1
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Gonzalez TL, Wertheimer S, Flowers AE, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Karumanchi SA, Williams III J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA-seq atlas of human placenta shows vast transcriptome remodeling from first to third trimester†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:936-949. [PMID: 38271627 PMCID: PMC11094392 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta, composed of chorionic villi, changes dramatically across gestation. Understanding differences in ongoing pregnancies are essential to identify the role of chorionic villi at specific times in gestation and develop biomarkers and prognostic indicators of maternal-fetal health. The normative mRNA profile is established using next-generation sequencing of 124 first trimester and 43 third trimester human placentas from ongoing healthy pregnancies. Stably expressed genes (SEGs) not different between trimesters and with low variability are identified. Differential expression analysis of first versus third trimester adjusted for fetal sex is performed, followed by a subanalysis with 23 matched pregnancies to control for subject variability using the same genetic and environmental background. Placenta expresses 14,979 polyadenylated genes above sequencing noise (transcripts per million > 0.66), with 10.7% SEGs across gestation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) account for 86.7% of genes in the full cohort [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. Fold changes highly correlate between the full cohort and subanalysis (Pearson = 0.98). At stricter thresholds (FDR < 0.001, fold change > 1.5), there remains 50.1% DEGs (3353 upregulated in first and 4155 upregulated in third trimester). This is the largest mRNA atlas of healthy human placenta across gestation, controlling for genetic and environmental factors, demonstrating substantial changes from first to third trimester in chorionic villi. Specific differences and SEGs may be used to understand the specific role of the chorionic villi throughout gestation and develop first trimester biomarkers of placental health that transpire across gestation, which can be used for future development of biomarkers for maternal-fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania L Gonzalez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Wertheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy E Flowers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chintda Santiskulvong
- CS Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, CS Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ekaterina L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kao Autoimmune Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil V Joshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - John Williams III
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Graf I, Urbschat C, Arck PC. The 'communicatome' of pregnancy: spotlight on cellular and extravesicular chimerism. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:700-714. [PMID: 38467841 PMCID: PMC11018796 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication via biological mediators between mother and fetus are key to reproductive success and offspring's future health. The repertoire of mediators coding signals between mother and fetus is broad and includes soluble factors, membrane-bound particles and immune as well as non-immune cells. Based on the emergence of technological advancements over the last years, considerable progress has been made toward deciphering the "communicatome" between fetus and mother during pregnancy and even after birth. In this context, pregnancy-associated chimerism has sparked the attention among immunologists, since chimeric cells-although low in number-are maintained in the allogeneic host (mother or fetus) for years after birth. Other non-cellular structures of chimerism, e.g. extracellular vesicles (EVs), are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy outcome and offspring's health. We here discuss the origin, distribution and function of pregnancy-acquired microchimerism and chimeric EVs in mother and offspring. We also highlight the pioneering concept of maternal microchimeric cell-derived EVs in offspring. Such insights expand the understanding of pregnancy-associated health or disease risks in mother and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Graf
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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3
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Zhao X, Cai X, Zhu H, Dang Q, Yang Q, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Jiang X, Hu Z, Wei Y, Xiao R, Yu H. 27-Hydroxycholesterol inhibits trophoblast fusion during placenta development by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:849-863. [PMID: 38180513 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Trophoblast cell syncytialization is essential for placental and fetal development. Abnormal trophoblast cell fusion leads to pregnancy pathologies, such as preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and miscarriage. 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) is the most abundant oxysterol in human peripheral blood synthesized by sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) and is considered a critical mediator between hypercholesterolemia and a variety of related disorders. Gestational hypercholesterolemia was associated with spontaneous preterm delivery and low birth weight (LBW) in term infants, yet the mechanism is unclear. In this study, two trophoblast cell models and CD-1 mice were used to evaluate the effects of 27-OHC on trophoblast fusion during placenta development. Two different kinds of trophoblast cells received a dosage of 2.5, 5, or 10 uM 27-OHC. Three groups of pregnant mice were randomly assigned: control, full treatment (E0.5-E17.5), or late treatment (E13.5-E17.5). All mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of saline (control group) and 27-OHC (treatment group; 5.5 mg/kg). In vitro experiments, we found that 27-OHC inhibited trophoblast cell fusion in primary human trophoblasts (PHT) and forskolin (FSK)-induced BeWo cells. 27-OHC up-regulated the expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins. Moreover, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 rescued the inhibitory effect of 27-OHC. Inhibition of trophoblast cell fusion by 27-OHC was also observed in CD-1 mice. Furthermore, fetal weight and placental efficiency decreased and fetal blood vessel development was inhibited in pregnant mice treated with 27-OHC. This study was the first to prove that 27-OHC inhibits trophoblast cell fusion by Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which dyslipidemia during pregnancy results in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaxia Cai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- FuXing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinyu Dang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Yandi Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Yadi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengling Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Zhuo Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Wei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanling Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
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Dang Q, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Wei Y, Chen Z, Jiang X, Cai X, Yu H. Nuclear Binding Protein 2/Nesfatin-1 Affects Trophoblast Cell Fusion during Placental Development via the EGFR-PLCG1-CAMK4 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1925. [PMID: 38339201 PMCID: PMC10856506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that nuclear binding protein 2 (NUCB2) is expressed in the human placenta and increases with an increase in the syncytialization of trophoblast cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of NUCB2 in the differentiation and fusion of trophectoderm cells. In this study, the expression levels of NUCB2 and E-cadherin in the placentas of rats at different gestation stages were investigated. The results showed that there was an opposite trend between the expression of placental NUCB2 and E-cadherin in rat placentas in different trimesters. When primary human trophoblast (PHT) and BeWo cells were treated with high concentrations of Nesfatin-1, the trophoblast cell syncytialization was significantly inhibited. The effects of NUCB2 knockdown in BeWo cells and Forskolin-induced syncytialization were investigated. These cells showed a significantly decreased cell fusion rate. The mechanism underlying NUCB2-regulated trophoblast cell syncytialization was explored using RNA-Seq and the results indicated that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCG1)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) pathway might be involved. The results suggested that the placental expression of NUCB2 plays an important role in the fusion of trophoblasts during differentiation via the EGFR-PLCG1-CAMK4 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Dang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Yandi Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Yadi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Zhuo Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Yuchen Wei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Zhaoyang Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, New York, NY 11210, USA;
| | - Xiaxia Cai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Q.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.C.); (X.C.)
| | - Huanling Yu
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, New York, NY 11210, USA;
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Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Newton MG, Moses RM, Sah N, Suva LJ, Gaddy D, Bazer FW. Characterization of TNSALP expression, localization, and activity in ovine utero-placental tissues†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:954-964. [PMID: 37676255 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP; encoded by ALPL gene) has a critical role in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis postnatally. However, the utero-placental expression of TNSALP and the role in phosphate transport in pregnancy is poorly understood. Estrous cycles of ewes were synchronized, and ewes were euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 1, 9, or 14 of the estrous cycle or bred to fertile rams and euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 9, 12, 17, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110, or 125 of pregnancy. The expression of ALPL mRNA, immunolocalization of TNSALP protein, and quantification and localization of TNSALP enzymatic activity was performed on ovine endometria and placentomes. Day of the estrous cycle did not alter ALPL mRNA expression or enzymatic activity of TNSALP. TNSALP protein localized to uterine epithelial and stromal cells, blood vessels, myometrium, caruncular, and cotyledonary stroma. TNSALP activity was localized to uterine epithelia, blood vessels, caruncular stroma (from Day 70 of gestation), and the apical surface of chorionic epithelia (from Day 50 of gestation). TNSALP protein and activity localized to the apical surface of uterine epithelia during the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy. Endometrial TNSALP enzymatic activity was downregulated on Days 17 and 30 of gestation (P < 0.05). Expression of ALPL mRNA decreased in late gestation in endometria and placentomes (P < 0.05). TNSALP activity peaked in placentomes on Days 70 and 90 of gestation. Collectively, these results suggest a potential role of TNSALP in the regulation of phosphate transport and homeostasis at the maternal-conceptus interface in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Makenzie G Newton
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Nguyen CM, Sallam M, Islam MS, Clack K, Soda N, Nguyen NT, Shiddiky MJA. Placental Exosomes as Biomarkers for Maternal Diseases: Current Advances in Isolation, Characterization, and Detection. ACS Sens 2023. [PMID: 37449399 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Serving as the interface between fetal and maternal circulation, the placenta plays a critical role in fetal growth and development. Placental exosomes are small membrane-bound extracellular vesicles released by the placenta during pregnancy. They contain a variety of biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which can potentially be biomarkers of maternal diseases. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the utility of placental exosomes for the diagnosis and monitoring of pathological conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. This suggests that placental exosomes may serve as new biomarkers in liquid biopsy analysis. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the biological function of placental exosomes and their potential as biomarkers of maternal diseases. Additionally, this review highlights current barriers and the way forward for standardization and validation of known techniques for exosome isolation, characterization, and detection. Finally, microfluidic devices for exosome research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Minh Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Mohamed Sallam
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Md Sajedul Islam
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kimberley Clack
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Narshone Soda
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Muhammad J A Shiddiky
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
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7
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Gonzalez TL, Wertheimer S, Flowers AE, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Karumanchi SA, Williams J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA-seq atlas of human placenta shows vast transcriptome remodeling from first to third trimester. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543972. [PMID: 37333287 PMCID: PMC10274746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background The placenta, composed of chorionic villi, changes dramatically across gestation. Understanding differences in ongoing pregnancies are essential to identify the role of chorionic villi at specific times in gestation and develop biomarkers and prognostic indicators of maternal- fetal health. Methods The normative mRNA profile is established using next-generation sequencing of 124 first trimester and 43 third trimester human placentas from ongoing healthy pregnancies. Stably expressed genes not different between trimesters and with low variability are identified. Differential expression analysis of first versus third trimester adjusted for fetal sex is performed, followed by a subanalysis with 23 matched pregnancies to control for subject variability using the same genetic and environmental background. Results Placenta expresses 14,979 mRNAs above sequencing noise (TPM>0.66), with 1,545 stably expressed genes across gestation. Differentially expressed genes account for 86.7% of genes in the full cohort (FDR<0.05). Fold changes highly correlate between the full cohort and subanalysis (Pearson = 0.98). At stricter thresholds (FDR<0.001, fold change>1.5), there are 6,941 differentially expressed protein coding genes (3,206 upregulated in first and 3,735 upregulated in third trimester). Conclusion This is the largest mRNA atlas of healthy human placenta across gestation, controlling for genetic and environmental factors, demonstrating substantial changes from first to third trimester in chorionic villi. Specific differences and stably expressed genes may be used to understand the specific role of the chorionic villi throughout gestation and develop first trimester biomarkers of placental health that transpire across gestation, which can be used for future development of biomarkers in maternal-fetal disease.
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8
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Li Z, Tao M, Huang M, Pan W, Huang Q, Wang P, Zhang Y, Situ B, Zheng L. Quantification of placental extracellular vesicles in different pregnancy status via single particle analysis method. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 539:266-273. [PMID: 36587781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.12.021] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nano-sized, lipid bilayer-delimited placental extracellular vesicles (PEVs) released by the placenta are now regarded as important mediators involved in various physiological and pathological processes of pregnant women. The number and contents of PEVs are significantly altered in preeclampsia and are considered as potential biomarkers. However, the distribution pattern of PEVs in the maternal circulation in different pregnancy status is still unclear for the limitation of the traditional method with low sensitivity. METHODS In this work, we recruited 561 pregnant women with different pregnancy status and investigated the distribution pattern of PEVs in the maternal circulation based on a single extracellular vesicle analysis method and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), a placenta-specific marker. RESULTS The concentration of PEVs in pregnant women increased with the progression of gestational age, while the ratio of PEVs decreased to about 10% in the third trimester. Surprisingly, the PLAP+ EVs also presented in the plasma of non-pregnant women and normal male about 5%. The change in the ratio of PEVs can reflect the pregnancy status and also had a better diagnostic value in severe preeclampsia (AUC = 0.7811). CONCLUSIONS Our study not only reveals the distribution pattern of PEVs, but also identifies the diagnostic potential of PEVs as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixiong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Maliang Tao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mei Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Weilun Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qiuyu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Pingping Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Bo Situ
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Li N, Gu Y, Tang J, Li Y, Chen D, Xu Z. Circulating Non-coding RNAs and Exosomes: Liquid Biopsies for Monitoring Preeclampsia. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2695:263-277. [PMID: 37450125 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3346-5_18] [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: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality, due to ineffective treatment and diagnostic strategies, compounded by the lack of clarity on the etiology of the disorder. The early prediction or accurate diagnosis of PE is a concern of researchers. Liquid biopsy can be analyzed for cell-free nucleic acids and exosomes. Because circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and peripheral blood exosomes can be detected in the peripheral blood of women in early pregnancy, these vesicles and their contents have become the focus of research on early predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia. In this review, we focus on recent studies addressing the roles of circulating ncRNAs and exosomes in PE, with particular attention paid to the potential application value of placenta-derived exosomes and circulating ncRNAs as PE-specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Lab of Perinatal Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Gu
- Lab of Perinatal Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- Lab of Perinatal Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhice Xu
- Lab of Perinatal Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Lai A, Palma C, Salas A, Carrion F, Salomon C. Targeted Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Method to Quantify Placental Extracellular Vesicles. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2504:79-89. [PMID: 35467280 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2341-1_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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry a wide range of molecules, such as proteins, RNAs, and DNA. EVs are secreted from a wide range of cells, including placental cells. Interestingly, EVs secreted from placental cells have been identified in maternal circulation as early as 6 weeks of gestation, and their concentration increases with the gestational age. While there is growing interest in elucidating the role of exosomes during normal and complicated pregnancies, progress in the field has been delayed because of the inability to quantify placental EVs from the maternal circulation. Recent reports have demonstrated the presence of placental-type alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) EVs only in the blood of pregnant women, indicating that PLAP is a marker to identify EVs secreted from the placenta. Therefore, here we describe a workflow to quantify placental EVs from maternal circulation using a targeted proteomics approach based on selecting specific peptides identified in the PLAP protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lai
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carlos Palma
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexis Salas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Flavio Carrion
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile.
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Fecher-Trost C, Wolske K, Wesely C, Löhr H, Klawitter DS, Weissgerber P, Gradhand E, Burren CP, Mason AE, Winter M, Wissenbach U. Mutations That Affect the Surface Expression of TRPV6 Are Associated with the Upregulation of Serine Proteases in the Placenta of an Infant. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12694. [PMID: 34884497 PMCID: PMC8657554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported a case of an infant with neonatal severe under-mineralizing skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations within both alleles of the TRPV6 gene. One mutation results in an in frame stop codon (R510stop) that leads to a truncated, nonfunctional TRPV6 channel, and the second in a point mutation (G660R) that, surprisingly, does not affect the Ca2+ permeability of TRPV6. We mimicked the subunit composition of the unaffected heterozygous parent and child by coexpressing the TRPV6 G660R and R510stop mutants and combinations with wild type TRPV6. We show that both the G660R and R510stop mutant subunits are expressed and result in decreased calcium uptake, which is the result of the reduced abundancy of functional TRPV6 channels within the plasma membrane. We compared the proteomic profiles of a healthy placenta with that of the diseased infant and detected, exclusively in the latter two proteases, HTRA1 and cathepsin G. Our results implicate that the combination of the two mutant TRPV6 subunits, which are expressed in the placenta of the diseased child, is responsible for the decreased calcium uptake, which could explain the skeletal dysplasia. In addition, placental calcium deficiency also appears to be associated with an increase in the expression of proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fecher-Trost
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Karin Wolske
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Christine Wesely
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Heidi Löhr
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Daniel S. Klawitter
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Petra Weissgerber
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
- Transgenic Technologies, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Building 61.4, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Kinder- und Perinatalpathologie Dr. Senckenberg, Institut für Pathologie Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt/Main Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Christine P. Burren
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8BJ, UK;
| | - Anna E. Mason
- Histopathology Department, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Royal Gwent Hospital, Cardiff NP20 2UB, UK;
| | - Manuel Winter
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Ulrich Wissenbach
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Buildings 61.4 and 46, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (C.F.-T.); (K.W.); (C.W.); (H.L.); (D.S.K.); (P.W.); (M.W.)
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Tashev SA, Parsons D, Hillman C, Harris S, Lofthouse EM, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Cleal JK, Smyth N, Palaiologou H, Page A, Lewis RM. Folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane increases the surface area available for exchange in human placenta. Placenta 2021; 117:57-63. [PMID: 34768170 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental syncytiotrophoblast is the primary barrier between the mother and the fetus. To cross the placenta, nutrients and wastes must be transported across the apical microvillous and basal plasma membranes. While the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is typically represented as relatively smooth, it has been shown to have invaginations that may increase its surface area. This study aimed to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane contributes to its surface area and to visualise three-dimensional structures of the basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cell structures. METHODS Transmission electron microscope images of human term placenta were analysed using stereological approaches to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane affected surface area. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was used to visualise the three-dimensional structure of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cells. RESULTS Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane covered 69.1% of the basal lamina, with cytotrophoblast cells covering the remaining 30.9%. In basal lamina adjacent to syncytiotrophoblast, 34% was adjacent to smooth basal membrane and 66% to folded basal membrane. Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane folds increased the surface area adjacent to basal lamina by 305%. Including regions overlying the cytotrophoblast cells, basal membrane folds increased syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane surface area by 4.4-fold relative to the basal lamina in terminal villi. Terminal and intermediate villi were similar in terms of trophoblast coverage of the basal lamina and basal membrane folding. The three-dimensional structures of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane and cytotrophoblast cells were generated from serial block-face scanning electron microscopy image stacks. DISCUSSION These findings indicate that the surface area of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is far larger than had been appreciated. We suggest that these folds increase the surface area available for transport to and from the fetus. Changes in the extent of basal membrane folding could affect nutrient transfer capacity and underlie pathological fetal growth, including fetal growth restriction and macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy Parsons
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Hillman
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Shelley Harris
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - David S Chatelet
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K Cleal
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smyth
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anton Page
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom.
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Hashimoto A, Sugiura K, Hoshino A. Impact of exosome-mediated feto-maternal interactions on pregnancy maintenance and development of obstetric complications. J Biochem 2021; 169:163-171. [PMID: 33231644 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological paradox, a phenomenon in which the foetus and the placenta, containing foreign antigens to the mother, develop without inducing rejection by the maternal immune system. Cell-to-cell communication between the foetus and the mother is mediated by secreted factors such as cytokines, hormones and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for a successful pregnancy and to avoid rejection. Exosomes, the smallest of EVs, are released extracellularly, where they are taken up by proximal or distant recipient cells. Here, we discuss the role of EVs, especially exosomes in feto-maternal communication during pregnancy. This review will provide an overview of the functional roles exosomes may play during embryo implantation, modulating immune responses during pregnancy and the onset of labour. Moreover, we will discuss exosomal function in obstetric pathology, and the development of pregnancy-associated complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth as well as the biomarker potential of exosomes for detecting such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Hashimoto
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta-cho 4259, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kei Sugiura
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta-cho 4259, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayuko Hoshino
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta-cho 4259, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
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14
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The role of extracellular vesicles throughout normal pregnancy and in relation to oral bacteria. J Oral Biosci 2021; 63:14-22. [PMID: 33497844 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the relationship between the maternal oral environment and complicated pregnancies has been discussed in depth. The depletion of all bacterial flora, including oral bacteria, significantly decreased the size of the maternal placenta and suppressed fetal bone reabsorption. Furthermore, bacterial flora DNA of the host placenta has been reported to be remarkably similar to that of oral flora DNA. These findings indicate that maternal oral flora has a considerable effect on the formation of the placenta and fetus. HIGHLIGHT Placenta is a sophisticated tissue, in which the fetus and mother exchange substance. Placental homeostasis affects the maternal and fetal health; therefore, any disorder in this context is directly linked to serious health issues for the mother and developmental inhibition of the fetus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess and deliver various factors (i.e., nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids) to distant organs through intercellular crosstalk. EVs are released during natural physiological events as well as under stress conditions. EVs derived from reproductive tissues, such as the placenta, are deeply involved in all stages of pregnancy, including the maturation and survival of sperm and egg, various events during fertilization, implantation, spiral artery remodeling, and immunomodulation. CONCLUSION To date, the precise role of EVs in oral diseases, including periodontal disease, is not well understood. Nonetheless, placental EVs are likely to attract attention, in the future, to objectively evaluate the effects of periodontal disease on maternal and fetal health. Therefore, the role of EVs throughout normal pregnancy will be discussed in this review.
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Wang HL, Liang N, Huang DX, Zhao XY, Dang QY, Jiang XY, Xiao R, Yu HL. The effects of high-density lipoprotein and oxidized high-density lipoprotein on forskolin-induced syncytialization of BeWo cells. Placenta 2020; 103:199-205. [PMID: 33160253 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The negative relationship between maternal high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) level during pregnancy and infant birth weight has been found. Syncytialization (differentiation and fusion) of trophoblast cells is important to fetal development. HDL has an antioxidant effect, and has been proved to protect trophoblast functions including hormone secretion and invasion. However, HDL is susceptible to oxidation, and high concentrations of HDL impair cell growth and oxidized HDL (oxHDL) inhibits cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the effects of HDL and oxHDL on trophoblast syncytialization have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HDL and oxHDL on trophoblast syncytialization. METHODS Human choriocarcinoma trophoblasts (BeWo cells) were treated with human HDL or oxHDL and then induced to differentiate by forskolin in syncytialization assays. Expression levels of mRNAs and proteins regulating syncytialization were detected by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Treatments of HDL at high concentrations reduced human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion, placental alkaline phosphatase activity and fusion rates, and decreased the expressions of GCM1 and ERVW-1 mRNA as well as phospho-MAPK1/3 (p-MAPK1/3) and total MAPK1/3 protein in the forskolin-induced syncytialization of BeWo cells. Furthermore, treatment of oxHDL (20 μg/ml) decreased hCG secretion, but increased the expression of p-MAPK1/3 protein. DISCUSSION These data suggested that both HDL at high concentrations and oxHDL inhibited BeWo cells syncytialization, and might be harmful to placental and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liang Wang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ning Liang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dong-Xu Huang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qin-Yu Dang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xin-Yin Jiang
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Rong Xiao
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Huan-Ling Yu
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Pillay P, Vatish M, Duarte R, Moodley J, Mackraj I. Exosomal microRNA profiling in early and late onset preeclamptic pregnant women reflects pathophysiology. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:5637-5657. [PMID: 31413567 PMCID: PMC6661992 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s208865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality due to the inability to diagnose and treat the disorder early in pregnancy. This is attributed to the complex pathophysiology and unknown etiology of the disorder, which is modulated by several known and unknown factors. Exosomes have recently been implicated as possible mediators of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, with, however, no evidence linking these nanovesicles to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and its subtypes. Methods: To better understand the pathophysiological role of exosomes in preeclampsia, we have analyzed the exosomal microRNA in early and late onset preeclamptic women in comparison to their gestationally matched normotensive controls using Digital Direct Detection (NanoString Technologies). Results: For the first time, distinct exosomal microRNA signatures in early and late onset preeclampsia have been identified. Moreover, these signatures indicate that exosomes are involved in key pathological features associated with preeclampsia and differentiate between the subtypes. Conclusion: This study forms the basis for the diagnostic and functional validation of the identified signatures as biomarkers of preeclampsia and its subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preenan Pillay
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raquel Duarte
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jack Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Irene Mackraj
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Ranjbaran A, Latifi Z, Nejabati HR, Abroon S, Mihanfar A, Sadigh AR, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Raffel N. Exosome‐based intercellular communication in female reproductive microenvironments. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19212-19222. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ranjbaran
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Sina Abroon
- Stem Cell Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Aynaz Mihanfar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Urmia University of Medical Sciences Urmia Iran
| | - Aydin Raei Sadigh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Student Research Committee Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Nathalie Raffel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
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Fitzgerald W, Gomez-Lopez N, Erez O, Romero R, Margolis L. Extracellular vesicles generated by placental tissues ex vivo: A transport system for immune mediators and growth factors. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e12860. [PMID: 29726582 PMCID: PMC6021205 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To study the mechanisms of placenta function and the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in pregnancy, it is necessary to develop an ex vivo system that retains placental cytoarchitecture and the primary metabolic aspects, in particular the release of EVs and soluble factors. Here, we developed such a system and investigated the pattern of secretion of cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles by placental villous and amnion tissues ex vivo. METHODS OF STUDY Placental villous and amnion explants were cultured for 2 weeks at the air/liquid interface and their morphology and the released cytokines and EVs were analyzed. Cytokines were analyzed with multiplexed bead assays, and individual EVs were analyzed with recently developed techniques that involved EV capture with magnetic nanoparticles coupled to anti-EV antibodies and flow cytometry. RESULTS Ex vivo tissues (i) remained viable and preserved their cytoarchitecture; (ii) maintained secretion of cytokines and growth factors; (iii) released EVs of syncytiotrophoblast and amnion epithelial cell origins that contain cytokines and growth factors. CONCLUSION A system of ex vivo placental villous and amnion tissues can be used as an adequate model to study placenta metabolic activity in normal and complicated pregnancies, in particular to characterize EVs by their surface markers and by encapsulated proteins. Establishment and benchmarking the placenta ex vivo system may provide new insight in the functional status of this organ in various placental disorders, particularly regarding the release of EVs and cytokines. Such EVs may have a prognostic value for pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Fitzgerald
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
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RhoB/ROCK mediates oxygen–glucose deprivation-stimulated syncytiotrophoblast microparticle shedding in preeclampsia. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:411-425. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2436-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Chaparro A, Gaedechens D, Ramírez V, Zuñiga E, Kusanovic JP, Inostroza C, Varas-Godoy M, Silva K, Salomon C, Rice G, Illanes SE. Placental biomarkers and angiogenic factors in oral fluids of patients with preeclampsia. Prenat Diagn 2016; 36:476-82. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Chaparro
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Dominique Gaedechens
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Valeria Ramírez
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Dentistry; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Edgardo Zuñiga
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Sótero del Río Hospital; Santiago Chile
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - Carolina Inostroza
- Oral Biology Center Research. Faculty of Dentistry; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
| | - Karla Silva
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Sótero del Río Hospital; Santiago Chile
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research; Brisbane Australia
| | - Gregory Rice
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research; Brisbane Australia
| | - Sebastián Enrique Illanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Universidad de los Andes; Santiago Chile
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research; Brisbane Australia
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Mitchell MD, Peiris HN, Kobayashi M, Koh YQ, Duncombe G, Illanes SE, Rice GE, Salomon C. Placental exosomes in normal and complicated pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S173-81. [PMID: 26428497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
While there is considerable contemporary interest in elucidating the role of placenta-derived extracellular vesicles in normal and complicated pregnancies and their utility as biomarkers and therapeutic interventions, progress in the field is hindered by a lack of standardized extracellular vesicle taxonomy and isolation protocols. The term "extracellular vesicle" is nonspecific and refers to all membrane-bound vesicles from nanometer to micrometer diameters and of different biogenic origins. To meaningfully ascribe biological function and/or diagnostic and therapeutic utility to extracellular vesicles, and in particular exosomes, greater specificity and vesicle characterization is required. The current literature relating to exosome biology must be interpreted in this context. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicle that are specifically defined by an endosomal biogenesis and particle size (40-120 nm) and density (1.13-1.19 g/mL(-1)). Exosomes are specifically package with signaling molecules (including protein, messenger RNA, microRNA, and noncoding RNA) and are released by exocytosis into biofluid compartments. Exosomes regulate the activity of both proximal and distal target cells, including translational activity, angiogenesis, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. As such, exosomal signaling represents an integral pathway mediating intercellular communication. During pregnancy, the placenta releases exosomes into the maternal circulation from as early as 6 weeks of gestation. Release is regulated by factors that include both oxygen tension and glucose concentration and correlates with placental mass and perfusion. The concentration of placenta-derived exosomes in maternal plasma increases progressively during gestation. Exosomes isolated from maternal plasma are bioactive in vitro and are incorporated into target cells by endocytosis. While the functional significance of placental exosomes in pregnancy remains to be fully elucidated, available data support a role in normal placental development and maternal immunotolerance. Similarly, the role of exosomes in the etiology and progression of complications of pregnancy remains in a formative stage. Changes in the release of placenta- and nonplacenta-derived exosomes, their concentration in maternal plasma, composition, and bioactivity have been reported in association with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The data, however, are confounded by the use of different isolation methodologies and vesicle subpopulations. The application of specific and well-characterized isolation methodologies is requisite to resolving the precise role of exosomes in complications of pregnancies and their ultimate clinical utility.
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Sarker S, Scholz-Romero K, Perez A, Illanes SE, Mitchell MD, Rice GE, Salomon C. Placenta-derived exosomes continuously increase in maternal circulation over the first trimester of pregnancy. J Transl Med 2014; 12:204. [PMID: 25104112 PMCID: PMC4283151 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human placenta releases specific nanovesicles (i.e. exosomes) into the maternal circulation during pregnancy, however, the presence of placenta-derived exosomes in maternal blood during early pregnancy remains to be established. The aim of this study was to characterise gestational age related changes in the concentration of placenta-derived exosomes during the first trimester of pregnancy (i.e. from 6 to 12 weeks) in plasma from women with normal pregnancies. Methods A time-series experimental design was used to establish pregnancy-associated changes in maternal plasma exosome concentrations during the first trimester. A series of plasma were collected from normal healthy women (10 patients) at 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks of gestation (n = 70). We measured the stability of these vesicles by quantifying and observing their protein and miRNA contents after the freeze/thawing processes. Exosomes were isolated by differential and buoyant density centrifugation using a sucrose continuous gradient and characterised by their size distribution and morphology using the nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA; Nanosight™) and electron microscopy (EM), respectively. The total number of exosomes and placenta-derived exosomes were determined by quantifying the immunoreactive exosomal marker, CD63 and a placenta-specific marker (Placental Alkaline Phosphatase PLAP). Results These nanoparticles are extraordinarily stable. There is no significant decline in their yield with the freeze/thawing processes or change in their EM morphology. NTA identified the presence of 50–150 nm spherical vesicles in maternal plasma as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. The number of exosomes in maternal circulation increased significantly (ANOVA, p = 0.002) with the progression of pregnancy (from 6 to 12 weeks). The concentration of placenta-derived exosomes in maternal plasma (i.e. PLAP+) increased progressively with gestational age, from 6 weeks 70.6 ± 5.7 pg/ml to 12 weeks 117.5 ± 13.4 pg/ml. Regression analysis showed that weeks is a factor that explains for >70% of the observed variation in plasma exosomal PLAP concentration while the total exosome number only explains 20%. Conclusions During normal healthy pregnancy, the number of exosomes present in the maternal plasma increased significantly with gestational age across the first trimester of pregnancy. This study is a baseline that provides an ideal starting point for developing early detection method for women who subsequently develop pregnancy complications, clinically detected during the second trimester. Early detection of women at risk of pregnancy complications would provide an opportunity to develop and evaluate appropriate intervention strategies to limit acute adverse sequel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Salomon
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland, Building 71/918, Herston QLD 4029, Queensland, Australia.
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Solomon AL, Siddals KW, Baker PN, Gibson JM, Aplin JD, Westwood M. Placental alkaline phosphatase de-phosphorylates insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-1. Placenta 2014; 35:520-2. [PMID: 24856042 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) regulate fetal growth through their effects on placenta. Their actions are influenced by IGF binding protein-1. Phosphorylated IGFBP-1 (pIGFBP-1) has high affinity for IGF-I and usually inhibits IGF-I activity but during pregnancy, it is de-phosphorylated to generate lower affinity isoforms and consequently, increased IGF bioavailability. Here we investigate the role of placenta in this process. RESULTS Our data show that term human placental explants, but not their conditioned medium, can de-phosphorylate IGFBP-1 through the action of placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP). DISCUSSION PLAP-mediated de-phosphorylation of IGFBP-1 may provide a mechanism for controlling IGF-I bioavailability and action at the maternal/fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Solomon
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - K W Siddals
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - P N Baker
- Gravida, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J M Gibson
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - J D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - M Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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Noninvasive in vivo monitoring of tissue-specific global gene expression in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:7361-6. [PMID: 24799715 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405528111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free RNA in the blood provides a potential window into the health, phenotype, and developmental programs of a variety of human organs. We used high-throughput methods of RNA analysis such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing to characterize the global landscape circulating RNA in a cohort of human subjects. By focusing on genes whose expression is highly specific to certain tissues, we were able to identify the relative contributions of these tissues to circulating RNA and to monitor changes in tissue development and health. As one application of this approach, we performed a longitudinal study on pregnant women and analyzed their combined cell-free RNA transcriptomes across all three trimesters of pregnancy and after delivery. In addition to the analysis of mRNA, we observed and characterized noncoding species such as long noncoding RNA and circular RNA transcripts whose presence had not been previously observed in human plasma. We demonstrate that it is possible to track specific longitudinal phenotypic changes in both the mother and the fetus and that it is possible to directly measure transcripts from a variety of fetal tissues in the maternal blood sample. We also studied the role of neuron-specific transcripts in the blood of healthy adults and those suffering from the neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease and showed that disease specific neural transcripts are present at increased levels in the blood of affected individuals. Characterization of the cell-free transcriptome in its entirety may thus provide broad insights into human health and development without the need for invasive tissue sampling.
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Development of a simple, cost-effective, semi-correlative light and electron microscopy method to allow the immunoelectron localisation of non-uniformly distributed placental proteins. Placenta 2014; 35:223-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Borbely AU, Sandri S, Fernandes IR, Prado KM, Cardoso EC, Correa-Silva S, Albuquerque R, Knöfler M, Beltrão-Braga P, Campa A, Bevilacqua E. The term basal plate of the human placenta as a source of functional extravillous trophoblast cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:7. [PMID: 24467708 PMCID: PMC3909387 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are of pivotal importance in human embryo implantation and homeostasis of the maternal fetal interface. Invasion of the endometrium by EVT contributes to placental anchorage, spiral artery remodeling, immunological defense, tolerogenic responses, and several collaborative cross talks involved in establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy. We report here an improved protocol for the isolation of fully differentiated EVT cells from the basal plate of the human term placenta. METHODS The basal plate was carefully dissected from the villous tissue and the amniochorion membrane prior to enzymatic digestion. Term basal EVT cells were isolated using a 30 and 60% Percoll gradient. A panel of markers and characteristics of the isolated cells were used to confirm the specificity and efficiency of the method so that their potential as an investigative tool for placental research could be ascertained. RESULTS Isolated cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), placental growth factor, placental alkaline phosphatase, human leukocyte antigen G1 (HLA-G1), and α1 and α5 integrins, similarly to the EVT markers from first trimester placental villi. Around 95% of the isolated cells labeled positively for CK-7 and 82% for HLA-G1. No significant change in viability was observed during 48 h of EVT culture as indicated by propidium iodide incorporation and trypan blue test exclusion. Genes for metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP9 (positive regulators of trophoblast invasiveness) were expressed up to 48 h of culturing, as also the gelatinolytic activity of the isolated cells. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of first-trimester EVT cells, also reduced invasion of isolated term EVT cells in transwell assays, whereas epidermal growth factor was a positive modulator. CONCLUSIONS Term basal plate may be a viable source of functional EVT cells that is an alternative to villous explant-derived EVT cells and cell lines. Isolated term EVT cells may be particularly useful in investigation of the role of trophoblast cells in pathological gestations, in which the precise regulation and interactive ability of extravillous trophoblast has been impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre U Borbely
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Silvana Sandri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Isabella R Fernandes
- Department of Surgery, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnology School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Karen M Prado
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Cardoso
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Simone Correa-Silva
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Albuquerque
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Patricia Beltrão-Braga
- Department of Surgery, Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnology School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Campa
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Estela Bevilacqua
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Syncytin-1 modulates placental trophoblast cell proliferation by promoting G1/S transition. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1027-35. [PMID: 23333240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Placental syncytiotrophoblasts formed by the fusion of cytotrophoblasts constitute the interface between maternal and fetal circulations. The syncytium, composed of a continuous layer of syncytiotrophoblasts, assumes the fetal-maternal nutrient exchange, placental barrier, and endocrine functions important for the maintenance of normal pregnancy. Syncytin-1, an endogenous retroviral gene product, mediates the fusion of cytotrophoblasts. While the fusogenic function of syncytin-1 has been well established, little is known regarding its nonfusogenic activities. This study investigates the role of syncytin-1 in trophoblast proliferation. We found that syncytin-1 knockdown significantly inhibited BeWo cell growth and DNA synthesis. Moreover, time course studies on key cell cycle regulators demonstrated an upregulation of p15 and downregulation of CDK4, E2F1, PCNA, and c-Myc, which consequently led to a reduced level of CDK1. These results, together with those from flow cytometry analysis, indicated that syncytin-1 knockdown blocked the G1/S transition phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, syncytin-1 overexpression promoted CHO cell proliferation and led to changes opposite to those observed in syncytin-1 knockdown experiments, confirming the critical role of syncytin-1 for G1/S transition. Thus, syncytin-1, through both nonfusogenic and fusogenic, functions, may co-regulate the input (proliferation) and output (fusion) of the cytotrophoblast "pool". Such co-regulation could be an efficient way to achieve the balance between these two opposing processes, which is required for syncytium homeostasis. Since decreased syncytin-1 expression has been shown to be associated with preeclamptic and hypoxic condition, insufficient replenishing of the cytotrophoblast "pool" may contribute to syncytium deficiency, a critical pathological change frequently found in preeclamptic placentas.
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Singh AT, Dharmarajan A, Aye ILMH, Keelan JA. Sphingosine-sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway regulates trophoblast differentiation and syncytialization. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 24:224-34. [PMID: 22197131 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are involved in regulating cell differentiation. This study postulated that changes in sphingolipid biosynthesis and metabolism are important in trophoblast syncytialization and therefore examined the production, metabolism and actions of sphingosine and S1P during spontaneous trophoblast differentiation and fusion in vitro. Significant declines in intracellular sphingosine concentration (P≤0.05) and sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) expression (P≤0.01) were observed during trophoblast syncytialization. Secreted S1P concentrations dropped steeply after 72h, before rising to basal concentrations with syncytialization. Intracellular S1P concentrations were undetectable throughout. Treating cells with exogenous sphingosine (P≤0.01), S1P (P≤0.001) or a specific SPHK1 inhibitor (P≤0.05) for up to 72h in culture significantly inhibited trophoblast differentiation (measured as reduced human chorionic gonadotrophin production); effects on other biochemical and morphological markers of differentiation were absent or inconsistent. Phosphorylation of Akt, an established down-stream target of S1P that spontaneously declines with trophoblast differentiation, was markedly reduced by S1P (P≤0.05). In conclusion, changes in the sphingosine-S1P pathway are involved in the regulation of trophoblast differentiation in term human placenta. Dysregulation of sphingolipid homeostasis could, therefore, disrupt placental formation and function with deleterious consequences for pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambika T Singh
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Genome wide expression profile in human HTR-8/Svneo trophoblastic cells in response to overexpression of placental alkaline phosphatase gene. Placenta 2011; 32:771-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Oxysterols inhibit differentiation and fusion of term primary trophoblasts by activating liver X receptors. Placenta 2011; 32:183-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Collett GP, Linton EA, Redman CWG, Sargent IL. Downregulation of caveolin-1 enhances fusion of human BeWo choriocarcinoma cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10529. [PMID: 20463894 PMCID: PMC2865536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fusion of placental villous cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast is essential for the maintenance of successful pregnancy, and disturbances in this process have been implicated in pathological conditions such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation. Caveolin-1 has been shown to be expressed in human villous cytotrophoblast and to be downregulated during fusion into syncytiotrophoblast but it is unclear whether it plays a role in this process. Methodology/Principal Findings We used RNA interference to determine whether caveolin-1 plays a role in differentiation and fusion in the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line, a model of villous cytotrophoblast fusion. Assessment of cell fusion by desmosomal protein immunostaining revealed that cells transfected with caveolin-1 siRNA showed significantly enhanced fusion in response to treatment with dibutyryl cyclic AMP compared with cells transfected with a non-silencing control. Furthermore, caveolin-1 knockdown alone was sufficient to promote spontaneous fusion. In addition, biochemical differentiation, assessed by expression of placental alkaline phosphatase, was upregulated in caveolin-1 siRNA-transfected cells, with or without dbcAMP treatment. Assessment of Akt phosphorylation showed that caveolin-1 knockdown resulted in a significant reduction in phosphorylation at Thr308. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, these results suggest that caveolin-1 regulates BeWo cell differentiation and fusion, possibly through a mechanism involving modulation of Akt activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Collett
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Keating E, Gonçalves P, Costa F, Campos I, Pinho MJ, Azevedo I, Martel F. Comparison of the transport characteristics of bioactive substances in IUGR and normal placentas. Pediatr Res 2009; 66:495-500. [PMID: 19668108 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181b9b4a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Knowing that IUGR is associated with altered placental transport, we aimed to characterize the placental transport of folic acid (FA), thiamine (THIAM), serotonin (5-HT), and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in IUGR. For this, we compared the transport characteristics of (3)H-FA, (3)H-THIAM, (3)H-5-HT, and (3)H-MPP+ in primary cultured human cytotrophoblasts isolated from IUGR and normal placentas (GRTB and NTB cells, respectively) and quantified mRNA expression of several placental transporters, by real-time RT-PCR. Our results show that GRTB cells take up (3)H-FA more efficiently (higher k(in) and A(max) values) and have higher transport capacity (higher V(max) values) for (3)H-FA, (3)H-5-HT, and (3)H-MPP+, when compared with NTB cells. In addition, GRTB cells take up (3)H-THIAM with higher affinity and (3)H-MPP+ with lower affinity than NTB cells. Finally, IUGR placentas have a generalized increase in mRNA expression of FA, THIAM, 5-HT, and MPP+ transporters, when compared with normal placentas, suggesting that the increase in transport capacity may be due to increased expression of placental transporters. These results point to an effect of "compensation for the weakness" of the IUGR placenta and pose the placenta as an active mediator of the communication between maternal and fetal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Keating
- Department of Biochemistry (U38/FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Szlauer R, Ellinger I, Haider S, Saleh L, Busch B, Knöfler M, Fuchs R. Functional Expression of the Human Neonatal Fc-receptor, hFcRn, in Isolated Cultured Human Syncytiotrophoblasts. Placenta 2009; 30:507-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Forbes K, Desforges M, Garside R, Aplin JD, Westwood M. Methods for siRNA-mediated reduction of mRNA and protein expression in human placental explants, isolated primary cells and cell lines. Placenta 2008; 30:124-9. [PMID: 19012963 PMCID: PMC2634981 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of RNA interference (RNAi) to deplete individual proteins from cells or tissue has revolutionised our ability to characterise gene function. The placenta is an attractive target for studies in which the role of specific proteins can be compared with cell culture models and explanted villous tissue where physiological function can be maintained ex vivo. In this study, we compared a variety of commercially available reagents and approaches to define methods for efficient delivery of siRNA to placental cells. Protocols optimised using fluorescently-labelled siRNA were subsequently tested using siRNA sequences that target placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), chosen because of its high abundance in trophoblast. mRNA abundance was assayed using qRT-PCR, and the effect on protein was examined using immunolocalisation. We report that different protocols are required for BeWo choriocarcinoma cells (nucleofection), primary cytotrophoblast cells (lipid-based transfection) and villous tissue explants (nucleofection). The results provide guidelines for optimal siRNA-mediated knockdown in these three models of the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Forbes
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Group, School of Clinical & Laboratory Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0JH, UK
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Kumpel BM, Sibley K, Jackson DJ, White G, Soothill PW. Ultrastructural localization of glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa, beta 3 integrin) on placental syncytiotrophoblast microvilli: implications for platelet alloimmunization during pregnancy. Transfusion 2008; 48:2077-86. [PMID: 18673340 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.01832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti-human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a more commonly occurs in first pregnancies, unlike hemolytic disease of the newborn. Anti-D is produced after D+ fetomaternal hemorrhage; this usually occurs at parturition. Anti-HPA-1a could develop during pregnancy if maternal immunization is stimulated by HPA-1a expressed not only on platelets but also on other fetal cells. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS An ultrastructural study of fetal placental chorionic villi was undertaken to determine the localization of glycoprotein (GP)IIIa carrying the HPA-1a/1b polymorphism. First trimester and term villi were incubated with a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to GPIIIa or with positive control MoAbs (anti-placental alkaline phosphatase and ED822 MoAb) to villous syncytiotrophoblast (ST). Binding of MoAbs was detected with a gold-conjugated secondary antibody before processing the tissues and examination of ultrathin sections in an electron microscope. RESULTS Gold particles were evident on microvilli on the apical surface of ST when labeled with anti-GPIIIa and the placenta-specific MoAbs but not with an isotype control antibody. Immunolabeling for anti-GPIIIa on first trimester ST was similar to that of term ST. CONCLUSION The apical surface of the ST is bathed in maternal blood. During the natural regenerative process of human placenta, senescent parts of the ST are shed into maternal blood during pregnancy. This includes both apoptotic ST nuclei and microparticulate ST debris. The presence of GPIIIa on this circulating ST cellular material could be the source of HPA-1a alloantigen causing primary immunization of susceptible primigravidae early enough for anti-HPA-1a to cause fetal thrombocytopenia during a first pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda M Kumpel
- Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, National Blood Service, Bristol, UK.
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Rytting E, Audus KL. Contributions of phosphorylation to regulation of OCTN2 uptake of carnitine are minimal in BeWo cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2007; 75:745-51. [PMID: 17977516 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2007] [Revised: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Physiological functions of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in the placenta include transporting essential nutrients from the maternal to fetal circulations. OCTN2 transports carnitine with high affinity, and the transport of several drugs has also been shown to be mediated by this transporter. In this work, the role of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mechanisms in regulating OCTN2 was investigated by observing the effects of various activators and inhibitors of kinases and phosphatases on the uptake of carnitine in BeWo cells, a human choriocarcinoma trophoblast cell line frequently used as an in vitro model of the rate-limiting barrier for maternal-fetal exchange. Preincubation with genistein resulted in significant increases in both alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and carnitine uptake. Levamisole, an ALP inhibitor, caused a more substantial decrease in carnitine uptake than expected from its corresponding decrease in ALP activity. It was determined that levamisole competitively inhibits carnitine uptake, with a K(i) value of 1.01+/-0.05mM, and this effect has a greater role in decreasing carnitine uptake than any indirect effects of ALP inhibition upon OCTN2 function. Progesterone also competitively inhibited carnitine uptake (K(i)=48.6+/-5.0muM), but had no effect on ALP activity in BeWo cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Rytting
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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Rashid-Doubell F, Tannetta D, Redman CWG, Sargent IL, Boyd CAR, Linton EA. Caveolin-1 and Lipid Rafts in Confluent BeWo Trophoblasts: Evidence for Rock-1 Association with Caveolin-1. Placenta 2007; 28:139-51. [PMID: 16480767 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Revised: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 12/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lipid rafts are detergent-insoluble, low-density membrane domains that are rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids; caveolae are a subdomain of the biochemically defined glycolipid raft whose expression is associated with the protein caveolin-1. This protein associates with numerous signalling molecules, regulating their activity by holding them inactive. Human villous cytotrophoblasts contain caveolin-1, but levels reduce greatly during their differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast. Since caveolin-1 is a known regulator of apoptosis and trophoblast syncytialisation involves the apoptotic cascade, we hypothesised that cytotrophoblast caveolin-1 may also play a role in regulating fusion events involved in syncytium formation. The BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line has previously proved valuable for studying trophoblast syncytialisation, hence the present work was carried out to determine whether BeWo cells could be used as a model for the exploration of caveolin-1's role in regulating the syncytialisation process. Undifferentiated BeWo cells were found to express caveolin-1 in similar amounts to villous cytotrophoblasts isolated from term placenta. Lipid raft fractions prepared from these BeWo cells at confluence contained the raft-associated proteins caveolin-1 and -2, flotillin-1 and -2, stomatin and the heterotrimeric G protein, Galphaq. Confocal immunofluorescence studies revealed that caveolin-1 is internalized to the mitochondria, but not to the Golgi or endoplasmic reticulum, in subconfluent BeWo and that the protein relocates to the plasma membrane upon confluence, an observation confirmed by caveolin-1 and cytochrome c Western blotting of lipid raft fractions and mitochondria purified from confluent and subconfluent cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence experiments comparing undifferentiated cells and those induced to differentiate using the cAMP analogue, dibutyryl cAMP, showed that BeWo syncytialisation was accompanied by a reduction in caveolin-1 levels, similar to the situation in primary villous cytotrophoblasts. Confluent, undifferentiated BeWo cultures were then used to investigate the cellular localisation of Rock-1, a protein which promotes cytoskeletal re-organisation important for syncytialisation and apoptosis. Its association with caveolin-1 was evidenced by the demonstration that the 160kDa proenzyme form of Rock-1 co-immunoprecipitates with caveolin-1 and vice versa, as well as by the co-localisation of the two proteins at the plasma membrane, as shown in immunofluorescence studies. A proportion of the total cell Rock-1 content was found in BeWo lipid raft fractions, confirming its membrane presence in confluent cells. This close association of plasmalemmal caveolin-1 with Rock-1 protein raises the possibility that caveolin-1 may regulate Rock-1 in these trophoblasts. We conclude that cell-cell contact is required for BeWo trophoblast to exhibit plasmalemmal caveolin-1; BeWo cells at confluence offer a useful model for the study of trophoblast raft behaviour during syncytialisation and for the exploration of the potential Rock-1-regulating role of caveolin-1 in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rashid-Doubell
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Ceckova M, Libra A, Pavek P, Nachtigal P, Brabec M, Fuchs R, Staud F. EXPRESSION AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF BREAST CANCER RESISTANCE PROTEIN (BCRP, ABCG2) TRANSPORTER IN THE HUMAN CHORIOCARCINOMA CELL LINE BEWO. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2006; 33:58-65. [PMID: 16445700 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2006.04324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
1. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is a drug efflux transporter that is believed to affect the drug disposition of several drugs and xenobiotics. In the present study, we evaluated the localization and functional expression of BCRP in the human choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo, an in vitro model of the human trophoblast, and compared it with the expression of P-glycoprotein (MDR1, ABCB1) as the most widely studied placental transporter. In addition, the expression of BCRP at the mRNA level was compared with that of MDR1 in the human term placenta. 2. Western blotting analysis revealed high endogenous expression of BCRP protein in BeWo cells. Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that the BCRP transporter appears to be localized predominantly at the apical plasma membrane. Functional studies showed a significant effect of the BCRP inhibitors GF120918 (5 micromol/L) and Ko143 (1 micromol/L) on mitoxantrone accumulation and, thus, confirmed efflux activity of BCRP in BeWo cells. 3. Using absolute mRNA quantification with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we found high expression of BCRP in BeWo cells, whereas no transcript of MDR1 (P-glycoprotein), the most extensively studied drug transporter, was detected. 4. In the human placenta, BCRP was localized predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast layer; however, immunopositivity for the BXP-21 antibody was also observed in fetal vessels of the chorionic villi. The number of BCRP transcripts in the human term placenta was found to be more than 10-fold higher compared with the expression of MDR1. 5. In conclusion, we suggest that BeWo cells could serve as a suitable in vitro model to study trans-trophoblast transport of BCRP substrates and that placental BCRP can play an important role in preventing the accumulation of potentially toxic xenobiotics in the trophoblast cells.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/genetics
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/metabolism
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/antagonists & inhibitors
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/metabolism
- Acridines/pharmacology
- Animals
- Biological Transport/drug effects
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Choriocarcinoma/genetics
- Choriocarcinoma/metabolism
- Choriocarcinoma/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Indoles/chemistry
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Mitoxantrone/pharmacokinetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Placenta/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tetrahydroisoquinolines/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ceckova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho 1203, CZ-50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Mathias AA, Hitti J, Unadkat JD. P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein expression in human placentae of various gestational ages. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2005; 289:R963-9. [PMID: 15961534 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00173.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Placental efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) protect the developing fetus from exposure to potentially toxic xenobiotics. However, little is known about the expression of these transporters in human placentae of different gestational ages. Therefore, we quantified the expression of P-gp and BCRP in human placentae of different gestational ages. We also measured the expression of various nuclear regulatory factors such as the pregnane xenobiotic factor to determine whether their expression also changes with gestational age. Syncitial microvillous plasma membranes were isolated from human placentae of various gestational ages (60–90 days, 90–120 days, and full-term C-section placentae). P-gp and BCRP expression (protein) in these preparations were measured by Western blot analysis followed by an ELISA. Expression (mRNA) of P-gp, BCRP, and nuclear regulatory factors in the placentae were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. P-gp expression (relative to that of alkaline phosphatase) was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher (44.8-fold as protein; 6.5-fold as mRNA) in early gestational age human placentae (60–90 days) vs. term placentae. In contrast, BCRP (protein and mRNA) and nuclear regulatory factors (mRNA) expression in placental tissue did not change significantly with gestational age. However, placental expression of P-gp and human chorionic gonadotropin-β (hCG-β) transcripts was highly correlated ( r = 0.73; P < 0.0001; Spearman rank correlation). Expression of P-gp, but not BCRP, decreases dramatically with gestational age in human placentae. This decrease in P-gp expression is not caused by a change in expression of nuclear receptor transcripts but appears to be related to hCG-β expression. The placental P-gp expression appears to be upregulated in early pregnancy to protect the fetus from xenobiotic toxicity at a time when it is most vulnerable to such toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita A Mathias
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Box 357610, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Fuchs R, Ellinger I. Endocytic and Transcytotic Processes in Villous Syncytiotrophoblast: Role in Nutrient Transport to the Human Fetus. Traffic 2004; 5:725-38. [PMID: 15355509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2004.00221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The supply of nutrients to the developing fetus is a major function of the human hemochorial placenta, a placenta type in which the fetal chorion is in direct contact with the maternal blood. At term, nutrients have to be transported across two cell layers in chorionic villi, the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and fetal endothelial cells. The STB is a continuous syncytium covering the entire surface of chorionic villi. This polarized epithelium is specialized in exchange processes and membrane trafficking between the apical membrane facing the maternal blood and the basal membrane facing the fetal endothelium. To meet placental and fetal requirements, the STB selectively takes up and transports a variety of nutrients, hormones, growth factors and cytokines and also transfers passive immunity to the fetus by receptor-mediated transcytosis. In this review in vivo and in vitro systems currently used to study STB functions are discussed and the potential mechanisms of transplacental IgG, iron, lipoprotein and glucose transport are presented. As revealed in this article, the placenta is a tissue where intensive cell biological research is required to unravel endocytic trafficking pathways in a highly specialized cell such as the STB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Fuchs
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Kamoi S, Ohaki Y, Mori O, Satomi M, Takahashi H, Kawamura T, Araki T. Placental villotrophoblastic pulmonary emboli after elective abortion: immunohistochemical diagnosis and comparison with ten control cases. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2003; 22:303-9. [PMID: 12819401 DOI: 10.1097/01.pgp.0000054822.24312.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although pulmonary trophoblastic embolism is now considered a physiologic phenomenon of normal pregnancy, this phenomenon has not been demonstrated in a living asymptomatic patient. Recently we encountered a 26-year-old woman suspected of pulmonary embolism of villotrophoblastic tissues after therapeutic abortion. Although her serum beta-hCG was low, a computed tomography scan showed multiple nodules in both lungs. Histological examination of a nodule in a lung-biopsy specimen showed granulation tissue surrounding a hemorrhagic mass within which were structures resembling degenerating chorionic villi. Immunohistochemical study on the patient's lung nodule, and a second endometrial-curettage specimen, six control endometrial and tubal specimens containing degenerating chorionic villi, and four endometrial specimens containing viable chorionic villi were performed. The patterns of immunostaining for cytokeratin, human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen, placental alkaline phosphatase, and inhibin-alpha of the chorionic villus-like structures in the lung nodule were almost identical to those in the degenerating chorionic villi, but different from those of viable villi. This is a unique case of embolism of chorionic villi and trophoblast to the lung in a living patient after therapeutic abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiryu Kamoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
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Pötgens AJG, Kataoka H, Ferstl S, Frank HG, Kaufmann P. A positive immunoselection method to isolate villous cytotrophoblast cells from first trimester and term placenta to high purity. Placenta 2003; 24:412-23. [PMID: 12657516 DOI: 10.1053/plac.2002.0914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We developed a method for isolating highly pure villous cytotrophoblast cells from first trimester and term placenta that excludes extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast fragments. The method is based on positive immunoselection using an antibody (mAb C76/18) reacting with hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1, HAI-1, a membrane antigen on villous cytotrophoblast. As a comparison, we also immunopurified cells using an antibody against CD105, present on syncytiotrophoblast and some extravillous trophoblast cells. The isolates were characterized by flow cytometry. HAI-1-positive cells from first trimester and term placentae were highly pure (>98 per cent cytokeratin 7-positive) mononuclear trophoblast cells. These isolations were contaminated with only very small percentages of vimentin and CD45-positive cells. HAI-1-positive trophoblast cells lacked CD105 and also HLA class I, a marker for extravillous trophoblast. In culture HAI-1-positive cells adhered, displayed an epithelial morphology, and survived for more than three days. In contrast, CD105-positive cell fractions from first trimester placenta were a heterogeneous mixture of mononuclear and multinuclear elements consisting of syncytiotrophoblast fragments, extravillous trophoblast cells, as well as around 5 per cent non-trophoblastic contaminants. In conclusion, the positive immunoselection method using antibody C76/18 yielded highly pure villous cytotrophoblast cells devoid of elements derived from syncytiotrophoblast or extravillous trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J G Pötgens
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Ellinger I, Rothe A, Grill M, Fuchs R. Apical to basolateral transcytosis and apical recycling of immunoglobulin G in trophoblast-derived BeWo cells: effects of low temperature, nocodazole, and cytochalasin D. Exp Cell Res 2001; 269:322-31. [PMID: 11570824 DOI: 10.1006/excr.2001.5330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The murine neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, carries out two functions: materno-fetal IgG delivery and maintenance of serum IgG homeostasis. During human pregnancy maternal IgG is transferred across placental syncytiotrophoblasts presumably by the human homolog of FcRn, hFcRn. Trophoblast-derived BeWo cells express hFcRn endogenously and can be considered as a model system to investigate IgG transport in syncytiotrophoblasts. Using a pulse-chase protocol, we here demonstrate that polarized BeWo cells exhibit not only apical to basolateral transcytosis but also apical IgG recycling. Thus, for the first time we demonstrate that epithelial cells can be involved in both materno-fetal IgG transmission and regulation of serum IgG levels. Lowering the temperature from 37 to 16 degrees C reduced, but did not block, IgG recycling and transcytosis. Microtubule-disruption by nocodazole did not influence transcytosis or apical recycling. Disassembly of filamentous actin by cytochalasin D stimulated apical endocytosis and recycling, while transcytosis remained unaffected. In summary, in BeWo cells apically internalized IgG enters both a transcytotic and recycling pathway. While the transcytotic route is temperature-sensitive but independent from microtubules and actin filaments, the apical recycling pathway is temperature-influenced and stimulated by actin disassembly, suggestive for the involvement of distinct endosome subcompartments in transcytosis and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ellinger
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
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