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Urciuolo F, Imparato G, Netti PA. In vitro strategies for mimicking dynamic cell-ECM reciprocity in 3D culture models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1197075. [PMID: 37434756 PMCID: PMC10330728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1197075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular microenvironment regulates cell decisions through the accurate presentation at the cell surface of a complex array of biochemical and biophysical signals that are mediated by the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). On the one hand, the cells actively remodel the ECM, which on the other hand affects cell functions. This cell-ECM dynamic reciprocity is central in regulating and controlling morphogenetic and histogenetic processes. Misregulation within the extracellular space can cause aberrant bidirectional interactions between cells and ECM, resulting in dysfunctional tissues and pathological states. Therefore, tissue engineering approaches, aiming at reproducing organs and tissues in vitro, should realistically recapitulate the native cell-microenvironment crosstalk that is central for the correct functionality of tissue-engineered constructs. In this review, we will describe the most updated bioengineering approaches to recapitulate the native cell microenvironment and reproduce functional tissues and organs in vitro. We have highlighted the limitations of the use of exogenous scaffolds in recapitulating the regulatory/instructive and signal repository role of the native cell microenvironment. By contrast, strategies to reproduce human tissues and organs by inducing cells to synthetize their own ECM acting as a provisional scaffold to control and guide further tissue development and maturation hold the potential to allow the engineering of fully functional histologically competent three-dimensional (3D) tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Urciuolo
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - G. Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - P. A. Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
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Regan SLP, Knight PG, Yovich JL, Stanger JD, Leung Y, Arfuso F, Almahbobi G, Dharmarajan A. The effect of ovarian reserve and receptor signalling on granulosa cell apoptosis during human follicle development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:219-227. [PMID: 29113831 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The poor oocyte quality in older women has previously been linked to the depletion of the ovarian reserve of primordial follicles and an increase in granulosal apoptosis. Granulosa cells were collected from 198 follicles and individually analysed by flow cytometry. In the young IVF patients, the level of apoptosis was inversely proportional to the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMPR1B) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors. Conversely, in the older patients this relationship became dysregulated. In the older patients, at the time of preovulatory maturation, the reduced apoptosis reflects the poor mitogenic growth turnover rate of healthy follicles rather than the death rate in an atretic follicle. Restoring an optimum receptor density and down-regulation of receptors may improve oocyte quality and the pregnancy rate in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena L P Regan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Phil G Knight
- School of Biological Sciences, Hopkins Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | | | | | - Yee Leung
- Western Australian Gynaecologic Cancer Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ghanim Almahbobi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Ruebel M, Shankar K, Gaddy D, Lindsey F, Badger T, Andres A. Maternal obesity is associated with ovarian inflammation and upregulation of early growth response factor 1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2016; 311:E269-77. [PMID: 27279249 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00524.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Obesity impairs reproductive functions through multiple mechanisms, possibly through disruption of ovarian function. We hypothesized that increased adiposity will lead to a proinflammatory gene signature and upregulation of Egr-1 protein in ovaries from obese (OB; n = 7) compared with lean (LN; n = 10) female Sprague-Dawley rats during the peri-implantation period at 4.5 days postcoitus (dpc). Obesity was induced by overfeeding (40% excess calories for 28 days) via total enteral nutrition prior to mating. OB dams had higher body weight (P < 0.001), greater fat mass (P < 0.001), and reduced lean mass (P < 0.05) and developed metabolic dysfunction with elevated serum lipids, insulin, leptin, and CCL2 (P < 0.05) compared with LN dams. Microarray analyses identified 284 differentially expressed genes between ovaries from LN vs. OB dams (±1.3 fold, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR confirmed a decrease in expression of glucose transporters GLUT4 and GLUT9 and elevation of proinflammatory genes, including CCL2, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCR2, CXCR1, and TNFα in ovaries from OB compared with LN (P < 0.05). Protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas nuclear levels of Egr-1 (P < 0.05) were increased in OB compared with LN ovaries. Moreover, Egr-1 was localized to granulosa cells, with the highest expression in cumulus cells of preovulatory follicles. mRNA expression of VCAN, AURKB, and PLAT (P < 0.05) correlated with %visceral fat weight (r = 0.51, -0.77, and -0.57, respectively, P ≤ 0.05), suggesting alterations in ovarian function with obesity. In summary, maternal obesity led to an upregulation of inflammatory genes and Egr-1 expression in peri-implantation ovarian tissue and a concurrent downregulation of GLUTs and Akt and PI3K protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Ruebel
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas; and
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Thomas Badger
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas; and
| | - Aline Andres
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas; and
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Thorne JT, Segal TR, Chang S, Jorge S, Segars JH, Leppert PC. Dynamic reciprocity between cells and their microenvironment in reproduction. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:25. [PMID: 25411389 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.121368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic reciprocity (DR) refers to the ongoing, bidirectional interaction between cells and their microenvironment, specifically the extracellular matrix (ECM). The continuous remodeling of the ECM exerts mechanical force on cells and modifies biochemical mediators near the cell membrane, thereby initiating cell-signaling cascades that produce changes in gene expression and cell behavior. Cellular changes, in turn, affect the composition and organization of ECM components. These continuous interactions are the fundamental principle behind DR, and its critical role throughout development and adult tissue homeostasis has been extensively investigated. While DR in the mammary gland has been well described, we provide direct evidence that similar dynamic interactions occur in other areas of reproductive biology as well. In order to establish the importance of DR in the adaptive functioning of the female reproductive tract, we present our most current understanding of DR in reproductive tissues, exploring the mammary gland, ovary, and uterus. In addition to explaining normal physiological function, investigating DR may shed new light into pathologic processes that occur in these tissues and provide an exciting opportunity for novel therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Thorne
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Thalia R Segal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Hospital, Manhasset, New York
| | - Sydney Chang
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Soledad Jorge
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - James H Segars
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Phyllis C Leppert
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Jorge S, Chang S, Barzilai JJ, Leppert P, Segars JH. Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1093-107. [PMID: 25001021 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114542023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The organs of the female reproductive system are among the most dynamic tissues in the human body, undergoing repeated cycles of growth and involution from puberty through menopause. To achieve such impressive plasticity, reproductive tissues must respond not only to soluble signals (hormones, growth factors, and cytokines) but also to physical cues (mechanical forces and osmotic stress) as well. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the process of mechanotransduction-how signals are conveyed from the extracellular matrix that surrounds the cells of reproductive tissues to the downstream molecules and signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular adaptive response to external forces. Our objective was to examine how mechanical forces contribute significantly to physiological functions and pathogenesis in reproductive tissues. We highlight how widespread diseases of the reproductive tract, from preterm labor to tumors of the uterus and breast, result from an impairment in mechanical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Jorge
- CRTP Scholars, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sydney Chang
- CRTP Scholars, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Luyckx V, Dolmans MM, Vanacker J, Scalercio SR, Donnez J, Amorim CA. First step in developing a 3D biodegradable fibrin scaffold for an artificial ovary. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:83. [PMID: 24274108 PMCID: PMC4176293 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is a promising approach to restore fertility in cancer patients, it is not advisable for women at risk of ovarian involvement due to the threat of reintroducing malignant cells. The aim of this study was therefore to find an alternative for these patients by development of an artificial ovary. METHODS For construction of the artificial ovary matrix, we used a central composite design to investigate nine combinations of fibrinogen (mg/ml) and thrombin (IU/mL) (F/T): F1/T4, F12.5/T1, F12.5/T20, F25/T0.1, F25/T4, F25/T500, F50/T1, F50/T20 and F100/T4. From the first qualitative analyses (handling and matrix size), five combinations (F12.5/T1, F25/T4, F50/T20, F50/T1 and F100/T4) yielded positive results. They were further evaluated in order to assess fibrin matrix degradation and homogeneous cell encapsulation (density), survival and proliferation (Ki67), and atresia (TUNEL) before and after 7 days of in vitro culture. To determine the best compromise between maximizing the dynamic density (Y1) and minimizing the apoptosis rate (Y2), we used the desirability function approach. RESULTS Two combinations (F12.5/T1 and F25/T4) showed greater distribution of cells before in vitro culture, reproducible degradation of the fibrin network and adequate support for isolated human ovarian stromal cells, with a high proportion of Ki67-positive cells. SEM analysis revealed a network of fibers with regular pores and healthy stromal cells after in vitro culture with both F/T combinations. CONCLUSION This study reports two optimal F/T combinations that allow survival and proliferation of isolated human ovarian cells. Further studies are required to determine if such a scaffold will also be a suitable environment for isolated ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Luyckx
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Shikanov A, Xu M, Woodruff TK, Shea LD. Interpenetrating fibrin-alginate matrices for in vitro ovarian follicle development. Biomaterials 2009; 30:5476-85. [PMID: 19616843 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In this report, we investigate the fibrin-alginate interpenetrating network (FA-IPN) to provide dynamic cell-responsive mechanical properties, which we apply to the in vitro growth of ovarian follicles. The mechanical properties and polymerization rate of the gels were investigated by rheology, and the fiber structure was imaged by electron microscopy. Using a mouse model, two-layered secondary follicles were encapsulated in FA-IPNs, and growth, morphology, hormone production, fibrin degradation rate and the numbers of competent eggs were assessed. The initial mechanics of the FA-IPN are determined by the composite material, and subsequent degradation of fibrin by the encapsulated cells would produce a material with mechanical properties due to the alginate alone. The rate of meiotically competent oocytes produced by culture in FA-IPN was 82%, which was significantly greater than in alginate alone. This increase in oocyte quality is an important step in identifying 3D culture systems that can provide a fundamental tool to investigate follicle maturation, and may be applied to promote the growth of human follicles, which can be used to provide reproductive options for women facing a cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Shikanov
- Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Wang Z, Shi F, Jiang YQ, Lu LZ, Wang H, Watanabe G, Taya K. Changes of cyclic AMP levels and phosphodiesterase activities in the rat ovary. J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:717-25. [PMID: 17380041 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.18156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a second messenger that plays a critical role in follicular recruitment, development and luteinization in the mammalian ovary. The cellular level of cAMP is largely dependent on the activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE), which degrades cAMP into 5'-AMP. The present study was conducted to investigate the level of cAMP and the activity of cAMP-PDE in postnatal rats; immature rats during gonadotropin-primed follicular development, ovulation and luteinization; adult rats during normal estrous cycling; and aged rats that spontaneously developed persistent estrous (PE) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). All four rat models were confirmed by histological examination of one ovary and assayed using the other ovary by RIA. In the postnatal rats, the ovarian cAMP level was high on day 10 after birth, while ovarian cAMP-PDE activity was highest at 21 days of age. In the immature female rats, both the ovarian cAMP level and cAMP-PDE activity increased remarkably after treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), increased continuously 24 h after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for induction of ovulation and luteinization, and then declined significantly. In the adult rats during the normal estrous cycle, the ovarian cAMP levels were low on the day of estrus, and there were no significant changes in ovarian cAMP-PDE activity throughout the estrous cycle. In the PE rats, the ovarian cAMP levels were similar to those of the adult rats on the day of estrus but were lower than those on the other days of the estrous cycle; ovarian cAMP-PDE activity was lower than that in the adult rats on any day of the estrous cycle. Together, these findings indicate that the ovarian cAMP level and cAMP-PDE activity were regulated in a stage-dependent manner during ovarian follicular development, atresia and luteinization and providing evidences that cAMP and cAMP-specific PDEs are involved in these physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Yeh J, Bowman MJ, Browne RW, Chen N. Reproductive aging results in a reconfigured ovarian antioxidant defense profile in rats. Fertil Steril 2005; 84 Suppl 2:1109-13. [PMID: 16210001 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2004] [Revised: 02/17/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test our hypothesis that reproductive aging changes the ovarian oxidative stress defense profile, in response to prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) during corpus luteum regression, because how a cell or an organ handles reactive oxygen intermediates may be dependent on the biological age of the organism. DESIGN Animal experimentation using rat model of corpus luteum regression. SETTING University reproductive biology laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Control (26-day-old) and 8- to 9-month-old (reproductive aging) rats. INTERVENTION(S) Corpus luteum formation was induced in control and 8- to 9-month-old (reproductive aging) rats with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin followed by human chorionic gonadotropin. Regression was then initiated with PGF2alpha. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Vitamin E, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances were measured. RESULT(S) Ovaries from reproductive aging rats, compared with the control (26-day-old) group, had elevated vitamin E levels at 0, 2, and 24 hours after PGF2alpha. At 2 and 24 hours after PGF2alpha, the aging ovaries had lower glutathione reductase levels. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that the reproductive aging ovary has a transformed oxidative stress defense profile and that this may account for some of the physiological changes found in reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Yeh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14222, USA.
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