1
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Olson SL, Akbar RJ, Gorniak A, Fuhr LI, Borahay MA. Hypoxia in uterine fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic opportunities. OXYGEN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:236-252. [PMID: 38957794 PMCID: PMC11218552 DOI: 10.3390/oxygen4020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in females affecting up to 70% of women world-wide, yet targeted therapeutic options are limited. Oxidative stress has recently surfaced as a key driver of fibroid pathogenesis and provides insights into hypoxia-induced cell transformation, extracellular matrix pathophysiology, hypoxic cell signaling cascades, and uterine biology. Hypoxia drives fibroid tumorigenesis through (1) promoting myometrial stem cell proliferation, (2) causing DNA damage propelling transformation of stem cells to tumor initiating cells, and (3) driving excess extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Common fibroid-associated DNA mutations include MED12 mutations, HMGA2 overexpression, and Fumarate hydratase loss of function. Evidence suggests an interaction between hypoxia signaling and these mutations. Fibroid development and growth are promoted by hypoxia-triggered cell signaling via various pathways including HIF-1, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin. Fibroid-associated hypoxia persists due to antioxidant imbalance, ECM accumulation, and growth beyond adequate vascular supply. Current clinically available fibroid treatments do not take advantage of hypoxia-targeting therapies. Growing pre-clinical and clinical studies identify ROS inhibitors, anti-HIF-1 agents, Wnt/β-catenin inhibition, and TGFβ cascade inhibitors as agents that may reduce fibroid development and growth through targeting hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L. Olson
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Adrianna Gorniak
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Laura I. Fuhr
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mostafa A. Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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2
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Bariani MV, Cui YH, Ali M, Bai T, Grimm SL, Coarfa C, Walker CL, He YY, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. TGFβ signaling links early life endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure to suppression of nucleotide excision repair in rat myometrial stem cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:288. [PMID: 37689587 PMCID: PMC10492698 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04928-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is linked to the development of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women. UFs, non-cancerous tumors, are thought to originate from abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs). Defective DNA repair capacity may contribute to the emergence of mutations that promote tumor growth. The multifunctional cytokine TGFβ1 is associated with UF progression and DNA damage repair pathways. To investigate the impact of EDC exposure on TGFβ1 and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways, we isolated MMSCs from 5-month-old Eker rats exposed neonatally to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an EDC, or to vehicle (VEH). EDC-MMSCs exhibited overactivated TGFβ1 signaling and reduced mRNA and protein levels of NER pathway components compared to VEH-MMSCs. EDC-MMSCs also demonstrated impaired NER capacity. Exposing VEH-MMSCs to TGFβ1 decreased NER capacity while inhibiting TGFβ signaling in EDC-MMSCs restored it. RNA-seq analysis and further validation revealed decreased expression of Uvrag, a tumor suppressor gene involved in DNA damage recognition, in VEH-MMSCs treated with TGFβ1, but increased expression in EDC-MMSCs after TGFβ signaling inhibition. Overall, we demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased genetic instability, arise of mutations, and fibroid tumorigenesis. We demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased fibroid incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan-Hong Cui
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cheryl L Walker
- Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Yang Q, Ali M, Treviño LS, Mas A, Al-Hendy A. Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells by endocrine disruptor linking to risk of uterine fibroids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:274. [PMID: 37650943 PMCID: PMC10471700 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stage, when tissues and organs are growing, is very vulnerable to environmental influences, but it's not clear how exposure during this time causes changes to the epigenome and increases the risk of hormone-related illnesses like uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells (MMSCs), the putative origin from which UFs originate, was investigated in vitro and in the Eker rat model by RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, RRBS, gain/loss of function analysis, and luciferase activity assays. RESULTS When exposed to the endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) diethylstilbestrol during Eker rat development, MMSCs undergo a reprogramming of their estrogen-responsive transcriptome. The reprogrammed genes in MMSCs are known as estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs) and are activated by mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) and DNA hypo-methylation mechanisms. Additionally, we observed a notable elevation in the expression of ERGs in MMSCs from Eker rats exposed to natural steroids after developmental exposure to EDC, thereby augmenting estrogen activity. CONCLUSION Our studies identify epigenetic mechanisms of MLL1/DNA hypo-methylation-mediated MMSC reprogramming. EDC exposure epigenetically targets MMSCs and leads to persistent changes in the expression of a subset of ERGs, imparting a hormonal imprint on the ERGs, resulting in a "hyper-estrogenic" phenotype, and increasing the hormone-dependent risk of UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Lindsey S. Treviño
- Division of Health Equities, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010 USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Aymara Mas
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Avda. Menéndez Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 USA
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4
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Yang Q, Ali M, Treviño LS, Mas A, Ismail N, Al-Hendy A. Epigenetic Modulation of Inflammatory Pathways in Myometrial Stem Cells and Risk of Uterine Fibroids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11641. [PMID: 37511399 PMCID: PMC10380326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The period during which tissue and organ development occurs is particularly vulnerable to the influence of environmental exposures. However, the specific mechanisms through which biological pathways are disrupted in response to developmental insults, consequently elevating the risk of hormone-dependent diseases, such as uterine fibroids (UFs), remain poorly understood. Here, we show that developmental exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), diethylstilbestrol (DES), activates the inflammatory pathways in myometrial stem cells (MMSCs), which are the origin of UFs. Significantly, the secretome of reprogrammed MMSCs enhances the expression of critical inflammation-related genes in differentiated myometrial cells through the paracrine mechanism, which amplifies pro-inflammatory and immune suppression signaling in the myometrium. The expression of reprogrammed inflammatory responsive genes (IRGs) is driven by activated mixed-lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) in MMSCs. The deactivation of MLL reverses the reprogramming of IRG expression. In addition, the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) also reversed the reprogrammed IRG expression induced by EDC exposure. This work identifies the epigenetic mechanisms of MLL1/HDAC-mediated MMSC reprogramming, and EDC exposure epigenetically targets MMSCs and imparts an IRG expression pattern, which may result in a "hyper-inflammatory phenotype" and an increased hormone-dependent risk of UFs later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lindsey S Treviño
- Division of Health Equities, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Aymara Mas
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute Avda, Menéndez Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nahed Ismail
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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5
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Paul EN, Carpenter TJ, Fitch S, Sheridan R, Lau KH, Arora R, Teixeira JM. Cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1 is a novel surface marker for human myometrial stem/progenitor cells. Commun Biol 2023; 6:686. [PMID: 37400623 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myometrial stem/progenitor cells (MyoSPCs) have been proposed as the cells of origin for uterine fibroids, but the identity of the MyoSPC has not been well established. We previously identified SUSD2 as a possible MyoSPC marker, but the relatively poor enrichment in stem cell characteristics of SUSD2+ over SUSD2- cells compelled us to find better markers. We combined bulk RNA-seq of SUSD2+/- cells with single cell RNA-seq to identify markers for MyoSPCs. We observed seven distinct cell clusters within the myometrium, with the vascular myocyte cluster most highly enriched for MyoSPC characteristics and markers. CRIP1 expression was found highly upregulated by both techniques and was used as a marker to sort CRIP1+/PECAM1- cells that were both enriched for colony forming potential and able to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages, suggesting that CRIP1+/PECAM1- cells could be used to better study the etiology of uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Paul
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Tyler J Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Sarah Fitch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Rachael Sheridan
- Flow Cytometry Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Kin H Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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6
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Bariani MV, Cui YH, Ali M, Bai T, Grimm SL, Coarfa C, Walker CL, He YY, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. TGFβ signaling links early-life endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure to suppression of nucleotide excision repair in rat myometrial stem cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3001855. [PMID: 37333266 PMCID: PMC10274956 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3001855/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is linked to the development of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women. UFs, non-cancerous tumors, are thought to originate from abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs). Defective DNA repair capacity may contribute to the emergence of mutations that promote tumor growth. The multifunctional cytokine TGFβ1 is associated with UF progression and DNA damage repair pathways. To investigate the impact of EDC exposure on TGFβ1 and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways, we isolated MMSCs from 5-months old Eker rats exposed neonatally to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), an EDC, or to vehicle (VEH). EDC-MMSCs exhibited overactivated TGFβ1 signaling and reduced mRNA and protein levels of NER pathway components compared to VEH-MMSCs. EDC-MMSCs also demonstrated impaired NER capacity. Exposing VEH-MMSCs to TGFβ1 decreased NER capacity while inhibiting TGFβ signaling in EDC-MMSCs restored it. RNA-seq analysis and further validation revealed decreased expression of Uvrag, a tumor suppressor gene involved in DNA damage recognition, in VEH-MMSCs treated with TGFβ1, but increased expression in EDC-MMSCs after TGFβ signaling inhibition. Overall, we demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early-life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased genetic instability, arise of mutations, and fibroid tumorigenesis. We demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early-life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased fibroid incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- University of Chicago Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Tao Bai
- University of Chicago Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | | | | | | | - Yu-Ying He
- University of Chicago Department of Medicine
| | - Qiwei Yang
- University of Chicago Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- University of Chicago Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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7
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Paul EN, Carpenter TJ, Fitch S, Sheridan R, Lau KH, Arora R, Teixeira JM. Cysteine-Rich Intestinal Protein 1 is a Novel Surface Marker for Myometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.20.529273. [PMID: 36993447 PMCID: PMC10054937 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.20.529273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Myometrial stem/progenitor cells (MyoSPCs) have been proposed as the cells of origin for uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors that develop in the myometrium of most reproductive age women, but the identity of the MyoSPC has not been well established. We previously identified SUSD2 as a possible MyoSPC marker, but the relatively poor enrichment in stem cell characteristics of SUSD2+ over SUSD2- cells compelled us to find better discerning markers for more rigorous downstream analyses. We combined bulk RNA-seq of SUSD2+/- cells with single cell RNA-seq to identify markers capable of further enriching for MyoSPCs. We observed seven distinct cell clusters within the myometrium, with the vascular myocyte cluster most highly enriched for MyoSPC characteristics and markers, including SUSD2. CRIP1 expression was found highly upregulated in both techniques and was used as a marker to sort CRIP1+/PECAM1- cells that were both enriched for colony forming potential and able to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages, suggesting that CRIP1+/PECAM1- cells could be used to better study the etiology of uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N. Paul
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tyler J. Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sarah Fitch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Rachael Sheridan
- Flow Cytometry Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Kin H. Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jose M. Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA
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8
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A View on Uterine Leiomyoma Genesis through the Prism of Genetic, Epigenetic and Cellular Heterogeneity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065752. [PMID: 36982825 PMCID: PMC10056617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (ULs), frequent benign tumours of the female reproductive tract, are associated with a range of symptoms and significant morbidity. Despite extensive research, there is no consensus on essential points of UL initiation and development. The main reason for this is a pronounced inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity resulting from diverse and complicated mechanisms underlying UL pathobiology. In this review, we comprehensively analyse risk and protective factors for UL development, UL cellular composition, hormonal and paracrine signalling, epigenetic regulation and genetic abnormalities. We conclude the need to carefully update the concept of UL genesis in light of the current data. Staying within the framework of the existing hypotheses, we introduce a possible timeline for UL development and the associated key events—from potential prerequisites to the beginning of UL formation and the onset of driver and passenger changes.
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9
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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10
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Elkafas H, Badary O, Elmorsy E, Kamel R, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Vitamin D Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids. JOURNAL OF ADVANCED PHARMACY RESEARCH 2021; 5:260-275. [PMID: 34746367 DOI: 10.21608/aprh.2021.66748.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most prevalent gynecologic neoplasm, affecting 70-80% of women over their lifespan. Although UFs are benign they can become life-threatening and require invasive surgeries such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Notwithstanding the significant negative influence UFs have on female reproductive health, very little is known about early events that initiate tumor development. Several risk factors for UFs have been identified including vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficiency, and environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs have come under scrutiny recently due to their role in UF development. Epidemiologic studies have found an association between increased risk for early UF diagnosis and in utero EDC exposure. Environmental exposure to EDCs during uterine development increases UF incidence in a UF animal model. Notably, several studies demonstrated that abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs) are the cell origin for UFs development. Our recent studies demonstrated that early-life EDC exposure reprogrammed the MMSCs toward a pro-fibroid landscape and altered the DNA repair and inflammation pathways. Notably, Vitamin D3 (VITD3) as a natural compound shrank the UF growth concomitantly with the reversion of several abnormal biological pathways and ameliorated the developmental exposure-induced DNA damage and pro-inflammation pathway in primed MMSCs. This review highlights and emphasizes the importance of multiple pathway interactions in the context of hypovitaminosis D at the MMSCs level and provides proof-of-concept information that can help develop a safe, long-term, durable, and non-surgical therapeutic option for UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) formally, (NODCAR), Cairo 35521, Egypt.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Osama Badary
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Engy Elmorsy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Rehab Kamel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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11
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Kuisma H, Bramante S, Rajamäki K, Sipilä LJ, Kaasinen E, Kaukomaa J, Palin K, Mäkinen N, Sjöberg J, Sarvilinna N, Taipale J, Kauppi L, Tumiati M, Hassinen A, Pitkäniemi J, Jalkanen J, Heikkinen S, Pasanen A, Heikinheimo O, Bützow R, Välimäki N, Aaltonen LA. Parity associates with chromosomal damage in uterine leiomyomas. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5448. [PMID: 34521855 PMCID: PMC8440576 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25806-x] [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: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces in a constrained cellular environment were recently established as a facilitator of chromosomal damage. Whether this could contribute to tumorigenesis is not known. Uterine leiomyomas are common neoplasms that display relatively few chromosomal aberrations. We hypothesized that if mechanical forces contribute to chromosomal damage, signs of this could be seen in uterine leiomyomas from parous women. We examined the karyotypes of 1946 tumors, and found a striking overrepresentation of chromosomal damage associated with parity. We then subjected myometrial cells to physiological forces similar to those encountered during pregnancy, and found this to cause DNA breaks and a DNA repair response. While mechanical forces acting in constrained cellular environments may thus contribute to neoplastic degeneration, and genesis of uterine leiomyoma, further studies are needed to prove possible causality of the observed association. No evidence for progression to malignancy was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Kuisma
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simona Bramante
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Rajamäki
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri J Sipilä
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eevi Kaasinen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Kaukomaa
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Palin
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Netta Mäkinen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Sjöberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nanna Sarvilinna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Systems Oncology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Taipale
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Systems Oncology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Tumiati
- Systems Oncology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Hassinen
- FIMM-HCA, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Pitkäniemi
- Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki Jalkanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sanna Heikkinen
- Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annukka Pasanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oskari Heikinheimo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ralf Bützow
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niko Välimäki
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri A Aaltonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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12
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El Sabeh M, Saha SK, Afrin S, Islam MS, Borahay MA. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in uterine leiomyoma: role in tumor biology and targeting opportunities. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3513-3536. [PMID: 33999334 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma is the most common tumor of the female reproductive system and originates from a single transformed myometrial smooth muscle cell. Despite the immense medical, psychosocial, and financial impact, the exact underlying mechanisms of leiomyoma pathobiology are poorly understood. Alterations of signaling pathways are thought to be instrumental in leiomyoma biology. Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to be involved in several aspects of the genesis of leiomyomas. For example, Wnt5b is overexpressed in leiomyoma, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to mediate the role of MED12 mutations, the most common mutations in leiomyoma, in tumorigenesis. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a paracrine role where estrogen/progesterone treatment of mature myometrial or leiomyoma cells leads to increased expression of Wnt11 and Wnt16, which induces proliferation of leiomyoma stem cells and tumor growth. Constitutive activation of β-catenin leads to myometrial hyperplasia and leiomyoma-like lesions in animal models. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is also closely involved in mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix regulation and relevant alterations in leiomyoma, and crosstalk is noted between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and other pathways known to regulate leiomyoma development and growth such as estrogen, progesterone, TGFβ, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, IGF, Hippo, and Notch signaling. Finally, evidence suggests that inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway using β-catenin inhibitors inhibits leiomyoma cell proliferation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of leiomyoma development is essential for effective treatment. The specific Wnt/β-catenin pathway molecules discussed in this review constitute compelling candidates for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak El Sabeh
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Md Soriful Islam
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Uterine Stem Cells and Benign Gynecological Disorders: Role in Pathobiology and Therapeutic Implications. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:803-820. [PMID: 33155150 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells in the endometrium and myometrium possess an immense regenerative potential which is necessary to maintain the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. These cells, as well as bone marrow stem cells, have also been implicated in the development of common benign gynecological disorders including leiomyomas, endometriosis and adenomyosis. Current evidence suggests the conversion of uterine stem cells to tumor initiating stem cells in leiomyomas, endometriosis stem cells, and adenomyosis stem cells, acquiring genetic and epigenetic alterations for the progression of each benign condition. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize the progress that has been made to characterize the involvement of stem cells in the pathogenesis of benign gynecologic conditions which, despite their enormous burden, are not yet fully understood. We focus on the stem cell characteristics and aberrations that contribute to the development of benign gynecological disorders and the possible clinical implications of what is known so far. Lastly, we discuss the role of uterine stem cells in the setting of regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of Asherman syndrome.Graphical abstract.
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Patterson AL, George JW, Chatterjee A, Carpenter TJ, Wolfrum E, Chesla DW, Teixeira JM. Putative human myometrial and fibroid stem-like cells have mesenchymal stem cell and endometrial stromal cell properties. Hum Reprod 2020; 35:44-57. [PMID: 31913469 PMCID: PMC6993861 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can endometrial stromal stem/progenitor cell markers, SUSD2 and CD146/CD140b, enrich for human myometrial and fibroid stem/progenitor cells? SUMMARY ANSWER SUSD2 enriches for myometrial and fibroid cells that have mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics and can also be induced to decidualise. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mesenchymal stem-like cells have been separately characterised in the endometrial stroma and myometrium and may contribute to diseases in their respective tissues. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Normal myometrium, fibroids and endometrium were collected from hysterectomies with informed consent. Primary cells or tissues were used from at least three patient samples for each experiment. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to characterise tissues. In vitro colony formation in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, MSC lineage differentiation (osteogenic and adipogenic) and decidualisation were used to assess stem cell activity. Xenotransplantation into immunocompromised mice was used to determine in vivo stem-like activity. Endpoint measures included quantitative PCR, colony formation, trichrome, Oil Red O and alkaline phosphatase activity staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CD146+CD140b+ and/or SUSD2+ myometrial and fibroid cells were located in the perivascular region and formed more colonies in vitro compared to control cells and differentiated down adipogenic and osteogenic mesenchymal lineages in vitro. SUSD2+ myometrial cells had greater in vitro decidualisation potential, and SUSD2+ fibroid cells formed larger tumours in vivo compared to control cells. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Markers used in this study enrich for cells with stem/progenitor cell activity; however, they do not distinguish stem from progenitor cells. SUSD2+ myometrial cells express markers of decidualisation when treated in vitro, but in vivo assays are needed to fully demonstration their ability to decidualise. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results suggest a possible common MSC for the endometrial stroma and myometrium, which could be the tumour-initiating cell for uterine fibroids. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) These studies were supported by NIH grants to JMT (R01OD012206) and to ALP (F32HD081856). The authors certify that we have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patterson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Division of Animal Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Anindita Chatterjee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Tyler J Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Emily Wolfrum
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - David W Chesla
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Office of Research, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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George JW, Fan H, Johnson B, Carpenter TJ, Foy KK, Chatterjee A, Patterson AL, Koeman J, Adams M, Madaj ZB, Chesla D, Marsh EE, Triche TJ, Shen H, Teixeira JM. Integrated Epigenome, Exome, and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Molecular Subtypes and Homeotic Transformation in Uterine Fibroids. Cell Rep 2019; 29:4069-4085.e6. [PMID: 31851934 PMCID: PMC6956710 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign myometrial smooth muscle tumors of unknown etiology that, when symptomatic, are the most common indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Unsupervised clustering of results from DNA methylation analyses segregates normal myometrium from fibroids and further segregates the fibroids into subtypes characterized by MED12 mutation or activation of either HMGA2 or HMGA1 expression. Upregulation of HMGA2 expression does not always appear to be dependent on translocation but is associated with hypomethylation in the HMGA2 gene body. HOXA13 expression is upregulated in fibroids and correlates with expression of typical uterine fibroid genes. Significant overlap of differentially expressed genes is observed between cervical stroma and uterine fibroids compared with normal myometrium. These analyses show a possible role of DNA methylation in fibroid biology and suggest that homeotic transformation of myometrial cells to a more cervical stroma phenotype could be an important mechanism for etiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitu Wilson George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Huihui Fan
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin Johnson
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Tyler James Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Anindita Chatterjee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Amanda Lynn Patterson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Julie Koeman
- Genomics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marie Adams
- Genomics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Zachary Brian Madaj
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - David Chesla
- Spectrum Health Universal Biorepository, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Erica Elizabeth Marsh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Hui Shen
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Jose Manuel Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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16
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Santamaria X, Mas A, Cervelló I, Taylor H, Simon C. Uterine stem cells: from basic research to advanced cell therapies. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 24:673-693. [PMID: 30239705 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell research in the endometrium and myometrium from animal models and humans has led to the identification of endometrial/myometrial stem cells and their niches. This basic knowledge is beginning to be translated to clinical use for incurable uterine pathologies. Additionally, the implication of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) in uterine physiology has opened the field for the exploration of an exogenous and autologous source of stem cells. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we outline the progress of endometrial and myometrial stem/progenitor cells in both human and mouse models from their characterization to their clinical application, indicating roles in Asherman syndrome, atrophic endometrium and tissue engineering, among others. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar up to December 2017 was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature related to the contribution of bone marrow, endometrial and myometrial stem cells to potential physiological regeneration as well as their implications in pathologies of the human uterus. OUTCOMES The discovery and main characteristics of stem cells in the murine and human endometrium and myometrium are presented together with the relevance of their niches and cross-regulation. The current state of advanced stem cell therapy using BMDSCs in the treatment of Asherman syndrome and atrophic endometrium is analyzed. In the myometrium, the understanding of genetic and epigenetic defects that result in the development of tumor-initiating cells in the myometrial stem niche and thus contribute to the growth of uterine leiomyoma is also presented. Finally, recent advances in tissue engineering based on the creation of novel three-dimensional scaffolds or decellularisation open up new perspectives for the field of uterine transplantation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS More than a decade after their discovery, the knowledge of uterine stem cells and their niches is crystalising into novel therapeutic approaches aiming to treat with cells those conditions that cannot be cured with drugs, particularly the currently incurable uterine pathologies. Additional work and improvements are needed, but the basis has been formed for this therapeutic application of uterine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Santamaria
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Igenomix Academy, Paterna (Valencia), Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Department, IVI Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aymara Mas
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Igenomix Academy, Paterna (Valencia), Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), and Instituto Universitario IVI/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Hugh Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carlos Simon
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Igenomix Academy, Paterna (Valencia), Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Valencia University and INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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17
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Patterson AL, George JW, Chatterjee A, Carpenter T, Wolfrum E, Pru JK, Teixeira JM. Label-Retaining, Putative Mesenchymal Stem Cells Contribute to Murine Myometrial Repair During Uterine Involution. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1715-1728. [PMID: 30328770 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine remodeling during pregnancy is a fundamental, dynamic process required for successful propagation of eutherian species. The uterus can increase in size up to 40-fold during pregnancy, which is largely attributed to expansion of the myometrium by hyperplasia and hypertrophy. After pregnancy, the uterus repairs the remodeled or "damaged" tissue during uterine involution (INV). Little is known about this repair process, particularly the role of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize putative mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells in the murine myometrium using a combination of label retention and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker expression and a pregnancy and uterine INV model. Tet-off transgenic mice with the Cre-lox system were used to specifically label mesenchymal cells (ie, myometrial and endometrial stromal cells) within the uterus while avoiding other cell types (eg, epithelial, immune, and endothelial cells) to identify slowly dividing cells and assess their stem cell qualities. We identified myometrial label-retaining cells (LRCs) that persisted for at least 3 months, expressed CD146 and CD140b (MSC markers), and proliferated at a higher rate during uterine INV compared with nonlabeled cells. The LRCs did not appear to express either estrogen receptor alpha or progesterone receptor, nor did the number of LRCs change at different estrous stages or in response to exogenous estradiol or progesterone administration, suggesting that LRCs were not involved in normal estrous cycling. The results from this study provide important insight into putative stem/progenitor cells in the myometrium and their possible role in uterine physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patterson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Jitu W George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Anindita Chatterjee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Tyler Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Emily Wolfrum
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - James K Pru
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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18
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Prusinski Fernung LE, Al-Hendy A, Yang Q. A Preliminary Study: Human Fibroid Stro-1 +/CD44 + Stem Cells Isolated From Uterine Fibroids Demonstrate Decreased DNA Repair and Genomic Integrity Compared to Adjacent Myometrial Stro-1 +/CD44 + Cells. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:619-638. [PMID: 29954254 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118783252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although uterine fibroids (UFs) continue to place a major burden on female reproductive health, the mechanisms behind their origin remain undetermined. Normal myometrial stem cells may be transformed into tumor-initiating stem cells, causing UFs, due to unknown causes of somatic mutations in MED12, found in up to 85% of sporadically formed UFs. It is well established in other tumor types that defective DNA repair increases the risk of such tumorigenic somatic mutations, mechanisms not yet studied in UFs. OBJECTIVE To examine the putative cause(s) of this stem cell transformation, we analyzed DNA repair within stem cells from human UFs compared to those from adjacent myometrium to determine whether DNA repair in fibroid stem cells is compromised. DESIGN Human fibroid (F) and adjacent myometrial (Myo) stem cells were isolated from fresh tissues, and gene expression relating to DNA repair was analyzed. Fibroid stem cells differentially expressed DNA repair genes related to DNA double- (DSBs) and single-strand breaks. DNA damage was measured using alkaline comet assay. Additionally, DNA DSBs were induced in these stem cells and DNA DSB repair evaluated (1) by determining changes in phosphorylation of DNA DSB-related proteins and (2) by determining differences in γ-H2AX foci formation and relative DNA repair protein RAD50 expression. RESULTS Overall, F stem cells demonstrated increased DNA damage and altered DNA repair gene expression and signaling, suggesting that human F stem cells demonstrate impaired DNA repair. CONCLUSIONS Compromised F stem cell DNA repair may contribute to further mutagenesis and, consequently, further growth and propagation of UF tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Prusinski Fernung
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiwei Yang
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Chronic Inflammation May Enhance Leiomyoma Development by the Involvement of Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:1716246. [PMID: 29861738 PMCID: PMC5971255 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1716246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology of leiomyoma is unclear, a progenitor/undifferentiated cell population has been described whose dysregulation may be involved in the onset of uterine conditions. Moreover, inflammation is involved in the development of several tumors. The aim of this work was to understand if progenitor cells sustain a chronic inflammatory microenvironment that enhances leiomyoma development. Cells from 12 human leiomyoma and 12 normal myometrium samples of the same patients were in vitro isolated and exhaustively characterized (morphology, proliferation, cytofluorometry, differentiation, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting assays). Selected cytokines (ELISA) and inflammation-related genes (RT-PCR) were analyzed to identify healthy myometrium progenitor cells (MPCs) and leiomyoma progenitor cells (LPCs). Results show that (i) MPCs and LPCs share stemness features, such as immunophenotype and multidifferentiation assay, (ii) LPCs have a significantly shorter doubling time and a significantly higher expression of stemness genes (p < 0.05), and (iii) LPCs secreted significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of cytokines related to chronic inflammation and significantly lower amounts (p < 0.05) of cytokines related to acute inflammation. Despite the limited sample size, comparisons between leiomyoma and normal myometrium tissue from each patient allowed normalization of patient-specific differences. The evidenced cytokine expression pattern related to chronic inflammation in LPCs may play a role in the increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes (infertility, spontaneous miscarriage, and preterm birth) in women affected by leiomyomas. These women should be recognized as “high risk” and subjected to specialized management both before and during pregnancy.
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20
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Islam MS, Akhtar MM, Segars JH, Castellucci M, Ciarmela P. Molecular targets of dietary phytochemicals for possible prevention and therapy of uterine fibroids: Focus on fibrosis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 57:3583-3600. [PMID: 28609115 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1245649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (myomas or leiomyomas) are common benign tumors of reproductive aged women. Fibroids are clinically apparent in 20-50% of women, and cause abnormal uterine bleeding, abdominal pain and discomfort, pregnancy complications and infertility. Unfortunately, limited numbers of medical treatment are available but no effective preventive strategies exist. Moreover, the benefits of medical treatments are tempered by lack of efficacy or serious adverse side effects. Fibrosis has recently been recognized as a key pathological event in leiomyoma development and growth. It is defined by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM plays important role in making bulk structure of leiomyoma, and ECM-rich rigid structure is believed to be a cause of abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain/pressure. Dietary phytochemicals are known to regulate fibrotic process in different biological systems, and being considered as potential tool to manage human health. At present, very few dietary phytochemicals have been studied in uterine leiomyoma, and they are mostly known for their antiproliferative effects. Therefore, in this review, our aim was to introduce some dietary phytochemicals that could target fibrotic processes in leiomyoma. Thus, this review could serve as useful resource to develop antifibrotic drugs for possible prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Soriful Islam
- a Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy.,b Biotechnology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany , University of Rajshahi , Rajshahi , Bangladesh
| | - Most Mauluda Akhtar
- a Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy.,c Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy
| | - James H Segars
- d Howard W. and Georgeanna Seegar Jones Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Mario Castellucci
- a Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- a Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy.,e Department of Information Engineering , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy
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21
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Mas A, Stone L, O'Connor PM, Yang Q, Kleven D, Simon C, Walker CL, Al-Hendy A. Developmental Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors Expands Murine Myometrial Stem Cell Compartment as a Prerequisite to Leiomyoma Tumorigenesis. Stem Cells 2016; 35:666-678. [PMID: 27739139 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence and major negative impact of uterine fibroids (UFs) on women's health, their pathogenesis remains largely unknown. While tumor-initiating cells have been previously isolated from UFs, the cell of origin for these tumors in normal myometrium has not been identified. We isolated cells with Stro1/CD44 surface markers from normal myometrium expressing stem cell markers Oct-4/c-kit/nanog that exhibited the properties of myometrial stem/progenitor-like cells (MSCs). Using a murine model for UFs, we showed that the cervix was a hypoxic "niche" and primary site (96%) for fibroid development in these animals. The pool size of these MSCs also responded to environmental cues, contracting with age and expanding in response to developmental environmental exposures that promote fibroid development. Translating these findings to women, the number of MSCs in unaffected human myometrium correlated with risk for developing UFs. Caucasian (CC) women with fibroids had increased numbers of MSCs relative to CC women without fibroids, and African-American (AA) women at highest risk for these tumors had the highest number of MSCs: AA-with fibroids > CC-with fibroids > AA-without fibroids > CC-without fibroids. These data identify Stro1+ /CD44+ MSCs as MSC/progenitor cell for UFs, and a target for ethnic and environmental factors that increase UF risk. Stem Cells 2017;35:666-678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymara Mas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leyland Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul M O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Kleven
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carlos Simon
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valencia University, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cheryl L Walker
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Katz TA, Yang Q, Treviño LS, Walker CL, Al-Hendy A. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:967-77. [PMID: 27553264 PMCID: PMC5051569 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most frequent gynecologic tumor, affecting 70% to 80% of women over their lifetime. Although these tumors are benign, they can cause significant morbidity and may require invasive treatments such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Many risk factors for these tumors have been identified, including environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as genistein and diethylstilbestrol. Uterine development may be a particularly sensitive window to environmental exposures, as some perinatal EDC exposures have been shown to increase tumorigenesis in both rodent models and human epidemiologic studies. The mechanisms by which EDC exposures may increase tumorigenesis are still being elucidated, but epigenetic reprogramming of the developing uterus is an emerging hypothesis. Given the remarkably high incidence of uterine fibroids and their significant impact on women's health, understanding more about how prenatal exposures to EDCs (and other environmental agents) may increase fibroid risk could be key to developing prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Katz
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lindsey S Treviño
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Cheryl Lyn Walker
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Guan Y, Guo L, Zukerberg L, Rueda BR, Styer AK. MicroRNA-15b regulates reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression in human uterine leiomyoma. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:45. [PMID: 27530410 PMCID: PMC4988044 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human uterine leiomyoma (fibroids; LYO) are the most common benign neoplasms in reproductive-aged women. Dysregulated extracellular matrix and irregular LYO reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression are thought to be mediated by aberrant microRNA (miR) expression. The relationship of miR-15b and RECK expression in LYO has not been studied. METHODS The expression levels of miR-15b and RECK were determined by quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry in cultures derived from commercial primary leiomyoma (cpLYO) and myometrial (cpMYO) cell lines and leiomyoma (pLYO) and myometrium (pMYO) tissue from surgical samples respectively. The relationship between miR-15b and RECK expression in cpLYO and pLYO (compared to their respective myometrial controls) was evaluated following transfection of cell cultures with either miR-15b mimic or inhibitor. RESULTS Elevated levels of miR-15b were observed in cpLYO (2.82-fold; p = 0.04) and pLYO cell (1.30-fold; p = 0.0001) cultures respectively compared to corresponding MYO cell controls. Following transfection with miR-15b mimic, cpLYO cells (0.62-fold; p < 0.0001) and pLYO cells (0.68-fold; p < 0.0001) demonstrated reduced RECK protein expression. Following transfection with miR-15b inhibitor, cpLYO cells (1.20-fold; p < 0.0001) and pLYO cells (1.31-fold; p = 0.0007) demonstrated elevated RECK protein expression. RECK protein expression was reduced in pLYO tissues (0.73-fold; p < 0.0001) and pLYO (0.47-fold; p = 0.047) cells when compared to the corresponding MYO tissue controls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that miR-15b negatively regulates RECK expression in LYO, and increased miR-15b and decreased RECK expression may contribute to the pathobiology of LYO. The functional significance of miR-15b and RECK expression warrants further investigation as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of human LYO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan Province China
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Their 9, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Lankai Guo
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Their 9, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Lawrence Zukerberg
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Bo R. Rueda
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Their 9, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Aaron K. Styer
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Their 9, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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24
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Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Zhao D, Cann L, Bittinger S, Nowell CJ, Rogers PAW. Differences in the cellular composition of small versus large uterine fibroids. Reproduction 2016; 152:467-80. [PMID: 27528771 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are clonally derived from a single cell; however, despite being monoclonal, the cellular phenotypes that make up uterine fibroids are heterogeneous consisting of predominantly smooth muscle cells (SMC) and fibroblasts. This raises the question as to when clonal cell differentiation occurs during fibroid development, and does this information provide clues about possible mechanisms regulating the growth process that leads to fibroids of symptom-causing size? This study investigated the differences in the cellular composition of fibroids by immunohistochemistry (IHC). A tissue microarray (n = 21 hysterectomy cases) was used for the investigation of large uterine fibroids and normal myometrium. An investigation of small fibroids (≤ 5mm) used a separate group of samples (n = 7 hysterectomy cases, total of n = 17 fibroids). A panel of cell phenotypic markers was selected based on our previous in situ investigations and included aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1) and vimentin for different fibroblast sub-populations, smooth muscle actin (SMA) as a marker for SMCs, CD31 for endothelial cells and CD45 for leucocytes. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was also studied to identify proliferating cells. The cellular composition of small fibroids differs significantly from large fibroids. Small fibroids are more cellular (increased cells/mm(2)) than large fibroids, have more blood vessels and also have a higher ratio of SMC to fibroblasts than large fibroids. Large fibroids have more cell proliferation (measured by PCNA) and fewer leucocytes (measured by CD45) than adjacent myometrium, whereas small fibroids are less proliferative and have similar number of leucocytes to myometrium. Different cellular composition between fibroids of different sizes may provide important clues as to the mechanisms that drive fibroid growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic SurgeryShanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Leonie Cann
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Bittinger
- Department of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter A W Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne, Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Endocrinology of uterine fibroids: steroid hormones, stem cells, and genetic contribution. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2016; 27:276-83. [PMID: 26107781 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Uterine fibroids are extremely common, and can cause significant morbidity, yet the exact cause of these tumors remains elusive and there are currently no long-term treatments available. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of steroid hormones, genetic abnormalities, and stem cells in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. RECENT FINDINGS A universal feature of fibroids is responsiveness to estrogen and progesterone, and most of the currently available therapies exploit this characteristic. Ulipristal acetate has recently shown particular promise for providing long-term relief from uterine fibroids. Additionally, fibroid stem cells were isolated and appear to be necessary for growth. The recent discovery of somatic mutations involving mediator subunit complex 12 (MED12) or high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) in the majority of fibroids and the links to their pathophysiology were also significant advances. SUMMARY The recent shift in focus from hormones to fibroid stem cells and genetic aberrations should lead not only to a deeper understanding of the specific cause of fibroids, but also to the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Targeting the products of genetic mutations or fibroid stem cells has the potential to achieve both better control of current tumors and the prevention of new fibroids.
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26
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Yang Q, Diamond MP, Al-Hendy A. Converting of Myometrial Stem Cells to Tumor-Initiating Cells: Mechanism of Uterine Fibroid Development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2. [PMID: 28042616 PMCID: PMC5199021 DOI: 10.16966/2472-6990.e103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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27
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Ando K, Fujino N, Mitani K, Ota C, Okada Y, Kondo T, Mizobuchi T, Kurihara M, Suzuki K, Hoshika Y, Ebana H, Kobayashi E, Takahashi K, Kubo H, Seyama K. Isolation of individual cellular components from lung tissues of patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 310:L899-908. [PMID: 27016587 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00365.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare neoplastic disease entailing cystic destruction of the lungs and progressive respiratory failure. LAM lungs are histologically characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells (LAM cells) and an abundance of lymphatic vessels. To elucidate the pathophysiological processes of LAM, cell-type-specific analyses are required. However, no method exists for isolating the individual types of cells in LAM lesions. Therefore, we established a fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based method for the direct isolation of LAM cells and other various cellular components from LAM-affected lung tissue. We obtained LAM-affected lung tissue from resections or transplant recipients and prepared single-cell suspensions. FACS, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis were used cooperatively to isolate HMB45-positive LAM cells with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 2 loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Using a combination of antibodies against an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and podoplanin, we fractionated CD45-negative lung cells into three groups: lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) (EpCAM(-)/podoplanin(hi) subset), alveolar type II cells (EpCAM(hi)/podoplanin(-) subset), and mesenchymal cells (EpCAM(-)/podoplanin(-/low) subset). During subsequent analysis of HMB45 expression, as a LAM-specific marker, we clearly identified LAM cells in the mesenchymal cell population. We then discovered that CD90(+)/CD34(-) cells in the mesenchymal cell population are not only positive for HBM45 but also had TSC2 LOH. These isolated cells were viable and subsequently amenable to cell culture. This method enables us to isolate LAM cells and other cellular components, including LAM-associated LEC, from LAM-affected lung tissues, providing new research opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsutoshi Ando
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Naoya Fujino
- Department of Advanced Preventive Medicine for Infectious Disease, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Mitani
- Division of Human Pathology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiharu Ota
- Department of Advanced Preventive Medicine for Infectious Disease, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Okada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takashi Kondo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Teruaki Mizobuchi
- Pneumothorax Research Center and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nissan Tamagawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; and
| | - Masatoshi Kurihara
- Pneumothorax Research Center and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Nissan Tamagawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; and
| | - Kenji Suzuki
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshito Hoshika
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ebana
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuko Kobayashi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kubo
- Department of Advanced Preventive Medicine for Infectious Disease, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Seyama
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Yang Q, Mas A, Diamond MP, Al-Hendy A. The Mechanism and Function of Epigenetics in Uterine Leiomyoma Development. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:163-75. [PMID: 25922306 PMCID: PMC5933172 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115584449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids, are the most common pelvic tumors, occurring in nearly 70% of all reproductive-aged women and are the leading indication for hysterectomy worldwide. The development of uterine leiomyomas involve a complex and heterogeneous constellation of hormones, growth factors, stem cells, genetic, and epigenetic abnormalities. An increasing body of evidence emphasizes the important contribution of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas. Genome-wide methylation analysis demonstrates that a subset of estrogen receptor (ER) response genes exhibit abnormal hypermethylation levels that are inversely correlated with their RNA expression. Several tumor suppressor genes, including Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11), deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 (DLEC1), keratin 19 (KRT19), and death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) also display higher hypermethylation levels in leiomyomas when compared to adjacent normal tissues. The important role of active DNA demethylation was recently identified with regard to the ten-eleven translocation protein 1 and ten-eleven translocation protein 3-mediated elevated levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in leiomyoma. In addition, both histone deacetylase and histone methyltransferase are reported to be involved in the biology of leiomyomas. A number of deregulated microRNAs have been identified in leiomyomas, leading to an altered expression of their targets. More recently, the existence of side population (SP) cells with characteristics of tumor-initiating cells have been characterized in leiomyomas. These SP cells exhibit a tumorigenic capacity in immunodeficient mice when exposed to 17β-estradiol and progesterone, giving rise to fibroid-like tissue in vivo. These new findings will likely enhance our understanding of the crucial role epigenetics plays in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas as well as point the way to novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Aymara Mas
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Division of Translation Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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29
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Living scaffolds: surgical repair using scaffolds seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells. Hernia 2015; 20:161-70. [PMID: 26545361 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-015-1415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biological scaffold used surgically for tissue repair. Here, we demonstrate a model of SIS as a scaffold for human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro and apply it in vivo in a rat ventral hernia repair model. STUDY DESIGN ASCs adherence was examined by confocal microscopy and proliferation rate was measured by growth curves. Multipotency of ASCs seeded onto SIS was tested using adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic induction media. For in vivo testing, midline abdominal musculofascial and peritoneal defects were created in Sprague-Dawley rats. Samples were evaluated for tensile strength, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS All test groups showed cell adherence and proliferation on SIS. Fibronectin-treated scaffolds retained more cells than those treated with vehicle alone (p < 0.05). Fresh stromal vascular fraction (SVF) pellets containing ASCs were injected onto the SIS scaffold and showed similar results to cultured ASCs. Maintenance of multipotency on SIS was confirmed by lineage-specific markers and dyes. Histopathology revealed neovascularization and cell influx to ASC-seeded SIS samples following animal implantation. ASC-seeded SIS appeared to offer a stronger repair than plain SIS, but these results were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemistry showed continued presence of cells of human origin in ASC-seeded repairs at 1 month postoperation. CONCLUSION Pretreatment of the scaffold with fibronectin offers a method to increase cell adhesion and delivery. ASCs maintain their immunophenotype and ability to differentiate while on SIS. Seeding freshly isolated SVF onto the scaffold demonstrated that minimally manipulated cells may be useful for perioperative surgical applications within the OR suite. We have shown that this model for a "living mesh" can be successfully used in abdominal wall reconstruction.
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Guo J, Zheng L, Chen L, Luo N, Yang W, Qu X, Liu M, Cheng Z. Lipopolysaccharide activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway of fibroblasts from uterine fibroids. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:10014-10025. [PMID: 26617709 PMCID: PMC4637524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UF) are the most common benign tumor of the female reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to explore the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway on stromal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of UF. Here, TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was more activated in UF, and UF cells (UFC) and UF derived fibroblasts (TAF) than in smooth muscle tissues, smooth muscle cell (SMC) and myometrial fibroblasts (fib) respectively. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the activity of fib was enhanced, characterized by the increased expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and increased secretion of collagen I and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Moreover, TLR4 inhibitor (VIPER) and siTLR4 can represses LPS-activated fibroblasts and TLR4/NF-κB signaling transduction pathways in fib and UFC cells. Co-cultured with LPS-activated fibroblast enhanced fibroblast activation and TLR4/NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, LPS treatment activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway on fibroblasts, which may involve in the development of UF. Our study indicated reproductive tract infection may be associated with fibroid pathogenesis through TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Targeting NF-κB with inhibitors may hold promises of treating uterine fibroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Weihong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Mingmin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghai, China
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31
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Ono M, Kajitani T, Uchida H, Arase T, Oda H, Uchida S, Ota K, Nagashima T, Masuda H, Miyazaki K, Asada H, Hida N, Mabuchi Y, Morikawa S, Ito M, Bulun SE, Okano H, Matsuzaki Y, Yoshimura Y, Maruyama T. CD34 and CD49f Double-Positive and Lineage Marker-Negative Cells Isolated from Human Myometrium Exhibit Stem Cell-Like Properties Involved in Pregnancy-Induced Uterine Remodeling. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:37. [PMID: 26108791 PMCID: PMC6058739 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeated and dramatic pregnancy-induced uterine enlargement and remodeling throughout reproductive life suggests the existence of uterine smooth muscle stem/progenitor cells. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize stem/progenitor-like cells from human myometrium through identification of specific surface markers. We here identify CD49f and CD34 as markers to permit selection of the stem/progenitor cell-like population from human myometrium and show that human CD45(-) CD31(-) glycophorin A(-) and CD49f(+) CD34(+) myometrial cells exhibit stem cell-like properties. These include side population phenotypes, an undifferentiated status, high colony-forming ability, multilineage differentiation into smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, and in vivo myometrial tissue reconstitution following xenotransplantation. Furthermore, CD45(-) CD31(-) glycophorin A(-) and CD49f(+) CD34(+) myometrial cells proliferate under hypoxic conditions in vitro and, compared with the untreated nonpregnant myometrium, show greater expansion in the estrogen-treated nonpregnant myometrium and further in the pregnant myometrium in mice upon xenotransplantation. These results suggest that the newly identified myometrial stem/progenitor-like cells influenced by hypoxia and sex steroids may participate in pregnancy-induced uterine enlargement and remodeling, providing novel insights into human myometrial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kajitani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Arase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Oda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Uchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Ota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Asada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Hida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yo Mabuchi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Morikawa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Ito
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsuzaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Yoshimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Maruyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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Commandeur AE, Styer AK, Teixeira JM. Epidemiological and genetic clues for molecular mechanisms involved in uterine leiomyoma development and growth. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:593-615. [PMID: 26141720 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are highly prevalent benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. In the USA, the lifetime risk for women developing uterine leiomyomas is estimated as up to 75%. Except for hysterectomy, most therapies or treatments often provide only partial or temporary relief and are not successful in every patient. There is a clear racial disparity in the disease; African-American women are estimated to be three times more likely to develop uterine leiomyomas and generally develop more severe symptoms. There is also familial clustering between first-degree relatives and twins, and multiple inherited syndromes in which fibroid development occurs. Leiomyomas have been described as clonal and hormonally regulated, but despite the healthcare burden imposed by the disease, the etiology of uterine leiomyomas remains largely unknown. The mechanisms involved in their growth are also essentially unknown, which has contributed to the slow progress in development of effective treatment options. METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search for and critical assessment of articles related to the epidemiological, biological and genetic clues for uterine leiomyoma development was performed. The individual functions of some of the best candidate genes are explained to provide more insight into their biological function and to interconnect and organize genes and pathways in one overarching figure that represents the current state of knowledge about uterine leiomyoma development and growth. RESULTS In this review, the widely recognized roles of estrogen and progesterone in uterine leiomyoma pathobiology on the basis of clinical and experimental data are presented. This is followed by fundamental aspects and concepts including the possible cellular origin of uterine fibroids. The central themes in the subsequent parts are cytogenetic aberrations in leiomyomas and the racial/ethnic disparities in uterine fibroid biology. Then, the attributes of various in vitro and in vivo, human syndrome, rodent xenograft, naturally mutant, and genetically modified models used to study possible molecular mechanisms of leiomyoma development and growth are described. Particular emphasis is placed on known links to fibrosis, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia and genes that are potentially important in these processes. CONCLUSIONS Menstrual cycle-related injury and repair and coinciding hormonal cycling appears to affect myometrial stem cells that, at a certain stage of fibroid development, often obtain cytogenetic aberrations and mutations of Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a master regulator of proliferation, is activated in many of these tumors, possibly by mechanisms that are similar to some human fibrosis syndromes and/or by mutation of upstream tumor suppressor genes. Animal models of the disease support some of these dysregulated pathways in fibroid etiology or pathogenesis, but none are definitive. All of this suggests that there are likely several key mechanisms involved in the disease that, in addition to increasing the complexity of uterine fibroid pathobiology, offer possible approaches for patient-specific therapies. A final model that incorporates many of these reported mechanisms is presented with a discussion of their implications for leiomyoma clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno E Commandeur
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, 4018A, Grand Rapids, MI, USA Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health Systems, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Mas A, Nair S, Laknaur A, Simón C, Diamond MP, Al-Hendy A. Stro-1/CD44 as putative human myometrial and fibroid stem cell markers. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:225-34.e3. [PMID: 25989979 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and characterize myometrial/fibroid stem cells by specific stem cell markers in human myometrium, and to better understand the stem cell contribution in the development of uterine fibroids. DESIGN Prospective, experimental human and animal study. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENT(S)/ANIMAL(S) Women undergoing hysterectomy for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids and female NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγ(null) mice. INTERVENTION(S) Identification and isolation of stem cells from human fibroids and adjacent myometrium tissues using Stro-1/CD44-specific surface markers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Flow cytometry, semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction, clonogenicity assays, cell culture, molecular analysis, immunocyto-histochemistry, in vitro differentiation, and xenotransplantation assays. RESULT(S) Using Stro-1/CD44 surface markers, we were able to isolate stem cells from adjacent myometrium and human fibroid tissues. The undifferentiated status of isolated cells was confirmed by the expression of ABCG2 transporter, as well as additional stem cell markers OCT4, NANOG, and GDB3, and the low expression of steroid receptors ERα and PR-A/PR-B. Mesodermal cell origin was established by the presence of typical mesenchymal markers (CD90, CD105, and CD73) and absence of hematopoietic stem cell markers (CD34, CD45), and confirmed by the ability of these cells to differentiate in vitro into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Finally, their functional capability to form fibroid-like lesions was established in a xenotransplantation mouse model. The injected cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide were tracked by both magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging, thus demonstrating the regenerative potential of putative fibroid stem cells in vivo. CONCLUSION(S) We have demonstrated that Stro-1/CD44 can be used as specific surface markers to enrich a subpopulation of myometrial/fibroids cells, exhibiting key features of stem/progenitor cells. These findings offer a useful tool to better understand the initiation of uterine fibroids, and may lead to the establishment of effective therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymara Mas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Sangeeta Nair
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Archana Laknaur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI-University of Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Wallace K, Chatman K, Porter J, Scott J, Johnson V, Moseley J, LaMarca B. Enodthelin 1 is elevated in plasma and explants from patients having uterine leiomyomas. Reprod Sci 2015; 21:1196-205. [PMID: 25138825 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114542018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine a role for endothelin (ET) in progression of uterine fibroids. DESIGN An in vitro model of fibroid and myometrium cultivation. PATIENTS A total of 32 women undergoing hysterectomies for uterine fibroids and 11 women undergoing hysterectomies for abnormal uterine bleeding (control population). RESULTS Women with uterine fibroids were hypertensive and displayed significantly greater circulating ET-1 compared to control patients. Secretion of ET-1 was greater from the fibroids compared to myometrium explants. Endothelin 1 secretion was attenuated with blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 or endothelinA receptors. Hypoxia stimulated ET-1 secretion from both myometrium and fibroid explants. Preproendothelin messenger RNA expression increased with hypoxia from fibroid explants compared to normoxic controls. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that uterine fibroids are associated with hypertension and increased ET-1, which is exacerbated with hypoxia. These data suggest a possible link between mechanisms of blood pressure regulation and development of uterine leiomyoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedra Wallace
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Krystal Chatman
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Justin Porter
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Jeremy Scott
- Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Venessia Johnson
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Janae Moseley
- Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Ono M, Bulun SE, Maruyama T. Tissue-specific stem cells in the myometrium and tumor-initiating cells in leiomyoma. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:149. [PMID: 25376230 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-specific (or somatic) stem cells constitute a subset of cells residing in normal adult tissues. By undergoing asymmetric division, they retain their ability to self-renew while producing daughter cells that go on to differentiate and play a role in tissue regeneration and repair. The human uterus consists primarily of endometrium and myometrium (the smooth muscle layer) that rapidly enlarges through its tremendous regenerative and remodeling capacity to accommodate the developing fetus. Such uterine enlargement and remodeling can take place repeatedly and cyclically over the course of a woman's reproductive life. These unique properties of the uterus suggest the existence of endometrial and myometrial stem cell systems. In addition, like somatic cells, tumor stem cells or tumor-initiating cells, a subset of cells within a tumor, retain the ability to reconstitute tumors. Uterine smooth muscle cells are thought to be the origin of leiomyomas that are the most common type of gynecologic tumor. Recent work has identified, isolated, and characterized putative stem/progenitor cells in the myometrium and in leiomyomas. Here, we review current studies of myometrial and leiomyoma stem/progenitor cells and provide a new paradigm for understanding myometrial physiology and pathology and how these cells might contribute to uterine remodeling during pregnancy and the formation of leiomyomas. The role of the WNT/CTNNB1 pathway in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tetsuo Maruyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Moravek MB, Yin P, Ono M, Coon JS, Dyson MT, Navarro A, Marsh EE, Chakravarti D, Kim JJ, Wei JJ, Bulun SE. Ovarian steroids, stem cells and uterine leiomyoma: therapeutic implications. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 21:1-12. [PMID: 25205766 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in women and is thought to arise from the clonal expansion of a single myometrial smooth muscle cell transformed by a cellular insult. Leiomyomas cause a variety of symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and recurrent pregnancy loss, and are the most common indication for hysterectomy in the USA. A slow rate of cell proliferation, combined with the production of copious amounts of extracellular matrix, accounts for tumor expansion. A common salient feature of leiomyomas is their responsiveness to steroid hormones, thus providing an opportunity for intervention. METHODS A comprehensive search of PUBMED was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature published since 1980 pertinent to the roles of steroid hormones and somatic stem cells in leiomyoma, including literature on therapeutics that target steroid hormone action in leiomyoma. Reviewed articles were restricted to English language only. Studies in both animals and humans were reviewed for the manuscript. RESULTS Estrogen stimulates the growth of leiomyomas, which are exposed to this hormone not only through ovarian steroidogenesis, but also through local conversion of androgens by aromatase within the tumors themselves. The primary action of estrogen, together with its receptor estrogen receptor α (ERα), is likely mediated via induction of progesterone receptor (PR) expression, thereby allowing leiomyoma responsiveness to progesterone. Progesterone has been shown to stimulate the growth of leiomyoma through a set of key genes that regulate both apoptosis and proliferation. Given these findings, aromatase inhibitors and antiprogestins have been developed for the treatment of leiomyoma, but neither treatment results in complete regression of leiomyoma, and tumors recur after treatment is stopped. Recently, distinct cell populations were discovered in leiomyomas; a small population showed stem-progenitor cell properties, and was found to be essential for ovarian steroid-dependent growth of leiomyomas. Interestingly, these stem-progenitor cells were deficient in ERα and PR and instead relied on the strikingly higher levels of these receptors in surrounding differentiated cells to mediate estrogen and progesterone action via paracrine signaling. CONCLUSIONS It has been well established that estrogen and progesterone are involved in the proliferation and maintenance of uterine leiomyoma, and the majority of medical treatments currently available for leiomyoma work by inhibiting steroid hormone production or action. A pitfall of these therapeutics is that they decrease leiomyoma size, but do not completely eradicate them, and tumors tend to regrow once treatment is stopped. The recent discovery of stem cells and their paracrine interactions with more differentiated cell populations within leiomyoma has the potential to provide the missing link between developing therapeutics that temper leiomyoma growth and those that eradicate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ping Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - John S Coon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Matthew T Dyson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Antonia Navarro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Erica E Marsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Debabrata Chakravarti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jian-Jun Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Mas A, Cervello I, Gil-Sanchis C, Simón C. Current understanding of somatic stem cells in leiomyoma formation. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:613-20. [PMID: 24890270 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed summary of current scientific knowledge of somatic stem cells (SSCs) in murine and human myometrium and their putative implication in leiomyoma formation, as well as to establish new therapeutic options. DESIGN Pubmed and Scholar One manuscripts were used to identify the most relevant studies on SSCs and their implications in human myometrium and leiomyomas. SETTING University research laboratory-affiliated infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Not applicable. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Not applicable. RESULT(S) Despite numerous publications on SSCs, it was not until 2007 that scientific evidence based on the use of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and side population (SP) methods in murine and human myometrium were first published. Recently, it has been reported that SP cells are present in human leiomyomas; however, to date the pathogenesis of this benign tumor remains unclear. Besides many genetic/epigenetic alterations, changes to steroid hormones and growth factors may also be associated with the impaired function, proliferation, and differentiation of a subset of putative SSCs in human myometrium. CONCLUSION(S) These findings open up new possibilities for understanding the origin of this benign tumor and help to develop new nonsurgical approaches for their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymara Mas
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI-University of Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Irene Cervello
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI-University of Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Claudia Gil-Sanchis
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI-University of Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI-University of Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Drosch M, Schmidt N, Markowski DN, Zollner TM, Koch M, Bullerdiek J. The CD24hi smooth muscle subpopulation is the predominant fraction in uterine fibroids. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:664-76. [PMID: 24657878 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecological tumors affecting women in their reproductive age. Despite this high incidence the pathogenesis of fibroids is widely unsolved. Whereas formerly only imbalances in hormonal levels were considered to account for tumor development, the identification of genetic changes likely to affect myometrial stem cell reservoirs provided a novel approach to fibroid genesis. Here, we identified a certain subset of cells by the surface marker CD24 with increased abundance in fibroids compared with myometrial tissue. Fibroid cells expressing CD24 shared certain features of immature or progenitor-like cells such as quiescence, reduced expression of smooth muscle differentiation markers and elevated expression of genes involved in the wingless-type (WNT)-pathway such as beta-catenin. In addition, a positive correlation between CD24 and wingless-type family member 4 (WNT4) expression was observed in uterine fibroids with mediator subcomplex 12 gene (MED12) mutations. Our findings suggest that cells highly expressing CD24 represent a type of immature smooth muscle progenitor cells. Their accumulation might be driven by disturbed differentiation processes caused by genetic changes possibly involving MED12 mutations or high mobility group AT-hook (HMGA)2 rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Drosch
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse ZHG, Bremen 28359, Germany Global Drug Discovery-TRG Oncology/Gynecological Therapies, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstraße 178, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Nicole Schmidt
- Global Drug Discovery-TRG Oncology/Gynecological Therapies, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstraße 178, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Dominique Nadine Markowski
- Global Drug Discovery-TRG Oncology/Gynecological Therapies, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstraße 178, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Thomas Matthias Zollner
- Global Drug Discovery-TRG Oncology/Gynecological Therapies, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstraße 178, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Markus Koch
- Global Drug Discovery-TRG Oncology/Gynecological Therapies, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstraße 178, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Jörn Bullerdiek
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse ZHG, Bremen 28359, Germany
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Nadine Markowski D, Tadayyon M, Bartnitzke S, Belge G, Maria Helmke B, Bullerdiek J. Cell cultures in uterine leiomyomas: rapid disappearance of cells carrying MED12 mutations. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2014; 53:317-23. [PMID: 24446130 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (UL) are the most frequent symptomatic human tumors. Nevertheless, their molecular pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. To learn more about the biology of these common neoplasms and their response to treatment, cell cultures derived from UL are a frequently used model system, but until recently appropriate genetic markers confirming their origin from the tumor cell population were lacking for most UL, i.e., those not displaying karyotypic abnormalities. The identification of MED12 mutations in the majority of UL makes it possible to trace the tumor cell population during in vitro passaging in the absence of cytogenetic abnormalities. The present study is addressing the in vitro survival of cells carrying MED12 mutations and its association with karyotypic alterations. The results challenge numerous in vitro studies into the biology and behavior of leiomyomas. Cells of one genetic subtype of UL, i.e., those with rearrangements of the high mobility AT-hook 2 protein gene (HMGA2), seem to be able to proliferate in vitro for many passages whereas tumor cells from the much more frequent MED12-mutated lesions barely survive even the first passages. Apparently, for the most frequent type of human UL no good in vitro model seems to exist because cells do not survive culturing. On the other hand, this inability may point to an Achilles' heel of this type of UL.
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Segars JH, Parrott EC, Nagel JD, Guo XC, Gao X, Birnbaum LS, Pinn VW, Dixon D. Proceedings from the Third National Institutes of Health International Congress on Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: comprehensive review, conference summary and future recommendations. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:309-33. [PMID: 24401287 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic tumors in women of reproductive age yet the etiology and pathogenesis of these lesions remain poorly understood. Age, African ancestry, nulliparity and obesity have been identified as predisposing factors for uterine fibroids. Symptomatic tumors can cause excessive uterine bleeding, bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain, as well as associated reproductive disorders such as infertility, miscarriage and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, there are limited noninvasive therapies for fibroids and no early intervention or prevention strategies are readily available. This review summarizes the advances in basic, applied and translational uterine fibroid research, in addition to current and proposed approaches to clinical management as presented at the 'Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: 3rd NIH International Congress'. Congress recommendations and a review of the fibroid literature are also reported. METHODS This review is a report of meeting proceedings, the resulting recommendations and a literature review of the subject. RESULTS The research data presented highlights the complexity of uterine fibroids and the convergence of ethnicity, race, genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors, including lifestyle and possible socioeconomic parameters on disease manifestation. The data presented suggest it is likely that the majority of women with uterine fibroids will have normal pregnancy outcomes; however, additional research is warranted. As an alternative to surgery, an effective long-term medical treatment for uterine fibroids should reduce heavy uterine bleeding and fibroid/uterine volume without excessive side effects. This goal has not been achieved and current treatments reduce symptoms only temporarily; however, a multi-disciplined approach to understanding the molecular origins and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, as presented in this report, makes our quest for identifying novel targets for noninvasive, possibly nonsystemic and effective long-term treatment very promising. CONCLUSIONS The Congress facilitated the exchange of scientific information among members of the uterine leiomyoma research and health-care communities. While advances in research have deepened our knowledge of the pathobiology of fibroids, their etiology still remains incompletely understood. Further needs exist for determination of risk factors and initiation of preventive measures for fibroids, in addition to continued development of new medical and minimally invasive options for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Segars
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Zaitseva M, Vollenhoven BJ, Rogers PAW. Clonality of smooth muscle and fibroblast cell populations isolated from human fibroid and myometrial tissues. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:250-9. [PMID: 24243625 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are conventionally defined as clonally derived benign tumours from the proliferation of a single smooth muscle cell (SMC). We have previously identified fibroblast-like cells in fibroids, the presence of which raises the question as to whether all cells within the fibroid have the same clonal origin. The first aim of this study was to develop a fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based method to isolate different cell types from human myometrium and fibroid tissues. Secondly, we aimed to use X chromosome inactivation analysis to determine the clonality of cell subpopulations isolated from myometrial and fibroid tissues. Human myometrium and fibroid tissues were collected from women undergoing hysterectomy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry confirmed that in addition to SMCs, fibroblasts constitute a significant proportion of cells in human myometrium and fibroid tissues. FACS based on CD90 and ALDH1 reliably separated cells into three myometrial and four fibroid subpopulations: SMCs, vascular smooth muscle cells and two fibroblast subsets. Clonality was first determined by X chromosome inactivation using the classic DNA methylation-sensitive HUMARA assay. Data from this assay were highly variable, with only a quarter of samples meeting the definition of clonal fibroid and non-clonal myometrium. However, using an RNA-based X chromosome inactivation HUMARA assay, we were able to demonstrate clonality of all cellular constituents of most fibroids. Our results confirm that most fibroids are derived from a single cell, and for the first time demonstrates that these clonal cells differentiate into fibroblast and SMC subpopulation as the fibroid grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Level 7, 20 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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Paracrine activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway in uterine leiomyoma stem cells promotes tumor growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:17053-8. [PMID: 24082114 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1313650110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are extremely common estrogen and progesterone-dependent tumors of the myometrium and cause irregular uterine bleeding, severe anemia, and recurrent pregnancy loss in 15-30% of reproductive-age women. Each leiomyoma is thought to arise from a single mutated myometrial smooth muscle stem cell. Leiomyoma side-population (LMSP) cells comprising 1% of all tumor cells and displaying tumor-initiating stem cell characteristics are essential for estrogen- and progesterone-dependent in vivo growth of tumors, although they have remarkably lower estrogen/progesterone receptor levels than mature myometrial or leiomyoma cells. However, how estrogen/progesterone regulates the growth of LMSP cells via mature neighboring cells is unknown. Here, we demonstrate a critical paracrine role of the wingless-type (WNT)/β-catenin pathway in estrogen/progesterone-dependent tumorigenesis, involving LMSP and differentiated myometrial or leiomyoma cells. Estrogen/progesterone treatment of mature myometrial cells induced expression of WNT11 and WNT16, which remained constitutively elevated in leiomyoma tissues. In LMSP cells cocultured with mature myometrial cells, estrogen-progesterone selectively induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin and induced transcriptional activity of its heterodimeric partner T-cell factor and their target gene AXIN2, leading to the proliferation of LMSP cells. This effect could be blocked by a WNT antagonist. Ectopic expression of inhibitor of β-catenin and T-cell factor 4 in LMSP cells, but not in mature leiomyoma cells, blocked the estrogen/progesterone-dependent growth of human tumors in vivo. We uncovered a paracrine role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway that enables mature myometrial or leiomyoma cells to send mitogenic signals to neighboring tissue stem cells in response to estrogen and progesterone, leading to the growth of uterine leiomyomas.
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Islam MS, Protic O, Stortoni P, Grechi G, Lamanna P, Petraglia F, Castellucci M, Ciarmela P. Complex networks of multiple factors in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:178-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Wang KH, Kao AP, Chang CC, Lin TC, Kuo TC. Bisphenol A at environmentally relevant doses induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression and promotes invasion of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from uterine myoma tissue. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 52:246-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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Review: Human uterine stem/progenitor cells: Implications for uterine physiology and pathology. Placenta 2013; 34 Suppl:S68-72. [PMID: 23332213 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The human uterus is composed of the endometrial lining and the myometrium. The endometrium, in particular the functionalis layer, regenerates and regresses with each menstrual cycle under hormonal control. A mouse xenograft model has been developed in which the functional changes of the endometrium are reproduced. The myometrium possesses similar plasticity, critical to permit the changes connected with uterine expansion and involution associated with pregnancy. Regeneration and remodeling in the uterus are likely achieved through endometrial and myometrial stem cell systems. Putative stem/progenitor cells in humans and rodents recently have been identified, isolated and characterized. Their roles in endometrial physiology and pathophysiology are presently under study. These stem/progenitor cells ultimately may provide a novel means by which to produce tissues and organs in vitro and in vivo.
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Markowski D, Küpker W, Bullerdiek J. Endometriose. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-012-0483-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Mas A, Cervelló I, Gil-Sanchis C, Faus A, Ferro J, Pellicer A, Simón C. Identification and characterization of the human leiomyoma side population as putative tumor-initiating cells. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:741-751.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Chuang TD, Panda H, Luo X, Chegini N. miR-200c is aberrantly expressed in leiomyomas in an ethnic-dependent manner and targets ZEBs, VEGFA, TIMP2, and FBLN5. Endocr Relat Cancer 2012; 19:541-56. [PMID: 22685266 PMCID: PMC3402184 DOI: 10.1530/erc-12-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-200c (miR-200c) through repression of specific target genes has been associated with cellular transition, tumorigenesis, and tissue fibrosis. We explored the expression and functional aspects of miR-200c in genesis of leiomyomas (LYO), benign uterine tumors with fibrotic characteristic. Using LYO and matched myometrium (MYO; n=76) from untreated and from patients exposed to hormonal therapies (GNRH agonist (GNRHa), Depo-Provera, and oral contraceptives), we found that miR-200c was expressed at significantly lower levels (P<0.05) in LYO as compared with MYO. These levels were lower in LYO from African Americans as compared with Caucasians, patients experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding and those exposed to GNRHa therapy. Gain-of-function of miR-200c in isolated leiomyoma smooth muscle cells (LSMCs), myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs), and leiomyosarcoma cell line (SKLM-S1) repressed ZEB1/ZEB2 mRNAs and proteins, with concurrent increase in E-cadherin (CDH1) and reduction in vimentin expression, phenotypic alteration, and inhibition of MSMC and LSMC proliferations. We further validated TIMP2, FBLN5, and VEGFA as direct targets of miR-200c through interaction with their respective 3' UTRs, and other genes as determined by microarray analysis. At tissue levels, LYO expressed lower levels of TIMP2 and FBLN5 mRNAs but increased protein expressions, which to some extent altered due to hormonal exposure. Given the regulatory functions of ZEBs, VEGFA, FBLN5, and TIMP2 on cellular activities that promote cellular transition, angiogenesis, and matrix remodeling, we concluded that altered expression of miR-200c may have a significant impact on the outcome of LYO growth, maintenance of their mesenchymal and fibrotic characteristics, and possibly their associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Der Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0294, USA.
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Ono M, Qiang W, Serna VA, Yin P, Coon JS, Navarro A, Monsivais D, Kakinuma T, Dyson M, Druschitz S, Unno K, Kurita T, Bulun SE. Role of stem cells in human uterine leiomyoma growth. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36935. [PMID: 22570742 PMCID: PMC3343011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in reproductive-age women. Each leiomyoma is thought to be a benign monoclonal tumor arising from a single transformed myometrial smooth muscle cell; however, it is not known what leiomyoma cell type is responsible for tumor growth. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that a distinct stem/reservoir cell-enriched population, designated as the leiomyoma-derived side population (LMSP), is responsible for cell proliferation and tumor growth. Principal Findings LMSP comprised approximately 1% of all leiomyoma and 2% of all myometrium-derived cells. All LMSP and leiomyoma-derived main population (LMMP) but none of the side or main population cells isolated from adjacent myometrium carried a mediator complex subunit 12 mutation, a genetic marker of neoplastic transformation. Messenger RNA levels for estrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptor and smooth muscle cell markers were barely detectable and significantly lower in the LMSP compared with the LMMP. LMSP alone did not attach or survive in monolayer culture in the presence or absence of estradiol and progestin, whereas LMMP readily grew under these conditions. LMSP did attach and survive when directly mixed with unsorted myometrial cells in monolayer culture. After resorting and reculturing, LMSP gained full potential of proliferation. Intriguingly, xenografts comprised of LMSP and unsorted myometrial smooth muscle cells grew into relatively large tumors (3.67±1.07 mm3), whereas xenografts comprised of LMMP and unsorted myometrial smooth muscle cells produced smaller tumors (0.54±0.20 mm3, p<0.05, n = 10 paired patient samples). LMSP xenografts displayed significantly higher proliferative activity compared with LMMP xenografts (p<0.05). Conclusions Our data suggest that LMSP, which have stem/reservoir cell characteristics, are necessary for in vivo growth of leiomyoma xenograft tumors. Lower estrogen and progesterone receptor levels in LMSP suggests an indirect paracrine effect of steroid hormones on stem cells via the mature neighboring cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wenan Qiang
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vanida Ann Serna
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ping Yin
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John S. Coon
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Antonia Navarro
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Toshiyuki Kakinuma
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Matthew Dyson
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stacy Druschitz
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kenji Unno
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Serdar E. Bulun
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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