regulatory networks and experimentally confirmed their function in hTSC and trophoblast organoid-derived STBs. Together, our data provide insights into the heterogeneity of human STB and represent a valuable resource for interpreting associated pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Run Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenting Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Long Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Xie
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwen Li
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xili Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Falong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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31
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Li Q, Sharkey A, Sheridan M, Magistrati E, Arutyunyan A, Huhn O, Sancho-Serra C, Anderson H, McGovern N, Esposito L, Fernando R, Gardner L, Vento-Tormo R, Turco MY, Moffett A. Human uterine natural killer cells regulate differentiation of extravillous trophoblast early in pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:181-195.e9. [PMID: 38237587 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.013] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, balanced invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine mucosa, the decidua, is critical for successful pregnancy. Evidence suggests that this process is regulated by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, but how they influence reproductive outcomes is unclear. Here, we used our trophoblast organoids and primary tissue samples to determine how uNK cells affect placentation. By locating potential interaction axes between trophoblast and uNK cells using single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro modeling of these interactions in organoids, we identify a uNK cell-derived cytokine signal that promotes trophoblast differentiation at the late stage of the invasive pathway. Moreover, it affects transcriptional programs involved in regulating blood flow, nutrients, and inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, as well as gene signatures associated with disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia. Our findings suggest mechanisms on how optimal immunological interactions between uNK cells and trophoblast enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Megan Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Elisa Magistrati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Carmen Sancho-Serra
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Holly Anderson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Esposito
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ridma Fernando
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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32
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Davenport KM, O'Neil EV, Ortega MS, Patterson A, Kelleher AM, Warren WC, Spencer TE. Single-cell insights into development of the bovine placenta†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:169-184. [PMID: 37707543 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A central determinant of pregnancy success is proper development of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes including the placenta). Although the gross morphology and histology of the bovine placenta have been well studied, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating placenta development and trophoblast differentiation and function remain essentially undefined. Here, single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed on the day 17 bovine conceptus and chorion of day 24, 30, and 50 conceptuses (n = 3-4 samples per day) using the 10X Genomics platform. Bioinformatic analyses identified cell types and their ontogeny including trophoblast, mesenchyme, and immune cells. Loss of interferon tau-expressing trophoblast uninucleate cells occurred between days 17 and 30, whereas binucleate cells, identified based on expression of placental lactogen (CSH2) and specific pregnancy-associated glycoprotein genes (PAGs), first appeared on day 24. Several different types of uninucleate cells were present in day 24, 30, and 50 samples, but only one (day 24) or two types of binucleate cells (days 30 and 50). Cell trajectory analyses provided a conceptual framework for uninucleate cell development and binucleate cell differentiation, and bioinformatic analyses identified candidate transcription factors governing differentiation and function of the trophoblasts. The digital atlas of cell types in the developing bovine conceptus reported here serves as a resource to discover key genes and biological pathways regulating its development during the critical periods of implantation and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleanore V O'Neil
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - M Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Amanda Patterson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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33
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Koren O, Konnikova L, Brodin P, Mysorekar IU, Collado MC. The maternal gut microbiome in pregnancy: implications for the developing immune system. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:35-45. [PMID: 38097774 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00864-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome has important roles in host metabolism and immunity, and microbial dysbiosis affects human physiology and health. Maternal immunity and microbial metabolites during pregnancy, microbial transfer during birth, and transfer of immune factors, microorganisms and metabolites via breastfeeding provide critical sources of early-life microbial and immune training, with important consequences for human health. Only a few studies have directly examined the interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system during pregnancy, and the subsequent effect on offspring development. In this Review, we aim to describe how the maternal microbiome shapes overall pregnancy-associated maternal, fetal and early neonatal immune systems, focusing on the existing evidence and highlighting current gaps to promote further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Paediatrics and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Petter Brodin
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Indira U Mysorekar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
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34
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Barad A, Guillet R, Pressman EK, Katzman PJ, Ganz T, Nemeth E, O'Brien KO. Placental ferroportin protein abundance is associated with neonatal erythropoietic activity and iron status in newborns at high risk for iron deficiency and anemia. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:76-86. [PMID: 37890671 PMCID: PMC10808842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.022] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Murine data suggest that the placenta downregulates ferroportin (FPN) when iron is limited to prioritize iron for its own needs. Human data on the impact of maternal and neonatal iron status on placental FPN expression are conflicting. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify determinants of placental FPN protein abundance and to assess the utility of the placental iron deficiency index (PIDI) as a measure of maternal/fetal iron status in newborns at high risk for anemia. METHODS Placental FPN protein abundance was measured by western blots in placentae collected from 133 neonates born to adolescents (17.4 ± 1.1 y) carrying singletons (delivery gestational age [GA]: 39.9 ± 1.3 wk) and from 130 neonates born to 65 females (30.4 ± 5.2 y) carrying multiples (delivery GA: 35.0 ± 2.8 wk). Placental FPN and the PIDI (FPN:transferrin receptor 1) were evaluated in relation to neonatal and maternal iron-related markers (hemoglobin [Hb], serum ferritin [SF], soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR], total body iron [TBI], hepcidin, erythropoietin [EPO], erythroferrone). RESULTS FPN protein was detected in all placentae delivered between 25 and 42 wk GA. Placental FPN protein abundance was associated with neonatal iron and erythropoietic markers (EPO: β: 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.35; sTfR: β: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.18; hepcidin: β: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.0003; all P < 0.05). Maternal sTfR was only indirectly associated with placental FPN, with neonatal sTfR as the mediator (β-indirect: 0.06; 95% CI; 0.03, 0.11; P = 0.003). The PIDI was associated with neonatal Hb (β: -0.02; 95% CI: -0.03, -0.003), EPO (β: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.14), and sTfR (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.3) and with maternal SF (β: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.14), TBI (β: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.009, 0.04), EPO (β: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.01), sTfR (β: -0.16: 95% CI: -0.27, -0.06), and hepcidin (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.11) at delivery (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Placental FPN abundance was positively associated with neonatal indicators of increased erythropoietic activity and poor iron status. The PIDI was associated with maternal and neonatal iron-related markers but in opposite directions. More data are needed from a lower-risk normative group of females to assess the generalizability of findings. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01019902 and NCT01582802.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Barad
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Ronnie Guillet
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Eva K Pressman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Philip J Katzman
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeta Nemeth
- Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly O O'Brien
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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35
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Shook LL, Batorsky RA, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.29.23300544. [PMID: 38234776 PMCID: PMC10793528 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.29.23300544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses, which in the setting of other infections occurring during pregnancy are known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. Here, we assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from term placentas using single-cell RNA-sequencing. We demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells, with altered morphology and impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
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36
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Batorsky R, Ceasrine AM, Shook LL, Kislal S, Bordt EA, Devlin BA, Perlis RH, Slonim DK, Bilbo SD, Edlow AG. Hofbauer cells and fetal brain microglia share transcriptional profiles and responses to maternal diet-induced obesity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.16.571680. [PMID: 38187648 PMCID: PMC10769274 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.16.571680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, many mediated by in utero microglial programming. As microglia remain inaccessible throughout development, identification of noninvasive biomarkers reflecting fetal brain microglial programming could permit screening and intervention. We used lineage tracing to demonstrate the shared ontogeny between fetal brain macrophages (microglia) and fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) in a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity, and single-cell RNA-seq to demonstrate shared transcriptional programs. Comparison with human datasets demonstrated conservation of placental resident macrophage signatures between mice and humans. Single-cell RNA-seq identified common alterations in fetal microglial and Hofbauer cell gene expression induced by maternal obesity, as well as sex differences in these alterations. We propose that Hofbauer cells, which are easily accessible at birth, provide novel insights into fetal brain microglial programs, and may facilitate the early identification of offspring vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders in the setting of maternal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis M. Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lydia L. Shook
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sezen Kislal
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan A. Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Devlin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Roy H. Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donna K. Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA
| | - Staci D. Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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37
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Owen DM, Kwon M, Huang X, Nagari A, Nandu T, Kraus WL. Genome-wide identification of transcriptional enhancers during human placental development and association with function, differentiation, and disease†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:965-981. [PMID: 37694817 PMCID: PMC10724456 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic organ that must perform a remarkable variety of functions during its relatively short existence in order to support a developing fetus. These functions include nutrient delivery, gas exchange, waste removal, hormone production, and immune barrier protection. Proper placenta development and function are critical for healthy pregnancy outcomes, but the underlying genomic regulatory events that control this process remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that mapping sites of transcriptional enhancer activity and associated changes in gene expression across gestation in human placenta tissue would identify genomic loci and predicted transcription factor activity related to critical placenta functions. We used a suite of genomic assays [i.e., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Precision run-on-sequencing (PRO-seq), and Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq)] and computational pipelines to identify a set of >20 000 enhancers that are active at various time points in gestation. Changes in the activity of these enhancers correlate with changes in gene expression. In addition, some of these enhancers encode risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. We further show that integrating enhancer activity, transcription factor motif analysis, and transcription factor expression can identify distinct sets of transcription factors predicted to be more active either in early pregnancy or at term. Knockdown of selected identified transcription factors in a trophoblast stem cell culture model altered the expression of key placental marker genes. These observations provide a framework for future mechanistic studies of individual enhancer-transcription factor-target gene interactions and have the potential to inform genetic risk prediction for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Owen
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Minjung Kwon
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xuan Huang
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anusha Nagari
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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38
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Elkin ER, Campbell KA, Lapehn S, Harris SM, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM, Paquette AG. Placental single cell transcriptomics: Opportunities for endocrine disrupting chemical toxicology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112066. [PMID: 37690473 PMCID: PMC10591899 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The placenta performs essential biologic functions for fetal development throughout pregnancy. Placental dysfunction is at the root of multiple adverse birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can cause placental dysfunction, and many prior human studies have examined molecular changes in bulk placental tissues. Placenta-specific cell types, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, extravillous trophoblasts, and placental resident macrophage Hofbauer cells play unique roles in placental development, structure, and function. Toxicant-induced changes in relative abundance and/or impairment of these cell types likely contribute to placental pathogenesis. Although gene expression insights gained from bulk placental tissue RNA-sequencing data are useful, their interpretation is limited because bulk analysis can mask the effects of a chemical on individual populations of placental cells. Cutting-edge single cell RNA-sequencing technologies are enabling the investigation of placental cell-type specific responses to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Moreover, in situ bioinformatic cell deconvolution enables the estimation of cell type proportions in bulk placental tissue gene expression data. These emerging technologies have tremendous potential to provide novel mechanistic insights in a complex heterogeneous tissue with implications for toxicant contributions to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Kyle A Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Lapehn
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison G Paquette
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lyu C, Ni T, Guo Y, Zhou T, Chen Z, Yan J, Li Y. Insufficient GDF15 expression predisposes women to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss by impairing extravillous trophoblast invasion. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13514. [PMID: 37272232 PMCID: PMC10693185 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion during early placentation has been shown to contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the regulatory factors involved and their involvement in RPL pathogenesis remain unknown. Here, we found aberrantly decreased growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels in both first-trimester villous and serum samples of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) patients as compared with normal pregnancies. Moreover, GDF15 knockdown significantly reduced the invasiveness of both HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary human EVT cells and suppressed the Jagged-1 (JAG1)/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and JAG1 overexpression rescued the invasion phenotype of the GDF15 knockdown cells. Induction of a lipopolysaccharide-induced abortion model in mice resulted in significantly reduced GDF15 level in the placenta and serum, as well as increased rates of embryonic resorption, and these effects were reversed by administration of recombinant GDF15. Our study thus demonstrates that insufficient GDF15 level at the first-trimester maternal-foetal interface contribute to the pathogenesis of URPL by impairing EVT invasion and suppressing JAG1/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and suggests that supplementation with GDF15 could benefit early pregnancy maintenance and reduce the risk of early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzi Lyu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yaqiu Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyJinan Maternal and Child Health HospitalJinanShandongChina
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Zi‐Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Medical Integration and Practice CenterShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Lead Contact
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40
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Boss AL, Chamley LW, Brooks AES, James JL. Human placental vascular and perivascular cell heterogeneity differs between first trimester and term, and in pregnancies affected by foetal growth restriction. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad041. [PMID: 38059603 PMCID: PMC10746841 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad041] [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: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth-restricted placentae have a reduced vascular network, impairing exchange of nutrients and oxygen. However, little is known about the differentiation events and cell types that underpin normal/abnormal placental vascular formation and function. Here, we used 23-colour flow cytometry to characterize placental vascular/perivascular populations between first trimester and term, and in foetal growth restriction (FGR). First-trimester endothelial cells had an immature phenotype (CD144+/lowCD36-CD146low), while term endothelial cells expressed mature endothelial markers (CD36+CD146+). At term, a distinct population of CD31low endothelial cells co-expressed mesenchymal markers (CD90, CD26), indicating a capacity for endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In FGR, compared with normal pregnancies, endothelial cells constituted 3-fold fewer villous core cells (P < 0.05), contributing to an increased perivascular: endothelial cell ratio (2.6-fold, P < 0.05). This suggests that abnormal EndMT may play a role in FGR. First-trimester endothelial cells underwent EndMT in culture, losing endothelial (CD31, CD34, CD144) and gaining mesenchymal (CD90, CD26) marker expression. Together this highlights how differences in villous core cell heterogeneity and phenotype may contribute to FGR pathophysiology across gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Boss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna E S Brooks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Fitzgerald E, Shen M, Yong HEJ, Wang Z, Pokhvisneva I, Patel S, O'Toole N, Chan SY, Chong YS, Chen H, Gluckman PD, Chan J, Lee PKM, Meaney MJ. Hofbauer cell function in the term placenta associates with adult cardiovascular and depressive outcomes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7120. [PMID: 37963865 PMCID: PMC10645763 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42300-8] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological placental inflammation increases the risk for several adult disorders, but these mediators are also expressed under homeostatic conditions, where their contribution to adult health outcomes is unknown. Here we define an inflammation-related expression signature, primarily expressed in Hofbauer cells of the term placenta and use expression quantitative trait loci to create a polygenic score (PGS) predictive of its expression. Using this PGS in the UK Biobank we conduct a phenome-wide association study, followed by Mendelian randomization and identify protective, sex-dependent effects of the placental module on cardiovascular and depressive outcomes. Genes differentially regulated by intra-amniotic infection and preterm birth are over-represented within the module. We also identify aspirin as a putative modulator of this inflammation-related signature. Our data support a model where disruption of placental Hofbauer cell function, due to preterm birth or prenatal infection, contributes to the increased risk of depression and cardiovascular disease observed in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon Fitzgerald
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Mojun Shen
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannah Ee Juen Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zihan Wang
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicholas O'Toole
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Helen Chen
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter D Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jerry Chan
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick Kia Ming Lee
- Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore.
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, Singapore, Singapore.
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Tsuyuzaki K, Ishii M, Nikaido I. Sctensor detects many-to-many cell-cell interactions from single cell RNA-sequencing data. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:420. [PMID: 37936079 PMCID: PMC10631077 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05490-y] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex biological systems are described as a multitude of cell-cell interactions (CCIs). Recent single-cell RNA-sequencing studies focus on CCIs based on ligand-receptor (L-R) gene co-expression but the analytical methods are not appropriate to detect many-to-many CCIs. RESULTS In this work, we propose scTensor, a novel method for extracting representative triadic relationships (or hypergraphs), which include ligand-expression, receptor-expression, and related L-R pairs. CONCLUSIONS Through extensive studies with simulated and empirical datasets, we have shown that scTensor can detect some hypergraphs that cannot be detected using conventional CCI detection methods, especially when they include many-to-many relationships. scTensor is implemented as a freely available R/Bioconductor package.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Tsuyuzaki
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan.
| | - Manabu Ishii
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Itoshi Nikaido
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
- Department of Functional Genome Informatics, Division of Biological Data Science, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
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Hivert MF, White F, Allard C, James K, Majid S, Aguet F, Ardlie K, Edlow A, Florez J, Bouchard L, Jacques PE, Karumanchi S, Powe C. Placental RNA sequencing implicates IGFBP1 in insulin sensitivity during pregnancy and in gestational diabetes. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3464151. [PMID: 37961187 PMCID: PMC10635326 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3464151/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Reduced insulin sensitivity (or greater insulin resistance) is a hallmark of normal physiology in late pregnancy and also underlies gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pathophysiology. We conducted transcriptomic profiling of 434 human placentas and identified a strong positive association between insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 gene (IGFBP1) expression in the placenta and insulin sensitivity at ~ 26 weeks' gestation. Circulating IGFBP1 protein levels rose over the course of pregnancy and declined postpartum, which together with high placental gene expression levels, suggests a placental source. Higher circulating IGFBP1 levels were strongly associated with greater insulin sensitivity (lesser insulin resistance) at ~ 26 weeks' gestation in the same cohort and two additional pregnancy cohorts. In addition, low circulating IGFBP1 levels in early pregnancy predicted subsequent GDM diagnosis in two cohorts. These results implicate IGFBP1 in the glycemic physiology of pregnancy and suggest a role for placental IGFBP1 deficiency in GDM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Edlow
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Luigi Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Sherbrooke/ECOGENE-21 and Lipid Clinic, Chicoutimi Hospital
| | | | | | - Camille Powe
- Diabetes Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Zhao H, Wang Y, Xu H, Liu M, Xu X, Zhu S, Liu Z, Cai H, Wang Y, Lu J, Yang X, Kong S, Bao H, Wang H, Deng W. Stromal cells-specific retinoic acid determines parturition timing at single-cell and spatial-temporal resolution. iScience 2023; 26:107796. [PMID: 37720083 PMCID: PMC10502414 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms governing parturition remain largely elusive due to limited knowledge of parturition preparation and initiation. Accumulated evidences indicate that maternal decidua plays a critical role in parturition initiation. To comprehensively decrypt the cell heterogeneity in decidua approaching parturition, we investigate the roles of various cell types in mouse decidua process and reveal previously unappreciated insights in parturition initiation utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We enumerate the cell types in decidua and identity five different stromal cells populations and one decidualized stromal cells. Furthermore, our study unravels that stromal cells prepare for parturition by regulating local retinol acid (RA) synthesis. RA supplement decreases expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in vitro and accelerates the timing of parturition in vivo. Collectively, the discovery of contribution of stromal cells in parturition expands current knowledge about parturition and opens up avenues for the intervention of preterm birth (PTB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xinmei Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sijing Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Zhuang BM, Cao DD, Li TX, Liu XF, Lyu MM, Wang SD, Cui XY, Wang L, Chen XL, Lin XL, Lee CL, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Yao YQ. Single-cell characterization of self-renewing primary trophoblast organoids as modeling of EVT differentiation and interactions with decidual natural killer cells. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:618. [PMID: 37853336 PMCID: PMC10583354 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblast cell (EVT) differentiation and its communication with maternal decidua especially the leading immune cell type natural killer (NK) cell are critical events for placentation. However, appropriate in vitro modelling system and regulatory programs of these two events are still lacking. Recent trophoblast organoid (TO) has advanced the molecular and mechanistic research in placentation. Here, we firstly generated the self-renewing TO from human placental villous and differentiated it into EVTs (EVT-TO) for investigating the differentiation events. We then co-cultured EVT-TO with freshly isolated decidual NKs for further study of cell communication. TO modelling of EVT differentiation as well as EVT interaction with dNK might cast new aspect for placentation research. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was applied for comprehensive characterization and molecular exploration of TOs modelling of EVT differentiation and interaction with dNKs. Multiple distinct trophoblast states and dNK subpopulations were identified, representing CTB, STB, EVT, dNK1/2/3 and dNKp. Lineage trajectory and Seurat mapping analysis identified the close resemblance of TO and EVT-TO with the human placenta characteristic. Transcription factors regulatory network analysis revealed the cell-type specific essential TFs for controlling EVT differentiation. CellphoneDB analysis predicted the ligand-receptor complexes in dNK-EVT-TO co-cultures, which relate to cytokines, immunomodulation and angiogenesis. EVT was known to affect the immune properties of dNK. Our study found out that on the other way around, dNKs could exert effects on EVT causing expression changes which are functionally important. CONCLUSION Our study documented a single-cell atlas for TO and its applications on EVT differentiation and communications with dNKs, and thus provide methodology and novel research cues for future study of human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Mei Zhuang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Tian-Xi Li
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Min-Min Lyu
- Department of Clinical-Translational and Basic Research Laboratory, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Shenzhen, Futian District, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Si-Dong Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Cui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - William S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Haiyuan 1st Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Medical school of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Admati I, Skarbianskis N, Hochgerner H, Ophir O, Weiner Z, Yagel S, Solt I, Zeisel A. Two distinct molecular faces of preeclampsia revealed by single-cell transcriptomics. MED 2023; 4:687-709.e7. [PMID: 37572658 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a multisystemic, pregnancy-specific disorder united by new-onset hypertension but with considerable variation in clinical manifestation, onset, and severity. For symptoms to regress, delivery of the placenta is required. For symptoms to regress, delivery of the placenta is required, making the placenta central to preeclampsia pathophysiology. To dissect which placental functions were impacted in two forms of preeclampsia, we studied molecular changes across the cell types of the placenta. METHODS We performed a transcriptomic survey of single-cells and single-nuclei on cases of early- and late-onset preeclampsia with gestation-matched controls. FINDINGS Our data revealed massive dysregulation of gene expression in all cell classes that was almost exclusive to early preeclampsia. For example, an important known receptor/ligand imbalance hallmarking angiogenic disfunction, sFLT1/placental growth factor (PGF), was reflected in striking, cell-autonomous dysregulation of FLT1 and PGF transcription in the syncytium in early preeclampsia only. Stromal cells and vasculature echoed an inflamed, stressed, anti-angiogenic environment. Finally, the placental immune niche set the tone for inflammation in early but not late preeclampsia. Here, fetal-origin Hofbauer and maternal-origin TREM2 macrophages were revealed as surprising main actors, while local cells of the adaptive immune system were largely unaffected. Late preeclampsia showed minimal cellular impact on the placenta. CONCLUSIONS Our survey provides systematic molecular evidence for two distinct diseases. We resolved systematic molecular dysregulation to individual cell types with strong implications for definition, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. FUNDING Funded by the Preeclampsia Foundation through the Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Admati
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Niv Skarbianskis
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hannah Hochgerner
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Osnat Ophir
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Centers, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ido Solt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Paul EN, Shubitidze S, Rahim R, Rucker I, Valin L, Apostle S, Pospisilik JA, Racicot KE, Smith AL. Exogenous corticosterone administration during pregnancy in mice alters placental and fetal thyroid hormone availability in females. Placenta 2023; 142:1-11. [PMID: 37579594 PMCID: PMC10763606 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal prenatal psychological stress is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of adverse health outcomes in children. While the molecular mechanisms that govern these associations has not been fully teased apart, stress-induced changes in placental function can drive sex-specific phenotypes in offspring. We sought to identify and examine molecular pathways in the placenta that are altered in response to maternal prenatal stress. METHODS We previously employed a mouse model of maternal prenatal stress where pregnant dams were treated with stress hormone (CORT) beginning in mid-gestation. Using this model, we conducted RNAseq analysis of whole placenta at E18.5. We used qRT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in the placenta and in a trophoblast cell line. ELISAs were used to measure the abundance of thyroid hormones in maternal and fetal serum and in the placenta. RESULTS Dio2 was amongst the top differentially expressed genes in response to exogenous stress hormone. Dio2 expression was more downregulated in placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams than both control placenta from females and placenta from male fetuses. Consistent with Dio2's role in production of bioactive thyroid hormone (T3), we found that there was a reduction of T3 in placenta and serum of female embryos from CORT-treated dams at E18.5. Both T3 and T4 were reduced in the fetal compartment of the placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams at E16.5. Exogenous stress hormone induced reduction in thyroid hormone in females was independent of circulating levels of TH in the dams. DISCUSSION The placental thyroid hormone synthesis pathway may be a target of elevated maternal stress hormone and modulate fetal programming of health and disease of offspring in a sex-specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Paul
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | | | - Rodaba Rahim
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Imani Rucker
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Liana Valin
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Stefanos Apostle
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - J Andrew Pospisilik
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Karen E Racicot
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Arianna L Smith
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA.
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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term are associated with gravidity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559419. [PMID: 37808856 PMCID: PMC10557660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Little is known regarding the molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations. Here, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in six normal term pregnancies. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidas compared to primigravidas. In HBCs, multigravidas displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Our data further suggested that maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidas to pregnancy complications.
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Yang M, Ong J, Meng F, Zhang F, Shen H, Kitt K, Liu T, Tao W, Du P. Spatiotemporal insight into early pregnancy governed by immune-featured stromal cells. Cell 2023; 186:4271-4288.e24. [PMID: 37699390 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial decidualization connecting embryo implantation and placentation is transient but essential for successful pregnancy, which, however, is not systematically investigated. Here, we use a scStereo-seq technology to spatially visualize and define the dynamic functional decidual hubs assembled by distinct immune, endothelial, trophoblast, and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) in early pregnant mice. We unravel the DSC transdifferentiation trajectory and surprisingly discover a dual-featured type of immune-featured DSCs (iDSCs). We find that immature DSCs attract immune cells and induce decidual angiogenesis at the mesenchymal-epithelial transition hub during decidualization initiation. iDSCs enable immune cell recruitment and suppression, govern vascularization, and promote cytolysis at immune cell assembling and vascular hubs, respectively, to establish decidual homeostasis at a later stage. Interestingly, dysfunctional and spatially disordered iDSCs cause abnormal accumulation of immune cells in the vascular hub, which disrupts decidual hub specification and eventually leads to pregnancy complications in DBA/2-mated CBA/J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jennie Ong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fanju Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feixiang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hui Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kerstin Kitt
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Co KG, Biberach an der Riss 88400, Germany
| | - Tengfei Liu
- Department of Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim (China) Investment Co., Ltd., Beijing 100027, China
| | - Wei Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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50
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He J, Yang H, Liu Z, Chen M, Ye Y, Tao Y, Li S, Fang J, Xu J, Wu X, Qi H. Elevated expression of glycolytic genes as a prominent feature of early-onset preeclampsia: insights from integrative transcriptomic analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1248771. [PMID: 37818100 PMCID: PMC10561389 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1248771] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE), a notable pregnancy-related disorder, leads to 40,000+ maternal deaths yearly. Recent research shows PE divides into early-onset (EOPE) and late-onset (LOPE) subtypes, each with distinct clinical features and outcomes. However, the molecular characteristics of various subtypes are currently subject to debate and are not consistent. Methods: We integrated transcriptomic expression data from a total of 372 placental samples across 8 publicly available databases via combat algorithm. Then, a variety of strategies including Random Forest Recursive Feature Elimination (RF-RFE), differential analysis, oposSOM, and Weighted Correlation Network Analysis were employed to identify the characteristic genes of the EOPE and LOPE subtypes. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments on the key gene HK2 in HTR8/SVneo cells to explore its function. Results: Our results revealed a complex classification of PE placental samples, wherein EOPE manifests as a highly homogeneous sample group characterized by hypoxia and HIF1A activation. Among the core features is the upregulation of glycolysis-related genes, particularly HK2, in the placenta-an observation corroborated by independent validation data and single-cell data. Building on the pronounced correlation between HK2 and EOPE, we conducted in vitro experiments to assess the potential functional impact of HK2 on trophoblast cells. Additionally, the LOPE samples exhibit strong heterogeneity and lack distinct features, suggesting a complex molecular makeup for this subtype. Unsupervised clustering analysis indicates that LOPE likely comprises at least two distinct subtypes, linked to cell-environment interaction and cytokine and protein modification functionalities. Discussion: In summary, these findings elucidate potential mechanistic differences between the two PE subtypes, lend support to the hypothesis of classifying PE based on gestational weeks, and emphasize the potential significant role of glycolysis-related genes, especially HK2 in EOPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Miaomiao Chen
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuelan Tao
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuhong Li
- Department of Oncology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiacheng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiafei Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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