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Keighley LM, Lynch-Sutherland CF, Almomani SN, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. Unveiling the hidden players: The crucial role of transposable elements in the placenta and their potential contribution to pre-eclampsia. Placenta 2023; 141:57-64. [PMID: 37301654 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta is a vital connection between maternal and fetal tissues, allowing for the exchange of molecules and modulation of immune interactions during pregnancy. Interestingly, some of the placenta's unique functions can be attributed to transposable elements (TEs), which are DNA sequences that have mobilised into the genome. Co-option throughout mammalian evolution has led to the generation of TE-derived regulators and TE-derived genes, some of which are expressed in the placenta but silenced in somatic tissues. TE genes encompass both TE-derived genes with a repeat element in the coding region and TE-derived regulatory regions such as alternative promoters and enhancers. Placental-specific TE genes are known to contribute to the placenta's unique functions, and interestingly, they are also expressed in some cancers and share similar functions. There is evidence to support that aberrant activity of TE genes may contribute to placental pathologies, cancer and autoimmunity. In this review, we highlight the crucial roles of TE genes in placental function, and how their dysregulation may lead to pre-eclampsia, a common and dangerous placental condition. We provide a summary of the functional TE genes in the placenta to offer insight into their significance in normal and abnormal human development. Ultimately, this review highlights an opportunity for future research to investigate the potential dysregulation of TE genes in the development of placental pathologies such as pre-eclampsia. Further understanding of TE genes and their role in the placenta could lead to significant improvements in maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Keighley
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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2
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Roles of N-linked glycosylation and glycan-binding proteins in placentation: trophoblast infiltration, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and pathophysiology. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:639-653. [PMID: 36929183 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein N-linked glycosylation is a structurally diverse post-translational modification that stores biological information in a larger order of magnitude than other post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and acetylation. This gives N-glycosylated proteins a diverse range of properties and allows glyco-codes (glycan-related information) to be deciphered by glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). The intervillous space of the placenta is richly populated with membrane-bound and secreted glycoproteins. Evidence exists to suggest that altering the structural nature of their N-glycans can impact several trophoblast functions, which include those related to interactions with decidual cells. This review summarizes trophoblast-related activities influenced by N-glycan-GBP recognition, exploring how different subtypes of trophoblasts actively adapt to characteristics of the decidualized endometrium through cell-specific expression of N-glycosylated proteins, and how these cells receive decidua-derived signals via N-glycan-GBP interactions. We highlight work on how changes in N-glycosylation relates to the success of trophoblast infiltration, interactions of immunomodulators, and uterine angiogenesis. We also discuss studies that suggest aberrant N-glycosylation of trophoblasts may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia, early spontaneous miscarriages and hydatidiform mole). We propose that a more in-depth understanding of how N-glycosylation shapes trophoblast phenotype during early pregnancy has the potential to improve our approach to predicting, diagnosing and alleviating poor maternal/fetal outcomes associated with placental dysfunction.
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Carter AM. Evolution of Placental Hormones: Implications for Animal Models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:891927. [PMID: 35692413 PMCID: PMC9176407 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.891927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placenta secretes a variety of hormones, some of them in large amounts. Their effects on maternal physiology, including the immune system, are poorly understood. Not one of the protein hormones specific to human placenta occurs outside primates. Instead, laboratory and domesticated species have their own sets of placental hormones. There are nonetheless several examples of convergent evolution. Thus, horse and human have chorionic gonadotrophins with similar functions whilst pregnancy-specific glycoproteins have evolved in primates, rodents, horses, and some bats, perhaps to support invasive placentation. Placental lactogens occur in rodents and ruminants as well as primates though evolved through duplication of different genes and with functions that only partially overlap. There are also placental hormones, such as the pregnancy-associated glycoproteins of ruminants, that have no equivalent in human gestation. This review focusses on the evolution of placental hormones involved in recognition and maintenance of pregnancy, in maternal adaptations to pregnancy and lactation, and in facilitating immune tolerance of the fetal semiallograft. The contention is that knowledge gained from laboratory and domesticated mammals can translate to a better understanding of human placental endocrinology, but only if viewed in an evolutionary context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Shrestha R, Murata-Kamiya N, Imai S, Yamamoto M, Tsukamoto T, Nomura S, Hatakeyama M. Mouse Gastric Epithelial Cells Resist CagA Delivery by the Helicobacter pylori Type IV Secretion System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052492. [PMID: 35269634 PMCID: PMC8910101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial step in bacterial infection is adherence of the bacterium to the target cell surface. Helicobacter pylori exploits the interaction of bacterial adhesin protein HopQ with human epithelial CEACAMs (CEACAM1, 5, and 6) to stably adhere to gastric epithelial cells, which is necessary for delivery of the H. pylori CagA oncoprotein into the epithelial cells via a type IV secretion system. In contrast to human CEACAMs, however, HopQ does not interact with Ceacam1 (mouse CEACAM1) in vitro or in CHO cells ectopically expressing Ceacam1. Since the mouse genome lacks Ceacam5 and Ceacam6, no significant HopQ–Ceacam interaction may occur in mouse gastric epithelial cells. Here, we found that the mouse stomach has a much lower expression level of Ceacam1 than the expression level of CEACAM1 in the human stomach. Consistently, mouse gastric epithelial cells resist CagA delivery by cagA-positive H. pylori, and the delivery is restored by ectopic expression of human CEACAM1 or CEACAM5 in mouse gastric epithelial cells. Thus, despite the fact that mice are routinely used for H. pylori infection studies, a low expression level of Ceacam1 in the mouse stomach together with the loss or greatly reduced interaction of HopQ with Ceacams make the mouse an inappropriate model for studying the role of H. pylori-delivered CagA in gastric pathogenesis, including the development of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejina Shrestha
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (R.S.); (N.M.-K.); (S.I.)
| | - Naoko Murata-Kamiya
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (R.S.); (N.M.-K.); (S.I.)
| | - Satoshi Imai
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (R.S.); (N.M.-K.); (S.I.)
| | - Masami Yamamoto
- Division of Physiological Pathology, Department of Applied Science, School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan;
| | - Tetsuya Tsukamoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Sachiyo Nomura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Masanori Hatakeyama
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (R.S.); (N.M.-K.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5841-3404
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Zimmermann W, Kammerer R. The immune-modulating pregnancy-specific glycoproteins evolve rapidly and their presence correlates with hemochorial placentation in primates. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:128. [PMID: 33602137 PMCID: PMC7893922 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) genes belong to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family, within the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. In humans, 10 PSG genes encode closely related secreted glycoproteins. They are exclusively expressed in fetal syncytiotrophoblast cells and represent the most abundant fetal proteins in the maternal blood. In recent years, a role in modulation of the maternal immune system possibly to avoid rejection of the semiallogeneic fetus and to facilitate access of trophoblast cells to maternal resources via the blood system has been suggested. Alternatively, they could serve as soluble pathogen decoy receptors like other members of the CEA family. Despite their clearly different domain organization, similar functional properties have also been observed for murine and bat PSG. As these species share a hemochorial type of placentation and a seemingly convergent formation of PSG genes during evolution, we hypothesized that hemochorial placentae support the evolution of PSG gene families. Results To strengthen this hypothesis, we have analyzed PSG genes in 57 primate species which exhibit hemochorial or epitheliochorial placentation. In nearly all analyzed apes some 10 PSG genes each could be retrieved from genomic databases, while 6 to 24 PSG genes were found in Old World monkey genomes. Surprisingly, only 1 to 7 PSG genes could be identified in New World monkeys. Interestingly, no PSG genes were found in more distantly related primates with epitheliochorial placentae like lemurs and lorises. The exons encoding the putative receptor-binding domains exhibit strong selection for diversification in most primate PSG as revealed by rapid loss of orthologous relationship during evolution and high ratios of nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations. Conclusion The distribution of trophoblast-specific PSGs in primates and their pattern of selection supports the hypothesis that PSG are still evolving to optimize fetal-maternal or putative pathogen interactions in mammals with intimate contact of fetal cells with the immune system of the mother like in hemochorial placentation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07413-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Zimmermann
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Robert Kammerer
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
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Temur M, Serpim G, Tuzluoğlu S, Taşgöz FN, Şahin E, Üstünyurt E. Comparison of serum human pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 levels in pregnant women with or without preeclampsia. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2019; 40:1074-1078. [PMID: 31790616 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1679734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the maternal serum levels of pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) and preeclampsia, and to compare levels of PSG1 in pregnancies with preeclampsia and uneventful pregnancies. A case-control study was conducted in a research and training hospital. A total of 40 women with preeclampsia and 42 healthy pregnant women who were gestational age-matched were included. Serum PSG1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The maternal serum PSG1 levels were significantly lower in patients with preeclampsia compared with controls (11.60 ± 8.08 vs. 17.58 ± 9.72 ng/mL, p = .003). Circulating PSG1 levels were negatively correlated with age in the preeclampsia and control groups (r = -0.322, p = .043), (r = -0.430, p = .005). PSG1 levels, age, blood urea nitrogen levels and birth weight were significantly associated with high odds of having preeclampsia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that the area under ROC curve was 0.707 (95% CI: [0.595-0.819], p < .001) for PSG1. The optimal cut-off value of PSG1 for detecting preeclampsia was ≤ 11.80 ng/mL. There may be a decrease in PSG1 production in preeclampsia-complicated pregnancies where there are pathologies related to placenta formation. A decline in PSG1 concentrations may reflect placental dysfunction.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Previous studies have reported abnormal pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) levels in complicated pregnancies and demonstrated their importance in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Human PSG homologues have been identified in species with haemochorial placentation such as non-human primates, rats and mice, where foetal cells are in direct contact with the maternal circulation. There are studies in which there is no clear relationship between PSGs and preeclampsia.What the results of this study add? We have demonstrated that circulating PSG1 levels were significantly lower in women with preeclampsia than in healthy pregnant women. There may be a decrease in PSG1 production in preeclampsia-complicated pregnancies where there are pathologies related to placenta formation and function. The results obtained from this current study could be used to clarify the relationship between PSG1 levels and preeclampsia.What the implications are for clinical practice and/or further research? Evaluation of the role of circulating PSG1 levels in preeclampsia would be helpful in order to design further studies to determine the feasibility of using PSG1 as a serum marker to predict the risk of developing preeclampsia. The screening performance of PSG1 for preeclampsia is not yet clinically relevant, but may become so when evaluated together with other placental proteins. This will give a lead to further researches which could focus on the early detection of preeclampsia with the combination of several serum markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzaffer Temur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gülçin Serpim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sabiha Tuzluoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Fatma Nurgül Taşgöz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Elif Şahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Emin Üstünyurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
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Interaction of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1 With Integrin Α5β1 Is a Modulator of Extravillous Trophoblast Functions. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111369. [PMID: 31683744 PMCID: PMC6912793 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) serve immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic functions during pregnancy and are mainly expressed by syncytiotrophoblast cells. While PSG mRNA expression in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) was reported, the proteins were not previously detected. By immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we show that PSGs are expressed by invasive EVTs and co-localize with integrin 5. In addition, we determined that native and recombinant PSG1, the most highly expressed member of the family, binds to 51 and induces the formation of focal adhesion structures resulting in adhesion of primary EVTs and EVT-like cell lines under 21% oxygen and 1% oxygen conditions. Furthermore, we found that PSG1 can simultaneously bind to heparan sulfate in the extracellular matrix and to 51 on the cell membrane. Wound healing assays and single-cell movement tracking showed that immobilized PSG1 enhances EVT migration. Although PSG1 did not affect EVT invasion in the in vitro assays employed, we found that the serum PSG1 concentration is lower in African-American women diagnosed with early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia, a pregnancy pathology characterized by shallow trophoblast invasion, than in their respective healthy controls only when the fetus was a male; therefore, the reduced expression of this molecule should be considered in the context of preeclampsia as a potential therapy.
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Warren J, Im M, Ballesteros A, Ha C, Moore T, Lambert F, Lucas S, Hinz B, Dveksler G. Activation of latent transforming growth factor-β1, a conserved function for pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoproteins. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:602-612. [PMID: 30371828 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do all 10 human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoproteins (PSGs) and murine PSG23 activate latent transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)? SUMMARY ANSWER All human PSGs and murine PSG23 activated latent TGF-β1. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two of the 10 members of the PSG1 family, PSG1 and PSG9, were previously shown to activate the soluble small latent complex of TGF-β1, a cytokine with potent immune suppressive functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Recombinant PSGs were generated and tested for their ability to activate the small latent complex of TGF-β1 in a cell-free ELISA-based assay and in a bioassay. In addition, we tested the ability of PSG1 and PSG4 to activate latent TGF-β bound to the extracellular matrix (ECM) or on the membranes of the Jurkat human T-cell line. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Recombinant PSGs were generated by transient transfection and purified with a His-Trap column followed by gel filtration chromatography. The purified PSGs were compared to vehicle (PBS) used as control for their ability to activate the small latent complex of TGF-β1. The concentration of active TGF-β was measured in an ELISA using the TGF-β receptor II as capture and a bioassay using transformed mink epithelial cells that express luciferase in response to active TGF-β. The specificity of the signal was confirmed using a TGF-β receptor inhibitor. We also measured the binding kinetics of some human PSGs for the latent-associated peptide (LAP) of TGF-β using surface plasmon resonance and determined whether PSG1 and PSG4 could activate the large latent complex of TGF-β1 bound to the ECM and latent TGF-β1 bound to the cell membrane. All experiments were performed in triplicate wells and repeated three times. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All human PSGs activated the small latent complex of TGF-β1 (P < 0.05 vs. control) and showed similar affinities (KD) for LAP. Despite the lack of sequence conservation with its human counterparts, the ability to activate latent TGF-β1 was shared by a member of the murine PSG family. We found that PSG1 and PSG4 activated the latent TGF-β stored in the ECM (P < 0.01) but did not activate latent TGF-β1 bound to glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) on the surface of Jurkat T cells. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The affinity of the interaction of LAP and PSGs was calculated using recombinant proteins, which may differ from the native proteins in their post-translational modifications. We also utilized a truncated form of murine PSG23 rather than the full-length protein. For the studies testing the ability of PSGs to activate membrane-bound TGF-β1, we utilized the T-cell line Jurkat and Jurkat cells expressing GARP rather than primary T regulatory cells. All the studies were performed in vitro. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Here, we show that all human PSGs activate TGF-β1 and that this function is conserved in at least one member of the rodent PSG family. In vivo PSGs could potentially increase the availability of active TGF-β1 from the soluble and matrix-bound latent forms of the cytokine contributing to the establishment of a tolerogenic environment during pregnancy. LARGE-SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research was supported by a grant from the Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP). No conflicts of interests are declared by the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Warren
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Im
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, 150 College St., FG234, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS-NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cam Ha
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tom Moore
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fanny Lambert
- Institut de Duve, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75 - B1.74.04, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lucas
- Institut de Duve, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75 - B1.74.04, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, 150 College St., FG234, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Yang L, Hu S, Tan J, Zhang X, Yuan W, Wang Q, Xu L, Liu J, Liu Z, Jia Y, Huang X. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 9 (PSG9), a driver for colorectal cancer, enhances angiogenesis via activation of SMAD4. Oncotarget 2018; 7:61562-61574. [PMID: 27528036 PMCID: PMC5308672 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PSG9 is a member of the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) family and has been shown to contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and cancer-related angiogenesis. Here, we aim to investigate abnormal PSG9 levels in patients with CRC and to emphasize the role of PSG9 in driving tumorigenesis. Serum from 140 patients with CRC and 125 healthy controls as well as 74 paired tumors and adjacent normal tissue were used to determine PSG9 levels. We discovered that PSG9 was significantly increased in serum (P<0.001) and in tumor tissues (P<0.001) from patients with CRC. Interestingly, the increased PSG9 levels correlated with poor survival (P=0.009) and microvessel density (MVD) (P=0.034). The overexpression of PSG9 strongly promoted the proliferation and migration of HCT-116 and HT-29 cells. However, PSG9 depletion inhibited the proliferation of SW-480 cells. Using a human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube-forming assay, we found that PSG9 promoted angiogenesis. The overexpression of PSG9 also increased the growth of tumor xenografts in nude mice. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PSG9 was bound to SMAD4. The PSG9/SMAD4 complex recruited cytoplasmic SMAD2/3 to form a complex, which enhanced SMAD4 nuclear retention. The PSG9 and SMAD4 complex activated the expression of multiple angiogenesis-related genes (included IGFBP-3, PDGF-AA, GM-CSF, and VEGFA). Together, our findings illustrate the innovative mechanism by which PSG9 drives the progression of CRC and tumor angiogenesis. This occurs via nuclear translocation of PSG9/SMAD4, which activates angiogenic cytokines. Therefore, our study may provide evidence for novel treatment strategies by targeting PSG9 in antiangiogenic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shusheng Hu
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Tan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Oncology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oncology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Oncology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yanjun Jia
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
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10
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Roberts RM, Green JA, Schulz LC. The evolution of the placenta. Reproduction 2016; 152:R179-89. [PMID: 27486265 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The very apt definition of a placenta is coined by Mossman, namely apposition or fusion of the fetal membranes to the uterine mucosa for physiological exchange. As such, it is a specialized organ whose purpose is to provide continuing support to the developing young. By this definition, placentas have evolved within every vertebrate class other than birds. They have evolved on multiple occasions, often within quite narrow taxonomic groups. As the placenta and the maternal system associate more intimately, such that the conceptus relies extensively on maternal support, the relationship leads to increased conflict that drives adaptive changes on both sides. The story of vertebrate placentation, therefore, is one of convergent evolution at both the macromolecular and molecular levels. In this short review, we first describe the emergence of placental-like structures in nonmammalian vertebrates and then transition to mammals themselves. We close the review by discussing the mechanisms that might have favored diversity and hence evolution of the morphology and physiology of the placentas of eutherian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- C.S. Bond Life Sciences CenterUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jonathan A Green
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Laura C Schulz
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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11
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Mi Y, Coonce M, Fiete D, Steirer L, Dveksler G, Townsend RR, Baenziger JU. Functional Consequences of Mannose and Asialoglycoprotein Receptor Ablation. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18700-17. [PMID: 27405760 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.738948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mannose receptor (ManR, Mrc1) and asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR, Asgr1 and Asgr2) are highly abundant endocytic receptors expressed by sinusoidal endothelial cells and parenchymal cells in the liver, respectively. We genetically manipulated either receptor individually or in combination, revealing phenotypic changes in female and male mice associated with changes in circulating levels of many glycoproteins. Both receptors rise and fall in response to progesterone during pregnancy. Thirty percent of Asgr2(-/-) and 65% of Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) mice are unable to initiate parturition at the end of pregnancy, whereas Mrc1(-/-) mice initiate normally. Twenty five percent of Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) male mice develop priapism when mating due to thrombosis of the penile vein, but neither Mrc1(-/-) nor Asgr2(-/-) mice do so. The half-life for luteinizing hormone (LH) clearance increases in Mrc1(-/-) and Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) mice but not in Asgr2(-/-) mice; however, LH and testosterone are elevated in all three knockouts. The ManR clears LH thus regulating testosterone production, whereas the ASGR appears to mediate clearance of an unidentified glycoprotein that increases LH levels. More than 40 circulating glycoproteins are elevated >3.0-fold in pregnant Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) mice. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23, undetectable in WT mice (<50 ng/ml plasma), reaches levels of 1-10 mg/ml in the plasma of Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) and Asgr2(-/-) mice, indicating it is cleared by the ASGR. Elevation of multiple coagulation factors in Mrc1(-/-)Asgr2(-/-) mice may account for priapism seen in males. These male and female phenotypic changes underscore the key roles of the ManR and ASGR in controlling circulating levels of numerous glycoproteins critical for regulating reproductive hormones and blood coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Mi
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Marcy Coonce
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Dorothy Fiete
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Lindsay Steirer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - R Reid Townsend
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Jacques U Baenziger
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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Houston A, Williams JM, Rovis TL, Shanley DK, O'Riordan RT, Kiely PA, Ball M, Barry OP, Kelly J, Fanning A, MacSharry J, Mandelboim O, Singer BB, Jonjic S, Moore T. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein expression in normal gastrointestinal tract and in tumors detected with novel monoclonal antibodies. MAbs 2016; 8:491-500. [PMID: 26926266 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2015.1134410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are immunoglobulin superfamily members related to the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family and are encoded by 10 genes in the human. They are secreted at high levels by placental syncytiotrophoblast into maternal blood during pregnancy, and are implicated in immunoregulation, thromboregulation, and angiogenesis. To determine whether PSGs are expressed in tumors, we characterized 16 novel monoclonal antibodies to human PSG1 and used 2 that do not cross-react with CEACAMs to study PSG expression in tumors and in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using tissue arrays and immunohistochemistry. Staining was frequently observed in primary squamous cell carcinomas and colonic adenocarcinomas and was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation, being largely absent from metastatic samples. Staining was also observed in normal oesophageal and colonic epithelium. PSG expression in the human and mouse GI tract was confirmed using quantitative RT-PCR. However, mRNA expression was several orders of magnitude lower in the GI tract compared to placenta. Our results identify a non-placental site of PSG expression in the gut and associated tumors, with implications for determining whether PSGs have a role in tumor progression, and utility as tumor biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Houston
- a School of Medicine , University College Cork , Ireland
| | - John M Williams
- b School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Tihana Lenac Rovis
- c Department of Histology and Embryology/Center for Proteomics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka , Croatia
| | - Daniel K Shanley
- b School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Ronan T O'Riordan
- b School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Patrick A Kiely
- d Department of Life Sciences , Materials and Surface Science Institute and Stokes Institute, University of Limerick
| | - Melanie Ball
- b School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Orla P Barry
- e Department of Pharmacology , Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Jacquie Kelly
- a School of Medicine , University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Aine Fanning
- f Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - John MacSharry
- f Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center, University College Cork , Ireland
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- g Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Bernhard B Singer
- h Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- c Department of Histology and Embryology/Center for Proteomics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka , Croatia
| | - Tom Moore
- b School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork , Ireland
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13
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Kammerer R, Herse F, Zimmermann W. Convergent Evolution Within CEA Gene Families in Mammals: Hints for Species-Specific Selection Pressures. Evol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41324-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Williams JM, Ball M, Ward A, Moore T. Psg22 expression in mouse trophoblast giant cells is associated with gene inversion and co-expression of antisense long non-coding RNAs. Reproduction 2014; 149:125-37. [PMID: 25359516 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are secreted carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-related cell adhesion molecules-related members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and are encoded by multigene families in species with haemochorial placentation. PSGs may be the most abundant trophoblast-derived proteins in human maternal blood in late pregnancy and there is evidence that dysregulation of PSG expression is associated with gestational pathology. PSGs are produced by syncytiotrophoblast in the human placenta and by trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) and spongiotrophoblast in rodents, and are implicated in immune regulation, angiogenesis and regulation of platelet function. PSGs are encoded by 17 genes in the mouse and ten genes in the human. While functions appear to be conserved, the typical protein domain organisation differs between species. We analysed the evolution of the mouse Psg genomic locus structure and report inversion of the Psg22 gene within the locus. Psg22 is the most abundant Psg transcript detected in the first half of mouse pregnancy and we identified antisense long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts adjacent to Psg22 associated with an active local chromatin conformation. This suggests that an epigenetic regulatory mechanism may underpin high Psg22 expression relative to the other Psg gene family members in TGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Williams
- School of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK School of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Melanie Ball
- School of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Andrew Ward
- School of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Tom Moore
- School of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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15
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Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins bind integrin αIIbβ3 and inhibit the platelet-fibrinogen interaction. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57491. [PMID: 23469002 PMCID: PMC3585349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are immunoglobulin superfamily members encoded by multigene families in rodents and primates. In human pregnancy, PSGs are secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, a fetal tissue, and reach a concentration of up to 400 ug/ml in the maternal bloodstream at term. Human and mouse PSGs induce release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGFβ1 from monocytes, macrophages, and other cell types, suggesting an immunoregulatory function. RGD tri-peptide motifs in the majority of human PSGs suggest that they may function like snake venom disintegrins, which bind integrins and inhibit interactions with ligands. We noted that human PSG1 has a KGD, rather than an RGD motif. The presence of a KGD in barbourin, a platelet integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist found in snake venom, suggested that PSG1 may be a selective αIIbβ3 ligand. Here we show that human PSG1 binds αIIbβ3 and inhibits the platelet – fibrinogen interaction. Unexpectedly, however, the KGD is not critical as multiple PSG1 domains independently bind and inhibit αIIbβ3 function. Human PSG9 and mouse Psg23 are also inhibitory suggesting conservation of this function across primate and rodent PSG families. Our results suggest that in species with haemochorial placentation, in which maternal blood is in direct contact with fetal trophoblast, the high expression level of PSGs reflects a requirement to antagonise abundant (3 mg/ml) fibrinogen in the maternal circulation, which may be necessary to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis in the prothrombotic maternal environment of pregnancy.
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16
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Martinez FF, Cervi L, Knubel CP, Panzetta-Dutari GM, Motran CC. The Role of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1a (PSG1a) in Regulating the Innate and Adaptive Immune Response. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69:383-94. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F. Martinez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Laura Cervi
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Carolina P. Knubel
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Graciela M. Panzetta-Dutari
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
| | - Claudia C. Motran
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende; Ciudad Universitaria; Córdoba; Argentina
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17
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Carter AM. Evolution of Placental Function in Mammals: The Molecular Basis of Gas and Nutrient Transfer, Hormone Secretion, and Immune Responses. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1543-76. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta has a wide range of functions. Some are supported by novel genes that have evolved following gene duplication events while others require acquisition of gene expression by the trophoblast. Although not expressed in the placenta, high-affinity fetal hemoglobins play a key role in placental gas exchange. They evolved following duplications within the beta-globin gene family with convergent evolution occurring in ruminants and primates. In primates there was also an interesting rearrangement of a cassette of genes in relation to an upstream locus control region. Substrate transfer from mother to fetus is maintained by expression of classic sugar and amino acid transporters at the trophoblast microvillous and basal membranes. In contrast, placental peptide hormones have arisen largely by gene duplication, yielding for example chorionic gonadotropins from the luteinizing hormone gene and placental lactogens from the growth hormone and prolactin genes. There has been a remarkable degree of convergent evolution with placental lactogens emerging separately in the ruminant, rodent, and primate lineages and chorionic gonadotropins evolving separately in equids and higher primates. Finally, coevolution in the primate lineage of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and human leukocyte antigens can be linked to the deep invasion of the uterus by trophoblast that is a characteristic feature of human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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18
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Sulkowski GN, Warren J, Ha CT, Dveksler GS. Characterization of receptors for murine pregnancy specific glycoproteins 17 and 23. Placenta 2011; 32:603-10. [PMID: 21669460 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In primates and rodents, trophoblast cells synthesize and secrete into the maternal circulation a family of proteins known as pregnancy specific glycoproteins (PSG). The current study was undertaken to characterize the receptor for two members of the murine PSG family, PSG17 and PSG23. Binding of recombinant PSG17 and PSG23 to CHO-K1 and L929 cells and their derived mutants was performed to determine whether these proteins bound to cell surface proteoglycans. We also examined binding of these proteins to cells transfected with syndecans and glypican-1 by flow cytometry. The interaction with glycosaminoglycans was confirmed in solid phase assays. Our results show that PSG17 binds to CD9 and to cell surface proteoglycans while PSG23 binds only to the latter. We found that the amino acids involved in CD9 binding reside in the region of highest divergence between the N1-domains of murine PSGs. For both proteins, the N-terminal domain (designated as N1) is sufficient for binding to cells and the ability to bind cell surface proteoglycans is affected by the cell line employed to generate the recombinant proteins. We conclude that while substantially different at the amino acid level, some murine PSGs share with human PSG1 the ability to bind to cell surface proteoglycans and that at least one PSG binds to more than one type of molecule on the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Sulkowski
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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19
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Ha CT, Wu JA, Irmak S, Lisboa FA, Dizon AM, Warren JW, Ergun S, Dveksler GS. Human pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) has a potential role in placental vascular morphogenesis. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:27-35. [PMID: 20335639 PMCID: PMC2888962 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that human pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoproteins (PSGs) play immunomodulatory roles during pregnancy; however, other possible functions of PSGs have yet to be explored. We have observed that PSGs induce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), which among its other diverse functions inhibits T-cell function and has proangiogenic properties. The present study investigates a potential role for PSG1, the most abundant PSG in maternal serum, as a possible inducer of proangiogenic growth factors known to play an important role in establishment of the vasculature at the maternal-fetal interface. To this end, we measured TGFB1, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) A and C, and placental growth factor (PGF) protein levels in several cell types after PSG1 treatment. In addition, tube formation and wound healing assays were performed to investigate a possible direct interaction between PSG1 and endothelial cells. PSG1 induced up-regulation of both TGFB1 and VEGFA in human monocytes, macrophages, and two human extravillous trophoblast cell lines. We did not observe induction of VEGFC or PGF by PSG1 in any of the cells tested. PSG1 treatment resulted in endothelial tube formation in the presence and absence of VEGFA. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to map the essential regions within the N-domain of PSG1 required for functional activity. We found that the aspartic acid at position 95, previously believed to be required for binding of PSGs to cells, is not required for PSG1 activity but that the amino acids implicated in the formation of a salt bridge within the N-domain are essential for PSG1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cam T Ha
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Kammerer R, Zimmermann W. Coevolution of activating and inhibitory receptors within mammalian carcinoembryonic antigen families. BMC Biol 2010; 8:12. [PMID: 20132533 PMCID: PMC2832619 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-8-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most rapidly evolving gene families are involved in immune responses and reproduction, two biological functions which have been assigned to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family. To gain insights into evolutionary forces shaping the CEA gene family we have analysed this gene family in 27 mammalian species including monotreme and marsupial lineages. RESULTS Phylogenetic analysis provided convincing evidence that the primordial CEA gene family in mammals consisted of five genes, including the immune inhibitory receptor-encoding CEACAM1 (CEA-related cell adhesion molecule) ancestor. Our analysis of the substitution rates within the nucleotide sequence which codes for the ligand binding domain of CEACAM1 indicates that the selection for diversification is, perhaps, a consequence of the exploitation of CEACAM1 by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens as their cellular receptor. Depending on the extent of the amplification of an ancestral CEACAM1, the number of CEACAM1-related genes varies considerably between mammalian species from less than five in lagomorphs to more than 100 in bats. In most analysed species, ITAM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs) or ITAM-like motif-containing proteins exist which contain Ig-V-like, ligand binding domains closely related to that of CEACAM1. Human CEACAM3 is one such protein which can function as a CEACAM1 decoy receptor in granulocytes by mediating the uptake and destruction of specific bacterial pathogens via its ITAM-like motif. The close relationship between CEACAM1 and its ITAM-encoding relatives appears to be maintained by gene conversion and reciprocal recombination. Surprisingly, secreted CEACAMs resembling immunomodulatory CEACAM1-related trophoblast-specific pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) found in humans and rodents evolved only in a limited set of mammals. The appearance of PSG-like genes correlates with invasive trophoblast growth in these species. CONCLUSIONS These phylogenetic studies provide evidence that pathogen/host coevolution and a possible participation in fetal-maternal conflict processes led to a highly species-specific diversity of mammalian CEA gene families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kammerer
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 23, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Tian X, Pascal G, Monget P. Evolution and functional divergence of NLRP genes in mammalian reproductive systems. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:202. [PMID: 19682372 PMCID: PMC2735741 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NLRPs (Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain containing Proteins) are members of NLR (Nod-like receptors) protein family. Recent researches have shown that NLRP genes play important roles in both mammalian innate immune system and reproductive system. Several of NLRP genes were shown to be specifically expressed in the oocyte in mammals. The aim of the present work was to study how these genes evolved and diverged after their duplication, as well as whether natural selection played a role during their evolution. Results By using in silico methods, we have evaluated the evolution and functional divergence of NLRP genes, in particular of mouse reproduction-related Nlrp genes. We found that (1) major NLRP genes have been duplicated before the divergence of mammals, with certain lineage-specific duplications in primates (NLRP7 and 11) and in rodents (Nlrp1, 4 and 9 duplicates); (2) tandem duplication events gave rise to a mammalian reproduction-related NLRP cluster including NLRP2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14 genes; (3) the function of mammalian oocyte-specific NLRP genes (NLRP4, 5, 9 and 14) might have diverged during gene evolution; (4) recent segmental duplications concerning Nlrp4 copies and vomeronasal 1 receptor encoding genes (V1r) have been undertaken in the mouse; and (5) duplicates of Nlrp4 and 9 in the mouse might have been subjected to adaptive evolution. Conclusion In conclusion, this study brings us novel information on the evolution of mammalian reproduction-related NLRPs. On the one hand, NLRP genes duplicated and functionally diversified in mammalian reproductive systems (such as NLRP4, 5, 9 and 14). On the other hand, during evolution, different lineages adapted to develop their own NLRP genes, particularly in reproductive function (such as the specific expansion of Nlrp4 and Nlrp9 in the mouse).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tian
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA-CNRS-Université François Rabelais de Tours-Haras Nationaux, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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22
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Wu JA, Johnson BL, Chen Y, Ha CT, Dveksler GS. Murine pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 induces the proangiogenic factors transforming-growth factor beta 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor a in cell types involved in vascular remodeling in pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:1054-61. [PMID: 18753609 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.070268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemochorial placentation is a unique physiological process in which the fetal trophoblast cells remodel the maternal decidual spiral arteries to establish the fetoplacental blood supply. Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are members of the carcinoembryonic antigen family. PSGs are produced by the placenta of rodents and primates and are secreted into the bloodstream. PSG23 is one of 17 members of the murine PSG family (designated PSG16 to PSG32). Previous studies determined that PSGs have immunoregulatory functions due to their ability to modulate macrophage cytokine secretion. Here we show that recombinant PSG23 induces transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, TGFB1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in primary murine macrophages and the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we identified new cell types that responded to PSG23 treatment. Dendritic cells, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts, which are involved in maternal vasculature remodeling during pregnancy, secreted TGFB1 and VEGFA in response to PSG23. PSG23 showed cross-reactivity with human cells, including human monocytes and the trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo cells. We analyzed the binding of PSG23 to the tetraspanin CD9, the receptor for PSG17, and found that CD9 is not essential for PSG23 binding and activity in macrophages. Overall these studies show that PSGs can modulate the secretion of important proangiogenic factors, TGFB1 and VEGFA, by different cell types involved in the development of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Wu
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
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Simmons DG, Rawn S, Davies A, Hughes M, Cross JC. Spatial and temporal expression of the 23 murine Prolactin/Placental Lactogen-related genes is not associated with their position in the locus. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:352. [PMID: 18662396 PMCID: PMC2527339 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 07/28/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Prolactin (PRL) hormone gene family shows considerable variation among placental mammals. Whereas there is a single PRL gene in humans that is expressed by the pituitary, there are an additional 22 genes in mice including the placental lactogens (PL) and Prolactin-related proteins (PLPs) whose expression is limited to the placenta. To understand the regulation and potential functions of these genes, we conducted a detailed temporal and spatial expression study in the placenta between embryonic days 7.5 and E18.5 in three genetic strains. Results Of the 22 PRL/PL genes examined, only minor differences were observed among strains of mice. We found that not one family member has the same expression pattern as another when both temporal and spatial data were examined. There was also no correlation in expression between genes that were most closely related or between adjacent genes in the PRL/PL locus. Bioinformatic analysis of upstream regulatory regions identified conserved combinations (modules) of putative transcription factor binding sites shared by genes expressed in the same trophoblast subtype, supporting the notion that local regulatory elements, rather than locus control regions, specify subtype-specific expression. Further diversification in expression was also detected as splice variants for several genes. Conclusion In the present study, a detailed temporal and spatial placental expression map was generated for all murine PRL/PL family members from E7.5 to E18.5 of gestation in three genetic strains. This detailed analysis uncovered several new markers for some trophoblast cell types that will be useful for future analysis of placental structure in mutant mice with placental phenotypes. More importantly, several main conclusions about regulation of the locus are apparent. First, no two family members have the same expression pattern when both temporal and spatial data are examined. Second, most genes are expressed in multiple trophoblast cell subtypes though none were detected in the chorion, where trophoblast stem cells reside, or in syncytiotrophoblast of the labyrinth layer. Third, bioinformatic comparisons of upstream regulatory regions identified predicted transcription factor binding site modules that are shared by genes expressed in the same trophoblast subtype. Fourth, further diversification of gene products from the PRL/PL locus occurs through alternative splice isoforms for several genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Simmons
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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Knox K, Baker JC. Genomic evolution of the placenta using co-option and duplication and divergence. Genome Res 2008; 18:695-705. [PMID: 18340042 DOI: 10.1101/gr.071407.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The invention of the placenta facilitated the evolution of mammals. How the placenta evolved from the simple structure observed in birds and reptiles into the complex organ that sustains human life is one of the great mysteries of evolution. By using a timecourse microarray analysis including the entire lifetime of the placenta, we uncover molecular and genomic changes that underlie placentation and find that two distinct evolutionary mechanisms were utilized during placental evolution in mice and human. Ancient genes involved in growth and metabolism were co-opted for use during early embryogenesis, likely enabling the accelerated development of extraembryonic tissues. Recently duplicated genes are utilized at later stages of placentation to meet the metabolic needs of a diverse range of pregnancy physiologies. Together, these mechanisms served to develop the specialized placenta, a novel structure that led to expansion of the eutherian mammal, including humankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Knox
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94062, USA
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Kammerer R, Popp T, Härtle S, Singer BB, Zimmermann W. Species-specific evolution of immune receptor tyrosine based activation motif-containing CEACAM1-related immune receptors in the dog. BMC Evol Biol 2007; 7:196. [PMID: 17945019 PMCID: PMC2110893 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-7-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the impact of pathogens on the evolution of the mammalian immune system is still under debate, proteins, which both regulate immune responses and serve as cellular receptors for pathogens should be at the forefront of pathogen-driven host evolution. The CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) gene family codes for such proteins and indeed shows tremendous species-specific variation between human and rodents. Since little is known about the CEA gene family in other lineages of placental mammals, we expected to gain new insights into the evolution of the rapidly diverging CEA family by analyzing the CEA family of the dog. RESULTS Here we describe the complete CEA gene family in the dog. We found that the gene coding for the ITIM-bearing immunoregulatory molecule CEACAM1 gave rise to a recent expansion of the canine CEA gene family by gene duplication, similar to that previously found in humans and mice. However, while the murine and human CEACAMs (carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules) are predominantly secreted and GPI-anchored, respectively, in the dog, most of the CEACAMs represent ITAM-bearing transmembrane proteins. One of these proteins, CEACAM28, exhibits nearly complete sequence identity with the ligand-binding N domain of CEACAM1, but antagonizing signaling motifs in the cytoplasmic tail. Comparison of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions indicates that the CEACAM28 N domain is under the strongest purifying selection of all canine CEACAM1-related CEACAMs. In addition, CEACAM28 shows a similar expression pattern in resting immune cells and tissues as CEACAM1. However, upon activation CEACAM28 mRNA and CEACAM1 mRNA are differentially regulated. CONCLUSION Thus, CEACAM1 and CEACAM28 are the first paired immune receptors identified within the CEA gene family, which are expressed on T cells and are most likely involved in the fine-tuning of T cell responses. The direction of gene conversion accompanied by purifying selection and expression in immune cells suggests the possibility that CEACAM28 evolved in response to selective pressure imposed by species-specific pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kammerer
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistr, 23, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Alam SMK, Ain R, Konno T, Ho-Chen JK, Soares MJ. The rat prolactin gene family locus: species-specific gene family expansion. Mamm Genome 2006; 17:858-77. [PMID: 16897344 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-006-0010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the rat there is a large family of paralogous genes related to prolactin (PRL). Members of the PRL family are expressed in cell- and temporal-specific patterns in the anterior pituitary, uterus, and placenta. An overriding feature of the PRL family is its association with pregnancy. In this investigation, we used information derived from the public rat genome database as a tool for identifying new members of the rat PRL family. The entire rat PRL gene family locus spans approximately 1.7 megabases (Mb) on Chromosome 17. Genes possessed either 5- or 6-exon organization patterns. We provide information on three newly identified genes orthologous to previously identified members of the mouse PRL gene family [placental lactogen-Ialpha (PL-Ialpha), PL-Ibeta, and proliferin (PLF)] and a new member of the PRL family, termed PRL-like protein-P (PLP-P). Information is also presented on the existence of multiple PLP-M transcripts, which are generated by alternative splicing. Expansion of the PRL family has occurred independently in rodents versus the cow and does not exist in the human and dog. Elucidation of the rat PRL gene family locus provides tools for studying the genetics and biology of the rat PRL family and new insights into species-specific gene family expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Khorshed Alam
- Institute of Maternal-Fetal Biology and the Division of Cancer & Developmental Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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SOARES MJ, ALAM SMK, KONNO T, HO-CHEN JK, AIN R. The prolactin family and pregnancy-dependent adaptations. Anim Sci J 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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