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Aghajanloo B, Hadady H, Ejeian F, Inglis DW, Hughes MP, Tehrani AF, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:331. [PMID: 38886776 PMCID: PMC11181607 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01707-6] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical attributes have emerged as novel markers, providing a reliable means to characterize cellular and subcellular fractions. Numerous studies have identified correlations between these factors and patients' medical status. However, the absence of a thorough overview impedes their applicability in contemporary state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells. Subsequently, the discussion broadens to encompass subcellular bioparticles, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched either from blood cells or other tissues. Notably, cell sizes vary significantly, from 2 μm for platelets to 25 μm for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enabling the development of size-based separation techniques, such as microfiltration, for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although cellular density is relatively constant among different circulating bioparticles, it allows for reliable density gradient centrifugation to isolate cells without altering their native state. Additionally, variations in EV surface charges (-6.3 to -45 mV) offer opportunities for electrophoretic and electrostatic separation methods. The distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells, compared to their normal counterparts, present an exceptional opportunity for diverse medical and biotechnological approaches. This review also aims to provide a holistic view of the current understanding of popular techniques in this domain that transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on early harvesting of malignant cells from body fluids, designing effective therapeutic options, cell targeting, and resonating with tissue and genetic engineering principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Aghajanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Science, Research and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ejeian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - David W Inglis
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Pycraft Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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2
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Allen S, Natale BV, Ejeckam AO, Lee K, Hardy DB, Natale DRC. Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:766-780. [PMID: 38364116 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0166] [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] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as "natural" and "safe" as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of Δ9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat placentas from vehicle and CBD (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) exposed pregnancies (E6.5-18.5). Results: The study revealed that pups from CBD-exposed pregnancies were 10% smaller, with the placentae displaying a decreased fetal blood space perimeter-to-area ratio. The transcriptomic analysis supported compromised angiogenesis and blood vessel formation with downregulated biological processes, including tube morphogenesis, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, blood vessel development and vasculature development. Further, the CBD-exposed placentas displayed changed expression of glucose transporters (decreased GLUT1 and GR expression and increased GLUT3 expression). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed upregulated biological processes associated with metabolism. Finally, histological and transcriptomic analysis revealed altered cell populations within the placenta, specifically to syncytiotrophoblast layer II and endothelial cells. Conclusion: Together these results suggest that the structural changes in CDB-exposed placentae, including the altered expression of nutrient transporters and the changes to the placental fetal vasculature, may underlie the reduced fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis O Ejeckam
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- The Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Vidal MS, Radnaa E, Vora N, Khanipov K, Antich C, Ferrer M, Urrabaz-Garza R, Jacob JE, Menon R. Establishment and comparison of human term placenta-derived trophoblast cells†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:950-970. [PMID: 38330185 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae026] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the biology of fetal-maternal barriers has been limited by access to physiologically relevant cells, including trophoblast cells. In this study, we describe the development of a human term placenta-derived cytotrophoblast immortalized cell line (hPTCCTB) derived from the basal plate. Human-term placenta-derived cytotrophoblast immortalized cell line cells are comparable to their primary cells of origin in terms of morphology, marker expression, and functional responses. We demonstrate that these can transform into syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblasts. We also compared the hPTCCTB cells to immortalized chorionic trophoblasts (hFM-CTC), trophoblasts of the chorionic plate, and BeWo cells, choriocarcinoma cell lines of conventional use. Human-term placenta-derived cytotrophoblast immortalized cell line and hFM-CTCs displayed more similarity to each other than to BeWos, but these differ in syncytialization ability. Overall, this study (1) demonstrates that the immortalized hPTCCTB generated are cells of higher physiological relevance and (2) provides a look into the distinction between the spatially distinct placental and fetal barrier trophoblasts cells, hPTCCTB and hFM-CTC, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha Vora
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cristina Antich
- 3D Tissue Bioprinting Laboratory, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- 3D Tissue Bioprinting Laboratory, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jeena E Jacob
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
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4
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Chen H, Wei S, Li J, Zhong Z, Chen D. Transplacental transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Mechanism exploration via BeWo cell monolayer model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133205. [PMID: 38278074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133205] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received global concern on adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Although human studies have reported fetal exposure to PFAS, the underlying mechanisms driving transplacental transfer of PFAS have not been sufficiently understood. The present study aimed to investigate chemical-specific transplacental transfer of PFAS and potential mechanisms based on a BeWo cell monolayer model. The findings of concentration- and time-dependent transport, asymmetry in bidirectional transport, molecular docking and transporter inhibition experiments indicate that passive diffusion and membrane transporter-involved active transport could collectively determine transplacental transport of PFAS. Membrane transporters could play important roles in chemical-specific transport. The inhibition of OAT transporter resulted in promotion of trans-monolayer transport for most PFAS, while an opposite trend was observed when P-gp, BCRP and MRP transporters were prohibited. By contrast, inhibition of OCT resulted in inhibitory effects on the transport of some PFAS (i.e., PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, and PFNA), and promotive effects on the other substances (i.e., PFUdA, PFHpS, PFOS, 6:2 Cl-PFESA and PFOSA). Therefore, simultaneous involvement of diverse membrane transporters in utero could result in complicated influence on transplacental transport. Our work constitutes a solid ground for further exploration of the effects of gestational PFAS exposure on birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexia Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuchao Wei
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Zhong
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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5
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Rogers LM, Huggins M, Doster RS, Omage JI, Gaddy JA, Eastman A, Aronoff DM. Impact of Metabolic Stress on BeWo Syncytiotrophoblast Function. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300410. [PMID: 37800606 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300410] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
During placental formation, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) fuse into multinucleate, microvilli-coated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), which contact maternal blood, mediating nutrient, metabolite, and gas exchange between mother and fetus, and providing a barrier against fetal infection. Trophoblasts remodel the surrounding extracellular matrix through the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Maternal obesity and diabetes mellitus can negatively impact fetal development and may impair trophoblast function. We sought to model the impact of metabolic stress on STB function by examining MMP and hormone secretion. The BeWo CTB cell line was syncytialized to STB-like cells with forskolin. Cell morphology was examined by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence; phenotype was further assessed by ELISA and RT-qPCR. STBs were exposed to a metabolic stress cocktail (MetaC: 30 mM glucose, 10 nM insulin, and 0.1 mM palmitic acid). BeWo syncytialization was demonstrated by increased secretion of HCGβ and progesterone, elevated syncytin gene expression (ERVW-1 and ERVFRD-1), loss of tight junctions, and increased surface microvilli. MetaC strongly suppressed syncytin gene expression (ERVW-1 and ERVFRD-1), suppressed HCGβ and progesterone secretion, and altered both MMP-9 and MMP-2 production. Metabolic stress modeling diabetes and obesity altered BeWo STB hormone and MMP production in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Rogers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 305, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Marissa Huggins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ryan S Doster
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Joel I Omage
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Alison Eastman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - David M Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 305, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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6
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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7
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Kim H. Visualization of maternal IL-17a across the placental membrane. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504231195500. [PMID: 37643019 PMCID: PMC10467380 DOI: 10.1177/00368504231195500] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
IL-17a is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by T helper-17 cells. Several studies have shown that maternal IL-17a, associated with maternal immune activation (MIA), affects the developing brain. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal IL-17a signaling remain partially unknown. This study detected trans-placental IL-17a passage using luminescent activity studies and an in vitro transfer assay. First, the luminescent activity was observed using LiCoR dye-conjugated IL-17a injected into pregnant mice. IL-17a luminescent activity was highly detected in the placenta and isolated fetus, but positive control IgG and negative control IgM showed low or no luminescence in the placenta and fetus, respectively. Next, IL-17a transmission across the placenta was investigated using a transwell experiment with trophoblast BeWo cells and primary trophoblast cells. Significant amounts of IL-17a were detected in the lower compartment. And in various placenta cell lines, IL-17a treatment significantly increased IL-17RA mRNA expression. However, it did not affect IL-17RC mRNA expression.This study showed that elevated IL-17a increased the IL-17RA expression in the trophoblast and may accumulate in the placenta. Furthermore, these results indicate the molecular basis of an important role in IL-17a/IL-17RA in the maternal placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea (the Republic of)
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8
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Barbosa MD, Costa A, Prieto-Oliveira P, Andreata-Santos R, Peter CM, Zanotto PMA, Janini LMR. Proposal of Model for Evaluation of Viral Kinetics of African/Asian/Brazilian- Zika virus Strains (Step Growth Curve) in Trophoblastic Cell Lines. Viruses 2023; 15:1446. [PMID: 37515134 PMCID: PMC10386092 DOI: 10.3390/v15071446] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic brought new discoveries regarding arboviruses, especially flaviviruses, as ZIKV was described as sexually and vertically transmitted. The latter shows severe consequences for the embryo/fetus, such as congenital microcephaly and deficiency of the neural system, currently known as Congenital ZIKV Syndrome (CZS). To better understand ZIKV dynamics in trophoblastic cells present in the first trimester of pregnancy (BeWo, HTR-8, and control cell HuH-7), an experiment of viral kinetics was performed for African MR766 low passage and Asian-Brazilian IEC ZIKV lineages. The results were described independently and demonstrated that the three placental cells lines are permissive and susceptible to ZIKV. We noticed cytopathic effects that are typical in in vitro viral infection in BeWo and HTR-8. Regarding kinetics, MR766lp showed peaks of viral loads in 24 and 48 hpi for all cell types tested, as well as marked cells death after peak production. On the other hand, the HTR-8 lineage inoculated with ZIKV-IEC exhibited increased viral production in 144 hpi, with a peak between 24 and 96 hpi. Furthermore, IEC had peak variations of viral production for BeWo in 144 hpi. Considering such in vitro results, the hypothesis that maternal fetal transmission is probably a way of virus transmission between the mother and the embryo/fetus is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Duarte Barbosa
- Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Anderson Costa
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Paula Prieto-Oliveira
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, College of Computing and Informatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9331 Robert D. Snyder Rd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Peter
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Paolo M A Zanotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Mario Ramos Janini
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
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9
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Rabussier G, Bünter I, Bouwhuis J, Soragni C, van Zijp T, Ng CP, Domansky K, de Windt LJ, Vulto P, Murdoch CE, Bircsak KM, Lanz HL. Healthy and diseased placental barrier on-a-chip models suitable for standardized studies. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:363-376. [PMID: 37116636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.033] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Pathologies associated with uteroplacental hypoxia, such as preeclampsia are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity in the world. Its fundamental mechanisms are yet poorly understood due to a lack of good experimental models. Here we report an in vitro model of the placental barrier, based on co-culture of trophoblasts and endothelial cells against a collagen extracellular matrix in a microfluidic platform. The model yields a functional syncytium with barrier properties, polarization, secretion of relevant extracellular membrane components, thinning of the materno-fetal space, hormone secretion, and transporter function. The model is exposed to low oxygen conditions and perfusion flow is modulated to induce a pathological environment. This results in reduced barrier function, hormone secretion, and microvilli as well as an increased nuclei count, characteristics of preeclamptic placentas. The model is implemented in a titer plate-based microfluidic platform fully amenable to high-throughput screening. We thus believe this model could aid mechanistic understanding of preeclampsia and other placental pathologies associated with hypoxia/ischemia, as well as support future development of effective therapies through target and compound screening campaigns. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : The human placenta is a unique organ sustaining fetus growth but is also the source of severe pathologies, such as Preeclampsia. Though leading cause of perinatal mortality in the world, preeclampsia remains untreatable due to a lack of relevant in vitro placenta models. To better understand the pathology, we have developed 3D placental barrier models in a microfluidic device. The platform allows parallel culture of 40 perfused physiological miniaturized placental barriers, comprising a differentiated syncytium and endothelium that have been validated for transporter functions. Exposure to a hypoxic and ischemic environment enabled the mimicking of preeclamptic characteristics in high-throughput, which we believe could lead to a better understanding of the pathology as well as support future effective therapies development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaëlle Rabussier
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Bünter
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Camilla Soragni
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chee Ping Ng
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leon J de Windt
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6226 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Vulto
- MIMETAS BV, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands
| | - Colin E Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
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10
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Abostait A, Tyrrell J, Abdelkarim M, Shojaei S, Tse WH, El-Sherbiny IM, Keijzer R, Labouta HI. Placental Nanoparticle Uptake-On-a-Chip: The Impact of Trophoblast Syncytialization and Shear Stress. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3757-3769. [PMID: 36053057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic and complex organ that plays an essential role in the health and development of the fetus. Placental disorders can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. There is currently an unmet clinical need to develop nanoparticle-based therapies to target and treat placental disorders. However, little is known about the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with the human placenta under biomimetic conditions. Specifically, the impact of shear stress exerted on the trophoblasts (placental epithelial cells) by the maternal blood flow, the gradual fusion of the trophoblasts along the gestation period (syncytialization), and the impact of microvilli formation on the cell uptake of NPs is not known. To this end, we designed dynamic placenta-on-a-chip models using BeWo cells to recapitulate the micro-physiological environment, and we induced different degrees of syncytialization via chemical induction with forskolin. We characterized the degree of syncytialization quantitatively by measuring beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) secretion, as well as qualitatively by immunostaining the tight junction protein, ZO-1, and counter nuclear staining. We also characterized microvilli formation under static and dynamic conditions via F-actin staining. We used these models to measure the cell uptake of chondroitin sulfate a binding protein (CSA) conjugated and control liposomes using confocal microscopy, followed by image analysis. Interestingly, exposure of the cells to a dynamic flow of media intrinsically induced syncytialization and microvilli formation compared to static controls. Under dynamic conditions, BeWo cells produced more β-hCG in conditions that increased the cell exposure time to forskolin (p < 0.005). Our cell uptake results clearly show a combined effect of the exerted shear stress and forskolin treatment on the cell uptake of liposomes as uptake increased in forskolin exposed conditions (p < 0.05). Overall, the difference in the extent of cell uptake of liposomes among the different conditions clearly displays a need for the development of dynamic models of the placenta that consider the changes in the placental cell phenotype along the gestation period, including syncytialization, microvilli formation, and the expression of different transport and uptake receptors. Knowledge generated from this work will inform future research aiming at developing drug delivery systems targeting the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Jack Tyrrell
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Wai Hei Tse
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny
- Nanomedicine Research Labs, Center for Materials Science, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Depts of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0T5, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 5V6, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
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11
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Tse WH, Higgins S, Patel D, Xing M, West AR, Labouta HI, Keijzer R. The maternal-fetal transfer of passive immunity as a mechanism of transplacental nanoparticle drug delivery for prenatal therapies. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5243-5253. [PMID: 35912636 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00293k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles administered into the maternal circulation and across the placenta are a potential clinical therapy to treat congenital diseases. The mechanism by which nanoparticles can safely cross the placenta for targeted drug delivery to the fetus remains poorly understood. We demonstrate that the maternal-fetal transfer of passive immunity through the neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) can induce the transplacental transfer of chitosan nanoparticles modifed with IgG antibodies (414 ± 27 nm). The transfer of FITC-tagged IgG-modified chitosan nanoparticles was 2.8 times higher (p = 0.0264) compared to similarly-sized unmodified chitosan nanoparticles (375 ± 17 nm). Co-administration of free IgG competitively diminished the transplacental transfer of IgG-modified nanoparticles, yet unmodified nanoparticles remained unaffected. Colocalization of the FcRn and the IgG-modified chitosan nanoparticles were observed with confocal microscopy. Barrier function before and after nanoparticle administration remained intact as determined by TEER (75-79 Ω cm2) and immmunofluorescence of ZO-1 tight junction proteins. The results provide insight into the clinical applications of nanoparticles for prenatal therapies using the mechanism of the maternal-fetal transfer of passive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Hei Tse
- Departments of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sean Higgins
- Departments of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Daywin Patel
- Departments of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Adrian R West
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada.,Apotex Centre, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 3T5, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Departments of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R3E 0W2, Manitoba, Canada
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12
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Gonçalves BM, Graceli JB, da Rocha PB, Tilli HP, Vieira EM, de Sibio MT, Peghinelli VV, Deprá IC, Mathias LS, Olímpio RMC, Belik VC, Nogueira CR. Placental model as an important tool to study maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:7-13. [PMID: 35714933 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that plays critical roles at the maternal-fetal interface. Normal development and function of the placenta is dependent on hormonal signaling pathways that make the placenta a target of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) action. Studies showing association between prenatal exposure, hormone disruption, and reproductive damage indicate that EDCs are developmentally toxic and can impact future generations. In this context, new placental models (trophoblast-derived cell lines, organotypic or 3D cell models, and physiologically based kinetic models) have been developed in order to create new approach methodology (NAM) to assess and even prevent such disastrous toxic harm in future generations. With the widespread discouragement of conducting animal studies, it has become irrefutable to develop in vitro models that can serve as a substitute for in vivo models. The goal of this review is to discuss the newest in vitro models to understand the maternal-fetal interface and predict placental development, physiology, and dysfunction generated by failures in molecular hormone control mechanisms, which, consequently, may change epigenetic programming to increase susceptibility to metabolic and other disorders in the offspring. We summarize the latest placental models for developmental toxicology studies, focusing mainly on three-dimensional (3D) culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Paula B da Rocha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena P Tilli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ester M Vieira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria T de Sibio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius V Peghinelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor C Deprá
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Mathias
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Regiane M C Olímpio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Virgínia C Belik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Célia R Nogueira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Nabekura T, Ishikawa S, Tanase M, Okumura T, Kawasaki T. Antidepressants induce toxicity in human placental BeWo cells. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100073. [PMID: 35602006 PMCID: PMC9120053 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The antidepressants, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and duloxetine, induce toxicity in human placental BeWo cells. Escitalopram, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine showed little effects on placental cell viability. Sertraline induces reactive oxygen species production and increases the number of apoptotic cells.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs) are broadly used for the treatment of depression. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in pregnant women and SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression during pregnancy. The placenta regulates the transport of nutrients and oxygen between the maternal and fetal circulation, and is essential for the survival and growth of the fetus. The present study investigated the effects of antidepressants on human placental BeWo cells. BeWo cell viability was significantly decreased following exposure to sertraline (SSRI), paroxetine (SSRI), fluvoxamine (SSRI), and duloxetine (SNRI), whereas escitalopram (SSRI), venlafaxine (SNRI), and mirtazapine (NaSSA) showed little or no effects. Extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased by sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and duloxetine, indicating toxicity to the cells. Sertraline increased the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Sertraline decreased the cellular ATP content in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Caspase-3/7 activity and apoptotic cells, detected using the phosphatidylserine-specific fluorescent probe Apotracker Green, were increased by sertraline. Our findings suggest that antidepressants, such as sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and duloxetine, induce toxicity in human placental BeWo cells. Sertraline may induce ROS-dependent apoptosis in human placental cells. These results are useful for further studies to determine the optimal dosage of antidepressants for pregnant women.
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14
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Differences and Interactions in Placental Manganese and Iron Transfer across an In Vitro Model of Human Villous Trophoblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063296. [PMID: 35328723 PMCID: PMC8951728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063296] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) as well as iron (Fe) are essential trace elements (TE) important for the maintenance of physiological functions including fetal development. However, in the case of Mn, evidence suggests that excess levels of intrauterine Mn are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although Mn is known to cross the placenta, the fundamentals of Mn transfer kinetics and mechanisms are largely unknown. Moreover, exposure to combinations of TEs should be considered in mechanistic transfer studies, in particular for TEs expected to share similar transfer pathways. Here, we performed a mechanistic in vitro study on the placental transfer of Mn across a BeWo b30 trophoblast layer. Our data revealed distinct differences in the placental transfer of Mn and Fe. While placental permeability to Fe showed a clear inverse dose-dependency, Mn transfer was largely independent of the applied doses. Concurrent exposure of Mn and Fe revealed transfer interactions of Fe and Mn, indicating that they share common transfer mechanisms. In general, mRNA and protein expression of discussed transporters like DMT1, TfR, or FPN were only marginally altered in BeWo cells despite the different exposure scenarios highlighting that Mn transfer across the trophoblast layer likely involves a combination of active and passive transport processes.
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15
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Fragki S, Hoogenveen R, van Oostrom C, Schwillens P, Piersma AH, Zeilmaker MJ. Integrating in vitro chemical transplacental passage into a generic PBK model: A QIVIVE approach. Toxicology 2022; 465:153060. [PMID: 34871708 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing application of cell culture models as primary tools for predicting chemical safety, the quantitative extrapolation of the effective dose from in vitro to in vivo (QIVIVE) is of increasing importance. For developmental toxicity this requires scaling the in vitro observed dose-response characteristics to in vivo fetal exposure, while integrating maternal in vivo kinetics during pregnancy, in particular transplacental transfer. Here the transfer of substances across the placental barrier, has been studied using the in vitro BeWo cell assay and six embryotoxic compounds of different kinetic complexity. The BeWo assay results were incorporated in an existing generic Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) model which for this purpose was extended with rat pregnancy. Finally, as a "proof of principle", the BeWo PBK model was used to perform a QIVIVE based on developmental toxicity as observed in various different in vitro toxicity assays. The BeWo results illustrated different transport profiles of the chemicals across the BeWo monolayer, allocating the substances into two distinct groups: the 'quickly-transported' and the 'slowly-transported'. BeWo PBK exposure simulations during gestation were compared to experimentally measured maternal blood and fetal concentrations and a reverse dosimetry approach was applied to translate in vitro observed embryotoxicity into equivalent in vivo dose-response curves. This approach allowed for a direct comparison of the in vitro dose-response characteristics as observed in the Whole Embryo Culture (WEC), and the Embryonic Stem Cell test (cardiac:ESTc and neural:ESTn) with in vivo rat developmental toxicity data. Overall, the in vitro to in vivo comparisons suggest a promising future for the application of such QIVIVE methodologies for screening and prioritization purposes of developmental toxicants. Nevertheless, the clear need for further improvements is acknowledged for a wider application of the approach in chemical safety assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Fragki
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Rudolf Hoogenveen
- Centre for Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Conny van Oostrom
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Schwillens
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco J Zeilmaker
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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16
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Ge C, Xu D, Yu P, Fang M, Guo J, Xu D, Qiao Y, Chen S, Zhang Y, Wang H. P-gp expression inhibition mediates placental glucocorticoid barrier opening and fetal weight loss. BMC Med 2021; 19:311. [PMID: 34876109 PMCID: PMC8653610 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal adverse environments can cause fetal intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and higher susceptibility to multiple diseases after birth, related to multi-organ development programming changes mediated by intrauterine overexposure to maternal glucocorticoids. As a glucocorticoid barrier, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is highly expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts; however, the effect of P-gp on the occurrence of IUGR remains unclear. METHODS Human placenta and fetal cord blood samples of IUGR fetuses were collected, and the related indexes were detected. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered with 30 mg/kg·d (low dose) and 120 mg/kg·d (high dose) caffeine from gestational day (GD) 9 to 20 to construct the rat IUGR model. Pregnant mice were administered with caffeine (120 mg/kg·d) separately or combined with sodium ferulate (50 mg/kg·d) from gestational day GD 9 to 18 to confirm the intervention target on fetal weight loss caused by prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE). The fetal serum/placental corticosterone level, placental P-gp expression, and related indicator changes were analyzed. In vitro, primary human trophoblasts and BeWo cells were used to confirm the effect of caffeine on P-gp and its mechanism. RESULTS The placental P-gp expression was significantly reduced, but the umbilical cord blood cortisol level was increased in clinical samples of the IUGR neonates, which were positively and negatively correlated with the neonatal birth weight, respectively. Meanwhile, in the PCE-induced IUGR rat model, the placental P-gp expression of IUGR rats was decreased while the corticosterone levels of the placentas/fetal blood were increased, which were positively and negatively correlated with the decreased placental/fetal weights, respectively. Combined with the PCE-induced IUGR rat model, in vitro caffeine-treated placental trophoblasts, we confirmed that caffeine decreased the histone acetylation and expression of P-gp via RYR/JNK/YB-1/P300 pathway, which inhibited placental and fetal development. We further demonstrated that P-gp inducer sodium ferulate could reverse the inhibitory effect of caffeine on the fetal body/placental weight. Finally, clinical specimens and other animal models of IUGR also confirmed that the JNK/YB-1 pathway is a co-regulatory mechanism of P-gp expression inhibition, among which the expression of YB-1 is the most stable. Therefore, we proposed that YB-1 could be used as the potential early warning target for the opening of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, the occurrence of IUGR, and the susceptibility of a variety of diseases. CONCLUSIONS This study, for the first time, clarified the critical role and epigenetic regulation mechanism of P-gp in mediating the opening mechanism of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, providing a novel idea for exploring the early warning, prevention, and treatment strategies of IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Juanjuan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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17
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Yamashita M, Markert UR. Overview of Drug Transporters in Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313149. [PMID: 34884954 PMCID: PMC8658420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transport of drugs across the placenta is a point of great importance in pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. However, the knowledge of drug transport in pregnancy is mostly based on experimental clinical data, and the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of drug transporters in the human placenta. We only refer to human data since the placenta demonstrates great diversity among species. In addition, we describe the experimental models that have been used in human placental transport studies and discuss their availability. A better understanding of placental drug transporters will be beneficial for the health of pregnant women who need drug treatment and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
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18
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Bodke VV, Burdette JE. Advancements in Microfluidic Systems for the Study of Female Reproductive Biology. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6225875. [PMID: 33852726 PMCID: PMC8571709 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system that consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract, as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedant V Bodke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
- Correspondence: Joanna E. Burdette, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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19
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Counter-directed leucine gradient promotes amino acid transfer across the human placenta. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 96:108760. [PMID: 33964466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The developing fetus is highly vulnerable to imbalances in the supply of essential amino acids (AA). Transplacental AA transfer depends on complex interactions between accumulative transporters, exchangers and facilitators, which maintain both intra-extracellular and materno-fetal substrate gradients. We determined physiological AA gradients between maternal and fetal blood and assessed their importance by studying maternal-fetal leucine transfer in human trophoblasts. Maternal-venous and corresponding fetal-arterial/fetal-venous sera were collected from 22 healthy patients at partum. The acquisition of the full AA spectra in serum was performed by ion exchange chromatography. Physiological materno-fetal AA levels were evaluated using paired two-way ANOVA with Tukey's correction. AA concentrations and gradients were tested for associations with anthropometric data by Spearman correlation analysis. Functional effects of a physiological leucine gradient versus equimolar concentrations were tested in BeWo cells using L-[3H]-leucine in conventional and Transwell-based uptake and transfer experiments. The LAT1/SLC7A5-specific inhibitor JPH203 was used to evaluate LAT1-transporter-mediated leucine transport. Maternal AA concentrations correlated with preconceptional and maternal weights at partum. Interestingly, low materno-fetal AA gradients were associated with maternal weight, BMI and gestational weight gain. Leucine uptake was promoted by increased extracellular substrate concentrations. Materno-fetal leucine transfer was significantly increased against a 137µM leucine gradient demonstrating that transplacental leucine transport is stimulated by a counter-directed gradient. Moreover, leucine transfer was inhibited by 10µM JPH203 confirming that Leu transport across the trophoblast monolayer is LAT1-dependent. This study demonstrates a currently underestimated effect of transplacental AA gradients on efficient leucine transfer which could severely affect fetal development.
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20
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Tetro N, Moushaev S, Shmuel M, Eyal S. Antiseizure medications and fetal nutrients: Effects on choline transporters in a human placental cell line. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1451-1459. [PMID: 33890297 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many nutrients essential to the fetus and for proper function of the placenta itself cannot freely diffuse across membrane barriers, and their transplacental transfer depends on transporters. Our previous studies provided evidence for altered expression of transporters for folic acid in trophoblasts exposed to antiseizure medications (ASMs). The goal of the current study was to explore the effects of older and newer ASMs on the expression and function of uptake transporters for choline, which interacts with folate at pathways for methyl group donation. METHODS BeWo cells were incubated for 2 or 5 days with valproate (42, 83, or 166 µg/ml), carbamazepine (6 or 12 µg/ml), levetiracetam (10 or 30 µg/ml), lamotrigine (3 or 12 µg/ml), lacosamide (5, 10, or 20 µg/ml), or their vehicles (n = 6/treatment group). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was utilized to study the effects of ASMs on the transcript levels of the choline transporters SLC44A1 (CTL1) and SLC44A2 (CTL2). Transporter protein expression in valproate-treated cells was assessed by western blot analysis. Choline and acetylcholine were quantified in cell lysates by a choline/acetylcholine assay kit. RESULTS Compared with controls, valproate and levetiracetam at high therapeutic concentrations (83 and 30 µg/ml, respectively) lowered choline transporter transcript levels by up to 42% and 26%, and total choline levels by 20% and 21%, respectively (p < .05). At 83 μg/ml, valproate additionally reduced CTL1 and CTL2 protein expression, by 39 ± 21% and 61 ± 13% (mean ± SD), respectively (p < .01). Carbamazepine reduced SLC44A1 transcript levels, whereas lacosamide modestly decreased the expression of SLC44A2. Lamotrigine did not alter choline transporter expression. SIGNIFICANCE Antiseizure medications, particularly at high therapeutic concentrations, can interfere with the placental uptake of choline. In line with current knowledge from pregnancy registries and clinical studies, the present in vitro findings further support careful adjustment of maternal ASM doses during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nino Tetro
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sonia Moushaev
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Miri Shmuel
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Eyal
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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21
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Tutar R, Çelebi-Saltik B. Modeling of Artificial 3D Human Placenta. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:527-536. [PMID: 33691312 DOI: 10.1159/000511571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the main organ that allows the fertilized oocyte to develop and mature. It allows the fetus to grow in the prenatal period by transferring oxygen and nutrients between the mother and the fetus. It acts as a basic endocrine organ which creates the physiological changes related to pregnancy and birth in the mother. Removal of wastes and carbon dioxide from the fetus is also achieved by the placenta. It prevents the rejection of the fetus and protects the fetus from harmful effects. Research on the human placenta focuses on understanding the placental structure and function to illuminate the complex structure of this important organ with technological advances. The structure and function of the placental barrier have been investigated with in vitro studies in 2D/3D, and various results have been published comparatively. In this review, we introduce the nature of the placenta with its 3D composition which has been called niche. Different cell types and placental structures are presented. We describe the systems and approaches used in the creation of current 3D placenta, placental transfer models as 3D placental barriers, and micro-engineered 3D placenta on-a-chip to explore complicated placental responses to nanoparticle exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumeysa Tutar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betül Çelebi-Saltik
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, .,Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey,
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22
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Abstract
Unlike acute myocardial infarction with reperfusion, in which infarct size is the end point reflecting irreversible injury, myocardial stunning and hibernation result from reversible myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and contractile dysfunction is the obvious end point. Stunned myocardium is characterized by a disproportionately long-lasting, yet fully reversible, contractile dysfunction that follows brief bouts of myocardial ischaemia. Reperfusion precipitates a burst of reactive oxygen species formation and alterations in excitation-contraction coupling, which interact and cause the contractile dysfunction. Hibernating myocardium is characterized by reduced regional contractile function and blood flow, which both recover after reperfusion or revascularization. Short-term myocardial hibernation is an adaptation of contractile function to the reduced blood flow such that energy and substrate metabolism recover during the ongoing ischaemia. Chronic myocardial hibernation is characterized by severe morphological alterations and altered expression of metabolic and pro-survival proteins. Myocardial stunning is observed clinically and must be recognized but is rarely haemodynamically compromising and does not require treatment. Myocardial hibernation is clinically identified with the use of imaging techniques, and the myocardium recovers after revascularization. Several trials in the past two decades have challenged the superiority of revascularization over medical therapy for symptomatic relief and prognosis in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial stunning and hibernation is important for a more precise indication of revascularization and its consequences. Therefore, this Review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of these characteristic reperfusion phenomena and highlights their clinical implications.
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23
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Mathiesen L, Mørck TA, Poulsen MS, Nielsen JKS, Mose T, Long M, Bonefeld‐Jørgensen E, Bossi R, Knudsen LE. Placental transfer of pesticides studied in human placental perfusion. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 127:505-515. [PMID: 32558230 PMCID: PMC7689789 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the transplacental transport of pesticides, the pyrethroid cypermethrin and the fungicide azoles, propiconazole and bitertanol were tested in the placental perfusion model. Cypermethrin, propiconazole and bitertanol were also tested in the BeWo cell transfer model. The pesticides were chosen with the selection criteria: use in Denmark, significant treated areas and knowledge on hormone-disrupting effects. Propiconazole and bitertanol showed rapid transfer and adsorbance to the system in both placental perfusion and BeWo cell system, whereas cypermethrin had a slower transport across the placental cell layers in the two models. There was no difference between data of the single pesticides and their mixture in either placental perfusion or BeWo cell transfer model. Both the placental perfusion model and the BeWo cell model metabolized the pesticides and released metabolites into both foetal and maternal circulation. Using human exposure models, this study shows the potential exposure of the human foetus to pesticides cypermethrin, propiconazole and bitertanol and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Mathiesen
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thit Aarøe Mørck
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Marie Sønnegaard Poulsen
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Tina Mose
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Manhai Long
- Department of Public HealthCentre for Arctic Heath and Molecular EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | - Eva Bonefeld‐Jørgensen
- Department of Public HealthCentre for Arctic Heath and Molecular EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | - Rossana Bossi
- Department of Public HealthCentre for Arctic Heath and Molecular EpidemiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Department of Environmental ScienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Lisbeth E. Knudsen
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
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24
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Assessing the impacts on fetal dosimetry of the modelling of the placental transfers of xenobiotics in a pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 409:115318. [PMID: 33160985 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The developmental origin of health and diseases theory supports the critical role of the fetal exposure to children's health. We developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for human pregnancy (pPBPK) to simulate the maternal and fetal dosimetry throughout pregnancy. Four models of the placental exchanges of chemicals were assessed on ten chemicals for which maternal and fetal data were available. These models were calibrated using non-animal methods: in vitro (InV) or ex vivo (ExV) data, a semi-empirical relationship (SE), or the limitation by the placental perfusion (PL). They did not impact the maternal pharmacokinetics but provided different profiles in the fetus. The PL and InV models performed well even if the PL model overpredicted the fetal exposure for some substances. The SE and ExV models showed the lowest global performance and the SE model a tendency to underprediction. The comparison of the profiles showed that the PL model predicted an increase in the fetal exposure with the pregnancy age, whereas the ExV model predicted a decrease. For the SE and InV models, a small decrease was predicted during the second trimester. All models but the ExV one, presented the highest fetal exposure at the end of the third trimester. Global sensitivity analyses highlighted the predominant influence of the placental transfers on the fetal exposure, as well as the metabolic clearance and the fraction unbound. Finally, the four transfer models could be considered depending on the framework of the use of the pPBPK model and the availability of data or resources to inform their parametrization.
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25
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Zaugg J, Huang X, Ziegler F, Rubin M, Graff J, Müller J, Moser-Hässig R, Powell T, Gertsch J, Altmann KH, Albrecht C. Small molecule inhibitors provide insights into the relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno-foetal amino acid transport. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12681-12693. [PMID: 33001560 PMCID: PMC7687008 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta supplies the foetus with critical nutrients such as essential amino acids (AA, eg leucine) for development and growth. It also represents a cellular barrier which is formed by a polarized, differentiated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) monolayer. Active Na+‐independent leucine transport across the placenta is mainly attributed to the System L transporters LAT1/SLC7A5 and LAT2/SLC7A8. This study explored the influence of trophoblast differentiation on the activity of LAT1/LAT2 and the relevance of LAT1/LAT2 in leucine uptake and transfer in trophoblasts by applying specific small molecule inhibitors (JPH203/JG336/JX009). L‐leucine uptake (total dose = 167 μmol/L) was sensitive to LAT1‐specific inhibition by JPH203 (EC50 = 2.55 µmol/L). The inhibition efficiency of JPH203 was increased by an additional methoxy group in the JPH203‐derivate JG336 (EC50 = 1.99 µmol/L). Interestingly, JX009 showed efficient System L inhibition (EC50 = 2.35 µmol/L) and was the most potent inhibitor of leucine uptake in trophoblasts. The application of JPH203 and JX009 in Transwell®‐based leucine transfer revealed LAT1 as the major accumulative transporter at the apical membrane, but other System L transporters such as LAT2 as rate‐limiting for leucine efflux across the basal membrane. Therefore, differential specificity of the applied inhibitors allowed for estimation of the contribution of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno‐foetal AA transfer and their potential impact in pregnancy diseases associated with impaired foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ziegler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Rubin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Graff
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Müller
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruedi Moser-Hässig
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Section, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Altmann
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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26
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Kreuder AE, Bolaños-Rosales A, Palmer C, Thomas A, Geiger MA, Lam T, Amler AK, Markert UR, Lauster R, Kloke L. Inspired by the human placenta: a novel 3D bioprinted membrane system to create barrier models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15606. [PMID: 32973223 PMCID: PMC7515925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrier organ models need a scaffold structure to create a two compartment culture. Technical filter membranes used most often as scaffolds may impact cell behaviour and present a barrier themselves, ultimately limiting transferability of test results. In this work we present an alternative for technical filter membrane systems: a 3D bioprinted biological membrane in 24 well format. The biological membrane, based on extracellular matrix (ECM), is highly permeable and presents a natural 3D environment for cell culture. Inspired by the human placenta we established a coculture of a trophoblast-derived cell line (BeWo b30), together with primary placental fibroblasts within the biological membrane (simulating villous stroma) and primary human placental endothelial cells-representing three cellular components of the human placental villus. All cell types maintained their cell type specific marker expression after two weeks of coculture on the biological membrane. In permeability assays the trophoblast layer developed a barrier on the biological membrane, which was even more pronounced when cocultured with fibroblasts. In this work we present a filter membrane free scaffold, we characterize its properties and assess its suitability for cell culture and barrier models. Further we show a novel placenta inspired model in a complex bioprinted coculture. In the absence of an artificial filter membrane, we demonstrate barrier architecture and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisabeth Kreuder
- Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany.
- Cellbricks GmbH, Berlin, 13355, Germany.
| | - Aramis Bolaños-Rosales
- Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
- Cellbricks GmbH, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Thomas
- Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
- Cellbricks GmbH, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | | | | | - Anna-Klara Amler
- Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
- Cellbricks GmbH, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Roland Lauster
- Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, 13355, Germany
| | - Lutz Kloke
- Cellbricks GmbH, Berlin, 13355, Germany.
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27
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Bouazza N, Foissac F, Hirt D, Urien S, Benaboud S, Lui G, Treluyer JM. Methodological Approaches to Evaluate Fetal Drug Exposure. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:496-504. [PMID: 30892158 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190319102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug prescriptions are usual during pregnancy, however, women and their fetuses still remain an orphan population with regard to drugs efficacy and safety. Most xenobiotics diffuse through the placenta and some of them can alter fetus development resulting in structural abnormalities, growth or functional deficiencies. METHODS To summarize the different methodologies developed towards the prediction of fetal drug exposure. RESULTS Neonatal cord blood concentration is the most specific measurement of the transplacental drug transfer at the end of pregnancy. Using the cord blood and mother drug concentrations altogether, drug exchanges between the mother and fetus can be modeled and quantified via a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Thereafter, it is possible to estimate the fetus exposure and the fetus-to-mother exposure ratio. However, the prediction of placental transfer before any administration to pregnant women is desirable. Animal studies remain difficult to interpret due to structural and functional inter-species placenta differences. The ex-vivo perfusion of the human placental cotyledon is the method of reference to study the human placental transfer of drugs because it is thought to mimic the functional placental tissue. However, extrapolation of data to in vivo situation remains difficult. Some research groups have extensively worked on physiologically based models (PBPK) to predict fetal drug exposure and showed very encouraging results. CONCLUSION PBPK models appeared to be a very promising tool in order to predict fetal drug exposure in-silico. However, these models mainly picture the end of pregnancy and knowledge regarding both, development of the placental permeability and transporters is strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naïm Bouazza
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France
| | - Frantz Foissac
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France
| | - Déborah Hirt
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France.,Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Saïk Urien
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France
| | - Sihem Benaboud
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France.,Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Gabrielle Lui
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Treluyer
- Universite Paris Descartes, EA7323, Sorbonne Paris Cite, France.,Unite de Recherche Clinique Paris Descartes Necker Cochin, AP-HP, France.,CIC-1419 Inserm, Cochin-Necker, Paris, France.,Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Centre, Paris, France
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28
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Yin S, Zhang J, Guo F, Poma G, Covaci A, Liu W. Transplacental transfer mechanism of organochlorine pesticides: An in vitro transcellular transport study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 135:105402. [PMID: 31869730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies show that, even after being banned for agricultural applications for over 30 years, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs), can still be found in various biological matrices and pose a potential hazard to the fetus in the womb. This study aimed to investigate the possible transplacental transfer mechanism of OCPs using an in vitro placental model. The results showed that for HCHs and DDXs, the placenta had a potential protection mechanism for the fetus by having higher efflux than intake active transport efficiency to transfer the xenobiotic out of the fetal circulation. No enantiomer-specific transport was observed for the chiral OCPs in vitro, hints simple diffusion played the major role in the transplacental transfer. Metabolic and transporter inhibitors were applied in the transepithelial transport experiment to evaluate the role that major transporting protein played in the active efflux process. The ATP production inhibitors were observed to have significant inhibition on transfer, proving the hypothesis that active transport participates in the transplacental transport of OCPs in humans. Multiple transporters contributed simultaneously in the active transport for the OCPs. In this study, we could confirm that the transplacental transfer of OCPs is a combination of simple diffusion and active transport. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily transporters on the placenta contribute in the active transport. These findings could improve the understanding of the mechanisms of transplacental transfer of the OCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yin
- Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianyun Zhang
- Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Fangjie Guo
- Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Weiping Liu
- Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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29
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Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to symmetrical fetal growth restriction and labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:544. [PMID: 31953475 PMCID: PMC6969028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
1 in 5 women report cannabis use during pregnancy, with nausea cited as their primary motivation. Studies show that (-)-△9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, causes fetal growth restriction, though the mechanisms are not well understood. Given the critical role of the placenta to transfer oxygen and nutrients from mother, to the fetus, any compromise in the development of fetal-placental circulation significantly affects maternal-fetal exchange and thereby, fetal growth. The goal of this study was to examine, in rats, the impact of maternal Δ9-THC exposure on fetal development, neonatal outcomes, and placental development. Dams received a daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of vehicle control or Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) from embryonic (E)6.5 through 22. Dams were allowed to deliver normally to measure pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, with a subset sacrificed at E19.5 for placenta assessment via immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Gestational Δ9-THC exposure resulted in pups born with symmetrical fetal growth restriction, with catch up growth by post-natal day (PND)21. During pregnancy there were no changes to maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, litter size, or gestational length. E19.5 placentas from Δ9-THC-exposed pregnancies exhibited a phenotype characterized by increased labyrinth area, reduced Epcam expression (marker of labyrinth trophoblast progenitors), altered maternal blood space, decreased fetal capillary area and an increased recruitment of pericytes with greater collagen deposition, when compared to vehicle controls. Further, at E19.5 labyrinth trophoblast had reduced glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in response to Δ9-THC exposure. In conclusion, maternal exposure to Δ9-THC effectively compromised fetal growth, which may be a result of the adversely affected labyrinth zone development. These findings implicate GLUT1 as a Δ9-THC target and provide a potential mechanism for the fetal growth restriction observed in women who use cannabis during pregnancy.
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30
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Eléfant E, Hanin C, Cohen D. Pregnant women, prescription, and fetal risk. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:377-389. [PMID: 32958185 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the historical scandal of thalidomide in the 1960s, practitioners and future mothers are fearful of drugs during pregnancy. In-uterine exposure to drugs can induce major malformation of the fetus or even intrauterine fetal death. Prescribing drugs to a pregnant woman requires particular attention, and it is necessary to consider both the maternal needs and the proven and potential fetal risks. In this chapter, we review the mechanisms for medication transfer from mother to fetus, fetal risk according to pregnancy timeline, and the main dangerous drugs during pregnancy. We also focus on three prescription debates, which are relevant for neurodevelopmental disorder, because they each point to a paradigmatic situation-diethylstilbestrol, which shows transgenerational adversary effects; valproate, which impacts neurodevelopment as a whole; and antidepressants for which the adverse impact on neurodevelopment is still controversial given the impact of depression itself. Finally, we consider the implications for practice and toxicologic research to promote risk prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Eléfant
- Centre de Référence sur les Agents Tératogènes, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Paris, France.
| | - Cyril Hanin
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, APHP.Sorbonne Université, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - David Cohen
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, APHP.Sorbonne Université, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et Robotiques, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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31
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Milano-Foster J, Ray S, Home P, Ganguly A, Bhattacharya B, Bajpai S, Pal A, Mason CW, Paul S. Regulation of human trophoblast syncytialization by histone demethylase LSD1. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17301-17313. [PMID: 31591264 PMCID: PMC6873176 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is critically dependent upon proper placental development and function. During human placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors differentiate to form syncytiotrophoblasts (SynTBs), which provide the exchange surface between the mother and fetus and secrete hormones to ensure proper progression of pregnancy. However, epigenetic mechanisms that regulate SynTB differentiation from CTB progenitors are incompletely understood. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A), a histone demethylase, is essential to this process. LSD1 is expressed both in CTB progenitors and differentiated SynTBs in first-trimester placental villi; accordingly, expression in SynTBs is maintained throughout gestation. Impairment of LSD1 function in trophoblast progenitors inhibits induction of endogenous retrovirally encoded genes SYNCYTIN1/endogenous retrovirus group W member 1, envelope (ERVW1) and SYNCYTIN2/endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1, envelope (ERVFRD1), encoding fusogenic proteins critical to human trophoblast syncytialization. Loss of LSD1 also impairs induction of chorionic gonadotropin α (CGA) and chorionic gonadotropin β (CGB) genes, which encode α and β subunits of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone essential to modulate maternal physiology during pregnancy. Mechanistic analyses at the endogenous ERVW1, CGA, and CGB loci revealed a regulatory axis in which LSD1 induces demethylation of repressive histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9Me2) and interacts with transcription factor GATA2 to promote RNA polymerase II (RNA-POL-II) recruitment and activate gene transcription. Our study reveals a novel LSD1-GATA2 axis, which regulates human trophoblast syncytialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Pratik Home
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Shilpika Bajpai
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Aratrika Pal
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Clifford W Mason
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Soumen Paul
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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32
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Dallmann A, Liu XI, Burckart GJ, van den Anker J. Drug Transporters Expressed in the Human Placenta and Models for Studying Maternal-Fetal Drug Transfer. J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 59 Suppl 1:S70-S81. [PMID: 31502693 PMCID: PMC7304533 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tremendous efforts have been directed to investigate the ontogeny of drug transporters in fetuses, neonates, infants, and children based on their importance for understanding drug pharmacokinetics. During development (ie, in the fetus and newborn infant), there is special interest in transporters expressed in the placenta that modulate placental drug transfer. Many of these transporters can decrease or increase drug concentrations in the fetus and at birth, stressing the relevance of elucidating expression in the placenta and potential gestational age-dependent changes therein. Hence, the main objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge about expression and ontogeny of transporters in the human placenta in healthy pregnant women. In addition, various in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico models that can be used to investigate placental drug transfer, namely, placental cancer cell lines, ex vivo cotyledon perfusion experiments, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, are discussed together with their advantages and shortcomings. A particular focus was placed on PBPK models because these models can integrate different types of information, such as expression data, ontogeny information, and observations obtained from the ex vivo cotyledon perfusion experiment. Such a mechanistic modeling framework may leverage the available information and ultimately help to improve knowledge about the adequacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Dallmann
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), Switzerland
| | - Xiaomei I. Liu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gilbert J. Burckart
- US Food and Drug Administration, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - John van den Anker
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Sanz G, Daniel N, Aubrière MC, Archilla C, Jouneau L, Jaszczyszyn Y, Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P, Jouneau A. Differentiation of derived rabbit trophoblast stem cells under fluid shear stress to mimic the trophoblastic barrier. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:1608-1618. [PMID: 31278960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta controls exchanges between the mother and the fetus and therefore fetal development and growth. The maternal environment can lead to disturbance of placental functions, with consequences on the health of the offspring. Since the rabbit placenta is very close to that of humans, rabbit models can provide biomedical data to study human placental function. Yet, to limit the use of animal experiments and to investigate the mechanistic aspects of placental function, we developed a new cell culture model in which rabbit trophoblast cells are differentiated from rabbit trophoblast stem cells. METHODS Rabbit trophoblast stems cells were derived from blastocysts and differentiated onto a collagen gel and in the presence of a flow of culture medium to mimic maternal blood flow. Transcriptome analysis was performed on the stem and differentiated cells. RESULTS Our culture model allows the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells. In particular, the fluid shear stress enhances microvilli formation on the differentiated cell surface, lipid droplets formation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts into syncytiotrophoblasts. In addition, the transcriptome analysis confirms the early trophoblast identity of the derived stem cells and reveals upregulation of signaling pathways involved in trophoblast differentiation. CONCLUSION Thereby, the culture model allows mimicking the in vivo conditions in which maternal blood flow exerts a shear stress on trophoblast cells that influences their phenotype. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our culture model can be used to study the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts, as well as the trophoblast function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guenhaël Sanz
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Nathalie Daniel
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Catherine Archilla
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- Plateforme de Séquençage I2BC, CNRS, UMR9198, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | - Alice Jouneau
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Mortensen NP, Caffaro MM, Snyder RW, Yueh YL, Fennell TR. Placental trophoblast transfer of opioids following exposures to individual or mixtures of opioids in vitro. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:846-849. [PMID: 31091988 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219851109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome increased 5-fold between 2000 and 2012. Prenatal exposure to opioids has been linked to altered brain development, congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, and clubfoot. In the study presented here, placental transfer rate of six opioids; morphine, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, and naloxone was compared in vitro using a human trophoblast cell monolayer model, BeWo b30. The rate and concentration of opioid translocation were investigated individually and in mixtures. The opioid transfer was quantified at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min, using target liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The transfer was lowest for heroin (<1.2% of administered dose at 120 min; the permeability across the cells [P]: 0.21 × 10−5 cm/s) and highest for oxycodone (13.2% of administered dose at 120 min; P: 2.46 × 10−5 cm/s). As oxycodone is a preferred drug for both short- and long-term pain treatment, more knowledge is needed to understand the potential adverse impact on fetal development, growth, and well-being. Opioid exposure is likely to happen as mixtures, and we therefore investigated the transfer of selected mixtures. Permeability was significantly decreased for heroin when administered together with fentanyl. This study demonstrates that the transfer rate between individual opioids varies significantly and that some mixtures may impact the transfer of some individual opioids like heroin. Impact statement Gaining knowledge about opioid exposure and placental transfer of opioids is an important part of providing clinicians with the necessary information for therapeutic strategies during pregnancy in the rising opioid epidemic. Opioids exposure often includes a mixture rather than an exposure to an individual opioid. We investigated placental trophoblast permeability to opioids in vitro for six individual opioids and selected mixtures. The rate and concentration of opioid translocation across placental trophoblast monolayer varied considerably between the six investigated opioids. Oxycodone had the highest level of translocation. We also found that the transfer of heroin decreased when administered together with fentanyl, while no change was observed for fentanyl transfer in the mixture. This suggests that opioid mixtures may decrease translocation of some opioids while others are unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yun L Yueh
- Discovery Sciences, RTI International, RTP NC 27709, USA
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Aengenheister L, Keevend K, Muoth C, Schönenberger R, Diener L, Wick P, Buerki-Thurnherr T. An advanced human in vitro co-culture model for translocation studies across the placental barrier. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5388. [PMID: 29599470 PMCID: PMC5876397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although various drugs, environmental pollutants and nanoparticles (NP) can cross the human placental barrier and may harm the developing fetus, knowledge on predictive placental transfer rates and the underlying transport pathways is mostly lacking. Current available in vitro placental transfer models are often inappropriate for translocation studies of macromolecules or NPs and do not consider barrier function of placental endothelial cells (EC). Therefore, we developed a human placental in vitro co-culture transfer model with tight layers of trophoblasts (BeWo b30) and placental microvascular ECs (HPEC-A2) on a low-absorbing, 3 µm porous membrane. Translocation studies with four model substances and two polystyrene (PS) NPs across the individual and co-culture layers revealed that for most of these compounds, the trophoblast and the EC layer both demonstrate similar, but not additive, retention capacity. Only the paracellular marker Na-F was substantially more retained by the BeWo layer. Furthermore, simple shaking, which is often applied to mimic placental perfusion, did not alter translocation kinetics compared to static exposure. In conclusion, we developed a novel placental co-culture model, which provides predictive values for translocation of a broad variety of molecules and NPs and enables valuable mechanistic investigations on cell type-specific placental barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Aengenheister
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Kerda Keevend
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carina Muoth
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - René Schönenberger
- UTOX, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Diener
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Sezgin-Bayindir Z, Elcin AE, Parmaksiz M, Elcin YM, Yuksel N. Investigations on clonazepam-loaded polymeric micelle-like nanoparticles for safe drug administration during pregnancy. J Microencapsul 2018; 35:149-164. [PMID: 29493364 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2018.1447615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Medication during pregnancy is often a necessity for women to treat their acute or chronic diseases. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of micelle-like nanoparticles (MNP) for providing safe drug usage in pregnancy and protect both foetus and mother from medication side effects. Clonazepam-loaded MNP were prepared from copolymers [polystyrene-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-PAA), poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) and distearyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-DSPE)] with varying monomer ratios and their drug-loading efficiency, drug release ratio, particle size, surface charge and morphology were characterised. The cellular transport and cytotoxicity experiments were conducted on clonazepam and MNP formulations using placenta-choriocarcinoma-BeWo and brain-endothelial-bEnd3 cells. Clonazepam-loaded PEG5000-PLA4500 MNP reduced the drug transport through BeWo cells demonstrating that MNP may lower foetal drug exposure, thus reduce the drug side effects. However, lipofectamine modified MNP improved the transport of clonazepam and found to be promising for brain and in-utero-specific drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerrin Sezgin-Bayindir
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Ankara University , Tandogan, Ankara , Turkey
| | - Ayse Eser Elcin
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mahmut Parmaksiz
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Yasar Murat Elcin
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Nilufer Yuksel
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Ankara University , Tandogan, Ankara , Turkey
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Identification and characterisation of NANOG+/ OCT-4 high/SOX2+ doxorubicin-resistant stem-like cells from transformed trophoblastic cell lines. Oncotarget 2018; 9:7054-7065. [PMID: 29467949 PMCID: PMC5805535 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) involves surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although, these therapeutic approaches are highly successful, drug resistance and toxicity remain a concern for high risk patients. This Chemoresistance has also been observed in the presence of cancer stem cells that are thought to be responsible for cases of cancer recurrence. In this study, we report the presence of previously unknown populations of trophoblastic stem-like cells (SLCs) that are resistant to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. We demonstrate that these populations express the stem cell markers NANOG and Sox2 and higher levels of OCT-4 (NANOG+/OCT-4high/SOX2+). Although chemoresistant, we show that the invasive capacity of these trophoblastic SLCs is significantly inhibited by doxorubicin treatment. To better characterise these populations, we also identified cellular pathways that are involved in SLCs-chemoresistance to doxorubicin. In summary, we provide evidence of the presence of NANOG+/OCT-4+/SOX2+ trophoblastic SLCs that are capable to contribute to the susceptibility to GTD and that may be involved in Chemoresistance associated with drug resistance and recurrence in high risk GTDs' patients. We propose that targeting these populations could be therapeutically exploited for clinical benefit.
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Rothbauer M, Patel N, Gondola H, Siwetz M, Huppertz B, Ertl P. A comparative study of five physiological key parameters between four different human trophoblast-derived cell lines. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5892. [PMID: 28724925 PMCID: PMC5517571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06364-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta plays a crucial role as the interface between mother and fetus. It represents a unique tissue that undergoes morphological as well as functional changes on the cellular and tissue level throughout pregnancy. To better understand how the placenta works, a variety of techniques has been developed to re-create this complex physiological barrier in vitro. However, due to the low availability of freshly isolated primary cells, choriocarcinoma cell lines remain the usual suspects as in vitro models for placental research. Here, we present a comparative study on the functional aspects of the choriocarcinoma cell lines BeWo, JAR and Jeg-3, as well as the first trimester trophoblast cell line ACH-3P as placental in vitro barrier models for endocrine and transport studies. Functional assays including tight junction immunostaining, sodium fluorescein retardation, trans epithelial resistance, glucose transport, hormone secretion as well as size-dependent polystyrene nanoparticle transport were performed using the four cell types to evaluate key functional parameters of each cell line to act a relevant in vitro placental barrier model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rothbauer
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nilaykumar Patel
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmacognosy, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hajnalka Gondola
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Siwetz
- Medical University of Graz, Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Harrachgasse 21/VII, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Medical University of Graz, Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Harrachgasse 21/VII, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
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Carrier-Mediated and Energy-Dependent Uptake and Efflux of Deoxynivalenol in Mammalian Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5889. [PMID: 28725050 PMCID: PMC5517473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most abundant mycotoxins and exerts many adverse effects on humans and animals. To date, the transporting mechanism of DON in mammalian cells remains unclear. In this study, the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA), Transwell models and metabolic inhibitors were used to determine the possible transporting mechanisms of DON in Caco-2, MDCK and HepG2 cells. PAMPA and Transwell models showed reduced passive transport and increased intestinal absorption, indicating a carrier-mediated transporting mechanism. Furthermore, higher unidirectional transport of DON was observed in the basolateral-to-apical direction than in the apical-to-basolateral direction, indicating the existence of efflux proteins. Interestingly, DON was accumulated in the nucleus, and no DON was detected in mitochondria, indicating that the nucleus may be the main target organelle of DON. Moreover, the use of various transporter inhibitors in different cells shows that organic anion transporters, organic cation transporters, and organic anion-transporting polypeptides participate in DON uptake, and P-glycoprotein is the major efflux protein. Importantly, DON uptake is strongly inhibited by metabolic inhibitors and is highly dependent on temperature. In summary, carrier-mediated and energy-dependent uptake and efflux mechanisms for DON in mammalian cells are reported, aiding in improving our understanding of its toxicological mechanisms.
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Storm T, Christensen EI, Christensen JN, Kjaergaard T, Uldbjerg N, Larsen A, Honoré B, Madsen M. Megalin Is Predominantly Observed in Vesicular Structures in First and Third Trimester Cytotrophoblasts of the Human Placenta. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:769-784. [PMID: 27798286 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416672210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane receptor megalin is crucial for normal fetal development. Besides its expression in the developing fetus, megalin is also expressed in the human placenta. Similar to its established function in the kidney proximal tubules, placental megalin has been proposed to mediate uptake of vital nutrients. However, details of megalin expression, subcellular localization, and function in the human placenta remain to be established. By immunohistochemical analyses of first trimester and term human placenta, we showed that megalin is predominantly expressed in cytotrophoblasts, the highly proliferative cells in placenta. Only limited amounts of megalin could be detected in syncytiotrophoblasts and least in term placenta syncytiotrophoblasts. Immunocytochemical analyses furthermore showed that placental megalin associates with structures of the endolysosomal apparatus. Combined, our results clearly place placental megalin in the context of endocytosis and trafficking of ligands. However, due to the limited expression of megalin in syncytiotrophoblasts, especially in term placenta, it appears that the main role for placental megalin is not to mediate uptake of nutrients from the maternal bloodstream, as previously proposed. In contrast, our results point toward novel and complex functions for megalin in the cytotrophoblasts. Thus, we propose that the perception of placental megalin localization and function should be revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Storm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
| | - Erik I Christensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
| | - Julie Nelly Christensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
| | - Tine Kjaergaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark (NU)
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
| | - Bent Honoré
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark (TS, EIC, JNC, TK, AL, BH, MM)
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Joshi AA, Vaidya SS, St-Pierre MV, Mikheev AM, Desino KE, Nyandege AN, Audus KL, Unadkat JD, Gerk PM. Placental ABC Transporters: Biological Impact and Pharmaceutical Significance. Pharm Res 2016; 33:2847-2878. [PMID: 27644937 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-016-2028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta fulfills a variety of essential functions during prenatal life. Several ABC transporters are expressed in the human placenta, where they play a role in the transport of endogenous compounds and may protect the fetus from exogenous compounds such as therapeutic agents, drugs of abuse, and other xenobiotics. To date, considerable progress has been made toward understanding ABC transporters in the placenta. Recent studies on the expression and functional activities are discussed. This review discusses the placental expression and functional roles of several members of ABC transporter subfamilies B, C, and G including MDR1/P-glycoprotein, the MRPs, and BCRP, respectively. Since placental ABC transporters modulate fetal exposure to various compounds, an understanding of their functional and regulatory mechanisms will lead to more optimal medication use when necessary in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand A Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
| | - Soniya S Vaidya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
- Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marie V St-Pierre
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrei M Mikheev
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Kelly E Desino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Abbvie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Abner N Nyandege
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
| | - Kenneth L Audus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jashvant D Unadkat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Phillip M Gerk
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA.
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Transport of digoxin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles across BeWo cells, an in vitro model of human placental trophoblast. Ther Deliv 2016; 6:1325-34. [PMID: 26652279 DOI: 10.4155/tde.15.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal arrhythmias can lead to fetal congestive heart failure and hydrops fetalis. Digoxin (the first-line treatment) has low transplacental permeability and high risk of maternal side effects. Biodegradable digoxin-loaded PEGylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles may increase digoxin transport across BeWo b30 cell monolayers (an in vitro model of trophoblast in human placenta) by reducing the drug's interaction with P-gp. Results/methodology: The nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release over 48 h. Transport studies revealed significantly increased permeability across BeWo cell layers of digoxin-loaded nanoparticles when compared with free digoxin. P-gp inhibition also increased the permeability of digoxin, but not digoxin-loaded nanoparticles. CONCLUSION This represents a novel treatment strategy for fetal cardiovascular disease which may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, regulated in development and DNA damage response-1 and mammalian target of rapamycin in human placental BeWo cells under hypoxia. Placenta 2016; 45:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Blundell C, Tess ER, Schanzer ASR, Coutifaris C, Su EJ, Parry S, Huh D. A microphysiological model of the human placental barrier. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3065-73. [PMID: 27229450 PMCID: PMC4970951 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00259e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
During human pregnancy, the fetal circulation is separated from maternal blood in the placenta by two cell layers - the fetal capillary endothelium and placental trophoblast. This placental barrier plays an essential role in fetal development and health by tightly regulating the exchange of endogenous and exogenous materials between the mother and the fetus. Here we present a microengineered device that provides a novel platform to mimic the structural and functional complexity of this specialized tissue in vitro. Our model is created in a multilayered microfluidic system that enables co-culture of human trophoblast cells and human fetal endothelial cells in a physiologically relevant spatial arrangement to replicate the characteristic architecture of the human placental barrier. We have engineered this co-culture model to induce progressive fusion of trophoblast cells and to form a syncytialized epithelium that resembles the syncytiotrophoblast in vivo. Our system also allows the cultured trophoblasts to form dense microvilli under dynamic flow conditions and to reconstitute expression and physiological localization of membrane transport proteins, such as glucose transporters (GLUTs), critical to the barrier function of the placenta. To provide a proof-of-principle for using this microdevice to recapitulate native function of the placental barrier, we demonstrated physiological transport of glucose across the microengineered maternal-fetal interface. Importantly, the rate of maternal-to-fetal glucose transfer in this system closely approximated that measured in ex vivo perfused human placentas. Our "placenta-on-a-chip" platform represents an important advance in the development of new technologies to model and study the physiological complexity of the human placenta for a wide variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Blundell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Emily R Tess
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ariana S R Schanzer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily J Su
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Samuel Parry
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Rosner J, Gupta M, McGill M, Xue X, Chatterjee P, Yoshida-Hay M, Robeson W, Metz C. Magnesium deficiency during pregnancy in mice impairs placental size and function. Placenta 2016; 39:87-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Oh SY, Hwang JR, Lee Y, Choi SJ, Kim JS, Kim JH, Sadovsky Y, Roh CR. Isolation of basal membrane proteins from BeWo cells and their expression in placentas from fetal growth-restricted pregnancies. Placenta 2016; 39:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Huang X, Lüthi M, Ontsouka EC, Kallol S, Baumann MU, Surbek DV, Albrecht C. Establishment of a confluent monolayer model with human primary trophoblast cells: novel insights into placental glucose transport. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:442-56. [PMID: 26931579 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Using optimized conditions, primary trophoblast cells isolated from human term placenta can develop a confluent monolayer in vitro, which morphologically and functionally resembles the microvilli structure found in vivo. STUDY FINDING We report the successful establishment of a confluent human primary trophoblast monolayer using pre-coated polycarbonate inserts, where the integrity and functionality was validated by cell morphology, biophysical features, cellular marker expression and secretion, and asymmetric glucose transport. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Human trophoblast cells form the initial barrier between maternal and fetal blood to regulate materno-fetal exchange processes. Although the method for isolating pure human cytotrophoblast cells was developed almost 30 years ago, a functional in vitro model with primary trophoblasts forming a confluent monolayer is still lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Human term cytotrophoblasts were isolated by enzymatic digestion and density gradient separation. The purity of the primary cells was evaluated by flow cytometry using the trophoblast-specific marker cytokeratin 7, and vimentin as an indicator for potentially contaminating cells. We screened different coating matrices for high cell viability to optimize the growth conditions for primary trophoblasts on polycarbonate inserts. During culture, cell confluency and polarity were monitored daily by determining transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability properties of florescent dyes. The time course of syncytia-related gene expression and hCG secretion during syncytialization were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The morphology of cultured trophoblasts after 5 days was determined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Membrane makers were visualized using confocal microscopy. Additionally, glucose transport studies were performed on the polarized trophoblasts in the same system. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE During 5-day culture, the highly pure trophoblasts were cultured on inserts coated with reconstituted basement membrane matrix . They exhibited a confluent polarized monolayer, with a modest TEER and a size-dependent apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) to fluorescently labeled compounds (MW ∼400-70 000 Da). The syncytialization progress was characterized by gradually increasing mRNA levels of fusogen genes and elevating hCG secretion. SEM analyses confirmed a confluent trophoblast layer with numerous microvilli, and TEM revealed a monolayer with tight junctions. Immunocytochemistry on the confluent trophoblasts showed positivity for the cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin, the tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and the membrane proteins ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Applying this model to study the bidirectional transport of a non-metabolizable glucose derivative indicated a carrier-mediated placental glucose transport mechanism with asymmetric kinetics. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The current study is only focused on primary trophoblast cells isolated from healthy placentas delivered at term. It remains to be evaluated whether this system can be extended to pathological trophoblasts isolated from diverse gestational diseases. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings confirmed the physiological properties of the newly developed human trophoblast barrier, which can be applied to study the exchange of endobiotics and xenobiotics between the maternal and fetal compartment, as well as intracellular metabolism, paracellular contributions and regulatory mechanisms influencing the vectorial transport of molecules. LARGE-SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland, and the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant no. 310030_149958, C.A.). All authors declare that their participation in the study did not involve factual or potential conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huang
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Lüthi
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Edgar C Ontsouka
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc U Baumann
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel V Surbek
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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He B, Zhang N, Zhao R. Dexamethasone Downregulates SLC7A5 Expression and Promotes Cell Cycle Arrest, Autophagy and Apoptosis in BeWo Cells. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:233-42. [PMID: 26094588 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (Dex) are widely given to pregnant women to induce maturation and improve viability of preterm infants. Despite the beneficial effects, synthetic GCs have adverse effects on placental growth and nutrient transport system. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these events remain unknown. Here we use a human placental choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo) as model to explore the pathway linking amino acids transport with cell viability under Dex challenge. BeWo cells treated with Dex (100 nM) for 24 h demonstrated G1/S cell cycle arrest together with enhanced autophagy and apoptosis. Concurrently, the amino acid carrier SLC7A5 was down-regulated in association with impaired cellular amino acids uptake and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Similar cellular responses were observed in BeWo cells treated with BCH, a classical System L inhibitor which inactivates SLC7A5. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 was able to diminish Dex-induced translocation of GR into nucleus and to abolish these effects. Furthermore, Dex treatment significantly promoted the binding of GR to the proximal promoter sequence of SLC7A5 gene. Taken together, our results show that Dex downregulates SLC7A5 expression via GR-mediated transrepression. The impaired amino acids uptake leads to inhibition of mTOR signaling which in turn causes inhibited proliferation and enhanced autophagy and apoptosis in BeWo cells. These findings indicate that SLC7A5 mediates the effect of Dex on cell viability, thus providing a novel molecular target for the prevention and treatment of Dex-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in placental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Fluid shear triggers microvilli formation via mechanosensitive activation of TRPV6. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8871. [PMID: 26563429 PMCID: PMC4660203 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvilli are cellular membrane protrusions present on differentiated epithelial cells, which can sense and interact with the surrounding fluid environment. Biochemical and genetic approaches have identified a set of factors involved in microvilli formation; however, the underlying extrinsic regulatory mechanism of microvilli formation remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that fluid shear stress (FSS), an external mechanical cue, serves as a trigger for microvilli formation in human placental trophoblastic cells. We further reveal that the transient receptor potential, vanilloid family type-6 (TRPV6) calcium ion channel plays a critical role in flow-induced Ca2+ influx and microvilli formation. TRPV6 regulates phosphorylation of Ezrin via a Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of Akt; this molecular event is necessary for microvillar localization of Ezrin in response to FSS. Our findings provide molecular insight into the microvilli-mediated mechanoresponsive cellular functions, such as epithelial absorption, signal perception and mechanotransduction. Microvilli on epithelial cells can sense the surrounding fluid environment, but the regulatory mechanism behind their formation is mostly unknown. Here Miura et al. show that fluid shear stress serves as a trigger for microvilli formation via activation of the calcium ion channel TRPV6.
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Translocation of positively and negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles in an in vitro placental model. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:1701-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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