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Pei X, Zhu J, Wang Y, Zhang F, He Y, Li Y, Si Y. Placental galectins: a subfamily of galectins lose the ability to bind β-galactosides with new structural features†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:799-811. [PMID: 37672213 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins. There are 16 different of galectins, each with a specific function determined by its distinct distribution and spatial structure. Galectin-13, galectin-14, and galectin-16 are distinct from other galectin members in that they are primarily found in placental tissue. These galectins, also referred to as placental galectins, play critical roles in regulating pregnancy-associated processes, such as placenta formation and maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. The unique structural characteristics and the inability to bind lactose of placental galectins have recently received significant attention. This review primarily examines the novel structural features of placental galectins, which distinguish them from the classic galectins. Furthermore, it explores the correlation between these structural features and the loss of β-galactoside binding ability. In addition, the newly discovered functions of placental galectins in recent years are also summarized in our review. A detailed understanding of the roles of placental galectins may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms causing numerous pregnancy diseases and enable the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these diseases, ultimately benefiting the health of mothers and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Pei
- Jilin Province Key Laboratory on Chemistry and Biology of Natural Drugs in Changbai Mountain, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Xuzhou Tongshan Maocun High School, Xuzhou 221135, China
| | - Jiahui Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Fali Zhang
- Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Yufeng He
- Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Yuchun Li
- Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Yunlong Si
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
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Roles of N-linked glycosylation and glycan-binding proteins in placentation: trophoblast infiltration, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and pathophysiology. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:639-653. [PMID: 36929183 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein N-linked glycosylation is a structurally diverse post-translational modification that stores biological information in a larger order of magnitude than other post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and acetylation. This gives N-glycosylated proteins a diverse range of properties and allows glyco-codes (glycan-related information) to be deciphered by glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). The intervillous space of the placenta is richly populated with membrane-bound and secreted glycoproteins. Evidence exists to suggest that altering the structural nature of their N-glycans can impact several trophoblast functions, which include those related to interactions with decidual cells. This review summarizes trophoblast-related activities influenced by N-glycan-GBP recognition, exploring how different subtypes of trophoblasts actively adapt to characteristics of the decidualized endometrium through cell-specific expression of N-glycosylated proteins, and how these cells receive decidua-derived signals via N-glycan-GBP interactions. We highlight work on how changes in N-glycosylation relates to the success of trophoblast infiltration, interactions of immunomodulators, and uterine angiogenesis. We also discuss studies that suggest aberrant N-glycosylation of trophoblasts may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia, early spontaneous miscarriages and hydatidiform mole). We propose that a more in-depth understanding of how N-glycosylation shapes trophoblast phenotype during early pregnancy has the potential to improve our approach to predicting, diagnosing and alleviating poor maternal/fetal outcomes associated with placental dysfunction.
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Preeclampsia, Natural History, Genes, and miRNAs Associated with the Syndrome. J Pregnancy 2022; 2022:3851225. [PMID: 35198246 PMCID: PMC8860533 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3851225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disease that affects pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation. This disease is associated with an important risk of maternal and fetal mortality. PE is described as a placental pathology because, after delivery, most women recover normal arterial pressure. Poor invasion of the spiral arteries is a phenomenon well described in PE; this leads to a hypoxic uterine bed and imbalance of antiangiogenic and proangiogenic factors in the uteroplacental region, which in turn triggers the disease phenotype. The causes of the pathology are unclear; nevertheless, numerous approaches, including next-generation sequencing, association, and case control and miRNA studies, have shed light on the genetic/molecular basis of PE. These studies help us better understand the disease to advance new treatment strategies.
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Menkhorst E, Than NG, Jeschke U, Barrientos G, Szereday L, Dveksler G, Blois SM. Medawar's PostEra: Galectins Emerged as Key Players During Fetal-Maternal Glycoimmune Adaptation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:784473. [PMID: 34975875 PMCID: PMC8715898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lectin-glycan interactions, in particular those mediated by the galectin family, regulate many processes required for a successful pregnancy. Over the past decades, increasing evidence gathered from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that members of the galectin family specifically bind to both intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands regulating angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations required to tolerate the fetal semi-allograft and mammalian embryogenesis. Therefore, galectins play important roles in fetal development and placentation contributing to maternal and fetal health. This review discusses the expression and role of galectins during the course of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal immune adaptions and galectin-glycan interactions uncovered in the recent years. In addition, we summarize the galectin fingerprints associated with pathological gestation with particular focus on preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Gynaecological Research Centre, The Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enyzmology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Wu Y, Liu Y, Ding Y. Predictive Performance of Placental Protein 13 for Screening Preeclampsia in the First Trimester: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:756383. [PMID: 34869456 PMCID: PMC8640131 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.756383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome that affects maternal and neonatal mortality. Several serum biomarkers can be used to predict preeclampsia. Among these proteins, placental protein 13 (PP13) has received progressively more interest in recent studies. The decrease in PP13 expression is one of the earliest signs for the development of preeclampsia and has shown its predictive performance for preeclampsia. In this meta-analysis, we collected 17 observational studies with 40,474 pregnant women. The overall sensitivity of PP13 to predict preeclampsia was 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.74], the specificity was 0.84 (95%CI = 0.81–0.86), and the diagnostic odds ratio was nine (95%CI = 5–15). The area under the curve for summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.84. We then chose the early-onset preeclampsia as a subgroup. The sensitivity of early-onset subgroup was 0.63 (95%CI = 0.58–0.76), the specificity was 0.85 (95%CI = 0.82–0.88), and the diagnostic odds ratio was 10 (95%CI = 6–18). The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that PP13 may be an effective serum biomarker for the predictive screening of preeclampsia. Nonetheless, large prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are expected to uncover its application in clinical practice. The heterogeneity of the original trials may limit the clinical application of PP13. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=188948 The meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020188948).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiling Ding
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Li X, Yao Y, Liu T, Gu K, Han Q, Zhang W, Ayala GJ, Liu Y, Na H, Yu J, Zhang F, Mayo KH, Su J. Actin binding to galectin-13/placental protein-13 occurs independently of the galectin canonical ligand binding site. Glycobiology 2021; 31:1219-1229. [PMID: 34080003 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene for galectin-13 (Gal-13, placental protein 13) is only present in primates, and its low expression level in maternal serum may promote pre-eclampsia. In the present study, we used pull-down experiments and biolayer interferometry to assess the interaction between Gal-13 and actin. These studies uncovered that human Gal-13 (hGal-13) and Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis (sGal-13) strongly bind to α- and β/γ-actin, with Ca2+ and ATP significantly enhancing interactions. This in turn suggests that h/sGal-13 may inhibit myosin-induced contraction when vascular smooth muscle cells undergo polarization. Here, we solved the crystal structure of sGal-13 bound to lactose and found that it exists as a monomer in contrast to hGal-13 that is a dimer. The distribution of sGal-13 in HeLa cells is similar to that of hGal-13, indicating that monomeric Gal-13 is the primary form in cells. Even though sGal-13 also binds to actin, hGal-13 ligand binding site mutants do not influence hGal-13/actin binding, whereas the monomeric mutant C136S/C138S binds to actin more strongly than wild type hGal-13. Overall, our study demonstrates that monomeric Gal-13 binds to actin, an interaction that is independent of the galectin canonical ligand binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xumin Li
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Media Academy, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianhao Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Keqi Gu
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Qiuyu Han
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Gabriela Jaramillo Ayala
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Heya Na
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Jinyi Yu
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Kevin H Mayo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, 6-155 Jackson Hall, University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
| | - Jiyong Su
- Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Changbai Mountain Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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Blois SM, Verlohren S, Wu G, Clark G, Dell A, Haslam SM, Barrientos G. Role of galectin-glycan circuits in reproduction: from healthy pregnancy to preterm birth (PTB). Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:469-486. [PMID: 32601855 PMCID: PMC7508936 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that galectins, an evolutionarily conserved family of glycan-binding proteins, fulfill key roles in pregnancy including blastocyst implantation, maternal-fetal immune tolerance, placental development, and maternal vascular expansion, thereby establishing a healthy environment for the growing fetus. In this review, we comprehensively present the function of galectins in shaping cellular circuits that characterize a healthy pregnancy. We describe the current understanding of galectins in term and preterm labor and discuss how the galectin-glycan circuits contribute to key immunological pathways sustaining maternal tolerance and preventing microbial infections. A deeper understanding of the glycoimmune pathways regulating early events in preterm birth could offer the broader translational potential for the treatment of this devastating syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, AG GlycoImmunology, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Verlohren
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gary Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Anne Dell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Human PZP and common marmoset A2ML1 as pregnancy related proteins. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5088. [PMID: 32198464 PMCID: PMC7083932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While pregnancy-related proteins (PRP) are known to contribute to immunotolerance during pregnancy, their significance to development of invasive placenta is unclear. We compared PRP expression in humans and the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a new-world monkey. Invasive placenta was observed at the maternal-foetal interface of marmoset placenta from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing foetus and wild type mother. The pregnancy zone protein (PZP) and alpha-2 macroglobulin-like 1 (A2ML1) proteins exhibited the most prominent increase in expression during the second trimester in humans and marmoset, respectively. In humans, PZP accumulated at the maternal-foetal interface and A2ML1 accumulated in the amnion. Similarly, A2ML1 mRNA was detected in marmoset placenta. These proteins belong to the A2M family of protease inhibitors, and both PZP and A2ML1 share around 90% homology between human and marmoset and have highly conserved structures. However, the protease-reacting bait regions of the proteins had lower homology (56.8–60.7% in proteins) relative to the rest of the sequence. Notably, the cleavage site of a proinflammatory proline-endopeptidase was preserved in human PZP and marmoset A2ML1. These proteins contain multiple sites that are cleaved by proteases involving proline-endopeptidase. Systemic regulation of these A2M family proteins may be important in animals with invasive placenta.
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Kaya B, Turhan U, Sezer S, Kaya S, Dağ İ, Tayyar A. Maternal serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels in pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:861-868. [PMID: 31242786 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1637409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate maternal serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels in pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to compare with pregnancies delivered at term.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 women with singleton pregnancies complicated with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation were compared with gestational age-matched 40 pregnant women with no obstetrics complications, who delivered at term. The maternal serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels were measured.Results: Patients complicated with PPROM had significantly higher levels of galectin-1 (p = .001) and galectin-3 (p = .003) than the control group. Maternal serum galectin-3 levels were found significantly negatively correlated with the gestational age at delivery and birth weight.Conclusion: Maternal serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in pregnancies complicated with PPROM. Galectin-1 and galectin-3, with their regulatory effects in key biological processes, may be both an initiating factor in the pathophysiology of PPROM, a marker in the prediction, and a target of preventing strategies of PPROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Başak Kaya
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, İstanbul Medipol University Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Uğur Turhan
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Health Sciences University, Samsun Education and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Salim Sezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Sciences University, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Kaya
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - İsmail Dağ
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Eyüp State Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Tayyar
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, İstanbul Medipol University Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Sammar M, Drobnjak T, Mandala M, Gizurarson S, Huppertz B, Meiri H. Galectin 13 (PP13) Facilitates Remodeling and Structural Stabilization of Maternal Vessels during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133192. [PMID: 31261864 PMCID: PMC6651626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, signal transduction, mRNA splicing, and interactions with the extracellular matrix. Here we focus on the galectins in the reproductive system, particularly on a group of six galectins that first appears in anthropoid primates in conjunction with the evolution of highly invasive placentation and long gestation. Of these six, placental protein 13 (PP13, galectin 13) interacts with glycoproteins and glycolipids to enable successful pregnancy. PP13 is related to the development of a major obstetric syndrome, preeclampsia, a life-threatening complication of pregnancy which affects ten million pregnant women globally. Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and organ failure, and is often accompanied by fetal loss and major newborn disabilities. PP13 facilitates the expansion of uterine arteries and veins during pregnancy in an endothelial cell-dependent manner, via the eNOS and prostaglandin signaling pathways. PP13 acts through its carbohydrate recognition domain that binds to sugar residues of extracellular and connective tissue molecules, thus inducing structural stabilization of vessel expansion. Further, decidual PP13 aggregates may serve as a decoy that induces white blood cell apoptosis, contributing to the mother's immune tolerance to pregnancy. Lower first trimester PP13 level is one of the biomarkers to predict the subsequent risk to develop preeclampsia, while its molecular mutations/polymorphisms that are associated with reduced PP13 expression are accompanied by higher rates of preeclampsia We propose a targeted PP13 replenishing therapy to fight preeclampsia in carriers of these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marei Sammar
- Ephraim Katzir Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, 2161002 Karmiel, Israel.
| | - Tijana Drobnjak
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Maurizio Mandala
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87030 Rende, Italy
| | - Sveinbjörn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- Hylabs Ltd., Rehovot, 7670606 and TeleMarpe Ltd., 6908742 Tel Aviv, Israel
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11
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Balogh A, Toth E, Romero R, Parej K, Csala D, Szenasi NL, Hajdu I, Juhasz K, Kovacs AF, Meiri H, Hupuczi P, Tarca AL, Hassan SS, Erez O, Zavodszky P, Matko J, Papp Z, Rossi SW, Hahn S, Pallinger E, Than NG. Placental Galectins Are Key Players in Regulating the Maternal Adaptive Immune Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1240. [PMID: 31275299 PMCID: PMC6593412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are potent immunomodulators that regulate maternal immune responses in pregnancy and prevent the rejection of the semi-allogeneic fetus that also occurs in miscarriages. We previously identified a gene cluster on Chromosome 19 that expresses a subfamily of galectins, including galectin-13 (Gal-13) and galectin-14 (Gal-14), which emerged in anthropoid primates. These galectins are expressed only by the placenta and induce the apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes, possibly contributing to a shifted maternal immune balance in pregnancy. The placental expression of Gal-13 and Gal-14 is decreased in preeclampsia, a life-threatening obstetrical syndrome partly attributed to maternal anti-fetal rejection. This study is aimed at revealing the effects of Gal-13 and Gal-14 on T cell functions and comparing the expression of these galectins in placentas from healthy pregnancies and miscarriages. First-trimester placentas were collected from miscarriages and elective termination of pregnancies, tissue microarrays were constructed, and then the expression of Gal-13 and Gal-14 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoscoring. Recombinant Gal-13 and Gal-14 were expressed and purified, and their effects were investigated on primary peripheral blood T cells. The binding of Gal-13 and Gal-14 to T cells and the effects of these galectins on apoptosis, activation marker (CD25, CD71, CD95, HLA-DR) expression and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFNγ) production of T cells were examined by flow cytometry. Gal-13 and Gal-14 are primarily expressed by the syncytiotrophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface in the first trimester, and their placental expression is decreased in miscarriages compared to first-trimester controls. Recombinant Gal-13 and Gal-14 bind to T cells in a population- and activation-dependent manner. Gal-13 and Gal-14 induce apoptosis of Th and Tc cell populations, regardless of their activation status. Out of the investigated activation markers, Gal-14 decreases the cell surface expression of CD71, Gal-13 increases the expression of CD25, and both galectins increase the expression of CD95 on T cells. Non-activated T cells produce larger amounts of IL-8 in the presence of Gal-13 or Gal-14. In conclusion, these results show that Gal-13 and Gal-14 already provide an immunoprivileged environment at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy, and their reduced expression is related to miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balogh
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Toth
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Katalin Parej
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diana Csala
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett L Szenasi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Istvan Hajdu
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Juhasz
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpad F Kovacs
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Petronella Hupuczi
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Offer Erez
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity Department "D", Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Peter Zavodszky
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janos Matko
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simona W Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sinuhe Hahn
- Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Pallinger
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary.,First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Blois SM, Dveksler G, Vasta GR, Freitag N, Blanchard V, Barrientos G. Pregnancy Galectinology: Insights Into a Complex Network of Glycan Binding Proteins. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1166. [PMID: 31231368 PMCID: PMC6558399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, consisting of 15 different types, each with a specific function. Galectins contribute to placentation by regulating trophoblast development, migration, and invasion during early pregnancy. In addition, galectins are critical players regulating maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. Recently, the role of galectins in angiogenesis during decidualization and in placenta formation has gained attention. Altered expression of galectins is associated with abnormal pregnancies and infertility. This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gerardo R Vasta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, UMB, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Véronique Blanchard
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Impact of HIV-1 infection on the IGF-1 axis and angiogenic factors in pregnant Cameroonian women receiving antiretroviral therapy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215825. [PMID: 31042729 PMCID: PMC6493724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mother-to-child transmission of HIV has dramatically declined, the number of in utero HIV-exposed, uninfected infants is on the increase. HIV-exposed infants are at an increased risk of mortality, morbidity and slower early growth than their non-HIV exposed counterparts. Maternal HIV increases the risk of having preterm deliveries, intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight babies. However, the mechanism underlying dysregulation of fetal growth in HIV-infected pregnant women is unknown. We sought to determine whether maternal HIV is associated with dysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, some angiogenic factors or other related biomarkers that regulate fetal growth. A total of 102 normotensive pregnant women were enrolled in a small cross-sectional study. Amongst these were thirty-one HIV-1 positive women receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (Mean age: 30.0 ± 5.1 years; % on ART: 83.9%; median plasma viral load: 683 copies/ml; median CD4 count: 350 cells/ul) and 71 HIV uninfected women (mean age: 27.3 ± 5.8) recruited at delivery. A panel of biomarkers including IGF1 and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP1, IGFBP3), angiopoietins (ANG) 1 and 2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, and galectin 13, was measured in plasma collected from the placental intervillous space. The levels of IGF1, IGFBP1, ANG1, ANG2, MMP2, MMP9 and Gal-13 were not affected by maternal HIV, even when adjusted for maternal factors in linear regression models (all p>0.05). It was observed that HIV-infection in pregnancy did not significantly affect key markers of the IGF axis and angiogenic factors. If anything, it did not affect women. These findings highlight the importance of the use of ART during pregnancy, which maintains factors necessary for fetal development closer to those of healthy women. However, decrease in IGF1 levels might be exacerbated in women con-infected with HIV and malaria.
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14
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Huppertz B. Biology of preeclampsia: Combined actions of angiogenic factors, their receptors and placental proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1866:165349. [PMID: 30553017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although massive efforts have been undertaken to elucidate the etiology of the pregnancy syndrome preeclampsia, its developmental origin remains a mystery. Most efforts of the last decade have focused on biomarkers to predict and/or diagnose preeclampsia, including the anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase-1), the angiogenic factor PGF (placental growth factor) and PP13 (placental protein 13). The origins of these marker proteins are still under debate, and so far their actions have only been describe separate from each other. This study will focus on the origins and actions of all three markers during pregnancy and outside pregnancy and will describe a scenario where all three markers act synergistically to rescue the mother from the deleterious effects of the debris that is released from the placenta during preeclampsia. This more holistic approach may open new avenues to think about maternal-fetal interactions and putative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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15
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Gadde R, Cd D, Sheela SR. Placental protein 13: An important biological protein in preeclampsia. J Circ Biomark 2018; 7:1849454418786159. [PMID: 30023011 PMCID: PMC6047241 DOI: 10.1177/1849454418786159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental protein 13 (PP13), a glycan binding protein predominantly expressed in syncytiotrophoblast, dimeric in nature, lacks N-terminal signal peptide, bypasses the endoplasmic reticulum, and secretes into maternal circulation as exosomes or microvesicles. PP13 has jelly roll fold conformation with conserved carbohydrate recognition domain which specifically binds to β-galactosides of the glycan receptors during placentation. PP13 binds to glycosylated receptors on human erythrocytes and brings about hemagglutination by the property of lectin activity; other functions are immunoregulation and vasodilation during placentation and vascularization. The gene LGALS13 located on 19q13.2 comprising four exons expresses a 32-kDa protein with 139 amino acid residues, PP13. Impaired expression due to mutation in the gene leads to a nonfunctional truncated PP13. The low serum levels predict high risk for the onset of preeclampsia or obstetric complications. Hence, PP13 turned to be an early marker for risk assessment of preeclampsia. The recombinant PP13 and monoclonal antibodies availability help for replenishing PP13 in conditions with low serum levels and for detection and prevention of preeclampsia, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeeta Gadde
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, India
| | - Dayanand Cd
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, India
| | - S R Sheela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, India
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16
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Drobnjak T, Meiri H, Mandalá M, Huppertz B, Gizurarson S. Pharmacokinetics of placental protein 13 after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in rabbits. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1977-1983. [PMID: 30013317 PMCID: PMC6037268 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s167926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Human placental protein 13 (PP13) is a galectin predominantly expressed by the placenta. Low serum concentrations of PP13 in early pregnancy indicate a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. Methods The pharmacokinetic disposition and bioavailability of PP13 were determined by single intravenous and subcutaneous administration to 12 healthy New Zealand White rabbits. The serum pharmacokinetic values were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and are best described by a two-compartment model. Results Both volume of distribution and the area under the curve were dose dependent for the intravenous group (p<0.01). PP13 elimination half-life was also found to be different between the groups (p<0.01). The bioavailability of PP13 following subcutaneous administration was found to be 57%. Conclusion This study shows that the concentration of total PP13 released into the maternal circulation during pregnancy might be much higher than previously estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Drobnjak
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland,
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- Hy Laboratories, Rehovot, Israel.,TeleMarpe Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maurizio Mandalá
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sveinbjörn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland,
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17
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Meiri H, Osol G, Cetin I, Gizurarson S, Huppertz B. Personalized Therapy Against Preeclampsia by Replenishing Placental Protein 13 (PP13) Targeted to Patients With Impaired PP13 Molecule or Function. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2017; 15:433-446. [PMID: 29034064 PMCID: PMC5633742 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders affect about one third of all people aged 20 and above, and are treated with anti-hypertensive drugs. Preeclampsia (PE) is one form of such disorders that only develops during pregnancy. It affects ten million pregnant women globally and additionally causes fetal loss and major newborn disabilities. The syndrome's origin is multifactorial, and anti-hypertensive drugs are ineffective in treating it. Biomarkers are helpful for predict its development. Generic drugs, such as low dose aspirin, were proven effective in preventing preterm PE. However, it does not cure the majority of cases and many studies are underway for fighting PE with extended use of additional generic drugs, or through new drug development programs. This review focuses on placental protein 13 (PP13). This protein is only expressed in the placenta. Impaired PP13 DNA structure and/or its reduced mRNA expression leads to lower blood PP13 level that predict a higher risk of developing PE. Two polymorphic PP13 variants have been identified: (1) The promoter PP13 variant with an "A/A" genotype in the -98 position (versus "A/C" or "C/C"). Having the "A/A" genotype is coupled to lower PP13 expression, mainly during placental syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and, if associated with obesity and history of previous preeclampsia, it accurately predicts higher risk for developing the disorder. (2) A thymidine deletion at position 221 causes a frame shift in the open reading frame, and the formation of an early stop codon resulting in the formation of DelT221, a truncated variant of PP13. In pregnant rodents, both short- and long- term replenishment of PP13 causes reversible hypotension and vasodilation of uterine vessels. Long-term exposure is also accompanied by the development of larger placentas and newborns. Also, only w/t PP13 is capable of inducing leukocyte apoptosis, providing maternal immune tolerance to pregnancy. Based on published data, we propose a targeted PP13 therapy to fight PE, and consider the design and conduct of animal studies to explore this hypothesis. Accordingly, a new targeted therapy can be implemented in humans combining prediction and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamutal Meiri
- Hy Laboratories, Rehovot, and TeleMarpe, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - George Osol
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milano, Italy
- Department of Mother and Child, Hospital Luigi Sacco, and Center for Fetal Research “Giorgio Pardi”, Milano, Italy
| | - Sveinbjörn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology & Biobank Graz, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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18
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Drobnjak T, Gizurarson S, Gokina NI, Meiri H, Mandalá M, Huppertz B, Osol G. Placental protein 13 (PP13)-induced vasodilation of resistance arteries from pregnant and nonpregnant rats occurs via endothelial-signaling pathways. Hypertens Pregnancy 2017; 36:186-195. [PMID: 28524718 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2017.1295052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Placental protein 13 (PP13) induces hypotension in rats. This study aims to evaluate PP13 effects on isolated uterine arteries from nonpregnant and mid-pregnant rats. Vessels were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 50 mmHg within an arteriograph, preconstricted and exposed to increasing PP13 concentrations (10-13-10-8 M). PP13 elicited 38-50% arterial vasodilation with half-maximum response (EC50) = 1 pM. The relaxation was mediated by activating the endothelial-signaling pathways of prostaglandin and nitric oxide (NO). Accordingly, these results encourage evaluation of PP13 as a possible therapy for gestational diseases characterized by insufficient uteroplacental blood flow and/or maternal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Drobnjak
- a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , School of Health Science, University of Iceland , Reykjavik , Iceland
| | - Sveinbjörn Gizurarson
- a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , School of Health Science, University of Iceland , Reykjavik , Iceland
| | - Natalia I Gokina
- b Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont , Burlington , Vermont , USA
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- c Hy Laboratories, Rehovot, and TeleMarpe , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Maurizio Mandalá
- d Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences , University of Calabria , Rende , Italy
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- e Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology , Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - George Osol
- b Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont , Burlington , Vermont , USA
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19
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Costa MA. The endocrine function of human placenta: an overview. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 32:14-43. [PMID: 26615903 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, several tightly coordinated and regulated processes take place to enable proper fetal development and gestational success. The formation and development of the placenta is one of these critical pregnancy events. This organ plays essential roles during gestation, including fetal nourishment, support and protection, gas exchange and production of several hormones and other mediators. Placental hormones are mainly secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, in a highly and tightly regulated way. These hormones are important for pregnancy establishment and maintenance, exerting autocrine and paracrine effects that regulate decidualization, placental development, angiogenesis, endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, immunotolerance and fetal development. In addition, because they are released into maternal circulation, the profile of their blood levels throughout pregnancy has been the target of intense research towards finding potential robust and reliable biomarkers to predict and diagnose pregnancy-associated complications. In fact, altered levels of these hormones have been associated with some pathologies, such as chromosomal anomalies or pre-eclampsia. This review proposes to revise and update the main pregnancy-related hormones, addressing their major characteristics, molecular targets, function throughout pregnancy, regulators of their expression and their potential clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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20
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Gizurarson S, Sigurdardottir ER, Meiri H, Huppertz B, Sammar M, Sharabi-Nov A, Mandalá M, Osol G. Placental Protein 13 Administration to Pregnant Rats Lowers Blood Pressure and Augments Fetal Growth and Venous Remodeling. Fetal Diagn Ther 2015; 39:56-63. [PMID: 26314825 DOI: 10.1159/000381914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reduced first-trimester concentrations of placental protein 13 (PP13) are associated with subsequent development of preeclampsia, a major pregnancy disorder. We previously showed that PP13 has a vasodilatory effect, reduces blood pressure and augments expansive remodeling of the uteroplacental vasculature in pregnant rats. In this study, slow-release osmotic pumps were implanted in gravid rats (on day 8) to provide 1 week of PP13 supplementation. Treatment was associated with a reversible blood pressure reduction that returned to normal on day 15. In addition, PP13 caused venous expansion that is larger in the venous branches closer to the placenta. Then, it increased placental and pup weights. Similar administration of a truncated PP13 variant (DelT221) that is unable to bind carbohydrates (a rare spontaneous mutation associated with a high frequency of severe early preeclampsia among Blacks in South Africa) produced a hypotensive effect similar to the full-length molecule, but without venous remodeling and increased placental and pup weights. These results indicate the importance of PP13 carbohydrate binding for inducing vascular remodeling and improving reproductive outcome. Future studies are needed to determine whether beneficial effects would be evident in animal models of preeclampsia or in women predisposed to the development of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveinbjorn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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21
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Than NG, Romero R, Balogh A, Karpati E, Mastrolia SA, Staretz-Chacham O, Hahn S, Erez O, Papp Z, Kim CJ. Galectins: Double-edged Swords in the Cross-roads of Pregnancy Complications and Female Reproductive Tract Inflammation and Neoplasia. J Pathol Transl Med 2015; 49:181-208. [PMID: 26018511 PMCID: PMC4440931 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2015.02.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are an evolutionarily ancient and widely expressed family of lectins that have unique glycan-binding characteristics. They are pleiotropic regulators of key biological processes, such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, signal transduction, and pre-mRNA splicing, as well as homo- and heterotypic cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Galectins are also pivotal in immune responses since they regulate host-pathogen interactions, innate and adaptive immune responses, acute and chronic inflammation, and immune tolerance. Some galectins are also central to the regulation of angiogenesis, cell migration and invasion. Expression and functional data provide convincing evidence that, due to these functions, galectins play key roles in shared and unique pathways of normal embryonic and placental development as well as oncodevelopmental processes in tumorigenesis. Therefore, galectins may sometimes act as double-edged swords since they have beneficial but also harmful effects for the organism. Recent advances facilitate the use of galectins as biomarkers in obstetrical syndromes and in various malignancies, and their therapeutic applications are also under investigation. This review provides a general overview of galectins and a focused review of this lectin subfamily in the context of inflammation, infection and tumors of the female reproductive tract as well as in normal pregnancies and those complicated by the great obstetrical syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hangary
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Karpati
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Salvatore Andrea Mastrolia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Sinuhe Hahn
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Department, Kutvolgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hangary
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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22
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Huppertz B. Maternal–fetal interactions, predictive markers for preeclampsia, and programming. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 108:26-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Blois SM, Dechend R, Barrientos G, Staff AC. A potential pathophysiological role for galectins and the renin-angiotensin system in preeclampsia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:39-50. [PMID: 25192660 PMCID: PMC11113509 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses a potential role of galectins and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). Preeclampsia affects between 3 and 5 % of all pregnancies and is a heterogeneous disease, which may be caused by multiple factors. The only cure is the delivery of the placenta, which may result in a premature delivery and baby. Probably due to its heterogeneity, PE studies in human have hitherto only led to the identification of a limited number of factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Animal models, particularly in mice and rats, have been used to gain further insight into the molecular pathology behind PE. In this review, we discuss the picture emerging from human and animal studies pointing to galectins and the RAS being associated with the PE syndrome and affecting a broad range of cellular signaling components. Moreover, we review the epidemiological evidence for PE increasing the risk of future cardiovascular disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Charité Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,
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24
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Blois SM, Conrad ML, Freitag N, Barrientos G. Galectins in angiogenesis: consequences for gestation. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 108:33-41. [PMID: 25622880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Members of the galectin family have been shown to exert several roles in the context of reproduction. They contribute to placentation, maternal immune regulation and facilitate angiogenesis encompassing decidualisation and placenta formation during pregnancy. In the context of neo-vascularisation, galectins have been shown to augment signalling pathways that lead to endothelial cell activation, cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro in addition to angiogenesis in vivo. Angiogenesis during gestation ensures not only proper foetal growth and development, but also maternal health. Consequently, restriction of placental blood flow has major consequences for both foetus and mother, leading to pregnancy diseases. In this review we summarise both the established and the emerging roles of galectin in angiogenesis and discuss the possible implications during healthy and pathological gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Melanie L Conrad
- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Meiri H, Sammar M, Herzog A, Grimpel YI, Fihaman G, Cohen A, Kivity V, Sharabi-Nov A, Gonen R. Prediction of preeclampsia by placental protein 13 and background risk factors and its prevention by aspirin. J Perinat Med 2014; 42:591-601. [PMID: 24607918 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2013-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Evaluation of placental protein 13 (PP13) and risk factors (RFs) as markers for predicting preeclampsia (PE) and use of aspirin for PE prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS First-trimester pregnancy screening was based on having PP13 level ≤0.4 multiple of the median (MoM) and/or at least one major risk factor (RF) for PE. Management was by routine care or combined with daily treatment with 75 mg aspirin between 14 and 35 weeks of gestation. RESULTS Of 820 deliveries, 63 women developed PE (7.7%). Median PP13 levels was 0.2MoM in the PE group compared with 0.83MoM among unaffected and 1.0MoM in unaffected not treated with aspirin (P<0.0001). Low PP13 was a better predictor for PE versus major RFs, particularly for young nuliparous. Combining low PP13 with RFs increased prediction accuracy. Mean arterial pressure (not included in the initial prediction), could add to prediction accuracy when combined with low PP13 and RFs. PE prevention by aspirin was most effective when the risk was determined by low PP13 alone, less effective for combining low PP13 with RFs, and ineffective when determined by RFs alone. CONCLUSION When PE risk is determined by low first trimester PP13 or by combined low PP13 and RFs, prevention with aspirin is warranted.
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Than NG, Balogh A, Romero R, Kárpáti E, Erez O, Szilágyi A, Kovalszky I, Sammar M, Gizurarson S, Matkó J, Závodszky P, Papp Z, Meiri H. Placental Protein 13 (PP13) - A Placental Immunoregulatory Galectin Protecting Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2014; 5:348. [PMID: 25191322 PMCID: PMC4138504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are glycan-binding proteins that regulate innate and adaptive immune responses, and some confer maternal-fetal immune tolerance in eutherian mammals. A chromosome 19 cluster of galectins has emerged in anthropoid primates, species with deep placentation and long gestation. Three of the five human cluster galectins are solely expressed in the placenta, where they may confer additional immunoregulatory functions to enable deep placentation. One of these is galectin-13, also known as Placental Protein 13 (PP13). It has a "jelly-roll" fold, carbohydrate-recognition domain and sugar-binding preference resembling other mammalian galectins. PP13 is predominantly expressed by the syncytiotrophoblast and released from the placenta into the maternal circulation. Its ability to induce apoptosis of activated T cells in vitro, and to divert and kill T cells as well as macrophages in the maternal decidua in situ, suggests important immune functions. Indeed, mutations in the promoter and an exon of LGALS13 presumably leading to altered or non-functional protein expression are associated with a higher frequency of preeclampsia and other obstetrical syndromes, which involve immune dysregulation. Moreover, decreased placental expression of PP13 and its low concentrations in first trimester maternal sera are associated with elevated risk of preeclampsia. Indeed, PP13 turned to be a good early biomarker to assess maternal risk for the subsequent development of pregnancy complications caused by impaired placentation. Due to the ischemic placental stress in preterm preeclampsia, there is increased trophoblastic shedding of PP13 immunopositive microvesicles starting in the second trimester, which leads to high maternal blood PP13 concentrations. Our meta-analysis suggests that this phenomenon may enable the potential use of PP13 in directing patient management near to or at the time of delivery. Recent findings on the beneficial effects of PP13 on decreasing blood pressure due to vasodilatation in pregnant animals suggest its therapeutic potential in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nándor Gábor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI , USA ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA ; Maternity Private Department, Kútvölgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary ; Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI , USA
| | - Eva Kárpáti
- Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Offer Erez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
| | - András Szilágyi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovalszky
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Marei Sammar
- Prof. Ephraim Katzir Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College , Karmiel , Israel
| | - Sveinbjorn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland , Reykjavik , Iceland
| | - János Matkó
- Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Péter Závodszky
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Maternity Private Department, Kútvölgyi Clinical Block, Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- TeleMarpe Ltd. , Tel Aviv , Israel ; Hylabs Ltd. , Rehovot , Israel
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Sammar M, Nisamblatt S, Gonen R, Huppertz B, Gizurarson S, Osol G, Meiri H. The role of the carbohydrate recognition domain of placental protein 13 (PP13) in pregnancy evaluated with recombinant PP13 and the DelT221 PP13 variant. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102832. [PMID: 25079598 PMCID: PMC4117483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental protein 13 (PP13), a placenta specific protein, is reduced in the first trimester of pregnancy in women who subsequently develop preeclampsia. A naturally occurring PP13 deletion of thymidine at position 221 (DelT221 or truncated variant) is associated with increased frequency of severe preeclampsia. In this study we compared the full length (wildtype) PP13 and the truncated variant. METHODS Full length PP13 or its DelT221 variant were cloned, expressed and purified from E-Coli. Both variants were administrated into pregnant rats at day 8 of pregnancy for slow release (>5 days) through osmotic pumps and rat blood pressure was measured. Animals were sacrificed at day 15 or day 21 and their utero-placental vasculature was examined. RESULTS The DelT221 variant (11 kDA) lacked exon 4 and a part of exon 3, and is short of 2 amino acids involved in the carbohydrate (CRD) binding of the wildtype (18 kDA). Unlike the wildtype PP13, purification of DelT221 variant required special refolding. PP13 specific poly- clonal antibodies recognized both PP13 and DelT221 but PP13 specific monoclonal antibodies recognized only the wildtype, indicating the loss of major epitopes. Wildtype PP13 mRNA and its respective proteins were both lower in PE patients compared to normal pregnancies. The DelT221 mutant was not found in a large Caucasian cohort. Pregnant rats exposed to wildtype or DelT221 PP13 variants had significantly lower blood pressure compared to control. The wildtype but not the DelT221 mutant caused extensive vein expansion. CONCLUSION This study revealed the importance of PP13 in regulating blood pressure and expanding the utero-placental vasculature in pregnant rats. PP13 mutant lacking amino acids of the PP13 CRD domain fails to cause vein expansion but did reduce blood pressure. The study provides a basis for replenishing patients at risk for preeclampsia by the full length but not the truncated PP13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marei Sammar
- Prof. Ephraim Katzir Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Shahar Nisamblatt
- Prof. Ephraim Katzir Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Ron Gonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology/Biobank Graz, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sveinbjorn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Science, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - George Osol
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Hamutal Meiri
- Telemarpe Ltd, Tel Aviv, and Hy-Laboratories, Rehovot, Israel
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Inversetti A, Smid M, Candiani M, Ferrari M, Galbiati S. Predictive biomarkers of pre-eclampsia and effectiveness of preventative interventions for the disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:1161-73. [PMID: 24766211 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.912271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the most common pregnancy complication characterized by placental and maternal vascular dysfunction. It affects about 3 - 8% of women during the second half of pregnancy and represents one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The etiology of PE largely remains unknown. AREAS COVERED PE is considered a syndrome with multisystem involvement, so the ideal predictive test for it should utilize a combination of many predictors. Measurement in early pregnancy of a variety of biophysical and biochemical markers implicated in the pathophysiology of PE associated with clinical risk factors has been proposed to predict the development of the syndrome, thereby mitigating an adverse outcome. EXPERT OPINION The identification of reliable indicators is a clinically relevant issue that could result in early therapeutic intervention and leading to the prevention of maternal and fetal injuries before the manifestation of clinical signs. Many factors complicate the prevention of PE cases. Most are attributed to unknown etiology, the low predictive value of current screening tests and the several presentations of the disease. Although preventative treatments have been studied extensively, an effective intervention to avoid the development of PE has not yet been discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Inversetti
- San Raffaele Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132 , Italy
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Blois SM, Barrientos G. Galectin signature in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 101-102:127-134. [PMID: 23953090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Members of the galectin family are expressed within the female reproductive tract and have been shown to be involved in multiple biological functions that support the progression of pregnancy. Specific expression patterns of different members of this family have been identified at the maternal decidua and on the placental side. In some cases, mechanisms by which galectins exert their functions have been delineated in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes studies on galectins that have been documented to be important for pregnancy maintenance, either supporting the maternal adaptation to pregnancy or the placentation process. In addition, we focus our discussion on the role of galectins in preeclampsia, a specific life-threatening pregnancy disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular Placentaria, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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